Selling trained dogs.. What are your responsibilites? - Page 1

I have been asked to train several dogs from a well known breeder.  Often I see posts on here stating that people were sold untrained dogs.  I will go thorugh the paces with the dog.  Video it .  Work with the new owner but what else can you do to cover your backside when selling "trained" animals.  Cuz lets face it some people are just nozzles when it comes to training.  Just because the dog will work for me does not guarantee it will work for someone else.  Ideas and suggestions greatly appreciated!

Insist that people who are going to buy the dog take so many lessons with YOU and the DOG as a condition of sale. That means the fee you charge the breeder should reflect that. Probably the seller won't go along with it, and, in the end, you can bet your a%# at some point that you will be embroiled in such a dispute. Video and witnesses are critical, but not enough. Just because the dog will work for you does NOT mean it will work for someone else. 

I know a lot of people train dogs for others, but I won't accept such dogs for normal obedience training without some contact with the owner, just for the reasons you state.

 Hodie is right, but really, how much control can you have over what the owner does? Video SHOULD be enough. A couple sessions showing the new owner how to work the dog should be enough- but ONLY if the owner has any sense. If the owner is a "nozzle" as you say, then no amount of video or instruction is going to make any difference, and in that case, how is that your fault? I mean, really, while buying a trained dog is a nifty idea, in practicality, there is no way to guarantee that a living, thinking being is going to perform for a "nozzle" the same way it does for someone who knows what they're doing. 

What do they want you to do with the dog? That makes a difference in decision-making and to your question, IMHO. 

People training is mandatory - dogs usually are the least problem. It's easier if the new owners train at the same club and you could advice them there, but depends on what kind of training you do.

This is to funny not to share. I had a gal that always admired my dogs and how well behaved and trained. I went over to thier home one day and the family was eating with their arms around thier plates and mouths so close they were shoveling the food in. I kept looking at this and trying to figure out what they were doing, she finally told me, the Golden sitting there was waiting for a chink in the armour and would then run and steal the food from them, right off thier plate! A few motnhs later she told me this time that they got another dog and it was trained before they brought it home. Well when I revisited her home to pick something up, there were now 2 dogs waiting for someone to be the week link and steal the food from them... I can not even begin to tell you how funny this picture was and still brings tears to my eyes.

Thank you for your opinions on this one.  We sure live in a cover your bottom society.  20 years ago your word was all that mattered now you need video, references and a note from your minister....

Hey 1doggie2 can you imagine how frustrated the person is that trained that 2nd dog. To have them re-train him. If the dogs have them eating like dogs can you imagine how much worse things can get for that family. You were right too funny to share. lol
Reggie