Thinking of buying a dog from the net without visiting in person? - Page 1

Ok I thought I had found a nice female. Not the best prey drive but was told by the breeder that she is young 8 mo and with some training will do well. So I made the 1100 mile round trip to see her in person as I do when seriously getting a dog. Other than color, she was nothing of what I wanted.

Video's are good for general interest (got to see one) and pedigrees but had I bought this dog from the net only, I would have been very disppointed. For anyone looking for a dog, GO IN PERSON TO MEET THEM FIRST. Im very glad I did. Although I dont think ill miss seeing another orchard for awhile. And seriously CA what's with your roads? Boy are they bad!

Yes I could not agree with your more regarding SEE THE DOG FIRST BEFORE BUYING.  Unfortunately that is restricting me to finding a breeder fairly closeby.  I REALLY cannot make a 5-10 hour flight somewhere and definitely not to Germany.  Would probably not ever consider any other countries, maybe Italy, have seem some beauties there.

You are right our roads suck, one would think with the taxes we pay here they could fix the GD roads, but NOT.  Anyway, glad you did a REAL DOG trip, what would you have done with her??  BOL Nan

Depending on where the dog is located, sometimes it is impossible to go look at a dog in person. Even though I completely agree with you otherwise, since I was just scammed out of $4400 for 2 dogs I sent money for from a kennel in Egypt that I've never recieved!  In the beginning I did my "homework" and the kennel/owner was legit, but once money was transferred he claimed his "breeding partner" took all the dogs and left him empty-handed.  Still doesn't make it any better for me, since he hasn't returned my money.  So yes, be VERY careful when buying dogs over the 'net!!

Yikes. 

I've been fortunate. I've only gotten my "pound puppies" after seeing them. All my "good dogs" have been sight-unseen. You have to be on the same page as the seller as far as trait definitions, though, or forget it. 

Bhaugh, no one could give better advice. You are out the cost and time of the trip, but that seems small compared to spending the next 10+ years with a dog that wasn't close to what you wanted.

I think it is more about research.  does the breeder really practice what they preach.  when there is a problem in a particular dog do they remove it from their breeding. that is something that isn't seen in person.  from this website alone I see people who I would be willing to invistigate further if I were looking for a new pup.  either working lines or show lines.  how a person handles problems, as in when others are saying something negative about them or their line says something about them as well.  how do they communicate?  I try to look for my future dog long before I am actually in the need for a new dog.  and the reason is that I'm checking their background what they have accomplished, how they communicate, as well as how their peers view them.  for instance I have messaged persons on this board who have never responded when I was simply asking a view point question to gain greater understanding on certain matters.  now their not responding could be attributed to many different things what it does tell me is that they might not be someone who communicates well.  new puppy owners are going to have questions and they are going to want to feel like they are important or at least that their concerns are important.  I usually visit before money changes hands but by the time my mind is made up and I actually visit, I haven't regretted my decision.  so I believe its more a matter of how much research you put into it. 

Bhaugh, was it a miscommunication regarding expectations, or was there intent to deceive? 

Jenn,

Id like to think that it was just miscommunication as this person is on the database. However if I knew then what I know now, I probably would not have gone. Sometimes we just don't get the full picture until we are standing there and listening to the person talk.

Don't I know it!  It can be a real eye opener sometimes when you actually see how someone thinks as opposed to listening. Talking on the phone helps, but seeing their own dogs is surely more telling. Hope you at least enjoyed your road trip. 

Heck, Bhaugh; at this point, you're probably just as wise to ship;-). 

There is just no one size fits all in buying dogs. Goals can vary from someone wanting a nice companion to a dog good for competition or show.

The results of buying a dog unseen can be quite different for the experienced person with good contacts and the novice who has no idea other than what they see in ads and pictures. And this board is full of stories where even folks with experience have poor results.

jmo,
Rik