Homework - Page 2

Excellent point Sue!! After speaking with 24 breeders the lady I bought my pup from was the only one to ask what I wanted for her pup to acheive and how I would care for it! These are questions I expected to find from everyone I was shocked she is the only one who asked the others did not even offer a hint of protectivness over their pups just wanted the money the quicker the better! The breeder I purchassed from still asks updates and photos and offers support. Though this is my first showline GSD I have been apalled that this is the first breed that the breeders I had contacted showed no concern in their pups wellfare or even the least bit curiousity? To me as a buyer how can you put trust into a breeder who has no care of how his/her breedings turned out? This was a major red flag if I inquired after a litter I was liking the pedigree and looks of i would inquire then would receive a generalized send this much money now for deposit then I will answer your questions about the litter email i would immedietly move on to the next breeder.

GSDNewbie, From your post above I consider you to have completed your homework, well done. You are in my opinion absolutely right to be suspicious of any breeder who requires a deposit before being prepared to answere any of your questions. No deposits should be taken until purchaser has viewed litter. Ask yourself, what is the priority here? Money or matching right dog with right owner? This is how it should be :- STEP 1 - Potential owner makes telephone contact with breeder where through friendly chat both introduce themselves to each other. STEP 2 - During chat breeder should acquire answers to following questions:- Reason Shepherd is wanted? How many members in family & do all want a dog? Working hours of adults in family, are any at home during the day? Gain knowledge of lifestyle, do they have time for long walks etc. Where will pup/adult be kept? Are they aware a GSD left alone for long periods can be destructive? Do they have secure garden? STEP 3 - During chat breeder should expect to be asked questions too. For e.g Queries on Temperament,Health Issues (Hip Scores etc), Are pups KC reg, I.D tagged by tattoo/microchip or both. Age pup can leave. The last question I expect to be asked is THE PRICE. Someone whose first question is 'How Much', is likely to be someone who cannot afford to own one. To those who make this question their first priority my reply is always, "Is that really your first consideration when chosing a German Shepherd?". STEP 4 - After satifactory telephone Chat, a visit to view breeders dogs is in order.During visit 'Vetting' process is continued. Breeder meets the potential owner, including ALL family members who live in same household pup will reside in. Take note how all interact with dogs, i.e. Are they apprehensive, overbearing, too fussy about dog hairs on their clothing etc. Relevant to note is some people though nice are unable to control their children, let alone a lively/inquisitive, mischeivous &/or unruly pup. Meanwhile the owner needs to use this visit to see the Temperament & Types of dogs breeder produces, as well as the lifestyle they lead & the cleanliness of the environment they are reared and kept in. STEP 5 - Both parties are happy to proceed. Owner checks availability of a pup from next litter. Their name & contact details are added to breeders list. No deposit should be taken, unless litter was viewed. STEP 6 - Bitch whelps litter, breeder informs each name on list at same time confirming continued interest. Then requests customer contacts them in one weeks time to arrange date for first viewing. STEP 7 - In one week customer contacts breeder and viewing date arranged. Breeder asks customer to ring either evening before or morning of visit to confirm visit can still take place. This also confirms interest of customer as well as ensuring all is well & still ok for customer to visit. STEP 8 - Customer arrives, see's quality of pups & if happy is then asked to leave deposit to secure pup. A 10% non returnable deposit is the norm. Though please not if breeder fails to supply pup for any reason, deposit should be returned in full. Stages 9 - 12 are available if anyone requests them. Regards, Sue B

I never understood the concept of deposits. I won't even accept a deposit