Contract questions - Page 1

Do any of you have any good contracts to look at when it comes to co-owns? This co-own is not going to be out of any of the German dogs here but out of my American show bitch. I am thinking of letting a bitch out of her out on co-own, but am hesitating about it until I have a good contract for this. Pia

There is no such thing as a good contract for co-owning a dog. Even the best of friends who have similar goals, can *still* have a co-ownership agreement go south :-( You could never foresee all the potential scenarios that may face dog ownership, or management of the dog, which shows to go to, what food to feed, what collar the dog lives in etc. I co-own a dog with someone I love (in the friendship kind of way) and respect. My co-owner went from a traditional perspective on feeding and vet care (when we 1st agreed to the co-own), to a holistic methodology. Whomever is right or wrong is not the issue (let's not address it here). The issue is we do not agree. My *show* dog does not get heartworm prevention, or flea tick prevention, his owner doesn't believe dogs *need* carbohydrates, he does not get regular vaccines, and he lives in a choke collar. So, to answer your question, NO CONTRACT works for co-ownership. My best advice is to sell the dog, keep her yourself or lease her to the potential co-owner for specifc, limited time frame.

Well, Just great. LOL This is the exact reason why I have not done this yet. If this was someone that I trusted and knew well, I would just turn a bitch over papers and all. I have gotten pups from other breeders, but I would never think of selling that pup or breeding that pup unless it was discussed with them. So I guess I shouldn't even think of letting one out on Co-own! LOL

Pia, I guess what I would do with an unknown person, is that I would draw up a contract to say the most important things you desire. ie... not selling the dog without your permission etc. Then the important areas for you are covered. Maybe a better idea would be just to say in a contract that you get a litter out of her with the stud of your choosing, and that they can not sell her before then... then not even co-own her? Thanks for your support! Debby

Biarnehaus. As any person knows you don't mix business with friends/family that is rule 1. I have had some co-owns good and bad. Like Sue-ann said you have to think, plan and detail everything. Food - who picks it out , who pays, bag or BARF Housing - in or out or both Shows - who pay fees, who pays handler, who pays travel cost, who gets ribbons Breeding right who cover vet care, who covers puppy cost, who places pups, who gets what pick and so fourth There are many many more that can be added to this or some poeple do a simple contract only covering the basic. So it is up to you do do your home work. The first contract you will learn from. Go to differet registeries and see thier, go to Show dog web sites and view thiers. Take what you need and go to the next this is how I came up with mine and till this day I still have nrew breeders using my puppy contract. Each contract is different so read all of them create your own for your needs. It can be done if you think, plan and detail.