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by live4schutzhund on 17 August 2013 - 14:08
I pop in about once every 6 or 7 months and see the same cycles of posts. New and old members stirring up the same topics OVER and OVER again.
Yes...I am guilty as well.
Here are some of my more memorable contributions. ENJOY!
Refunds- yes or no and when and what if??
by Jenni78 on 28 April 2012 - 00:04
http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/forum.read?mnr=616077-refunds-yes-or-no-and-when-and-what-if
Do German Breeders have health contracts? I have lost count of the European Breeder sites I have browsed through and I cannot recall ever seeing a guarantee on a web site. Does the lack of a health guarantee hinder the success of German Breeders? The answer is no. Why is this?
Several possible factors.
1) More educated buyers in Europe.
2) More stringent requirements to get papers on the puppies.
3) Small area with allot more quality competition, so reputation is everything and word probably travels fast.
4) Maybe laws we are unaware of in Germany that protect the buyer.
5) Maybe stricter code of ethics requirements to maintain SV membership.
If the above factors are a possible reason why German Breeders don't offer health guarantees, here is why breeders have them in the USA.
1) Most buyers (Showline) are uneducated with regards to German line dogs, especially your affluent demographic.
--However, USA buyers are quick to notice the guarantee when researching different breeders.
2) Weak AKC regulations, but hey, your buyers demand you have AKC papers.
3) USA breeders are competing for buyers and use a health guarantee to build value.
4) USA breeders use health contracts to offset repercussions of bad breeding practices. Goes back to lack of regulation by AKC.
5) USA buyers don't like taking responsibility for there actions, especially small breeders buying from established breeders.
6) USA buyers in general are mostly just concerned about hips, AND are uneducated about hips, health, and genetics. So they ask, every time....
How to protect yourself as a breeder in the USA without a ridiculous guarantee?
1) Don't breed crap.
---Breed sound, healthy, beautiful dogs and all that entails.
2) Don't sell your dogs to crap.
---Never breed dogs because you NEED the money.
---If a buyer acts and sounds like a nut, probably will be a headache later.
3) Be 100% upfront with buyers and give them REALISTIC expectations.
4) Educate the uneducated buyer very BLUNTLY with facts as to what causes what.
---For example, the all important HIP question and inquiry about a HIP guarantee.
"The causes of hip and elbow problems in any large breed dog are complex. There are things we as breeders can do to prevent genetic hip and elbow problems and things you as a responsible dog owner can do to prevent environmental hip and elbow problems. As a breeder, it is my responsibility to certify my breeding dogs are free of hip and elbow issues either with the SV in Germany or OFA before a dog is bred. It is also my responsibility to know what lines carry this disease and and what combination of lines produce this disease. Even then, as a breeder doing everything right, no breeder can guarantee 100% of the offspring will have perfect hips. Even the number one dog in the world can produce a dog with bad hips and elbows. Any breeder trying to tell you otherwise is not being 100% forthcoming with you. As a large breed dog owner, you have the burden of controlling your new dogs environmental factors. These factors are not open for debate and are your responsibility. Please review the section of this website titled "Health Care". Everything you need to know about creating the best possible environment for your dog is provided along with training information and links to various web sites."
That was pretty good. Feel free to use that if you wish.
Lets say your having a conversation with someone after they read your website.
(("Mr Breeder, I am very interested in a puppy from your X-Litter. I have read your site completely. Even though I appreciate your honesty I am struggling with the choice of your litter, and a litter from another breeder who offers a guarantee. How do I choose?"
"I get asked this question allot. You have a big decision to make. I cannot and will not analyze another breeder but what I can do is help you do a little research that will help you feel comfortable with whatever decision you make. Here are some links to both environmental and genetic causes of various health defects found in the German Shepherd. Also including links to some of the top kennels in Germany. Good luck in your search and let me know if there is anything else I can help you with."))
I could go on and on, but I already have.
Heres the bottom line.
Unrealistic health guarantees are not the way to build value. They open yourself up to excessive liability from uneducated buyers.
Instead, breed good dogs, sell to good buyers, and educate your buyers.
Time for another Monster drink.
Unhappy customers mittlewest
by Weezy on 31 July 2012 - 19:07
http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/forum.read?mnr=645149-unhappy-customers-mittlewest I think getting back to the core of the topic - Reputable Kennel, guarantees, unhappy customers.
I see allot of people looking at these kennels as service based businesses owing you something. People acting like consumers.
We have a combination of problems in the US. Goes back to post on another thread - link on first page of this thread.
Here is what I can say I would do personally if and when I venture into setting up a breeding program.
In order by timeline and therefore priority.
1)Make sure I am in a place in my life that regardless of my breeding success, I dont need the money.
2)Top notch visually appealling facilities with overall "German Shepherd Wonderland" type atmosphere.
3)Bloodline foundation plan thought out for the next 10 to 15 years.
4)Sound business plan developing brand, building and revising sales metrics, diverse and multifaceted.
Once all these things are in place then I would buy my dogs, stick to the plan, and dive in. All the while I would not present myself as a seller, or even a business for that matter. I would have dogs of such quality presented in such a way that the quality of the dogs in conjunction with educating the buyer would not leave myself open to liability of any kind.
Breeders should sell quality dogs to quality people with honesty and integrity and be in a place where your survival is not dependant on selling dogs.
Buyers should educate themselves and stop acting like you want a refund on your broken flat screen. Here in the US we act so entitled.
Would any of you have the nerve to slander Arlett, Arminius, etc?
Again, read my post in detail about this. Link on first page of this thread.
I AM IN THE WRONG BUSINESS
by Bhaugh on 01 March 2012 - 03:03
http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/forum.read?mnr=610933-i-am-in-the-wrong-business#611147
As an executive director of sales I have a different opinion. All knowledge of pricing and the breed aside, I have to analyze their business plan based strictly on what I see on the website.
Lets take a look at the web site from the point of view of their target demographic.
Target Demographic
-Wealthy / Affluent (your definition of wealth may differ from one another)
-Family
-Recent Safety / Security Issues
Their web site is well built following somewhat current user navigation trends. The dogs are pretty. The photos are well taken. The videos ( I have not looked at all of them), are pretty cool ( remember, watch like you know nothing about the breed).
Pretending I have not been a GSD enthusiast for 15 years I can easily place myself in the mindset of their target demographic.
Scenario
Away at a conference I get a phone call from my wife that someone has broken into my home while my family was sleeping. I rush home to my family full of rage, worry and disgust to find a fearful family. I quickly priorities our immediate needs - security, piece of mind, loss of revenue while I am distracted, and loss of revenue from the conference I left early. I quantify the need vs cost based on data and make a decision. Whether its a friend, business contact, or web surfing I stumble across the above web site. Somewhat impressed by the site but more so the emotional connection with the videos I find my solution. The cost is insignificant vs my perception of the gain. Done. Fixed. Safe. Piece of mind. etc. etc.
Without having been there to see the facilities, dogs, and meet them lets look at it like a business, which is not a crime.
Gross profit, gross margin conversations can take up several threads but the short of it is that they exist in a business and determine the price.
Bottom line________
When value (perceived or actual) exceeds price, a sale is made. Simple as that.
Does anyone have solid evidence they are unethical, irresponsible, or abusive to their animals? If not then tread lightly. Sound business strategy leading to success usually goes hand in hand with protecting its reputation fiercely.
WANTING TO GO INTO BREEDING
by Browser on 02 April 2012 - 18:55
http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/forum.read?mnr=613705-wanting-to-go-into-breeding#613749
Wow, very positive help and good advice to this guy. So now maybe a reality check.
1 Female-
Price for the average titled female from Europe whether work or show.
3000 to 7000 Euro.
Shipping about 600 to 1200 Euro, depending on export city.
Stud fee to top male 800 to 2000 Euro.
Facilities, website, advertising- (re-written this so many times...condensed version)
If your image whether online or in person is poor in any aspect, affluent people wont buy from you.
Facilites need to be nice, clean, and photogenic.
Website and every photo on it needs to be professional.
Garbage attracts garbage with no money. Dont look like garbage.
If you do it correctly, your dogs will attract the affluent. The affluent only like buying from people like them. What you have to realize is, being affluent usually goes hand in hand with intelligence and good instincts. They are hard to fool if you are putting on a show.
Good luck, make sure you think it out.
P.S. If you proceed before you are ready, compromise in any way, you will struggle for a very long time. You will become one of those people that spends all there time on here bashing dogs that are in the top 10 in the world....every year...because they dont look like your garbage.
Is that too blunt?
Trying to save someone some pain.
Ears-for everyone who said they have never seen this before
by missyfly96 on 26 October 2011
http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/forum.read?mnr=598107-earsfor-everyone-who-said-they-have-never-seen-this-before
About 10 years ago I dealt with the very same issue. Came across my own solution after staring at pieces of foam, mole skin various glues and surgical cement with an OCD like focus.
Heres what eventually worked in every way. My dog couldn't get it out, it was light as a feather and molded the ear perfectly. Apologies if this has already been posted.
1- Make sure the ear is clean and healthy.
2- Carefully shave the inside of the ear. If you cant do this without your dog going berserk or damaging the ear, don't. Will make it ten times harder to place the foam.
3- Materials
-Lightest weight, softest 1/2 inch thick foam you can find.
-Crazy Glue (lol...trust me)
-Surgical adhesive/cement
-Little, sharp Scissors (the kind that come in your dog grooming kit)
-Paper
-Half asleep puppy.
4-Eyeball the inside of the ear and cut out a teardrop from the paper.(you are making a mold)
5-Fine tune the teardrop until it matches the inside of the ear, it must be deep enough inside to support the base and the tip of the tear drop should point to the top point of the ear. The paper should not touch any of the bumpy parts down inside the ear but rest right on top and be shaped custom to that dogs ear. Until you get this perfect, you see why you do it with paper first.
6-Once the paper is perfect, place in the ear and while holding the ear with your thumb on the inside make a mental note of wear the deepest point of curve in the paper is at the base. Take it out and mark that spot.
6-Use the paper form to cut out a foam mold.
7-Draw a line on the side that will face out of the ear matching the paper mold from the tip to the base, it must be perfectly straight.
8-Take your crazy glue and place a bead the size of a spaghetti noodle down the line then quickly fold the form on that line. You have just created a natural curved form with a ridged vertical center.
9-Let it go and check it out. If the fold is too extreme, do it again with less glue.
10-Grab your scissors and and cut the excess on the outward facing portion from the outer edge towards the middle. The edges all around should be very slim then gradually get thicker as you get close to the center bead. This will lighten the mold even more and support the ridge you made with the glue. Be carful you do not alter the size and shape of the mold on the back side, your only shaving it from the front (side facing away from the ear).
11-Test it out in the ear without any adhesive until you think it is perfect. Now make about 2 more....per ear.
12-Now all thats left is gluing it into the ear. If you mess up you will need to clean the ear and let it dry every time. Make sure your puppy is relaxed and tired so you can do it in one shot.
I know it was long winded, hope this helps.
Yes...I am guilty as well.
Here are some of my more memorable contributions. ENJOY!
Refunds- yes or no and when and what if??
by Jenni78 on 28 April 2012 - 00:04
http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/forum.read?mnr=616077-refunds-yes-or-no-and-when-and-what-if
Do German Breeders have health contracts? I have lost count of the European Breeder sites I have browsed through and I cannot recall ever seeing a guarantee on a web site. Does the lack of a health guarantee hinder the success of German Breeders? The answer is no. Why is this?
Several possible factors.
1) More educated buyers in Europe.
2) More stringent requirements to get papers on the puppies.
3) Small area with allot more quality competition, so reputation is everything and word probably travels fast.
4) Maybe laws we are unaware of in Germany that protect the buyer.
5) Maybe stricter code of ethics requirements to maintain SV membership.
If the above factors are a possible reason why German Breeders don't offer health guarantees, here is why breeders have them in the USA.
1) Most buyers (Showline) are uneducated with regards to German line dogs, especially your affluent demographic.
--However, USA buyers are quick to notice the guarantee when researching different breeders.
2) Weak AKC regulations, but hey, your buyers demand you have AKC papers.
3) USA breeders are competing for buyers and use a health guarantee to build value.
4) USA breeders use health contracts to offset repercussions of bad breeding practices. Goes back to lack of regulation by AKC.
5) USA buyers don't like taking responsibility for there actions, especially small breeders buying from established breeders.
6) USA buyers in general are mostly just concerned about hips, AND are uneducated about hips, health, and genetics. So they ask, every time....
How to protect yourself as a breeder in the USA without a ridiculous guarantee?
1) Don't breed crap.
---Breed sound, healthy, beautiful dogs and all that entails.
2) Don't sell your dogs to crap.
---Never breed dogs because you NEED the money.
---If a buyer acts and sounds like a nut, probably will be a headache later.
3) Be 100% upfront with buyers and give them REALISTIC expectations.
4) Educate the uneducated buyer very BLUNTLY with facts as to what causes what.
---For example, the all important HIP question and inquiry about a HIP guarantee.
"The causes of hip and elbow problems in any large breed dog are complex. There are things we as breeders can do to prevent genetic hip and elbow problems and things you as a responsible dog owner can do to prevent environmental hip and elbow problems. As a breeder, it is my responsibility to certify my breeding dogs are free of hip and elbow issues either with the SV in Germany or OFA before a dog is bred. It is also my responsibility to know what lines carry this disease and and what combination of lines produce this disease. Even then, as a breeder doing everything right, no breeder can guarantee 100% of the offspring will have perfect hips. Even the number one dog in the world can produce a dog with bad hips and elbows. Any breeder trying to tell you otherwise is not being 100% forthcoming with you. As a large breed dog owner, you have the burden of controlling your new dogs environmental factors. These factors are not open for debate and are your responsibility. Please review the section of this website titled "Health Care". Everything you need to know about creating the best possible environment for your dog is provided along with training information and links to various web sites."
That was pretty good. Feel free to use that if you wish.
Lets say your having a conversation with someone after they read your website.
(("Mr Breeder, I am very interested in a puppy from your X-Litter. I have read your site completely. Even though I appreciate your honesty I am struggling with the choice of your litter, and a litter from another breeder who offers a guarantee. How do I choose?"
"I get asked this question allot. You have a big decision to make. I cannot and will not analyze another breeder but what I can do is help you do a little research that will help you feel comfortable with whatever decision you make. Here are some links to both environmental and genetic causes of various health defects found in the German Shepherd. Also including links to some of the top kennels in Germany. Good luck in your search and let me know if there is anything else I can help you with."))
I could go on and on, but I already have.
Heres the bottom line.
Unrealistic health guarantees are not the way to build value. They open yourself up to excessive liability from uneducated buyers.
Instead, breed good dogs, sell to good buyers, and educate your buyers.
Time for another Monster drink.
Unhappy customers mittlewest
by Weezy on 31 July 2012 - 19:07
http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/forum.read?mnr=645149-unhappy-customers-mittlewest I think getting back to the core of the topic - Reputable Kennel, guarantees, unhappy customers.
I see allot of people looking at these kennels as service based businesses owing you something. People acting like consumers.
We have a combination of problems in the US. Goes back to post on another thread - link on first page of this thread.
Here is what I can say I would do personally if and when I venture into setting up a breeding program.
In order by timeline and therefore priority.
1)Make sure I am in a place in my life that regardless of my breeding success, I dont need the money.
2)Top notch visually appealling facilities with overall "German Shepherd Wonderland" type atmosphere.
3)Bloodline foundation plan thought out for the next 10 to 15 years.
4)Sound business plan developing brand, building and revising sales metrics, diverse and multifaceted.
Once all these things are in place then I would buy my dogs, stick to the plan, and dive in. All the while I would not present myself as a seller, or even a business for that matter. I would have dogs of such quality presented in such a way that the quality of the dogs in conjunction with educating the buyer would not leave myself open to liability of any kind.
Breeders should sell quality dogs to quality people with honesty and integrity and be in a place where your survival is not dependant on selling dogs.
Buyers should educate themselves and stop acting like you want a refund on your broken flat screen. Here in the US we act so entitled.
Would any of you have the nerve to slander Arlett, Arminius, etc?
Again, read my post in detail about this. Link on first page of this thread.
I AM IN THE WRONG BUSINESS
by Bhaugh on 01 March 2012 - 03:03
http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/forum.read?mnr=610933-i-am-in-the-wrong-business#611147
As an executive director of sales I have a different opinion. All knowledge of pricing and the breed aside, I have to analyze their business plan based strictly on what I see on the website.
Lets take a look at the web site from the point of view of their target demographic.
Target Demographic
-Wealthy / Affluent (your definition of wealth may differ from one another)
-Family
-Recent Safety / Security Issues
Their web site is well built following somewhat current user navigation trends. The dogs are pretty. The photos are well taken. The videos ( I have not looked at all of them), are pretty cool ( remember, watch like you know nothing about the breed).
Pretending I have not been a GSD enthusiast for 15 years I can easily place myself in the mindset of their target demographic.
Scenario
Away at a conference I get a phone call from my wife that someone has broken into my home while my family was sleeping. I rush home to my family full of rage, worry and disgust to find a fearful family. I quickly priorities our immediate needs - security, piece of mind, loss of revenue while I am distracted, and loss of revenue from the conference I left early. I quantify the need vs cost based on data and make a decision. Whether its a friend, business contact, or web surfing I stumble across the above web site. Somewhat impressed by the site but more so the emotional connection with the videos I find my solution. The cost is insignificant vs my perception of the gain. Done. Fixed. Safe. Piece of mind. etc. etc.
Without having been there to see the facilities, dogs, and meet them lets look at it like a business, which is not a crime.
Gross profit, gross margin conversations can take up several threads but the short of it is that they exist in a business and determine the price.
Bottom line________
When value (perceived or actual) exceeds price, a sale is made. Simple as that.
Does anyone have solid evidence they are unethical, irresponsible, or abusive to their animals? If not then tread lightly. Sound business strategy leading to success usually goes hand in hand with protecting its reputation fiercely.
WANTING TO GO INTO BREEDING
by Browser on 02 April 2012 - 18:55
http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/forum.read?mnr=613705-wanting-to-go-into-breeding#613749
Wow, very positive help and good advice to this guy. So now maybe a reality check.
1 Female-
Price for the average titled female from Europe whether work or show.
3000 to 7000 Euro.
Shipping about 600 to 1200 Euro, depending on export city.
Stud fee to top male 800 to 2000 Euro.
Facilities, website, advertising- (re-written this so many times...condensed version)
If your image whether online or in person is poor in any aspect, affluent people wont buy from you.
Facilites need to be nice, clean, and photogenic.
Website and every photo on it needs to be professional.
Garbage attracts garbage with no money. Dont look like garbage.
If you do it correctly, your dogs will attract the affluent. The affluent only like buying from people like them. What you have to realize is, being affluent usually goes hand in hand with intelligence and good instincts. They are hard to fool if you are putting on a show.
Good luck, make sure you think it out.
P.S. If you proceed before you are ready, compromise in any way, you will struggle for a very long time. You will become one of those people that spends all there time on here bashing dogs that are in the top 10 in the world....every year...because they dont look like your garbage.
Is that too blunt?
Trying to save someone some pain.Ears-for everyone who said they have never seen this before
by missyfly96 on 26 October 2011
http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/forum.read?mnr=598107-earsfor-everyone-who-said-they-have-never-seen-this-before
About 10 years ago I dealt with the very same issue. Came across my own solution after staring at pieces of foam, mole skin various glues and surgical cement with an OCD like focus.
Heres what eventually worked in every way. My dog couldn't get it out, it was light as a feather and molded the ear perfectly. Apologies if this has already been posted.
1- Make sure the ear is clean and healthy.
2- Carefully shave the inside of the ear. If you cant do this without your dog going berserk or damaging the ear, don't. Will make it ten times harder to place the foam.
3- Materials
-Lightest weight, softest 1/2 inch thick foam you can find.
-Crazy Glue (lol...trust me)
-Surgical adhesive/cement
-Little, sharp Scissors (the kind that come in your dog grooming kit)
-Paper
-Half asleep puppy.
4-Eyeball the inside of the ear and cut out a teardrop from the paper.(you are making a mold)
5-Fine tune the teardrop until it matches the inside of the ear, it must be deep enough inside to support the base and the tip of the tear drop should point to the top point of the ear. The paper should not touch any of the bumpy parts down inside the ear but rest right on top and be shaped custom to that dogs ear. Until you get this perfect, you see why you do it with paper first.
6-Once the paper is perfect, place in the ear and while holding the ear with your thumb on the inside make a mental note of wear the deepest point of curve in the paper is at the base. Take it out and mark that spot.
6-Use the paper form to cut out a foam mold.
7-Draw a line on the side that will face out of the ear matching the paper mold from the tip to the base, it must be perfectly straight.
8-Take your crazy glue and place a bead the size of a spaghetti noodle down the line then quickly fold the form on that line. You have just created a natural curved form with a ridged vertical center.
9-Let it go and check it out. If the fold is too extreme, do it again with less glue.
10-Grab your scissors and and cut the excess on the outward facing portion from the outer edge towards the middle. The edges all around should be very slim then gradually get thicker as you get close to the center bead. This will lighten the mold even more and support the ridge you made with the glue. Be carful you do not alter the size and shape of the mold on the back side, your only shaving it from the front (side facing away from the ear).
11-Test it out in the ear without any adhesive until you think it is perfect. Now make about 2 more....per ear.
12-Now all thats left is gluing it into the ear. If you mess up you will need to clean the ear and let it dry every time. Make sure your puppy is relaxed and tired so you can do it in one shot.
I know it was long winded, hope this helps.
by joanro on 17 August 2013 - 21:08
Live4, you have been and will remain one of my favorite people on here.....reading your posts again i liken to using a reference manual. I need to print this and put it in my pocket...so I can pull it out and reread, over and over again. ;-) it is that relevant.
Thank you,
Joan
Thank you,
Joan
by live4schutzhund on 17 August 2013 - 21:08
Thanks Joan! We crack each other up occasionally. 
I think I placed this in the wrong section. Should have been GSD or general. Maybe a Mod will move it. It will disappear in a day or so though.
I think I placed this in the wrong section. Should have been GSD or general. Maybe a Mod will move it. It will disappear in a day or so though.
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