How to avoid business dealings with NUTS!?! - Page 2

Lol Echomeadows! I think so too! Because as you obviously feel the same, the puppies we breed are NOT dogs, they are infact family members! Like wise for the dogs we breed, all of mine live in the house with me, sleep in the bed with me, and eat their meals in the living room with me. The pups are born and raised in the middle of the living room, but at 6 weeks, are moved outside to a large dog run that is less than three feet from my bedroom window, and I have a feeling your set up is similar, keeping everything as close as possible?

I have only had one dealing with a customer who was certainly a nut job. It was back in the 80's, a couple came and bought two young adult females. I had counted their money and left it on the desk in my office when I went out to the kennel with the woman to get the dogs and help her load them. Her husband was sitting in my office (near the door) watching a ball game when we went out back. He met us at their truck when we got the dogs loaded. Within a few minutes of their departure I noticed to my alarm that the cash was missing from my desk. I called them and called them, asking them if they had accidentally picked it up on the way out. When I finally ran into them at a trial a month or two later they just shrugged their shoulders and said "no." It gets worse: Not only did they breed both females at 13 and 15 mos, of age, (11 and 13 live pups) but then tried to get their money back by telling me neither of the females OFA'd later at age 2. Back then I didn't have a clause in my contract excluding guarantees for dogs bred young, and I offered significant incentive money for SchH and AKC titles earned and OFA cert. When I refused to return their money, having seen no proof of failure to OFA, I didn't hear from them for a long time. About a year later I received a letter with proof of OFA's for both dogs, copy of my incentive programs, and a certificate saying one had earned a CD. I did NOT send them the incentive money. I learned a LOT from those two, may they rot in hell. Shelley Strohl

yup, whelped in my bedroom for first time girls, and in the adjoining spare room for more expeirienced girls. Puppies out usually at 3 weeks into a large yarded area with a enclosed "stall" type area just out my bedroom window. I step on puppies if I go out the window. Very close indeed. Too funny ! and yes my purchasers are also "extended family" and I email them about every 3 months if have not heard from them, But typically hear from everyone once to twice per month. So it's Awesome !! I love it.

I have my mother come over, and we pull 24 hour shifts until the puppies are 5 weeks old...In 6 going on 7 years, never lost one puppy...We did, however lose a LOT of sleep! :) it was worth it!

Bluesky and Vom Brunhaus, Can you share with me your contracts or interview processes? I really like the information that you provided. I have NO issue with taking puppies or adult dogs back, I will bend over backwards to keep my kiddo's from harm or neglect. I tell all buyers that if the time EVER comes and you need to return or rehome your dog then I am first on the list! Vickie

The second best way (no disrespect intended-I'll explain later) has been mentioned by Hodie. Be inquisitive nearly to the end of being interrogative. I do this as we go over the health records, achievements, etc. of the sire and dam. I explain canine diseases, and how they affect the GSD. I go over all of the documentation, some history of the earlier ancestors, etc., the purchase agreement, what I guarantee and how I guarantee, what I will do if there is a problem, etc., etc. And yes, I have made a turn-down. I have been turned down as well, as perhaps people thought some things were none of my business after the point of sale. Wow, that was long-winded. The best way is a referral by word-of-mouth from a past purchaser of one of your puppies who has shown that they love their dog and care for him/her very much. It takes a long time to establish any type of following such as this, and this type of relationship is only available if one sells puppies in or near their geographic area. But, this is never a guarantee and one must still be diligent and hope for the best. Bob-O

Thanks Bob, once again great advise~ Vickie

I agree with Lee, it takes all kinds to make this world go around and there is no way to avoid them.. One other way to look at this question might be to supply the buyers with what they are looking for!!! Hence not having to deal with people feeling ripped off.. Best Regards, Dennis

Bottom line is, you must be able to see beyond the money. Period. If you cannot, there is a good chance that at some point you will be involved with someone who is a little whacko. That being said, all too many breeders are not terribly ethical either and that does cause legitimate problems. Hodie, you get smarter on every post. Just joshing with you. If the pup is more to you than just a source of income I believe your chances of getting it right are greatly increased. A good buyer doesn't buy a pup just because of the price. They should be buying a package and that package shoud include the knowledge and integrity of the breeder/dealer.

Powerhaus, VB is not a breeder or seller on this DB. I only import high quality GSD direct from Germany for my clients. From Germany their is little in the way of guarantees, the Germans just dont do it. Most of my last ones have been VA lines without problems, all okayed Good from OFA.