Rottweileronline.net

First, let me state that I do not have any puppies for sale, nor do I have any breedings planned. Both my young girls are spayed, and my old ladies are past breeding age. But, its been a long time since I inquired about puppies, and I am wondering what responsible, reputable breeders are looking for (ideally) when placing puppies.

So, when you get an inquiry, what are the things you require? What are the things you will not budge on? What are the things that you hope for, but aren't deal breakers?

(Oh, and I am not looking for a puppy at this time either, so these questions are not so I can answer someone else's questions.)

Also, how do you verify the information that people give you is correct? I know what I have access to here in WI, but do others actually check on the info given?

Thanks!

Stephanie

First, always go with your gut. If you just don't feel right about someone no matter how great they seem then they don't get a pup

I have a fairly long application that gets filled out

I require references from people whom have been to the applicant's home

I require a letter of reference from their veterinarian on letterhead

I will call the above if I have questions

IF I do not know the applicant nor know a person who does, then I schedule a homecheck through a local rescue (if you donate $50 typically a rescue will do a home check for you)

I ask lots of questions as to lifestyle and expectations and plans

I DO NOT place pups on the "pick system" or "first money down system"

I select the pups for the buyer myself based upon all of the above. If I do not think any of the pups will work in a particular applicant's home or suit what they are looking for then they don't get a pup even if they were first deposit down (and my application clearly states that) as I want the pups to be a good match to their new homes

and then I have a lawyer vetted contract that gets signed (which the people have seen prior to taking a deposit from them)

but in the end there still is an element of luck because if people want something bad enough they can lie their way into it. I have over the years tweaked my process to what it is now and that alone has eliminated a lot of the problems I had in the past

oh and my deposits are fully refundable. If there is no pup that suits an applicant they get their money back. If they change their mind before the pups are 9 weeks old they get their money back, if they change their mind after 9 weeks old they still get their money back but after I sell the pup to another home.

This non refundable deposit crap is rediculous. I know someone who put a $1500 deposit! down on a pup and did not get one from the litter (I don't recall if the litter never was born or if there were not enough pups) and subsequently got a pup elsewhere because all litters since don't have full health certs but he is out the $1500 because it is non refundable!

I work with the local shelter a lot (grooming the dogs that are in need), and was given a website where they go to verify that the people actually own their home, if they claim to. I couldn't believe it, but the manager said people actually lie about that!

They also call landlords to verify that it is ok for them to have whatever type of pet they are applying for.

I think the home-checks are a wonderful thing! Actually, I will be on the Board at the local shelter soon, and one of my priorities is going to be getting the shelter to work with responsible breeders. I would definitely volunteer for that type of duty, especially if the breeder is willing to make a small donation to the shelter.

when the potential buyer gives me their address i go to the county GIS system and it will tell you everything about their property!! My mom used to be a real estate agent....she led me on to this cool system!!