Janet and other dog breeders

[Tink]

My pups will be 6 weeks old on Tuesday, so in just over 2 weeks I'll be sending them off to their forever homes. I'm starting to get people asking to set appointments to come see them, and getting some good serious inquiries about them. Naturally the ideal is to get them all into good homes between 8 - 12 weeks of age.

SO what kind of screenign do you do of buyers? I email or talk on the phone with the people several times, will eventually let them come see the pups... but what do I do to really feel secure in the fact that they're going to GOOD homes? What do you base your decision on?

[Janet]

Good question Tink. I'm very picky, Ive turned people away because they didn't even bother to clean up and make a good first impression. My thought was if they can't keep themselves clean, how will they clean and groom a dog.

So here we go....

1. Do you have other dogs? I f so are they pets or do you breed them and how often? What breeds of dogs do you own and how many do you have?


2. Do you work during the day? How long are the dogs left alone and where are they kept while you are gone? Are they for outside? Will you have a place for them out of the rain, wind, heat, cold, snow...etc? Explain. Will you make sure they get plenty of exercise even in the winter time? How often?


3. Do you have a fence or will the dog be chained all the time? Have free run of the neighborhood?


4. Do you travel often? If you do are the dogs allowed to go? If you leave them at home while you travel do you board them or does someone come into your home and care for them when you are gone.


5. I asked if there is an established relationship with a vet and if I can have the vets name and telephone number so I can call and speak with them. I gladly give mine in return so the buyer can call and check on me.


6. I also go into health issues and want to make sure they are educated in and prepared should such a health situation arise.


7. I want to make sure the prospective buyer has the same philosophies as I do about breeding and caring for their dogs. My dogs are just like our family members and are treated as such. I want each and every one of them to be spoiled and loved as they should be.


8. I also love to get pictures and updates so I know they are doing ok and getting along ok. I just love getting those emails.

9. How much time do you plan every day to spend with the puppy/dog? How many times a day will you check their water and food bowls if left outside?


10. Puppies are cute....will you have patience for all the things puppies go through? Will you still care and love your puppy as it ages and is no longer the cute puppy with all the puppy antics?

11. Have you ever had to get rid of a dog? Why? Ever had a dog put down? Why? Ever take a dog to a shelter? Why?

Tink...I always go by a 'gut' instinct too. Some you just know by the way they treat the puppies and the adults which I always have on hand. If I have the slightest doubt...it's a no go.

Hope this helps some.

[Tink]

Thanks Janet!
Great questions to consider. With so many pups, I'm concerned I might miss something and I'd rather hang on to them than to send them to bad homes.