A question to the breeders on the forum

[Megora]

Will never ever be a breeder, but I'm absolutely OK when they pick for us.

Bertie was technically "my pick", but my breeder pulled out 2 of the 4 available puppies for me to watch for a while. Those two were puppies she felt were closest to what I wanted.

And she knew what I wanted because I'd been talking to her and the cobreeder for a while, and emailing back and forth. It's not like you are going to just walk in the door on these people to buy a puppy.

Had she told me that I was taking Bertie specifically or the other dog, no choice on my part. It would have been absolutely fine. Both pups were scrummy.

[SMBC]

One of the reasons we had chosen our breeder is because she said that we get to choose our puppy. We start to visit the dogs at 4 weeks of age and will go every week until the 8 week mark. However, she did say that we need to have a couple in mind that we like as the breeder, as well as any people buying puppies as show prospects, get the first pick and they will not know which ones are show quality until the 8th week. I felt more comfortable being able to have some say in which dog goes home with us. With that said though, I am currently waiting for the puppies to be born, and I am having a lot of anxiety at the thought of picking out a puppy! In some ways, now I wish she just chose for us! I'm really hoping that when I do get to visit the puppies, it's apparent which ones we like and like us as well. I keep day dreaming about how hard it will be to pick...although I've seen a lot of posts on here about how it was very easy and the puppy essentially chose the owner, and I hope I have the same experience. I'm hoping the breeder gives us some input as to the puppies' personalities, which will help us to make the decision as well. When I was young, I picked out the quiet small lab laying in the corner of the pen because I thought that was indicative of her personality, but she turned out to be an untrainable nutcase! Either way, I can see pros and cons on both sides of the issue.

[SheetsSM]

I realize this is a breeder focused thread, but just wanted to add that we have similar type conversations in the rescue world as well. I know of few rescues that will match a family to a golden in a "take it or leave it" option while most that I am familiar with narrow the pool of available goldens down to those that would be most compatible with the family. I do however believe it is easier to match the older golden as compared to matching an 8 week old pup. I've seen potential adopters fall in love with a photo on the web and became upset when learning the rescue would not match that particular golden (i.e. putting a dog with either an unknown or not optimal temperament with kids in a home with toddlers). And of course, a "breeder" who breeds underage pups and hasn't a clue at what he/she is producing is no different than a "rescue" who has no clue about the dogs in its program--both of which have little to offer in the matching process. As such, it just stresses the relationship between adopters/purchases and breeders/rescues that much more and the trust that all parties must have in the process prior to entering into any agreements/contracts.

[Sally's Mom]

I think a breeder living with the pups 24/7 has a better clue to temperament that someone who sees the pups in a snapshot. Depending on when they were fed, when they last played, etc, the temperaments will not necessarily be true... In my last litter, I had a couple that clearly read the Monks of New Skete. They were doing all these stupid tests on the pups and then thought they could interpret the reactions.... Never mind they were really annoying me.... My second and third Goldens were chosen for me. Did not need that magic Disney moment. Took awhile to love Golden #2(kids were both under three, but she got her UD) and Golden #3 was a piece of cake(kids were 5 years older).

[Shalva]

Originally Posted by Sally's Mom

I think a breeder living with the pups 24/7 has a better clue to temperament that someone who sees the pups in a snapshot. Depending on when they were fed, when they last played, etc, the temperaments will not necessarily be true... In my last litter, I had a couple that clearly read the Monks of New Skete. They were doing all these stupid tests on the pups and then thought they could interpret the reactions.... Never mind they were really annoying me.... My second and third Goldens were chosen for me. Did not need that magic Disney moment. Took awhile to love Golden #2(kids were both under three, but she got her UD) and Golden #3 was a piece of cake(kids were 5 years older).

You are nicer than me... I would have told them to put the puppy down and given them back their check lol I am sure that surprises no-one

[Sally's Mom]

Shalva, I know I need a backbone... I do have one when I really really need one. Did use it this last time when someone wanted open registration, etc.. Then wanted to change sex of the pup with me asking another owner to change sex of their pup... I decided to be done with her... I always say I could raise pups all day IF it was ok for others to sell them... I find dealing with prospective owners Sooo difficult... I just love dealing with the babies....

[Mayve]

As an owner, I want the best fit I can get. I used to think the breeder picking the pup for the owner was a bit pretentious. That was before I worked with a breeder and helped raise a few litters. I now realize that the breeder and those involved in raising the litter really do know their temperments best. And a good breeder will take the time to get to know you and what your needs/wants are.

I like some say such as in what sex, if possible...but I think ultimately I trust my breeder enough that if she steered me towards a male instead of a female I wouldn't have a problem....

anywho I know you were asking breeders but thought I'd give an owner who has raised puppies, been on both ends you would say....perspective

[SMBC]

Originally Posted by Sally's Mom

Shalva, I know I need a backbone... I do have one when I really really need one. Did use it this last time when someone wanted open registration, etc.. Then wanted to change sex of the pup with me asking another owner to change sex of their pup... I decided to be done with her... I always say I could raise pups all day IF it was ok for others to sell them... I find dealing with prospective owners Sooo difficult... I just love dealing with the babies....

I really appreciate your comment and as a prospective owner, I'm curious as to how I can be a good or ideal perspective owner that does not annoy our breeder as it sounds like a lot do? I feel like I've had a good relationship with our breeder so far. She has always been communicative, albeit short (and I know she's very busy and we aren't best friends) and she called me right away and said I was the first person that popped into her mind when the first female miscarried. She also invited me to a dog show to meet her and her dogs, and I stayed for an hour and asked her questions about showing dogs and goldens in general. In the beginning, I feel like I may have checked in with her too frequently as I was anxious to hear any news but didn't want to annoy her, although she always did respond to me, but now I just wait for her updates and I know the important upcoming dates so I anticipate a call or email. I also emailed her on thanksgiving to say happy holidays to her and her family but didn't hear back, maybe she's really busy or maybe that's too friendly for her, who knows, I can't speculate. But going forward, I'm wondering what you, and others, would consider the ideal prospective owner to deal with. Thanks!


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[Dallas Gold]

Originally Posted by SMBC

I really appreciate your comment and as a prospective owner, I'm curious as to how I can be a good or ideal perspective owner that does not annoy our breeder as it sounds like a lot do? I feel like I've had a good relationship with our breeder so far. She has always been communicative, albeit short (and I know she's very busy and we aren't best friends) and she called me right away and said I was the first person that popped into her mind when the first female miscarried. She also invited me to a dog show to meet her and her dogs, and I stayed for an hour and asked her questions about showing dogs and goldens in general. In the beginning, I feel like I may have checked in with her too frequently as I was anxious to hear any news but didn't want to annoy her, although she always did respond to me, but now I just wait for her updates and I know the important upcoming dates so I anticipate a call or email. I also emailed her on thanksgiving to say happy holidays to her and her family but didn't hear back, maybe she's really busy or maybe that's too friendly for her, who knows, I can't speculate. But going forward, I'm wondering what you, and others, would consider the ideal prospective owner to deal with. Thanks!


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I think this is a great question!

[Sally's Mom]

From my perspective, the only two Goldens I purchased, I purchased sight unseen. Both were chosen by me based on pedigree, clearances, and potential. In both cases, it was not A golden, it was THE golden. And it was not A breeder, it was THE breeder. With both dogs, I didn't have to have that magic Disney moment where our eyes locked and we fell in love.... As I mentioned earlier, the one golden was purchased when my kids were very young. And stupidly on my part, she came from dual purpose lines with a strong emphasis on working ability... Ultimately, all worked out...

I appreciate persistence from potential owners. As many have said, most of us have other lives and can get distracted. Part of the reason I liked Lucky Penny's
owner is she didn't just call me once and leave it at that. She showed a lot of interest. Using her as a good example, she also trained with my friend, so that was a good recommendation. And I had seen her at matches and Show n Go's, so I knew she had a high interest and involvement level.

The worst first question out of anyone's mouth is "how much do you get for your dogs."

I also don't want to feel like I have to compete with the other breeders on your list...again am I THE breeder, is it THE litter? Years ago, I had someone interested in my litter. They were talking to other breeders which is fine and I welcome. But here's the story, mine have at least all four clearances on the parents, they in turn, have generations of clearances behind them. The sire is usually at least an AM Ch, often a Can Ch, and often with working titles..the dam usually has some kind of title. Mine are not raised in a kennel, basement, or garage..they are raised in my kitchen. That means they are exposed to many things and noises that are common to a household. When they are old enough they go outside in x pens multiple times during the day. Which means they are picked and handled multiple times during the day. In fact they are picked up and handled many more times than that. Think about it, if you have a kennel, those pups don't get the same amount of handling.

Other negatives for me: a couple who lived in Boston, who couldn't be bothered to come see the pups, as I was going to chose anyway... Turns out they were just "too busy". Too busy to drive 1.5 hours to Maine? Then you are too busy for a pup. Or the lady in the last litter who out of the box, wanted full registration on a bitch! Cold day in you know what!! And, my pups do not see their new prospective owners until they are five weeks old. So, this couple comes in with their energetic son, causing all kinds of a commotion. Instantly dad takes a pup out of the box. Remember, this is the pups' first time with visitors. So dad puts the pup on the hardwood floor. Pup has never been on the hardwood floor. Pup is scared... Dad says oh this pup is shy. Puts pup back in his familiar surrounding, the whelping box. Pup jumps up clamoring for attention. Dad says which pup is that. I tell him it's the one he thought was shy! Hopefully lesson learned for dad. Dogs are not born being familiar with everything, they need to have life experiences to get confidence.

Also, I tend to be lenient about visitation. However, it creates stress for me. Most prospective owners don't understand that if there are 9-10 pups going to new homes and all people visit at least two to three times, it is very stressful for me and the pups, as well as the adult dogs in the house.... Some visit more than that...