Has anyone here ever been turned down by a breeder?
I have been lucky enough to find what seems like a fantastic breeder who happened to have a litter coming almost exactly when I was able to bring a dog home, and she's near me too. We've been in contact since she found out her girl was expecting and the pups are four weeks today. I'm going to visit this Sunday and meet everyone, and we'll have a chat and she'll make her decision on whether I can buy one of her pups! I'm just a bit anxious that for some reason she'll decide no... I know that there's no reason she would really, she knows this will be my first dog but I know a lot about the breed and have a big interest in dogs in general so I can express to her that I know everything in theory at least  I'm happy that she's a reputable breeder, and I know the answers to a lot of the questions you're "supposed" to ask a breeder, but at the same time I don't want her to think that I'm not putting in the effort to check her, if you know what I mean? I know breeders like to be asked a lot of questions. I know I'm just being competely over anxious and everything will probably be okay It's just going to be a life changing event either way  Feel free to tell me to get a grip and stop panicking.anyway - has anyone here been turned down for whatever reason? (ETA: I've been lurking here for a long while and I know the drill - Sunday night, if all goes well, I WILL be posting pictures ) |
|
|
| First up....Welcome to the forum!! This IS the place you want to be when you get your little sheepiebaby. Second...I am NOT a breeder, so my opinion is just from what I have learned here ~but I am sure there will be breeders who will respond to this post. I don't think a reputable breeder would take the time to talk to you, email you, and invited you to see the pups if there was not a real possiblity that you will be taking one of those infants home when the time is right. You do not say how many puppies there are in the litter, and you do not say if you are going to show the dog or if it will be a pet. Again..this is not an issue unless the breeder is wanting a show home or the pups are already spoken for. Since this is your first dog, you seem to have a great knowlege of what you are getting into with a Sheepdog...LOTS and LOTS of grooming....and Exercise....and, since these are a 'working' breed, have you thought of getting involved in Rally??? Obedience??? Agility?? Therapy??? NOT that this is required, it is just something to think about. From my experience, (I had one OES from rescue, that is a therapy dog) and wanted another one, since Pearl was aging. Now, 4 years later, I have the perfect furbaby...my """HEART"" graduated in 2007 from our therapy program, she is working on her RAE, and we are taking classes for Agility and Obedience. My breeder is very happy that, although I didn't want to get a show dog, Heart has added a little twist to her kennel. She has quite a few CH. and GCH. ANd she can also state that one of her litter is a different kind of Champion....it says a lot about her breeding that Heart is calm, trusting, and loving to be a very special therapy dog. When you go to see the litter, you may want to think about what you want to do with this pup and tell your breeder...if you want a family pet `~~~which is great!!!! She may decide on the pup that is laid back and easy going...IF you want to do Agility or Herding with your pup...she may decide on giving you the pup who is always on the move, high drive and maybe a little hyper... You will have to trust your breeder to pick the dog that is right for you and your lifestyle and you future plans for the pup. I had no idea what puppy I was getting until I saw a few pictues after the breeder decided which one would be best suited to my goals. The breeder knows her puppies..she has nutured them 24/7 and knows which pups would do best in which home. Sorry this is so long...but I had the same fears when I was in the waiting process of getting Heart. I thought, at any moment, I would get an email from the breeder saying..."Never Mind.....I made a mistake"...but it never happened!!!! And as you are feeling the same things, I can tell you, to BREATHE!!!!!! (as my breeder would tell me on a daily basis)......and after your visit, and your heart melts seeing those pink puppy pawpads, and pink/black little noses..... you will realize that soon, you will have your sheepiefurbaby!!!!! CONGRATS!!!! AND please keep us posted!!!!!! |
| Well, let me give you this side of the story: I am in the process of writing people saying "I'm so sorry, but my girl only had three puppies and they were spoken for before we even bred her.." It is no reflection on any of the homes - I am busy referring them to other breeders and I feel bad, though I bred my girl later in life (and I'm not planning to breed her again) and, like human females, there is that old biological clock thing. One of the problems with reputable breeders, and I commend you for finding one  is that we don't breed a lot and we often breed our bitches older because (a) it takes time to finish their championships and (b) it takes time to get their health clearances (c) it takes time to find the right stud dog for her and, finally (d) most of us aren't going to breed unless we plan to keep something for ourselves. That said, these puppies are on the ground. Breeeder would NOT be inviting you to meet them if s/he didn't already think there are enough puppies and you are a promising home. Breathe deeply. Most breeders WANT to work with you and even if you are maybe a little inexperienced now, the bigger issue is: is this someone who will listen to me and take advantage of what I have to teach them? It's not about experience level, often, so much as relationship. If breeder likes you and you like them - THAT is half the battle. Go with a positive frame of mind and enjoy yourself. I think you'll be positively surprised. This isn't about the spanish inqusition - it's about relationships. Do you like each other? Can you work together? Remember, a good breeder is part of the package when you get a puppy from them. Make sure it's someone you feel you can call up and ask questions of, someone you don't mind sending and getting Christmas cards from (meanwhile Dawn's going: Christmas cards? Really? Where's my stinkin' Christmas card, lady?  )Fingers crossed for you but if you've been invited there you've probably already "passed" the major "test" Now you just need to be sure the feeling is mutual.Have fun! Kristine |
| We came close to not getting Nelson because we didn't have a conventionally-fenced yard. We'd had other OES previously and it seemed petty to us but they truly cared about the homes their pups ended up in. Maybe we bugged them so much that they couldn't resist? Being involved in rescue we have people coming to us saying they have been rejected by a breeder and now want to adopt. If it's a good family who we can actually vouch for and if we know the breeder, we may put in a good word for them. When you want a puppy from a specific breeder, it's either impressive or annoying to the breeder to call them with questions or concerns. If they are a good, caring breeder they should be impressed. Seriously, what do you have to lose? The most they can do is turn you down, right? When people are looking to adopt a dog from us, generally the 'squeaky wheel gets the grease', provided they are a qualified family. If you haven't already done so, check out Jaci's web site with lots of great puppy-buying information on it: http://www.untilyoufindme.com/Buying-An ... -Puppy.htm Several members here will tell you that they were getting pups from an expected litter and for one reason or another they did not get puppies. Don't lose hope. At least two that I know of ended up with the best pups ever, it just took waiting for another litter. Frustrating in the short-term but generally works out for the best in the long run.  |
Mady is our first dog, and our first puppy experience, not to mention first OES! But I think Kristine above (who was not Mady's breeder) once called us "dream owners".  I don't think experience is required, I know our breeder wants to feel confident she's sending a puppy to a safe, secure home where the puppy will be loved and cared for properly. I'm pretty sure most breeders want the same thing.So I'm sure a bit of nerves is expected, but if you've done a lot of research (and visiting these forums is very helpful) and they're meeting with you, I'm sure you're mostly home safe.  |
| I (Dawn, of the "no Christmas cards" ), did in fact get interrogated as well. Something I totally expected. While I had lots of dog experience and had 2 OES previously as well, I WAS a complete stranger and fully expected to need to pass muster when I was puppy searching. And as there were 2 co-breeders, I needed to pass not once, but TWICE! Many conversations via phone and email later (We live a 6 hour drive apart), our puppy came home. That was 5 years ago. And as Kristine states - it's so much about the relationship. In a perfect world, you all become family linked by your dogs. And if you don't get along or at least see eye to eye about things, it just won't work very well. And for a reputable breeder the relationship is a big part of it. That's the difference in getting a pup from someone "selling puppies", vs someone who is heavily emotionally (and financially usually too!) invested in their dogs. Good luck with your visit, and have fun |
| I had OES before. My first lived to be almost 15 and was a therapy dog, trained in obedience and received his CD title from the AKC and well on the way to CDX before his hips gave out and I quickly retired him... Having that experience behind me, I was STILL intimidated when speaking to breeders! Like I was a potential adoptive human looking to adopt a human baby! And I was so very nervous they wouldn't "like" me! Well, getting a new puppy and adopting a new baby are not all that different! So happy to hear you are nervous about the interview process! That alone says alot! I know they do like fenced in yards...people available at home for the first few weeks...people interested in taking advice and asking for it when needed... You sound like a potential great home! Just don't get too excited as sometimes you get promised a puppy and the litter is not eaht is expected...there are false pregancies, single litters, things an go wrong...be prepared...If this litter doesn't work out, don't worry. It will work for you and believe me its worth the wait. Good Luck...Keep us posted...and take this time to really learn all you can about an OES, prepare your home and family and get some sleep!!! Good Luck!! |
| aah, thanks everyone. Some great advice here and definitely put my mind at rest somewhat! there are eight puppies, my breeder is keeping one of the girls and there are a few people choosing before me but there's definitely a pup for me and I'll have a choice. Even though it's going to be a nerve-wracking day it's going to be very exciting and very cute meeting all the puppies  I had a dream last night about my puppy, I read the replies here right before sleeping and I dreamed that he scaled next door's fence and chased a squirrel  And I kept calling him by my cat's name! Anyway, I think I've done as much research as I possibly can, particularly reading through this forum constantly for a couple of months So thank you to those who have contributed at any point because it continues to be helpful.Fingers crossed anyway, the part of me that believes in fate is hopeful, the day I emailed her initially was the day she found out her girl was expecting so hopefully it is meant to be! Thank you everyone and I will definitely keep you updated!  |
KaylesK wrote: there are eight puppies, my breeder is keeping one of the girls and there are a few people choosing before me but there's definitely a pup for me and I'll have a choice. OK, just a word of caution on the choice. If you fall in love with puppy X because you love the markings and breeder says, no, puppy Y is the puppy for you - trust breeder. Please. There is an artform to choosing the right puppy for an inexperienced home, especially. And that is probably 75% of the equation when it comes to success. I never, ever would have let Sybil go to anything but a very experienced (and probably NO pet) home, for instance. She would never have become nasty, but she would have been running the place in three seconds flat. It's everything I can do to stay one step ahead of her - she's too smart for her own good and a master manipulator. Whereas Macy could easily have gone to anyone and been the perfect puppy (OK, I kept both for different reasons, but as littermates they are a good illustration) Trust me on this one. The breeder should know his or her puppies and, obviously, having taken the time to get to know you, would NOT want you to have, say, the most dominant bitch (for instance) no matter HOW cute you think she is, because breeder knows this is not a good choice for a newbie and you'd be on the phone with them regularly, probably in tears. (Why did you sell me Satan in a sheepdog suit!!!  ) There's an artform to raising certain types of puppies. You don't want to start like that. You want a puppy like Kim and David's Mady. Just enough of a challenge to be fun, but good natured and easy going in the ways that matter. (and, yes, I did call them a dream home But it helps that they listen to Amber and she probably guided their choice well)So...keep an open mind, but totally indulge in puppy breath. I don't start getting a good feel for my puppies' in this regard until starting at 5 weeks old, so if breeder isn't sure yet, that would not be at all surprising. Have fun!  Kristine |
| Kristine is 110% spot on with this response. Trust me and I am sure others can tell you,it can/does happen. Good luck and have a memorable time! Robin |
| I wholeheartedly agree with Kristine and Robin on the choice thing. Part of, (mostly of) what you're paying for is your breeder's knowledge and expertise. In that is how they pick out which puppy for which parent. Trust them. If they're as good a breeder as you've been told and they think they are, you'll get the dog of your dreams. We were VERY lucky in that we fell for Caitlyn just from the first photos. We told the breeder that and in the end, she felt that this particular puppy was the right one for us. I'm convince that the stars were perfectly aligned for us on this one. The breeder made a great choice for us, (even knowing which one we preferred). Caitlyn is a perfect match for our home. Even still, I know from talking to our breeder that we would be this happy with any one that she would have chosen for us as she knew what she was doing. Good luck and post many many photos and videos. Vance |
yep, i found myself wishing all breeders could be that responsible in a perfect world.  but then kristine's words could apply to human breeders in a perfect world.  " obviously, having taken the time to get to know you, would NOT want you to have, say, the most dominant bitch (for instance) no matter HOW cute you think she is, because breeder knows this is not a good choice for a newbie and you'd be on the phone with them regularly, probably in tears."  |
| that's great advice, thank you so much! I have got my eye on a specific one from the pics But I'm so nervous about it all that I'll definitely take my breeder's advice on which one is best for me. I remember when I got my last cat, the first night he was an actual nightmare, if he'd have been my first cat I'd have probably been put off for life I'm so excited but so nervous!! I appreciate all your advice so much, thank you |
| Great advice here. Heed it! And let us know how the visit goes. |
| We did not choose our puppy, she was chosen for us (only thing we requested was a girl). And as it turned out, the one we secretly wanted from the pictures was the one we ended up with I think it was fate. |
| I agree with folks about choosing. Amber chose. She chose the perfect dog for us. Trust your breeder. |
| Hi! Everything went just fine. How lovely to be chewed by all those puppy gums with the odd sharp canine taking you by surprise!I thought I was getting off lightly but I did have to do a lot of reassuring that I can understand how much time and/or expense grooming is. Luckily I did know what I was in for after reading the grooming section here for hours on end Anyway, down to the most important part. Meet my boy, Duck!   It's one of those love/hate names I think Anyway, he is five weeks old tomorrow and I can bring him home in three! I secretly had my eye on him from the photos, and he was one of two left! I felt for the poor little boy who was unpicked though! He has a home to go to though (sorry the pics are a little big!) |
| Oh! A mask! I love them. He's darling.  Love the name.Kristine |
Congratulations on 1st your soon to be in your arms, baby boy and second on passing the breeders requirements!!!!  I too, love the masked pups and his name is quite adorable!!! Duck is such a cutie!!!!  Robin |
| very cute congrats keep the camera handy |
| Congrats on your successful visit! I love the name...in fact I just named a dog that a couple weeks ago It was one of the DSR test dogs we were with (and they passed too!) - the mixed breed guy who is a lab/golden mix. Him name is "Jack" - but in the noise outside I thought she said "Duck".....so he was stuck as Duck the whole weekend. In fact his owner said she liked Duck better.  |
got sheep wrote: Congrats on your successful visit! I love the name...in fact I just named a dog that a couple weeks ago It was one of the DSR test dogs we were with (and they passed too!) - the mixed breed guy who is a lab/golden mix. Him name is "Jack" - but in the noise outside I thought she said "Duck".....so he was stuck as Duck the whole weekend. In fact his owner said she liked Duck better. aah so I'm not completely barmy! In fact I kind of stole the name from an OES from youtube named Duque for anyone who is interested, Dad is Kerjalee Takes A Moment - Julianne (sixpence) on this forum has a dog fathered by him too I believe  |
| He is lovely! |
I love eye patches!!!! Gives them character! Congratulations & of course we want a lot more pictures ASAP!  |
| What a cute boy your Duck is! Congrats! |
KaylesK wrote: got sheep wrote: Congrats on your successful visit! I love the name...in fact I just named a dog that a couple weeks ago It was one of the DSR test dogs we were with (and they passed too!) - the mixed breed guy who is a lab/golden mix. Him name is "Jack" - but in the noise outside I thought she said "Duck".....so he was stuck as Duck the whole weekend. In fact his owner said she liked Duck better. aah so I'm not completely barmy! In fact I kind of stole the name from an OES from youtube named Duque for anyone who is interested, Dad is Kerjalee Takes A Moment - Julianne (sixpence) on this forum has a dog fathered by him too I believe What a stunning and lovely puppy - love the name!! I know Monty aka Multi Ch Kerjalee Takes A Moment well and indeed he is also Lincoln's daddy. |
KaylesK wrote: got sheep wrote: Congrats on your successful visit! I love the name...in fact I just named a dog that a couple weeks ago It was one of the DSR test dogs we were with (and they passed too!) - the mixed breed guy who is a lab/golden mix. Him name is "Jack" - but in the noise outside I thought she said "Duck".....so he was stuck as Duck the whole weekend. In fact his owner said she liked Duck better. aah so I'm not completely barmy! In fact I kind of stole the name from an OES from youtube named Duque for anyone who is interested, Dad is Kerjalee Takes A Moment - Julianne (sixpence) on this forum has a dog fathered by him too I believe You believe right More relatives joining the forum I love the name ane he looks very cute |
KaylesK wrote: got sheep wrote: Congrats on your successful visit! I love the name...in fact I just named a dog that a couple weeks ago It was one of the DSR test dogs we were with (and they passed too!) - the mixed breed guy who is a lab/golden mix. Him name is "Jack" - but in the noise outside I thought she said "Duck".....so he was stuck as Duck the whole weekend. In fact his owner said she liked Duck better. aah so I'm not completely barmy! In fact I kind of stole the name from an OES from youtube named Duque for anyone who is interested, Dad is Kerjalee Takes A Moment - Julianne (sixpence) on this forum has a dog fathered by him too I believe I forgot to ask - can I ask who the mom is? - just wondered if its someone I know |
Moontime wrote: KaylesK wrote: got sheep wrote: Congrats on your successful visit! I love the name...in fact I just named a dog that a couple weeks ago It was one of the DSR test dogs we were with (and they passed too!) - the mixed breed guy who is a lab/golden mix. Him name is "Jack" - but in the noise outside I thought she said "Duck".....so he was stuck as Duck the whole weekend. In fact his owner said she liked Duck better. aah so I'm not completely barmy! In fact I kind of stole the name from an OES from youtube named Duque for anyone who is interested, Dad is Kerjalee Takes A Moment - Julianne (sixpence) on this forum has a dog fathered by him too I believe I forgot to ask - can I ask who the mom is? - just wondered if its someone I know Cherryrow's Bizzy Lizzy aka Lily |
| for anyone who is interested, Dad is Kerjalee Takes A Moment - Julianne (sixpence) on this forum has a dog fathered by him too I believe I forgot to ask - can I ask who the mom is? - just wondered if its someone I know[/quote] Cherryrow's Bizzy Lizzy aka Lily [/quote]I know Lily and her human mom - Jayne. Lily and Monty that will be a lovely match. |
Moontime wrote: for anyone who is interested, Dad is Kerjalee Takes A Moment - Julianne (sixpence) on this forum has a dog fathered by him too I believe I forgot to ask - can I ask who the mom is? - just wondered if its someone I know Cherryrow's Bizzy Lizzy aka Lily [/quote]I know Lily and her human mom - Jayne. Lily and Monty that will be a lovely match. [/quote]Aah yay! I had a lovely time meeting Jayne and Lily (and Wilma and Nana...) I was trying to remember today who had their wet face on my lap during mine and Jayne's chat I feel like almost everyone knows each other in the OES world over here |
Baba wrote: We did not choose our puppy, she was chosen for us (only thing we requested was a girl). And as it turned out, the one we secretly wanted from the pictures was the one we ended up with I think it was fate.We chose Charm in our hearts from photos early on. There were only two girls left and we loved her. When we met both girls, Charm came right over to me. The other female was playing and didn't notice us. When I'd held both babies, and couldn't decide, our breeder said to go with Charm, as she had chosen us too. Kismet!!! |
| Congrats! Duck is adorable! Cindy |
KaylesK wrote: [quote= Aah yay! I had a lovely time meeting Jayne and Lily (and Wilma and Nana...) I was trying to remember today who had their wet face on my lap during mine and Jayne's chat I feel like almost everyone knows each other in the OES world over here Sounds like Jayne put you though your paces and I wouldnt expect anything else!! I know most of the OES people in the show world as its been part of my life since I was nine - I love looking at pedigees as its wonderful seeing the dogs I remember from my childhood in them. Plus we are a small community as the gene pool for OES is damn small in England . Look forward to hearing all about Duck and you know where we all are if you need us! |
| in reply to the main topic; yes, i'm honest and admitted to wanting her playful puppies hugs and kisses. |
| Congrats! |
auntybren wrote: Baba wrote: We did not choose our puppy, she was chosen for us (only thing we requested was a girl). And as it turned out, the one we secretly wanted from the pictures was the one we ended up with I think it was fate.We chose Charm in our hearts from photos early on. There were only two girls left and we loved her. When we met both girls, Charm came right over to me. The other female was playing and didn't notice us. When I'd held both babies, and couldn't decide, our breeder said to go with Charm, as she had chosen us too. Kismet!!! My second sheepie girl was named Kismet! Must be why I love that little Charm so much! It is all about Kismet! Kathy |
We had to fill in a contract with our breeders. Which is the right thing to do, which if you loved your puppy its not a problem. Gets rid of time wasters & people who land up not looking after the puppy & getting a puppy for the wrong reason. I hope our breeders are happy with us also we wanted another & they advised us not to as we are new to the breed & have lots to learn also we show her & that is very hard word & they would kill each others coats also other members of the OESD showing group advised us with the same thing but one day we willhave another  |
Didn't find exactly what you're looking for? Search again here:
Custom Search
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|