Know nothing about breeding, was just interested ..... when a prospective puppy owner is being vetted what sort of things doing you ask them?
Also what would put you off letting a future puppy owner have have one of your pups?

Thanks
Hayley

Well I'll start the list
You will need to know that all the family want a puppy.
That there will be someone in the house for most of the day particularly whilst the pup is house trained.
That they have a garden that is fenced.
That they can afford the food and vet costs.
Over to the next person.

don't mind me, If I was breeding and I'm not just cover that.

I think mmm
Do you have a garden or close area to your property where you take your dog for walks daily.

How often would you leaving your puppy for.

Where would you set your puppy bed up at night.

Do you think you can mange with a young family.

Are you at work for long hours?

Have you thought about money side of owning a big dog?

will the new dog owner be setting up any insurance for the dog just in case of any injuries.

Are the new owners happy with the set agreement of sale of the puppy that the breeder set out?

Are the new owners plannning to use the dog just for breeding or a family pet. As many breeders set endorsements.

ect just basic questions really lol

If the first question was money and how much then I'd be setting alarm bells. If they planning to a tiny puppy straight into a yard forgetting it was there. I'd panic. If they have 5 or 6 tiny children this concern me. The lack of love toward seeing the puppy. Many people go weak at the knees seeing a tiny Labrador. Thats me for you

Without being too personal I ask them anything I think might have an impact on that puppies life. I send out a written questionnaire and ask them to fill it in. If they refuse, I am not bothered, as there will always be someone else waiting that will be happy. I ask them to visit too. If they ask me why do you ask...I am always happy to explain why the question maybe important. Once they realise a  question maybe importnt they generally do not mind.

When I get the address (so that I can send the paper questionnaire) I look up the postcode on GOOGLE MAPS. One address turned out to be a farm with lots of kennels/runs outside from the satelite view even though they told me they lived in a cottage in a small town with a big garden. It is not spying as it is a public document/service....you can look into the queens back yard if you wished!

I once telephoned a post office in a little village...expalined why I had phoned and asked if they knew the farm owner and were they puppy farmers. It turned out that all was well and the lady in question was well respected in the village and WI. I would also phone the local dog warden , police, vets or RSPCA if I had to. They may refuse to tell you anything but I would still try......
Maybe this is going too far....but I would do anything to stop my puppies ending up on a puppy farm. They have been known to desperately want some of my small breed and have tried to use a 'middle man' to buy some to take to Ireland.

I never deal with mobile phone numbers only and never email only. I like addresses and landlines numbers.

> When I get the address (so that I can send the paper questionnaire) I look up the postcode on GOOGLE MAPS. One address turned out to be a farm with lots of kennels/runs outside from the satelite view even though they told me they lived in a cottage in a small town with a big garden. It is not spying as it is a public document/service....you can look into the queens back yard if you wished!

That's brilliant!  I'm always snooping around on Google earth (normally for neolithic sites) but what a fantastic idea!

Debs

Google maps I find is better as it points to the house you want and you do not have to save any programmes on your computer.

I also phone directory enquiries and check that the name and address match the number. If anyone is being devious they will give wrong information on the puppies where abouts. It does not always work as they may not be with a BT line.

wow thats through! can;t blame you though in this day and age.

I like the posted questionaire/google thing. I'll try that on my next litter. I always worry about whats going to happen, what they are really like, if they are who they say they are (call me paranoid but my breeds going through a 'fade' stage and people seem to want pups for breeding)

Hmmmm......

Always google the maps to look at areas and always telephone at odd times of the day when the new prospective owners say that they work from home. In my experience people have different ideas as to what working from home actually is. Have caught two or three out this way !!

must say if it was me i'd be happy to get a questionare, i quite like them

If I get an email only enquiry, short and sharp, with no phone number and no information on the home offered - I email back asking for information on the home offered.  If the reply is what do you want to know, I don't even consider them. 
I wouldn't expect you to ASK me - I would be telling you what dogs I'd owned and bred, what work I do, and that I have a dog sitter in during the day.  About my huge secure garden, and the socialisation I take seriously.  I would be telling you about the great dog vet that I use, what training experience I'd had. 
How long my dogs had lived, why they were PTS, and I'd make sure that you knew I'd never lost a dog, or rehomed a dog.  I would be giving you as much information that I could, so that you would know it wasn't a whim, or fad, and that you could be sure that I am committed to the care of my dogs. 
I am gobsmacked when people ask me for a bitch for breeding, and I ask what experience they've had whelping the breed.  They don't know what whelping means, then, as if to excuse that, say they haven't actually owned a dog before!  It beggars belief!

Just had a idea.....This google map thing goes both ways. I have just googled a few breeders that have puppies for sale....some really nice lawns it must be said!

If my puppies ever appear please feel free to give me a google ! (PS just imagine a really lovely conservatory on the back and you'll be updated) LOL

I wouldn't expect you to ASK me - I would be telling you

I can understand entirely why breeders expect prospect owners to give evidence that they can provide a good home, can I just say that, just because an owner doesn't realise they may have to sell themselves, does not mean they would not make a good owner.  The average pet owner (and lets face it most puppies become pets), may only buy a few dogs in their lifetime, they will not be as clued up as those of us who live, sleep and breathe dogs.  Inspite of this they can still offer good homes.  So, rather than dismissing them because they don't automatically know what information they must offer, it may be worth asking the questions you want answered.

So, rather than dismissing them because they don't automatically know what information they must offer, it may be worth asking the questions you want answered.

Can really agree with this post, not everyone knows quite what to say, may be afraid to say to much (boring the breeder) may think the breeder may not want to know this and that, (too personal) or may not want to say more than the basics to someone they have not yet met (some people are more open 'face to face'.) They may not realise that when the breeder says everything....they really do mean everything

I look up the postcode on GOOGLE MAPS.

I live in a country area, only share a postcode with 3 others on the same lane. The 'arrow' lands quite squarley on my next door neighbour, even when I put my full address in! Same as for the others, it goes to this address. Our house is the oldest out of them all. The picture shown I can date to at least two and a half years ago, but it could be older, despite the google '2008' date stamp on the bottom of the page.

Not saying this is not a good idea, but all may not be as it seems, especially in a country area.

I have also checked for my parents address, they live in a country village, again the arrow was a good distance away from them. Maybe if 'they say' they live in the town and the address shows a farm in the middle of knowhere then somethings wrong but be careful just in case

Yes I think you are right...it is just a tool and a guide. It is only of value if the information they give is wrong. If they say they live on a farm or in the country you would expect it to show this.

If I had a puppy that was going to be huge and needed loads of space and exercise and the family  lived in a very small house with no garden just a tiny yard. You may decide it maynot be suitable. There is no right or wrong answers here ...we are all different and it would be your choice.

Google map would just give you a little bit more vision into a possible home and you would have to be careful not to let a fabulous home pass you by just because of what you thought you saw. This is why I ask questions too. As you say it maybe pointing to the wrong house and your possible family is the mansion next door!

Going back to the post about what would put me off vetting protential puppy owners:
The first thing I look for when they actually come and visit me and my dogs is to see how they ALL react to my dogs!
I have had a family come round and although they are stroking my dogs, the kids seem to be nervous and the mum kept brushing off the dog hair off her clothes!! Also when they first entered my house I noticed the parents shock on their faces at the size of three BMD's coming towards them it was a classic!

Where as another family I have met, the father got on the floor with the kids to play with my dogs and the mum asked me lots of questions about the breed and how to bring up a pup, this family had a puppy from me and have stayed intouch throughout and visit regularly.

I ALWAYS point out to people that the ANY dog needs to be insured, we go through the different quotes from insurance companies and we also discuss price of the best food, training classes, house training etc:

Another family when I asked how would they go about House training their pup if they got one, their reply was 'we would take him to obedience classes!' don't think they had fully understood that pups will 'toilet' in the house and need to be taught where to go!!

EDIT: to say that I also use the maps on the internet just to get an idea of where pups will be living, I find this very useful indeed x

Well Ive just Googled my post code and it shows a row of houses 150 yds away not ours which is detached with three good sized gardens.  It also has a bare space next to me where my neighbors have lived for 4 years!  Not sure its the best guide.

Good topic and some useful info to be had I'm sure

So far I have only permitted two pups to go to homes not previously experienced in my specific breed - therefore the others were known to me or well known to others in the breed who could vouch for their suitability.  That said, everyone was still vetted in general terms to ensure that should they have one of my precious bundles it was loved and nurtured to the exacting standards it had been before leaving my care

For those personally unknown to me completely, I "chat" initially about family members, so that I can get a feel for whether this proposed new addition is wanted by all household members.  I then establish who will be home for the puppy on a daily basis and for how long. 

I like to get around to how they feel the puppy is best introduced to existing house hold pets (if any) and how they will settle the puppy in - i.e. especially initially.  Anyone who is of the belief that leaving the pup to cry overnight and alone on it's first few nights isn't going to progress far. 

Equally on the training front I like to ensure that they favour positive and gentle techniques - if they are into rolled up newspapers, "rank reduction", or anything sounding too "hands on" in approach, we're wasting each others time  

Pups must also be assured to be living indoors - mine is not a breed which thrives in kennels and while some breeders and exhibitors may practice that method, is it definitely not for me or mine.

I discuss diet and the importance IMO of a good quality and varied food approach plus point out the possible future expenses of unexpected vet treatments so advise strongly on insuring.  I like to see owners that are willing to be broad minded here!

Buyers are/would be physically "home checked" by someone I trusted in the breed too, which goes some way to ensure peace of mind that info given is correct.

When meeting the pups on an initial visit (nobody would ever be allowed to take a puppy home immediately!) they would first meet the adults - much can be learned from seeing how folks behave towards the dogs and also the dogs towards them.  I find BSD's to be particularly good judges of character LOL.  When meeting and playing with the pups again I observe their actions/reactions - any family member freaked out by puppy poo, scratching or play biting isn't going to cope too well when they get the "real" experience umpteen times 24/7!

The latest puppy I vetted a home for I loved the people immediately   They came and met the adults, the pup's dam and my own pup from the litter and they couldn't have been more "into" dogs if they'd tried!  They both sat on the floor and played with all of the dogs, got covered in hair (mum casting profusely!) and didn't bat an eyelid or let out a squeak when being thoroughly chewed by my puppy and *almost* pee'd on!

IME and having discussed this at length with breeder friends, a lot is "gut instinct" too   Some folks may not come across as well as others at the "interview" stage (read interrogation ) but when meeting them and watching them around the dogs and pups we get a whole different view of them   Others who appear to give all the right answers may not come across so well when in the same situation.

There are probably 101 things I've forgotten to mention but this is getting lengthy enough!  The google maps is a great idea (with reported limitations) and one I'll remember for future reference!

my interogation...oops sorry i mean vetting also includes some of the very breed specific questions required for a breed like mine, such as do they have access to a private fenced area of many acres for free running etc.

i must say this threads really good for those of us who will be going to a breeder for the first time at some point. all our digs have been family pets before and it's been my mum and dad under examination (though i suppose my sis and i as well to a degree), it's nice to know what to do to make a good impression!

as a potential buyer i must say i'd be slightly scared but impressed by the third degree and would expect equal interest in answering my queries. when i eventually go to buy a dog myself i intend on taking a list of questions (so i don't forget things), i take it this would be well met by most breeders?

Wow what a insight, thanks everyone
Have you ever had to tell someone they are not suitable even if the puppy buyers have their heart set on one of your pups?
I know when i went to see my breeder, i was quite nervous as i knew i was gonna get a right grilling but after initial greetings i relaxed as soon as we started talking about the dogs
She also wanted to know lots of personal questions and importance of socialising and training and the breeds less desirable traits and what they can be like!! and was definitely good to meet with no pups there and see the Dam and her daughters, it also gives you time to reflect afterwards.....

> Just had a idea.....This google map thing goes both ways. I have just googled a few breeders that have puppies for sale....some really nice lawns it must be said!
>
> If my puppies ever appear please feel free to give me a google ! (PS just imagine a really lovely conservatory on the back and you'll be updated) LOL <IMG class=qButton title="Quote selected text" alt="Quote selected text" src="/images/mi_quote.gif">

Hahaha! Yeah my lawn is very patchy to say the least! Its a small price to pay though

And it has lovely 'tracks' through the borders where the pugs like to emulate F1 racing a la 'pug scoot' stylie! (All you pug owners out there will know what I mean)

> when i eventually go to buy a dog myself i intend on taking a list of questions (so i don't forget things), i take it this would be well met by most breeders?

Most definitely Kim.  If anyone came to me and didn't ask questions, I'd feel that they had no idea what they were letting themselves in for.  I had some people quite a while ago, who had happily answered all my questions, then they had their own.  How many litters had I bred, how many litters I would expect from my girls.  If I got rid of them after their breeding was over.  I was secretly chuffed, as it proved they wanted to make sure they weren't buying from a puppy farmer. 

They don't live close, but they even let me know when they moved house, so that we could stay in touch.  I've even had a doggie video sent!  I do feel that I've made friends with this family, and it's great!

> Have you ever had to tell someone they are not suitable even if the puppy buyers have their heart set on one of your pups?
>

Yes Hayley and I had no hesitation.  They asked loads of questions, which I answered as thoroughly as possible.  When it got to toilet training, they wanted to know what happened when the pup was left for TEN HOURS while they were both at work!!!

>Have you ever had to tell someone they are not suitable even if the puppy buyers have their heart set on one of your pups?

Yes, twice. Once when one of the children was nervous of the (very friendly) adults, and another where the boyfriend of the prospective purchaser treated the 6-week old pup as though it had been a cat - he tipped it off his lap, expecting it to land on its feet! They were politely shown the door.

Curious topic as I am looking to go breeder searching in a year or so and wondered what questions I face. I don't think I will have it easy at all since I will work to pay my bills and won't have a big garden. Interesting to see that some things are straight out "no"s without much thought to find out more - after all, no one is perfect and not everyone is experienced in how to approach a breeder correctly let alone find a reputable breeder in the first place. Which brings me onto a query I have.

I wanted to ask what all you breeders think about when it comes to all the people you do turn down that go elsewhere.

>I wanted to ask what all you breeders think about when it comes to all the people you do turn down that go elsewhere.

My first priority is to the pups I'm personally responsible for. My shoulders aren't broad enough to take responsibility for every single puppy born - that way lies madness. If I think someone isn't suitable for one of my puppies I might (depending on their attitude) suggest ways they can improve their lifestyle to make it more dog-friendly, but I whether or not they take my suggestions on board is up to them. If they decide to go elsewhere to a less conscientious breeder then I can't stop them.

That is where most of the pedigree rescues come from, as when the people realise that perhaps the ethical breeder ahd ben right and that bred or the time, situation were wrong, there is no good breeder to take responsibility for rehoming the pup/dog.

I wanted to ask what all you breeders think about when it comes to all the people you do turn down that go elsewhere.

I would say, if you read the posts on here regarding BYB, the responsible breeders on here have answered that question many times over They can't be responsible for every puppy bred, only their own, and what I would ask you is, if you have been out and spoken to those who have a damn good knowledge of their breed, know the pitfalls, and from experience can give you sound advice, why would you want to ignore it and buy from someone who dosent take all these points on board and is only happy to take the money, no questions asked? Or, are happy to sell leaving the onus on you? if that is what you mean

Fair replies. I just thought some of the comments in this thread were a little extreme. Yes, you only account for your own puppies and that is very admirable (I would so do the same) but to not even find out circumstances in some cases in the first place because a person didn't know how to address you seems a little odd. I guess some of you have good homes being thrown in your direction, how lucky!

I think I am an example of someone half of you would turn down, I am absolutely no saint of a dog owner and a novice at that. I bought a puppy from people who I shouldn't have bought her from. I had a vague idea, despite researching beforehand (obviously I didn't research enough, I know that now, but I thought I was clued up at the time), but it was too vague an idea. However, I fear that if I had gone through the "correct" route I would not have a beloved pet with me right now (who has NO chance of going to Pedigree rescue btw) because I am just a student (limited income), live in a flat (no garden) and a novice.

Despite all that, I have a dog that has been taken to the vet at whatever the cost (despite my low income - just sorted out a £800 bill though my insurance with a vet I trust that is twenty miles away, I have no car either so we got the train), take her for walks, tried to get her to a decent training class where possible, socialised in possibly the best place (a city centre!) and home with me minus an hour or two when I attend classes. Could I have been a better home for a puppy? Only if I was perfect - earning money from thin air and affording a manor perhaps.

I am absolutely no saint of a dog owner

Depends on what you call a saint, and I would disagree, you sound a wonderful owner who puts their dog first and has managed to work out a way to keep the dog emotionally and physically happy, and believe me you don't need a mansion or a huge bank account to do that!

I guess some of you have good homes being thrown in your direction, how lucky!

That is most likely true because people looking for a puppy may have seen this breeders dogs at shows, or have been in touch with a breed club and this breeder has been recommended, it may be from website advertising. People go on waiting lists and wait for the puppy. The ones who may struggle to find homes are those that have the odd BY,pet only litter without a waiting list and therefor only have a few short weeks of advertising to find homes. (Among other reasons! Many of which have been posted on CD)

if you look at the whole picture, and have the knowledge of the pitfalls, what type of homes are more likely to be bad for the puppy or not long lasting, if you know where the dogs in rescue normally come from, a breeder may well err on the side of caution and not chose that home for their puppies. Would you expect any less? Living in a built up area, I would have an educated guess that you know of homes that you wouldn't put a dog in. Money and mansions don't = a perfect home either! And I bet those are turned down also.

but to not even find out circumstances in some cases in the first place because a person didn't know how to address you seems a little odd

I can understand your feelings re this, some people can present themselves in a poor light from nerves and not knowing what to say. A good home could well be lost by this, and gentle polite conversation can put people at ease and get them talking. But, at the end of the day, people work within their own guidelines and preferences and with so many cruely treated and abandoned dogs around, who can blame them?

I hope your dog is OK now, £800 bill sounds as if it was a bit of a problem

When we wanted our border collie I found the web site I liked (Worcester we live in Hampshire) and I wrote to the Breeder about why we wanted a border collie. He then asked my husband to go and meet him, which he did and they took all (he has about 20+ that he breeds and trains) up with the sheep. Only then could I pay the £400 and go on a waiting list. We visited again and picked our boy and again to pick him up. The breeder was interested in our home, exercise routine, vet cover, general "feel for my husband". My husband walks over 3 miles to walk with Jake, I do luch times, then 3 miles home plus out for hours with both dogs weekends. I have my "own" cocker that I walk to work and off somewhere on the way home. Both dogs are exercised together weekend. We still keep in touch with both breeders, and Jake is ISDS dog so he's special to us and we hope to try him with sheep later ( possibly back with his breeder).
I would have not bought from a breeder that just took my money and showed no interest in who or where the pup was going to.
My own dog was researched through the kennel club list of breeders and I followed the guide lines on Kennel club web page as these are the first pedigree dogs we had ever had and the first dogs. Since I was a child we tended to have bitches and mutts!! and I loved them all and we shed many tears when they died.

Viv

Thank you for asking about my dog. She is good but not great, still recovering from it I think as she has a tendency to limp still. Better than she was, however.

I really don't blame breeders for looking out for their puppies and finding the best homes but it is a little pet hate of mine that so many homes are ignored that would be excellent (same goes for rescues that turn people away - they have less of an excuse, imo, with so many dogs in a situation worse than that they would find in a new home that isn't perfect).

I get the feeling that I could be turned down when I approach breeders in a year's time even though I clearly bend over backwards for my current dog! It doesn't seem entirely fair when you look at it from that perspective.

I think the poor breeders/rehomers are being damned if they're choosy and damned if they're not.

Too true. Guess the key is find everything you possibly can about everyone interested and assess on an individual basis.

I would be so infuriated if I was turned down for something as simple as me living in a flat!

Or not having a landline, I don't have one and I'm sure with the use of mobiles these days lots of people don't.

I got one a year after moving in. Paying £125 to install a line and then pay line rental when you could just use a mobile doesn't always make sense.

The trouble is that a landline is a sign of genuine and reasonably permanent residence. A mobile number is untraceable - someone could buy your precious pup then vanish off the face of the earth, and who knows what could happen to the pup? Pups have been bought by very plausible people and the next thing the breeder knows is the pup's been sold on - even exported.

A look at the electoral register for the area would help to reassure a caring breeder that the buyer is genuine.

> I really don't blame breeders for looking out for their puppies and finding the best homes but it is a little pet hate of mine that so many homes are ignored that would be excellent (same goes for rescues that turn people away - they have less of an excuse, imo, with so many dogs in a situation worse than that they would find in a new home that isn't perfect).
>

couldn't agree more (seems the same problem with adoption of kids in my view! restricted age, financial situation etc... anyway, tangent)

i'm in pretty much the same situation as you moneywise etc messyhearts, away to graduate, living in a flat (with garden though but upstairs!), and generally not the perfect situation, but frankly what is? very few people have a large house, plenty of money for everything AND will be at home all day.

i think the best thing anyone can do is be totally honest about their lifestyle to the breeders at first contact so at least no ones time is wasted.

i really dont blame breeders though, you've gotta be careful these days

>i think the best thing anyone can do is be totally honest about their lifestyle to the breeders at first contact

couldn't agree more.  Sometimes our "strictest" criteria can be bent even if not entirely broken when we are in touch with the "right" people   Ideally all homes would have huge walled gardens, a stay at home "parent", no children, massive income but with no inclination to go foreign holidays - preferably a resident vet in the household LOL, I could go on forever! 

Teri

lol seems unlikely and if someone said they had all that to me i'd be very suspicious! to good to be true, wheres the other shoe and when will it drop?

i have found this thread very interesting..my girl is on day 54 and this is "our" first time.. i take both points it is so true you caint judge a book by the cover..my other cav girl is a rescue to cut a long story short my OH is a black cab driver and he kept telling me about a cav that when ever he passed what ever the weather was left outside! all i could do was worry about her then he happend to pick the man of the house up (this was a very! nice area he lived in) he "just happend;)" to bring the subject up about the dog and said his wife wanted another cav and offerd him £400 for her he snapped his hand off for the money while saying "the bitch was a pain in the f****** ass.. he brought her home to me OMG!! she was sooo! thin! and iv never seen so many fleas in all my life! we took her upstairs put her in a warm bath and she just sat there while i washed her..my OH drove all the way to our nearest tesco wich is open 24/7 to buy flea treatment he came back and i caint tell you how many huge!!! fleas we pulled off her she was sooooo! filthy you could not see the white of her fur and shes blenhiem, we brought her down wrapped in a towel and i sat infront of the fire with her on my knee she didnt flinch she just looked up at me as if to say THANK YOU!!.. iv had her 3 years now and i swear she is the most loving kind baby you will ever meet everyone who meets her wants to take her home really.. anyway the point is the home she was saved!!! from was a lovely big detached home in a really nice area?? once again you really caint tell a book by its cover!!

Fantastic story, thank you so much for rescuing the poor Cav! Great thread also for those of us who haven't bred much, it was quite worrying how to be sure I would pick the right homes. I did ask most of the right questions, and I let my adults bounce all over them when they arrived to view and checked for any hints of brushing hair away, so hopefully we are ok - so far the new owners seem thrilled with the puppies we had last year.

Loads of great info to be had here, thanks for your replies

> guess some of you have good homes being thrown in your direction, how lucky!
>
>

Fortunately I have more people wanting pups than I could ever possibly breed.  Meaning that once I've decided which pup (or pups) I want to show, I can afford to be picky.  And surely, that's my prerogative.

> I can afford to be picky.  And surely, that's my prerogative

Absolutely, of course any breeder will want the best homes for their pups.  If you have lots of good homes waiting, you will still want the best of those homes.  I guess I was just pointing out that first impressions aren't always what they seem, and puppy buyers do not necessarily know how a breeder would want to be approached - after all, they may have little or no experience - it doesn't mean they will not offer the puppy a good or possibly superb home.

What I want to see in a prospective home is enthusiasm, in addition to all the usual requirements    To me, getting a puppy is a privilege, exciting and a big responsibility.   A puppy buyer who makes contact and then doesn't bother keeping in touch and turns up weeks later just wanting to take pup away and pay is ringing alarm bells in my head, why would a puppy owner not want to get to know the breeder and pups as much as possible in the weeks of waiting? what are they trying to hide?   Why wouldn't a puppy buyer be totally excited ? Just doesn't sit right with me

Yes I really loved the ones I had from Cardiff who came to see each pup they had from me every week from Birth, Cardiff to Bristol with bridge toll to pay.

Interestingly they live in a flat and could have been dismissed offhand if not for their enthusiasm, evident commitment and practical provision in all eventualities.

They knew how they would house train, and that it would maybe take longer, what they would do if pup wasn't happy being left and disturbed the neighbours etc.

In fact when the job the husband had was moving location to over an hour travelling each way, eh gave the job up and trained to become a Taxi driver, so that he could fit work around the then dog (later two dogs).  wife worked alternate late and afternoon and evening shifts and the alternate week when they were out at the same time for three hours they had a dog sitter in.

When they told me that the dog sitter was undermining their training, and adolescent was becoming a pain over things he was allowed to do I told them to get rid of the dog sitter as consistency in training was more important than the dog being left for three hours a day every other week, so they taught boy to be left alone in the weeks she was home by going out to a neighbours to see how he would be and of course he was fine.

As a breeder though I am the one who will be picking up the pieces and having to take back any dog where the homing fails, so it is in my own and pups best interests to as far as is humanly possible to maximise the chances of a successful homing in the first place.  It may be luck, or experience, but I have had fewer home failures in more recent litters than in my first few, so fine tuning my vetting (gut instinct) must be working.

The reason that some other kinds of breeders are easy to buy a pup from, is they take no interest in it after sale.  So if the new owner runs into problems, gets bored etc, ti is rescue that picks up the pieces, or the poor dog is passed around from pillar to post.