Does anyone in your house have allergies to dogs?
One of the most common situations I run into selling puppies are people searching for hypoallergenic options, due to allergies to dogs. Be the first to ask about this! No dog is truly hypoallergenic and because everyone is different, one person who has an intolerance to dog fur might have no reaction to a Goldendoodle, but a person with a severe allergy could break out in hives with even a purebred Poodle! Encourage the person with allergies to come meet the puppy in person before they take them home, it’s better to know now then in three months that you cannot be in the same room with your puppy!
What would a normal day be like for our puppy when they join your family?
This is one of my favorite questions because it gives me a clear picture of who my puppy is going to live with and what their life will be like! When someone gives you a detailed itinerary of how their puppy will be spoiled, you learn what the customer feels should be the standard of living for their puppy and in turn what they expect you to already be providing their precious pup. I once had a gentleman who told me he did not believe in putting a dog in a cage. Instead of having the mother in a crate when he came to visit the puppies, I had her clipped on a leash by my side. Making minor adjustments to the atmosphere when a customer visits can make them feel comfortable about adopting your puppy. No two people will agree on everything when it comes to raising a puppy, that’s ok! Be honest, but try to be courteous of people’s feelings and beliefs towards their dogs as it will result in a much better customer relationship!
Have you ever had a puppy before?
Customers who have owned a puppy previously know the joys and challenges of raising a dog! You are likely only to hear from them when they want to share their proud moments, puppy milestones, or birthdays. First time owners fluctuate between being excited and clueless and will contact you to ask simple questions about potty training, grooming, and socialization. Remember… you signed up for this! It’s your job to be helpful and patient, but many of us have full time jobs and families who require our attention! Learning to become proficient at directing customers to resources like trainers, videos, and literature where they can learn to help themselves is more efficient than trying to be their personal round-the-clock puppy guide!
With their striking intelligence and undeniable charm, have long held a special place in the hearts of dog enthusiasts worldwide. These remarkable herding dogs, known for their elegant appearance and unwavering loyalty, are much more than just a pretty face. Collies have a rich history as working dogs, initially bred in the rugged Scottish Highlands for their herding prowess.
POPULAR MYTH: Selling my puppies with a health guarantee only benefits the buyer and is a great way to stir up trouble.
Whelping has always been an interesting and challenging subject for me. So much can go wrong, but when you have the experience and tools needed to help it go as smoothly as possible, it can be such a pleasant and exciting time. A bad whelping experience leaves a breeder with a bad feeling in the pit of his or her stomach for days, while a nice, problem free whelping experience can leave us feeling elated and rewarded.
Read along as we tap into the expertise of five dog breeders, in a variety of settings, with an amazing variety of advice and knowledge. Not every dog breeder agrees on all of the details, but as you know, there can be more than one way to something successfully. The goal for this Panel Discussion is to give advice and ideas, and then you, the breeder, can figure out how to implement what’s beneficial into your whelping program.
Oh, and don’t forget, this is only half of the questions! There’s more coming next time!
