Why I asked Sarah to write this blog.
The puppy world has recently gone crazy and because people seem so desperate to get a puppy, I am concerned that they will, unknowingly, be buying from a puppy farm and getting more than they bargain for:
· the puppies may have serious health issues that could end up costing you a fortune later on in life
· they will have most likely been kept in terrible conditions that you won’t have seen, as these illegal breeders rent houses to make it look like they are in a home for viewing purposes
· they may have had limited socialisation
Sarah is a fellow dog listener and an amazing breeder of Sproodles. She gives her puppies the best start in life and the best future by making sure they all go to the best homes.
Sarah Greeff from Happy Stress-Free Dogs
First and foremost, simply find someone you like and trust, who is honest and transparent about what they do.
I started my first planned litter for the health of my three year old dog instead of getting her spayed. I fell in love with the whole process and the joy the puppies gave to so many people. It seemed unfair not to get more wonderful puppies from Lupin my Springer and Rudi the miniature poodle stud dog...who loves his job!
I chose Rudi because he belongs to an established breeder of cockerpoos so he was proven and had every health test clear. I liked Kelly his owner and trusted her, her experience also helped me in the beginning.
Most hobby breeders advertise on Pets 4 Homes. Read through the information they have written and look at the photos then contact them very quickly if you like what you see. Don’t hesitate for a second or they will all be sold!
You are looking for at least one set of health tests from one parent as that will mean the puppies will be clear of any genetic diseases. Then expect to answer some personal questions before a meet and greet is set up, this will happen before you have met any of the dogs. Once you have passed the interview stage you will be invited to meet the dogs. If the mother is still pregnant this is simple, if she has already had the litter it will be at a respectful distance with no eye contact and done very quietly. Deposits are usually asked for once a puppy is reserved in my case within a couple of days once they are born and healthy. I invite owners to my private owners Sproodle group on Facebook where I share daily video updates and show them everything that I am doing with the puppies.
I get my owners to meet and choose their puppy at 4 weeks and then ask for a second payment and give it a name so I can start name training. I have a publically available programme of socialisation I do with the dogs over the 8 weeks. I then arrange collection or personal delivery and final payment.
I am a Jan Fennell trained Dog Listener. I give my owners full support throughout the life of their dog to help with any issues that may arise. I give as much advice as an owner wants to make sure the first year is as easy as it can be with none of the myriad of problems that can happen when you don’t know what you are doing. Having a puppy become part of your family is challenging and joyful.
(Footnote: During the Covid pandemic situation the puppy world went crazy. Suddenly everyone decided they wanted a dog and demand outstripped supply, prices shot up. Most established breeders have been inundated and have very long waiting lists, myself included. Even during normal times my litters are sold from a waiting list. If I do advertise and interview then its usually within a couple of days and every puppy is sold).
Sarah Greeff