Question for our Ethical Breeders - Page 2

Sagesmom · 06-04-2008, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hound

I wouldn't have any problems with it (I don't breed dobies thou, I do do Afghans). I have a bunch of small animals myself (cats) and a parrot as well (eclectus).

I'd probably focus on evaluating the puppies temperments as well but then I assume most breeders do. Of course more talking but no red flags to me.

Afghans are my 2nd favorite breed, I just don't think I could handle a dog that had better hair than me..... LOL.

More talking I understand. As a matter of fact I don't think I could (after being on this forum anyway) feel comfortable with a breeder who didn't want to know more about me and my life. I think that they should have as many questions for me as I have for them.

Sagesmom · 06-04-2008, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tosca

Your profile shows you're in Idaho Falls - Idaho, I'm assuming? There are dobe breeders who are not all that far from you, so you likely wouldn't have to look at shipping.

As far as what else folks might want to know - what 'bout fenced yard? Reason(s) you're seeking a 2nd doberman? Where do your dogs live - meaning how are they involved in your life? I usually ask for a description of a day in the life of your doberman.

Your letter is a good start, but most breeders will want to know more, I'm sure.

Yes I am in Idaho. I know that there are some in Washington State and I know there is a club in Salt Lake City (Utah), at the time I was looking for a mentor to help me with my bitch, and maybe someone as crazy as I am about this breed to become friends with. If there are others I would love to know where they are....

I don't at this time have a fenced yard of my own (like I said I am in no way able to have a second dog anytime in the near future) but will have when I decide it is time to have another dog. My current dog is my best friend, I have her outside with me about 6 times a day, and we go to classes (basic obedience) once a week (she has passed the class 3 times now, but we go for the socialization with other dogs and their people) she is the first thing I see in the morning and the last thing I see before I go to bed. She sleeps with my husband and I (often taking up more of the bed than we do), and my children haven't had a sleep over at our house in 2.5 years as we don't want to have to lock Sage up for that long (she can't be trusted with strange children). As funny as it sounds Sage is the reason that I want a puppy (that I may never have). If a tempermentaly sound doberman is half as smart, and loving and devoted to the family, I don't see how anyone could have any other breed.

tosca · 06-04-2008, 03:33 PM

There are breeders in Idaho, too - I couldn't state exactly where, but there are a couple of breeders listed in the DPCA referral for Idaho:

Breeder Referral - Official DPCA Breeder Referral Directory

Also, there are shows in Idaho - upcoming in Filer, Blackfoot, and Boise - you will likely run into a few 'locals' there, too. Check at the superintendent's web site:

Jack Onofrio Dog Shows, Show Information

As far as actually getting another dog - your approach is realistic, i.e., that you really need a fenced yard before venturing into multi-doberman-ownership-land. Sounds like you're doing a great job with Sage!

Sagesmom · 06-04-2008, 04:53 PM

I am going to try like hell to get to the show in Blackfoot, my work schedule hasn't ever allowed me to do so before now so it is on my list of things to do this summer. There is also a show here in Idaho Falls usually in August sometime. I will try to make that one too..... I love my new job really I do.

**lolonurse** · 06-09-2008, 02:09 AM

Hi Destiny - You sound like a very sensible, level-headed person. Have you checked to see if there is a Doberman Club in Idaho Falls, or somewhere nearby? Although some clubs can be kind of political or snobby at first, until they get to know you and "what you're about", there is a lot you can learn from all the knowledgeable members and their experiences. And they always have meets, classes, info about rescue dogs, etc.
We really feel so much better about a breeder who gives us the third degree before considering us for a puppy - and now that we are planning to get a show prospect, the questions are basic and beyond. It shows they really care, and want to ensure the best home and chance for success. Plus, some want to be able to keep in touch for the life of the dog - which I find charming! And many insist on taking the dog back if you can't keep it, which shows how committed they are to protecting their "children".
We have 3 Dobermans, down from 4 because of the recent death of our wonderful Alex. We also have 3 cats, and until recently, a couple of parakeets, who died of being ancient not too long ago. And, does a mother-in-law count as a pet? But we are fortunate to be home most of the time, and someone is always here, so our dogs believe that we are their personal assistants. They know how to tell us when they want a fan on, or the TV, or if there are wrinkles in their blankies, heaven forbid. Not TOO spoiled. LOL.
A lot of breeders will ship pups - it is not at all uncommon. We do not care for the look or lines of the Dobermans in our area, and have done a lot of research about breeders all over the US, Canada, Europe, South America... We got 2 of ours from a kennel in Washington, whose owner is also an international Doberman judge. Alaska Air was the carrier, and they did an excellent job. Well, probably more than you wanted to know for now!! Lois

Lexxsmom · 06-09-2008, 07:09 AM

i find it interesting that in most posts on this board people are instructed not to limit themselves to breeders in their area, but then the first response to this letter was that breeders like to pick people close to them... i find this hypocritical...I understand wanting to know the person and i certainly agree that many breeders are not picky ENOUGH, but is distance really a big deterrent to most breeders?

also, i found that the more questions i was asked, the happier i was with the breeder.. i felt that they really cared about their dogs and that made me feel a lot more comfortable considering getting a dog from them, but at the same time, several breeders refused to consider me simply due to my age.... i found this to be extremely offensive and biased. so i guess it all depends on the person.

**Colorado Dobes** · 06-09-2008, 10:30 AM

Leanne, I am kind of worried about the distance issue for when I start looking for another pup, too. I don't know of anyone close to me that I would buy a puppy from. I have spoken to several breeders that I would be interested in talking to about a pup when I am ready, and some won't sell to me because I'm too far away, and others just kind of stopped speaking to me for reasons unknown. I'm afraid of what's going to happen when I get ready to start puppy hunting. And I know I'm a good home. My dogs are very well taken care of and I love them dearly. One of the frustrating aspects of trying to do the right thing...

Murreydobe · 06-09-2008, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lexxsmom

i find it interesting that in most posts on this board people are instructed not to limit themselves to breeders in their area, but then the first response to this letter was that breeders like to pick people close to them... i find this hypocritical...I understand wanting to know the person and i certainly agree that many breeders are not picky ENOUGH, but is distance really a big deterrent to most breeders?

also, i found that the more questions i was asked, the happier i was with the breeder.. i felt that they really cared about their dogs and that made me feel a lot more comfortable considering getting a dog from them, but at the same time, several breeders refused to consider me simply due to my age.... i found this to be extremely offensive and biased. so i guess it all depends on the person.

I think every good breeder is going to work within their own comfort level when placing their puppies. Their policies may vary because of that. People may make exception to their stated policies if a potential puppy buyer is able to prove they're exceptional.

I just don't find anything offensive or biased about people trying to do the best they can for their puppies. Many times this is based on prior experience-and thats a hard thing to rise above if you've had a bad experience in the past. In the end, puppies belong to the breeder, and it's their right to set any placement policies they think necessary.

**velmadobe** · 06-09-2008, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colorado Dobes

Leanne, I am kind of worried about the distance issue for when I start looking for another pup, too. I don't know of anyone close to me that I would buy a puppy from. I have spoken to several breeders that I would be interested in talking to about a pup when I am ready, and some won't sell to me because I'm too far away, and others just kind of stopped speaking to me for reasons unknown. I'm afraid of what's going to happen when I get ready to start puppy hunting. And I know I'm a good home. My dogs are very well taken care of and I love them dearly. One of the frustrating aspects of trying to do the right thing...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lexxsmom

i find it interesting that in most posts on this board people are instructed not to limit themselves to breeders in their area, but then the first response to this letter was that breeders like to pick people close to them... i find this hypocritical...I understand wanting to know the person and i certainly agree that many breeders are not picky ENOUGH, but is distance really a big deterrent to most breeders?

also, i found that the more questions i was asked, the happier i was with the breeder.. i felt that they really cared about their dogs and that made me feel a lot more comfortable considering getting a dog from them, but at the same time, several breeders refused to consider me simply due to my age.... i found this to be extremely offensive and biased. so i guess it all depends on the person.

As a breeder I just felt the need to keep my pet puppies (heck ALL of my puppies) geographically close to me. As time goes on I may relax that some - especially as I get to know more and more people. However, to send a puppy a good distance away would require a good deal of trust - and in order to have that, I need to either know the person personally or REALLY know and trust the person that is vouching for them.

It is not a matter of whether I think someone will be a good home or not - it really is being that safety net that I say I am - it is hard to do from 2000 miles away.

As far as age, that is more of a person by person thing for me. I do think that *most* young people are just not settled enough for me to be comfortable with - BUT there are exceptions and for me it goes back to the knowing and trusting part. I think when someone is very young, I also want to feel that their family is very supportive and able to help if needed - so it is a package deal IMHO.

**Colorado Dobes** · 06-09-2008, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by velmadobe

It is not a matter of whether I think someone will be a good home or not - it really is being that safety net that I say I am - it is hard to do from 2000 miles away.

I can definitely understand what you mean by wanting to be a safety net. I would want to do the same if I were in your shoes. Breeding is a huge responsibility. I want to buy from someone who sees it as such.