You’re a loving dog owner, excited to find the perfect homes for your litter of puppies- so be careful of these warning signs as you screen potential families to become your babies’ forever companion.
If you see these danger signs, RUN! (Or, at least, kindly refuse to sell a puppy to this family- for the pup’s own good!)
Keep in mind, these people aren’t BAD (in fact, they are often quite nice), but they may not be educated or well suited to give your puppy the best life… YET! Read to the end to find out how YOU can guide a well-meaning family to turn a less-than-ideal shopper into an educated, thoughtful, and well-prepared one!
Warning Sign #1: Clueless Carl
Clueless Carl has no idea about the breed he wants to purchase, the process of raising a puppy, or the heaviness of the commitment he is about to make to this pup. He is carried away by excitement and a pretty dream, without understanding the difficult things that come with raising a pup.
Simply put- no research.
When a person signs up for a major commitment, such as loving a pup for the next 10-18 years of his life, with NO RESEARCH, there is a high chance that this person will be dissatisfied with the choice he makes. That could mean your pup 1) has a poor quality of life or 2) your pup could be rehomed.
A proper shopper is well aware of what temperament he prefers, what qualities of the breed he likes and dislikes, what common health or veterinary needs the breed has, grooming needs, training needs, exercise requirements/energy level, etc.- plus a great shopper is emotionally and financially prepared to handle all of that.
You can be the difference in educating Clueless Carl. Be prepared with lots of information about your breed, about raising puppies, training, etc. to give to families who are considering one of your babies. If Clueless Carl takes this information, educates himself, and comes back to you with a much more informed decision, you might consider working with him after all!
That’s why every one of my families gets a “Preparing for Puppy Packet”- which can be found at the link below:
Warning Sign #2: Fashionista Fiona
Fashionista Fiona cares about the LOOKS of the puppy above all else.
This is one of my BIGGEST warning signs because it is a problem that can’t always be fixed. Try as I might, many Fashionista Fionas cannot be redirected to focus on the temperament instead. They’re prideful and will not easily accept that they need to change.
More often than not, a Fashionista Fiona takes home a pup that is not the right match for them because they did not consider important characteristics like temperament of the pup. This can lead to frustration and short-term placement. No bueno. Don’t let that be your puppy!
Warning Sign #3: Double-or-Nothing Dan
Double-or-Nothing Dan wants to purchase multiple pups at once.
VERY few responsible dog owners can or will try to raise multiple puppies in one go. It’s a training nightmare- how to give each one enough attention, how to keep both busy. You’re risking Littermate Syndrome, or WORSE- some buyers may actually be trying to purchase a pup at a low price only to resell your baby!
Responsible buyers- who prefer to own multiple dogs- have a different approach. Instead of purchasing two or more puppies, they home one pup, raise him or her to be 2 years old or older, then find the perfect buddy for their dog. This spreads out the training needs and gives the new pup a responsible example of good dog behavior.
If you have a buyer trying to purchase multiples, watch out! This warning sign means they could have bad intentions. Even if they have GOOD intentions, the chances of success are lower. Not ideal for your baby!
Warning Sign #4: Grandma Greta
Grandma Greta can’t wait for her fur baby to have fur babies of her own- making her a grandmother! That could be ok or NOT OK- based on Grandma Greta’s ethics, knowledge, preparedness, and commitment level.
Any buyer who wants breeding rights needs to be screened twice as carefully. How will you know if the pup is going to an ethical and responsible breeding program versus a puppy mill? Will she be a loved pet or will her health be disregarded for money?
Here are some helpful resources to know if Grandma Greta is going to be ethical:
Understanding When to Breed a Female in a Healthy Way
Obtaining Genetics Health Testing
Ovoid Over-Breeding your Female
Proper Pairing Families to Puppies
Protect your baby carefully- this could be a major part of his or her future!
Warning Sign #5: See-Ya Sebastian
See-Ya Sebastian wants NO contact with his dog’s breeder after bringing the puppy home.
That is a problem for anyone who honestly loves their babies. We don’t raise them in the very best way until 8-12 weeks just to abandon them!
We are an active part of their lives forever- enjoying pictures and videos from their families as they grow, sharing tips on training/exercise/health with the family, and even using their adult characteristics to best guide our future breeding practices (after all, the goal is to improve the breed).
Any person who does not want a relationship with me, doesn’t get a relationship with my babies.
Warning Sign #6: Pushy Pete
Pushy Pete wants to rush the purchase of the puppy without getting to know you as the breeder or giving you time to get to know him.
He wants what he wants- NOW.
Sorry Pushy Pete- there’s a process to go through.
- For me, I begin by texting to answer all the basic questions that a family has (and yes- I expect them to have questions). This could be routine things like: the breed’s traits, the puppies’ expected adult size, the date at which the puppies are old enough to go home, etc. I prefer to save a lot of my questions for the next step.
- Next, I expect an in-person visit or a video call. In this step, I ask LOTS of in depth questions of the family. I like to ask my questions here rather than over text because I can get the person’s true and honest reaction to my question.
- I expect the family to have further questions for me during our meeting, and I expect questions of a deeper level. These could include: wanting to know about the puppies’ parents, wanting to see the puppies’ environment, asking about temperament differences between individual puppies, and screening my ethics as a breeder.
- After this chat, I expect both of us to take some time to consider. I’m not a “rush it” kinda person (not about my babies anyways!).
- It’s not uncommon to choose a second in person visit or video call to clarify or ask further questions that we did not think of the first time.
- At this point, after much consideration on both sides, we have gathered enough information to make an informed decision in the puppy’s best interest.
Pushy Pete can’t skip steps- not in my house! Here, it’s all about what is best for the pup. If he complies with the process, he may be found to be a suitable home. If he refuses, I’m not going to work with him.
Warning Sign #7: Casual Carrie
Casual Carrie sees the pup as a transaction, not a living animal with feelings and needs. She doesn’t seem to understand the magnitude of the decision she is making in selecting the perfect pup for her family. She thinks any pup will do, or all pups are the same.
It’s tricky to change an underlying belief system such as this one. Major red flag for me.
Warning Sign #8: Hidden Hank
Hidden Hank hides behind technology- never wanting to meet in person or video-chat, always coming up with an excuse or avoiding. Often, he’s asking to send money or receive money.
I’ve come to realize that Hidden Hank is a scam artist. He’s got some clever way to screw me over, and I simply won’t participate.
No video call or meeting, no working together. Always.
Warning Sign #9: Money Margie
Money Margie is focused only on dollar signs. She often asks for discounts and demands more and more from the breeder- all at the tiniest price she can manage. She is needy and greedy and no fun to work with. Sometimes, she even tries to money-gauge you after bringing her puppy home.
What’s the first giveaway that you’ve got a Money Margie on your hands?? The first question, before any other consideration about the pup, is PRICE.
She’s hyper focused on it and not enough on other important questions. WARNING, WARNING, WARNING! Consider jumping ship now before things get worse.
The second way to protect yourself from her is to review all the financial commitments up front with all customers, then sign a receipt so that everything is laid out. Get down to the nitty gritty- some Money Margie’s will demand perks later, such as delivering their puppy for free, which could cost you a bundle unless you’ve got a policy in place to protect yourself.
A contract provides further safety against situations like Money Margie demanding that you pay vet bills right after your (healthy) puppy joins her home.
Click below for templates to your own customizable Receipts and Contracts!
One further note about Money Margie- maybe she is picky about money because money is particularly tight for her.
I don’t judge her for that, not for a second, but I do need to know that the puppy’s training, grooming, veterinary, and other needs (which can all cost big $$$) are completely met. A family who is struggling financially may not be ready for a pup- beyond the up front cost. We’ve got to look long-term and be sure it’s a great fit!
Warning Sign #10: Uncommitted Ursula
An Uncommitted Ursula yanks your chain, requires a lot of work from you as a breeder. She seems serious and yet, she can’t commit to any pup. She’s full of excuses and ultimately, she just drags you on and on and on.
She often visits litter after litter without selecting a pup. She drains your time.
The best cure for an Uncommitted Ursula? Let her see that your time is limited and valuable. Don’t make yourself available for every appointment that she requests. If she gets more serious, great! If not, then your time is protected.
Warning Sign #11: Overloaded Oliver
Overloaded Oliver doesn’t know what he wants. He’s got analysis paralysis over the decision of finding a pup.
Although he’s got good intentions, the end result is much like Uncommitted Ursula- lots of work for the breeder with no results.
The good news is- YOU are the perfect person to help Overloaded Oliver. Simplify for him by making a few decisions yourself, narrowing things down, and then he can make the final (much simpler) choice.
- Ask him LOTS of questions to gather the best map of his needs as you can.
- Is the breed even right for him? If not, you can tell him outright and part ways.
- What temperament does he need? If you don’t have a pup that fits that bill, on he goes.
- If you DO have a pup or two of the temperament that he needs, you can introduce him to ONLY those two puppies instead of the entire litter. It’s much easier for Overloaded Oliver to make a decision between two perfect pups rather than the group as a whole.
Warning Sign #12: Not-for-Me Nancy
Beware of Not-For-Me Nancy- a kind person who wants to purchase the pup as a gift for someone else.
What’s the problem with that, you might ask? The person who ultimately receives the pup is the person that you need to get to know. You need to be screening THEM- not the person with cash. It’s all about ensuring the pup has a perfect family!
If you can meet and get to know both, you might have a great home.
Keep in the back of your mind- does the person receiving the gift still have financial security to care for the pup? Sometimes a well-meaning giver steps in to provide a person with something that they could not get otherwise, but our babies require ongoing financial commitment. Can the receiver still meet that need?
Warning Sign #13: Unstable Uriah
Unstable Uriah can be an excellent person, but simply lack the life situation that the pup needs. That could be (based on the breed and pup’s needs): living in an apartment, lacking a fenced yard, financial insecurity, mental health insecurity, living in a transitional time of life (such as in college- what happens if you get a job and have to move- will the dog come with you?), etc.
We don’t blame Unstable Uriah for any of his life challenges (After all, life’s tough folks!) but we don’t have to send one of our babies to share in those challenges.
My pup needs to have his grooming, vet, training, and safety needs met- no matter what!
Unstable Uriah can grow to become the perfect family for one of my pups- but I have to kindly tell him, “Not yet- keep working at it! Let’s talk in a year or two.”
Warning Sign #14: Crate Caroline
Crate Caroline is a business woman (or man) who is never home. Because she’s never home, she assumes the best way to care for her pet is to crate him or her during the day.
Not my pups. Never.
Every family who homes one of my dogs has to explain to me their plan to give the puppy a great life, balancing work needs. If those two things are out of balance, this won’t work.
Warning Sign #15: Momma Madeline
Momma Madeline is NOT a bad lady- she’s quite lovely, patient, and sweet. She has a lot of children OR young children.
The question is: Has Momma Madeline prepared her children for the puppy? Do the children understand how to be gentle with the pup? Does the pup have a safe space at home if he needs a break from the children? Do the children understand how to read the pup’s body language if he does not like the way they are playing?
If a pup feels unsafe or afraid of the children, he could bite- resulting in a hurt child and a rehomed pup. Better to get ahead of that situation.
Some breeds are never well suited for a family with small children, especially tiny breeds like Yorkies. A small accident could mean death for a pup that small. Other breeds are wonderful for children. Step 1- consider if your breed should be considered for this family.
If you allow a family with small children to be the forever family for your pup, be sure the family is well educated and well prepared- but not just the parents! Children can learn 1- what kind of play a puppy enjoys, 2- how to recognize a stressed dog, and 3- to leave the dog alone when he is in his “safe space”. These 3 tips can be the difference between a successful home or the shelter!
Warning Sign #16: Pack Patrick
What if Momma Madeline is a fur momma instead? Then I call him Pack Patrick because he loves his pack of dogs!
Pack Patrick is also a great guy and could be a great home, under the right situation. After all, he clearly loves his dogs!
I would consider placing one of my puppies with Pack Patrick if he understands his current dogs’ temperaments, needs, and limitations to best choose a pup that will successfully integrate into his home.
Quiz him down in depth about how he plans to introduce the dogs to each other. A successful introduction often takes days before the dogs are allowed to fully interact.
- The dogs should be separated until the pup is comfortable. Introductions should be one step at a time- first, the dogs should be allowed to see each other from a distance.
- Then, the dogs should be allowed to smell each other through a barrier like a gate.
- Third, the owner can carry the pup near the other dogs. Don’t set him down!
- Fourth, the owner can sit an hold the pup to allow the other dogs to say hello.
- Finally the dogs can play. ****Each step is based on the pup’s comfort level. If he ever seems nervous or scared, the owner should back up a step and slow the process.
The dogs will establish dominancy. The owner should have a plan (including contacting a professional trainer) in case this process does not go smoothly. Some squabbles can turn into lifelong quarrels if not handled correctly from the get go.
Click here to shop our Whelping Kit!
Warning Sign #17: Wishy-Washy Wanda
Our girl Wishy-Washy Wanda knows that you’re screening her and that she can’t have puppy unless she passes your test.
Therefore, she’s focused on telling you whatever she thinks you want to hear. Because she’s slowly figuring you out, her story may change throughout the course of the conversation as she’s trying to get her answers right.
The problem with that… we honestly need to know what kind of a home Wanda is planning to give a puppy. This isn’t the time for flattery! It’s in Wishy-Washy Wanda’s best interest to be honest so that she and the puppy can be successful together!
Sometimes reminding her of this fact is all that is needed to help her relax and speak her truth. Warning signs averted (hopefully)! If she can’t be straight with me, I’m out.
Saving the Santos’s
You don’t have to turn every person away if they fit one of these warning signs. After all, they’ll just leave and purchase a pup from someone else- causing the same problem in that pup’s life that you were trying to avoid for your pup!
Rather, you can be a force for good by EDUCATING all people and families who pass through your doors!
If it’s a deep seeded belief system that you’re up against, such as Fashionista Fiona or Casual Carrie, you might not stand a chance.
If it’s facts or information that he lacks, such as Clueless Carl or Overloaded Oliver, you can easily guide and educate.
Sometimes it’s a situation that needs adjusting, such as Crate Caroline, Momma Madeline, or Unstable Uriah.
The overall point is- be ready to help people! Warning signs don’t mean that they are bad. Warning signs mean that you’ve got something to sort out. If you can solve a probelm for a family, you’re protecting your own puppies and other puppies too!
If you can’t (and there are some buyers who simply won’t listen) the best thing you can do is walk away.
Flawless Frances and Family
After all these warning signs, I need a little pick-me-up. Let’s discuss the opposite- the AMAZING and perfect people who love our puppies forever!!
Learn more about matching puppies to the perfect family here!
What does a PERFECT family look like?
- Educated about the Breed
- Educated about raising a puppy- financial costs, training needs, time commitment, grooming needs, exercise needs, etc.
- Well prepared to meet every one of these needs
- A thought out plan is in place
- Every member of the family knows his role in the pup’s care
- Has a plan for the time needs of the pup
- Knows exactly what temperament will work best for them and for their other pets
- Has a plan to balance work/home life to ensure that the pup gets adequate attention
- Ready to commit to the perfect puppy
- A stable lifestyle, including home environment, health, mental health, and finances
- Because of this stability, Flawless Frances doesn’t hyperfocus on money during this process
- Has support from friends and family
- Excited to meet or video chat with the breeder
- Interested in you as a breeder
- Asks lots of questions, wants to know your history, your experience, how you raised the pup, where you raised the pup, what each pup’s personality is like, what the parent dogs are like, etc.
- Happy to answer questions about themselves
- Flawless Frances knows that this is a two-way street and that I want to get to know her to ensure that my pup will be loved!
- Wants a long-term relationship with the breeder
- Has a long-term vision of what the pup’s life will be like
- If that includes breeding the pup when the pup reaches adulthood, this long-term view should include ethical standards for breeding
- Put the pups’ temperament well above looks as they select the perfect baby for their home
Listen to Your Gut on ANY Additional Warning Signs
Sometimes there will be a warning sign that pops up that you’ve never seen before, and it just doesn’t sit right.
It could be a comment that a person made, a vibe that you were picking up on, or just a general uneasiness.
Always go with your gut- you know best as the pup’s first parent! You are a responsible, ethical dog owner who is looking for the best life for your babies. It’s ok to say no, and you don’t even have to explain yourself.
Need a script to communicate to a family that they will NOT be homing one of your puppies? Here are a few that you could try!
“Thank you so much for considering our puppies. We have received an amazing outpouring of wonderful families who are interested in our babies and have found them the best placement! We wish you the best of luck as you seek your perfect companion!”
“We sincerely appreciate your time in meeting with us! It was a pleasure to get to know you and your family! At this time, we do not have the perfect puppy for your needs, but we wish you every success in finding that sweet little pup who is waiting for you to find him or her!”
“Thank you for sharing about yourself and your family! You are wonderful people, and I can’t wait to find you the perfect companion! I do not feel that the current litter meets your needs, but I would love to work with you in the future as we find the best companion for you.”
You’ve got this! With these warning signs in mind, you’ll keep your puppies safe.
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