One of the families on our provisional list have said they would like to meet the mum (mating hasn't even taken place yet - she's not due in season until the summer).

I have suggested we meet for a walk, as that way they will see mum being a dog and running around and will get a better idea of behaviour and personality etc.  And we can all talk whilst we walk.

They seem to want to bring their 2 existing dogs with them, when they come for a walk with us.  And I'm not sure if this is a good idea?

On the one hand, I don't know if they want to test mum's temperament with other dogs by us all going on a walk together (if so, we should agree, right?), but on the other hand, I don't know if the 'focus' of the walk will be enough on mum and the breed, if we have their 2 large breed dogs with us as well.  (Not the same breed.)

So - opinions - should their existing dogs come with us on this walk, or should I ask them to leave them at home when they come?  (And might that worry them if they don't see how mum is with other dogs or might think we have something to hide there?)

Thx. x

My feeling is that although you presumeably know your girl is good with other dogs, you can't know that their dogs necessarily are.  If you take these people walking where you are likely to come across other dogs that would demonstrate to them that she is dog friendly.

Just my opinion but no....not on a walk. At your home fair enough, but bringing two strange dogs on a walk with your girl as well as a family who are testing her out may not be wise. The walk should be relaxing and a chance for them to watch mum. I feel they cant do that if they are focusing on other dogs and mum is focused on other dogs.

I would not if it was me.

I would ask them to leave their dogs at home so they can concentrate on meeting the mum.  They aren't rehoming your bitch, so they don't need to see how your dog gets on with theirs. 

If you invite them to your home they will get to see what your dog is like in the house, how much space it takes up in the living room, whether it sheds profusely and whether there is any doggy odour from the breed.  Hopefully they will have done their research already but for me, there are lots of breeds that I see in the park that are lovely e.g. a St Bernard but when I have seen them in a house with drool up the walls and just how much space they take up, they aren't the breed for me.

A first meeting with my prospective puppy owners if they haven't already met my bitch elsewhere, would be in my home.

That meeting to meet my girl is all about her, me and them, no-one else. They come to my home we chat they interact, ask questions about her and I watch how things go it's just as important to me to see what I feel about them. We then very often go for a walk in the neighbouring countryside, where they can see her in action.

At a later stage I love to meet their other dogs (if they have them) but no not on that first meeting.

I would change the venue to your home and possible walk afterwards. Otherwise they will want you to take just as much notice of their dogs, not what it is all about at the moment, it's about your girl. :-)

I've obviously never been in this situation, but if it were me I would be keen to see how their current dogs behave for them... so not just them vetting you and your girl, but you vetting them?  Just a thought...  Good luck in your decision.

Great thanks, phew, not sure what to do as I agree with everything everyone has said! 

I agree with Carrington.  Although I have often invited folk to bring their current dog with them, I would not do so on our first meeting.

I would expect them to come to the house and chat.  After all, if the bitch in question is not in season yet, they have quite a wait before visiting and choosing a pup! 

Perhaps they have suggested bringing their existing dogs, as you mentioned a walk.  Much better to meet these people on your own turf to start with.

It's worth remembering that it's accepted good sense to introduce stranger dogs on neutral territory; this could be why a walk has been suggested with the dogs.

Also I'm sure I've read on here about the more suspicious type of people not wanting strangers in their house, in case they're not genuine and are planning to steal the dogs or rob the house ... :rolleyes:

I usually invite people to the house and ask them to bring their dogs, but leave them in the car until they have had time to come in and meet the dogs. Then we go for a walk all together. I've never had a problem with this. But I do live in the country where there is plenty space for them to leave the car outside my house and no-one is around to see the dogs in the car ;-) If I am at a show the weekend they want to meet and greet I invite them there, even if am not showing the mum to be. Then a follow up visit is organised, again with them bringing their own dog(s) After all, you need to see how their dogs behave with other dogs before letting a pup go into the mix. I wouldbe happier knowing sooner rather than later.

Is it possible if they are coming far that they don't want to leave their dogs all day and so think it's fine to bring them? Maybe not a test? I agree you would see instantly how they treat their dogs and the bond between them - also if they pick up their poo!!