Can anyone tell me where I stand with regard a deposit left on a puppy, bit of a long story but a deposit has been left on one of my pups, the new owners seem very disinterested and only question they have asked since leaving deposit is have a managed to train it to go outside?? Something just isn't sitting right in my gut feeling but not sure what to do, where would I stand as to returning deposit or am I legally bound by the deposit to sell them the puppy

I believe if you decide not to sell and return the deposit - and don't leave it to the last minute to pull out if you can avoid it - you are fine both morally and in law.  The only time your ending the agreement and not giving them the puppy would be deemed unlawful would be if you refused to return the deposit.  The deposit reserves the dog but it doesn't entitle them to the dog - however they are entitled to have the deposit back in full.

If the dog/pup was sick for example you would have to pull out of the sale in order to be a good breeder but you would return the deposit.  If you are a good breeder who guarantees to take the dog back you can make your own mind up as to who you sell that pup to and things happen - you could see them pick up a dog in a way that is harmful etc and want to pull out of the sale - and yes you can but you have to return the deposit and you would have less grief if you didn't leave it until the day of the sale when they would have spent money getting ready for the pup and money travelling to you to get it.  Therefore putting them out of pocket.

My memory is vague with this stuff - the others will know all the technicalities better.

Hi thank you for that, puppy is fully healthy just something about the new owners just isn't feeling right, and I get a horrid gut feeling but can't put my finger on it, they are very vague when I ask them anything and take days to reply, always fobbing off with strange answers, it's normally the new owner pestering the breeder but seems the other way around, I know people have busy lives but just seems a bit odd, they are messing with dates to collect and Sen to be after me housetraining the pup which can't be done as pups need to learn in their new environment no matter what training I do, never been in this position before so wasn't sure where I stood, going to have a long think and see but my gut instinct is screaming at me to do something
To be honest wish I had never taken a deposit for any, all my other new puppy owners are fab and we all get on, I want to build a good relationship with the owners so as they can always turn to me if needed

Listen to your gut, i would return the deposit and say that you're sorry but there is no puppy for them. Give whatever reason you want if you feel the need.

> my gut instinct is screaming at me to do something

Drop them like a hot potato and get that deposit back to them ASAP.  Your pups, your choice.  If you feel that you need to give a reason (I wouldn't) then say you've become so attached to that particular pup that you are keeping it.  But make sure you return money NOW.

I did the same with my last litter...I took a deposit from what seemed like nice caring people.. They didn't contact me in weeks after leaving a deposit , I sent the usual emails and photos etc and then I had replies, but no contact was initiated by them....ever.

Like you, it just didn't feel right, I didn't like how they were behaving so I returned their deposit, recorded delivery, and said I didn't like their attitude and they weren't going to have one of my puppies!

The next viewers for the puppy sounded wonderful on the phone, when they arrived I didn't like them either so refused them too, telling them I was going to keep the puppy for my future plans.

Go with your gut instinct, you'll be forever worrying about the puppy if you let it go to a home your not 100% sure of.

I had the same thing with my instincts telling me not to let people have a puppy and I returned the deposit in full, they were not at all happy but I stood my ground and they went away muttering about taking things further but I never heard anything more from them, I think you should always be happy with your decision and if you are then you are right to do it.

> and said I didn't like their attitude and they weren't going to have one of my puppies!

    Straight talker like me.

    Straight talker like me.

>

Ha ha ...no point in leaving room for doubt!

Until the puppy is fully paid for, it belongs to you.   Yes taking a deposit is a form of 'contract' but at the end of the day, if you have a gut feeling that this isn't going to be a good home, you can always pull out - but make a full refund of the deposit so there is no comeback legally.   You may get disappointed verbal, but you have to weather that, for the well-bring of your precious puppy.

ps    I never took deposits for the simple reason I'd probably spend it to help with the costs of rearing a litter (!) and if I do subsequently get the wrong vibes, it makes it marginally easier to pull out.   Which I did one.   Not nice (it got quite nasty actually) but again my puppy was safe.   We kept him.   Also make the deposit refund with proof - Recorded Delivery or whatever.

I am not going to take a deposit (I've decided) so I can change my mind easily in cases like this.