Hi all

Another breeding dilemma.  I will try to be tactfull as I'm fully aware that the person concerned may read this, so I hope they understand the dilemma they've put me in.

I am travelling with my bitch and pups to the UK next week, to spend Christmas with my family.  I have been in email and telephone contact with a family over the last few days who are seemingly keen on having a pup from me.  they have suggested that they meet me off the ferry on Tuesday, and take the pup then.  The pups are only 5 weeks, and there is no way i will let them go at that age, let alone under those circumstances.  How do i tell them this, tactfully.  I don't want to be rude and put them off, and I appreciate they want to keep their costs down by not having to travel over to ireland to collect said pup.

I know what i want to say to them...but i don't want to be rude!!!  Know what I mean...;o)

Caroline

I know what you mean, "tact" certainly isnt my middle name :D :D

Why dont you just explain the obvious disadvantages of them taking a pup at 5 weeks and also of taking a pup so near to christmas, it would be so unsettling for it.  It isnt like you are saying they cant have a pup at all just not at this age.  Im sure they will understand.

Good Luck

Claire :)

Hi

Its just not in the pups best interests to go to his new family at 5 weeks, or under these circumstances. Ultimately, you are trying to prevent future problems with socialisation and health by keeping your pups longer - you are being a responsible breeder, not one of those who simply "delivers" pups for the sake of getting a "sale". They are your pups, and if they are not prepared to wait then perhaps they would be better finding a breeder who is less concerned with welfare :)

HTH
C :)

Think straight talking is best, no room for misunderstanding. Sorry don't let my pups go at 5 weeks they are not ready to leave the nest (full stop)

Thanks to you both.

Your suggestions have been worked into the email i was composing.  Even my partner is impressed with the 'tact' used!  Not normally one of my strong points!

Thanks again

Caroline x

Caroline what about meeting them at the ferry when they do come to collect the pup at a later date?

I had to go to Scotland to get Dizzy but her breeder met me at the ferry port so it saved me having to pay car hire or the expense of taking the car on the ferry.  It's a fair enough compromise, IMO.

The other girl going to get her pup had travelled from Derry :)

Caroline

If these people are serious, could you arrange for them to see the pups while you are over here, if they fall for one of them it might make the journey over to you a bit more realistic in a couple of weeks.

Just a thought
Sandra

Hi Sandra

That was the original conversation point with them.  They could visit and view the pups while i was in the Uk for Christmas, and then come and collect in the middle of Jan.  It seems in their haste they wanted the puppy NOW, and I politely explained why I would not allow that to happen.

The arrangements have changed now, and they will receive a better puppy for it! (See above post)

Thanks for your advice.

Caroline

I have no probs with metting them at the ferry to save their costs when coming over to collect, but I was a little aghast at being asked if I'd hand over my 5-week old puppies at Fishguard ferry port, to someone i've never met, this side of Christmas.  Do you see my point?

However, the family have since emailed me.  They have read my e,mail, and fully understand my concerns.  They are now coming to visit the pups at Christmas, whilst the pups are in the UK.  And are planning a short B&B break to Ireland in January when they come to collect pup.

Hopefully it all sorted now.

Thanks all for your advice.

Caroline