Hi. My parents have been toy poodle breeders for many years and I have been learning the trade recently. I myself have a toy poodle bitch who now has 3 pups - 5 weeks old.  My mother in law is taking one. Leaving 1 dog and 1 bitch. when I was at the dog clippers the other day the clipper said that her sister has been looking for a toy poodle for the last 12 months and could she give her my number. I agreed, and received a call that evening. She told me that she was in remission for cancer so was at home all day and that she used to have toy poodles herself. I felt confident that I had found a good owner. When she came round to see the pups she said she couldn't bear the thought of splitting up brother and sister so would like to take them both. Which I thought was a lovely idea.  --  Until this morning when she casually phoned to ask how they were doing, into the conversation came the question of parents (which she has seen) and how close you can breed. eg brother and sister. I told her I personally don't agree with this but assured her that this had never happened in all the years my mother bred. I would ask my mum but she is in America for the next month visiting friends. The last thing I want to do is upset someone who was close to dying not so long ago, but then again I have to think of the welfare of my pups. Am I being too suspicious? If not, how do I bring up the subject with this lady without offending/accusing her?  Please Please advise.

Personally I wouldn't sell two pups to one person anyway - I'd rather each pup got plenty of one-to-one attention from its new owner. This certainly rings alarmbells with me, I'm afraid. Remember, you don't owe this woman anything and are under no compulsion to sell either of the pups to her. You need to be 100% confident that each pup is going to a good home - if you have any doubtsat all then don't sell.

Just say no , i get annoyed at myself for feeling that i can't say no but imagine how upset you would be if they didn't go to a good home and it's not your fault she is in remission, she can just get them from someone else if they allow her.  Definitely follow your own instincts as they are warning you that something is amiss.

Good luck Susan

I agree with Frank. It can be very hard to say no, but imagine how bad you would feel if your heart was ringing alarm bells and you said yes just because you felt guilty. I know I would be in the same quandry as you right now, and it is a hard decision when you are the one it rests with, but I would say not to sell. Any responsible owner would not even dream of mating two related dogs, and for her to even have mentioned it was utterly unnecessary unless it was a thought that had crossed her mind. I really feel for you as it is a hard call to make, but I think you should decline this lady as a potential owner. Also, as already mentioned, I think two pups at the same time is a real nightmare. My mother-in-law went through it with two GSD and they were tearaways, they really were. I am not saying that your two would be like this, but I think it can be extremely hard to adequately train two boistrous pups at the same time.
I hope you are ok though, and take care x

If this lady has recently been very ill then you could point out that two pups together would be too much for her to cope with. This would give you a 'get out' clause if you are at all suspicious that she is thinking of breeding from brother and sister.

I kept two pups from my last litter and it has been extremely hard work - they are now 14 months and I am gradually seeing light at the end of the tunnel. I do however walk and train them separately to increase their bond with me rather than with each other.This takes up most of my evenings and a fair chunk of the weekend too. House training also took longer and at the moment they are going through the teenage stage - VERY hard work .

If I was in your shoes I most definately would not sell her two pups at the same time.

Yvonne

I would be suspicious too. Personally I would tell her that you've decided to keep one of them yourself, she can't argue with that. Of course you can then find another home for it, she doesn't have to know that! And personally I would only sell her the boy, as she is obviously going to breed the girl, whatever. And put restictions on him, and make sure she knows about them. Good luck.

I would be unhappy about her having either if she was asking a question like this myself.  I know what it's like and I feel for her but I'd be very worried as to the reason why she's buying these pups.

Go with your feelings.  Hope everything turns out OK.

I have a friend who sold a lovely boy pup to a lady who seemed to be very nice and new to having dogs.  Being a small breed with good temprement she thought the novice owner would be well satisfied with the new pup.  Shortly after we discoverd the 'new to dogs lady', also had two bitches and may be breeding on every season.  Needless to say we are trying to get something done about it.

My friend has never forgiven herself for being taken in by this woman.