today i received  in the mail a puppypackage from the breeder of my puppy! i was stunned .. first of all  the costs for sending from USA,( could not come with the puppy when flying over,) then when opening ... all the toys, all the apperwork = pedigree/pics from all mentioned on the  puppies pedigree .. a complete book with pics of a puppy during growing stage , a hardcover book .. with chocs, blacks yellow lab puppies ..not just a feedinglist but a prospect explaining why, what and wherefor she feeds raw meat etc .. with again a book about this subject!I must say .. not a single question left  without reply/explanation
then the toys .. a whole litter could play with it .. a real basket full of goodies .. magnetic pics for the fridge of both the parents etc etc .. ofcourse with all copies of healthresults etc .
i called her saying this was too much  .. especially when looking at the postagecosts for sending and that i have all neded for a puppy here .. she replied saying  even if abroad, going to breeders, all get the same goodies, info ..as i just make NO difference in puppies   being  a pet or a prospect show dog .; they all want to play and all owners love the stuff given/send!
i always thought  i gave lots of infos with the puppy when leaving my home but this was just amazing/stunning .. now the question .. what are you handing out when puppy leaves the door ..?
what do you think is essential, is needed? maybe it gives an indication/idea  to newcomers when start breeding ..making all ready when puppies leave!

iam just making up my puppy packs at the moment and mine seems small compared to your breeders all thats going to be in mine are

pedigree info

feeding advice
health tests
food (what the pups have been on)

a pieace of the polyester fur
pics of parents
pics of pups 1st few wks
weight info etc
list of usefull books
free 3 mth insurance
and a puppy care leaflet
thing i have got everything

wow thats fantasic !!:) i give new owners food the pups where weened on a blanket info about feeding and playing jabs and groming ,all the papper work a few toys that each pup likes to play with ,and a cd full of pics from birth of each pup ,all the familys that have this are over the moon ,but that what you got is amazing !!!

Wow thats lovely of the breeder. We give a small bag of food, all of the health tests, pictures of the parents, a photo album of pictures from birth to 7 weeks, a dvd of the puppies video, the contract of sale, a booklet full of tips and advice, and a fleece and cuddly toy, hmm i dont think ive missed much out..:)

What company give the 3months free insurance, thought most were only 6wks?

Blimey! When I got my pups I just got the insurance, diet sheet and pedigree and worm\fle treatment info, with a bit of the food they had been on. No pics or nuffink. :-(

Contract
5 Generation pedigree (including all relations' health results where available)
KC Registration documents (endorsed against both registering progeny & applying for export pedigree - explained in Contract)
Vaccination record (in future I would probably not vaccinate prior to going to new homes!)
Microchip certificate
Veterinary info re breed specific medicine/sedation/GA issues
Worming tablets
Feeding chart & recommended diets, treats
Grooming guide
Training guide
Collar & lead
Brush
Sheet of Vet Bed
toys, new ones and also one from the nest smelling of mum & siblings
Minimum 2 weeks supply of food
bowls
Photos of their puppy growing up

All info sheets watermarked with photos of sire and dam and include my telephone contact details, website URL, and home address to ensure they have every possible method of keeping in touch :) 

I have only allowed my pups to go to homes with previous experience of the breed but would include a breed specific handbook should any future pups go to a home which had not previously owned the breed.

Teri :)

OK - forgot that I was given KC reg docs, vacc card, and tattoo\chip paperwork. :-D Still no pics etc etc tho.

In addition to the majority of the above, with the exception of vaccniation records (I dont vacc. before homing)  I have also been able to source many photographs of pups ancestors and these have now been incoporated onto the pedigree,

Its the 1st time I have done this.. and it has been very time consuming.. searching for photographs, then e-mailing owners, and/or copywright holders for permission...

That's a lovely idea Kay - and I know what you mean about time consuming because I started off doing one for using on my website and gave up  :-D 
Well done you!

Teri x

When I bought my first Border T, 9 years ago, I was handed her, a bag of used Beta Puppy, and that was it!!
She was bred a Gamekeeper, and she was 6.5weeks, her mother was back working after 1 week of whelping!

I tend to probably give people to much!! lol

KC Reg Doc & Insurance 6 Weeks
Microchipping cert
Vacc cert
Feeding Guide
Food
Training guide
Vet bed
Teddy, guide on worming/defleaing, pictures of them all, plus pictures of mum and dad. All my details, contract.

Havent had a litter for 4 years. so trying to remember!

That is really lovely of her. The fridge magnets are a really good idea. My husband will be so glad I read this thread.... :-)

Ours went with:

Contract
5 generation pedigree
KC documents, endorsed, also explained in contract
Disc containing photos of the puppies/liiter/Mum/Dad and videos of the litter
Copy of 'The Perfect puppy' book by Gwen bailey
Copy of 'Book Of The Bitch' book
Chew toy
Nylabone
Soft toy
Puppy treats
3KG bag of puppy food.

Folder with a picture of the puppy on the cover, inlcuding:
Feeding information
Worming 'certificate' and instructions
Info on when pups were frontlined (do this routinely for peace of mind!)
List of poisonous foods
List of poisonous plants
Printed sheet 'puppies and children living together'
Printed sheet on grooming
Print off of 'The Bite Stops here' article
photocopies of parents hip/elbow scores and eye tests
Useful contact information. (breed clubs, local canine clubs, my own vet, reccomended puppy classes etc)

I got each person to leave their own blanket and soft toy with the litter, so the puppies had something familiar to take home with them.

Most were first time dog owners and to be honest, I doubt they appreciated it. Next time I am giving written stuff out prior to them taking the pup, as half of them didn't read it and rang me with questions that would have been answered if they had.

When I got our eldest we gto one A4 printed sheet, a contract and a tiny bag (couple of days worth) of puppy food.

> Next time I am giving written stuff out prior to them taking the pup

I think that's a great idea.  When the pup arrives you have to be able to hit the ground running.  For many people, the weeks (sometimes months/years) prior to the puppy arriving is the time when you are most likely to do thorough planning and preparation. 

Having the info in advance to enable you to make sensible choices about types of bed, crate sizes, travel arrangements, bowl sizes, raised feeders etc can save a lot of expensive mistakes later!!

One of things I found myself taking the breeder about in the first year are the contents of her medicine cupboard.  Obviously you don't want to suggest the new owners buy anything they could do harm with but I never knew how helpful a dog thermometer would be, for instance, or Hibiscrub.  All useful stuff for the cupboard, as was the Aloe Vera plant she also gave me :)

Perhaps a helpful hint to people wanting to choose a conscientious breeder is to ask the breeder what they include in their puppy pack - it obviously says a lot about the future care and support they can expect.  :)

hi parzac, it was so long ago now it difficult to remember everything,
but going on the lines of:
k.c reg
contract
reciepts.
5 gen lam pedigree with parents photos,and watermarked.
photo album  of parents as pups
photo of pup.
folder dos and donts,
breed information book,
diet information
puppys progress including weight chart from birth
basic training information and training school addresses
vacination certificate.
certificate of worming treatments
certificate of flea treatments.
puppys socialisation information up to date
insurance certificate  and activated,
contacts  of other members of the family.
1 months supply of food.
1 toy
collar
lead
piece of vet bed from puppies and mums bed,
puppys temperament test information.
there is something else but i cant remember what.

oh yes the puppy, ha.

All I got from one of the breeders was the puppies and 6 weeks insurance, even the KC reg has only just come through on one of the pups and the pup is now 7 months.
Whereas the breeder of my older dog gave me food, brushes,toys, diet sheets, plus she phoned me each week for an update and I still send her piccy's 2 and half years later and I had to sign a contract to say I would give the dog back if my circumstances changed and we could no longer keep her, also she e-mailed me every week with pictures from birth to 8 weeks.

Hi Molly
I'm printing this list off (a) I'll know what to insist on if I buy another pup and (b) I'll know what to supply should I decide to breed

hi Nicola, i dont know of how they go about things now days but any breeder worth there salt when i was buying a puppy anyway would more than likely give you a decent puppy package, saying that i have heard of others not giving anything barely a reciept and k.c, its up to the individual what they do  but it is not compulsory, so you shant be able to insist on it just make sure you do your homework beforehand and before you see any puppies  go through all the paperwork with the breeder and confirm what you shall be getting           if you are not satisfied then go else where. good luck.

hi molly it is about what i give only not the month foodpackage, first lived in holland and as many pups left for abroad, they went with a two weeks supply as most time in the new country not the same brand .; or different meat( not available, too expensive etc etc ..  although now the brand of food is more sold over the whole world.
as here we dont immediately get the registrationform, nor in  holland, i gave a copie of the application form i filled in( still do) so the new owner always have a filenumber etc to check ..
then they  leave with europetpassport very often already having rabies done( most stay longer needing that to fly out!) and also lots of info reg.parents and familymembers/littermates  and their owners address, if allowed to give! when living in holland i had "open door days ever first weekend in the month.; so all could come with pups etc .; often ended up with long walk and having coffee , cake, lateron gave ringtraining etc .. this to keep the owners of each litter updated, learning to know eachother .. now while living in france more difficult .. but internet//emails help a lot ..and one of the puppyowners has setup an owners site where all can leave messages, info, results from dogs!
i think the more info given the better for pups welbeing .. responsability doesnot stop at your frontdoor .. it starts right there!
I think Molly .. your puppie owners were very well off .. and reading you will give it a go in about two years.. think those prospect owners sure will be very happy with all the goodies!

p.s forgot to add  all copies of parents health tests.

> its up to the individual what they do  but it is not compulsory,

I believe the KC code of ethics states that a puppy should be sent home with a written diet sheet.I am amazed at how many don't though and buyers aren't feeding enough meals and switch food too quickly etc.

i allso forgot to add i ask if i can go to vist the dogs that leave here at least 2times a year and i email every other week and i get emails and updates back ,i love to see them growing into wonderful dogs ,knowing ive gave them the best start to here lives .

hi charlie, oh yes you should  go by the k.c code of ethics,  that went without saying with my pups i meant other bits and bobs in the puppy package, are not compulsory, however  saying that not a lot do go by the k,c code of ethics i beileve it states that no puppy should be re homed until it is at least 8 weeks old or is it 7-8 wks now? there are plenty that are going at 7 wks and unbelivably younger the kennel club must be aware of this when they recieve transfer of ownership, if they are not standing by there own code of ethics some people shall take advantage.

I don't think it mentions age to rehome,alot of breeds are different and I expect the breed clubs will have their own code.The KC's is here..

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/247

I didn't mean for it to sound like you didn't,just wanted to respond with that's the only thing that is compulsory(along with the papers or written confirmation they are on their way) and it's something I know alot of puppy buyers don't get and need to be aware they should  ;)

Hi Molly
You live and learn and I certainly have, I thought with an Acredited Breeder all these things would come as standard, trouble is by the time I realised they they wouldn't be standard I was in love with pups and parting with 1300 big ones

>i beileve it states that no puppy should be re homed until it is at least 8 weeks old or is it 7-8 wks now?

No, the KC General Code of Ethics makes no reference to the age of selling puppies. However the KC does offer this advice to potential buyers regarding what paperwork they should be given. They also recommend that between 7 and 8 weeks is the ideal age to buy a puppy - this, however, is not a regulation.

yes there should be plenty of comunication with breeder and owner i still see most of mine and that was 8 and 6.5 years ago, i also prefered any new owners to come and see there puppy as much as they could after 4 weeks of age, and i expected at least once a week and any children and other members of the family that wanted to come so as the pup could bond with them and and vice versa, to  make the experiance of there  first night in there new home not seem so daunting.

charlie72 oh no  its alright i know what you meant, no not a lot of puppy buyers get what they are entitled to  they should have this confirmed in writing as you say. if it happens the k.c are going through there busiest times and cant get the k.c s out quick enough.

nicola normally you would get a good package from an accredited breeder and everything should be in place. £1300 o.m.g ,

jeangenie perhaps i read about the age thingy  on my old puppy regestration forms, or maybe it could have been changed since? or i am just confusing it with something else.thanks for the info anyway.

> £1300 o.m.g

That is for two puppies Molly

satincollie, oh i see for two sorry! still a tidy sum i am a bit out of what they cost t.b.h still if they are well bred healthy puppys and your happy why not good on you.

hi parzac do you export and import a lot of your puppies ? is it difficult for you to meet the owners and for them to meet you? personally ,  i dont think i could do it  but that is just my opinion.

> I thought with an Acredited Breeder all these things would come as standard

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/474

This list tells you what KCABs must give and must do.

You've all been chatting away like loonies whilst I was doing 'tea', but yes I paid £650 per pup, I bought 2 and all I got was the pups and a receipt plus 6 weeks insurance (which actually wasn't needed as we'd already upgraded our existing insurance on our other 3 dogs). My previous breeder (2years plus earlier) bombarded me with pic's and I got what I thought was a good puppy pack, having never actually bought from a breeder before (all previous pooches are rescue jobs) I didn't really know what to expect. Shows my ignorance.  It won't happen again!!

hi nicola ,i know of very good breeders that show/work dogs and they dont give out big puppy packs ...just food and all info and all papper work ,they laught at me when i was putting my puppy packs together ,what in trying to say is they still care and looked after there pups very well and had jabs done and health tested parents so maybe just because you needed get all this you still got good healthy pups :) x

hi nicola, t.b.h nicola i dont think i would have sold you two puppies from the same litter , definately not if you were a first time dog owner, i was fortunate enough to have owners that not only new my breed but had had them before or other dogs, this is one of my policies for various reasons. i am glad your coping all the best.

white lilly i also know of some very good breeders that do not give all and sundry, still people like to do this to help the new owner out as much as they can, but when you have bred a lot of litters in the past  and you have your reputation and maybe more than one breeding bitch it all can  become very time consuming  and breeders are very busy people but of no less quality.

molly, most of the puppybuyers i know from my travels through the world, meeting at shows or at trials/workingtests! those who have their very first puppy HAVE to come and pick up themselves if coming from abroad! I dont make any difference if they need to come from Greece, USA, Mexico or wherever:when their first puppy? then come to meet us .. otherwise NO puppy! Very often lateron they book another puppy and if needed i send it .. but always through pettravelservice to make sure the puppy is well looked after before, during and after the flight!
I indeed get lots of enquiries from abroad ..  most of them breeders themselves .. asking for a special combination or asking for a puppy out a  dog(= pedigree) they like  to continue their own  breeding with.
Those who have their first puppy get all the goodies mentioned, the whole package .. those who have already one of our dogs .. or breeding in same lines only get the normal stuff like pedigree, petpassport, copies healthresults, food  etc .. as they  have picked out this litter/puppy to  continue etc.and know/have all the things themselves
But i wont send/sell if i dont know the people and the way the keep their dogs!' internet a good thing to find out through other breeder/friends .. etc .  knowledge is a call/a click away nowadays!
Still the best time, the most cherished moments are those when a family with kids come to get their first puppy, often been visiting me a few times .. and then finaly the day where it is theirs!
the faces when getting the stuff, the toys, and the PUPPY ...
All the topwinning dogs, all the results, ... not to be compared with the smile in  a  child's face when getting its puppy!Thats what counts most  when breeding i guess ..the feeling having /being able to  make someone happy!

hi parzac oh i see, yes it is nice when they bring there children when they collect there puppy i know what you mean about there smiling faces.

Hello Molly

They're not from the same litter, there is a 3 week age difference, there was 4 litters to view (which I felt was a bit offensive), I'm not a first time owner having already got 3 dogs one of which is the same breed as the pups I have just bought. They are coming on fine and dandy no problems what so ever, except that the older of the t is a poo eater yuck!

hi nicola.sorry you did mention that you had other dogs in your other posts just me and my dizzy days, still even though they are three weeks apart still a handful harder to train as they  can bond with each other instead of you etc, poo eater hey trying to hide the evidence ha, but you have other dogs so you know, .4 litters o.m.g, no wonder you did not get much of a puppy pack, she obviously did not have the time to put  a decent one together.ha,.

They're not prooving too difficult to train actually which did surprise me, as you say I thought they my have bonded too tightly with one another as they had been together for several weeks before we got them. I think what makes it easier is the fact that they want to do everything the older girls do and the whole lot work as a pack, the younger one has ideas beyond her station at times but the two old ladies keep them in check. The Goldie is particularly good with them but then Goldies do have the patience of a saint

I received a brilliant  puppy pack with my last puppy,it contained things like-
Vetbed
Several toys
3kg bag of food
Several different sorts of treats
Pedigree
Membership of breed club,including current newsletter
A4 folder containing lots of information on the breed and diet sheet,worming dates etc
A cd with lots of photos and videos of my puppy
Bottle of their water to reduce risk of upset tummy
Probiotics

And she's kept in touch since then-we e mail each other several times a week with photos and videos.

its great isnt it helenmd ,ive just had loads of pics from 1 of the familys thats had a pup of mine ,i rang her today to see how he was and a up date lol im still missing them :( but its only been 2weeks since they went !!
also went to see 2 of the others today too and played for awhile :) omg they are growing so fast :) i love it so much ,all the familys call me granny to the pups lol

I was a bit worried where this thread may go and Just wanted to point out don't ever be fool that big puppy packs make good breeders or the best puppy.    I have seen or heard of both end of the scale. Big fancy puppy packs and a puppy that is so far from the breed startard it barely resembles it.    Yes it is nice to receive and most good breeders provide some sort of puppy pack and extras but I have bough a few puppies over the years that came with a basic puppy from excellent breeders.   I personally always give a large amount of food, I always give vet bed as I buy a huge roll and much of the rest others have listed on here.   I haev a photographic pedigree database.

I think it is all great what everyone is doing and giving but wanted to say don't measure a breeder based on the puppy pack :-)

> I think it is all great what everyone is doing and giving but wanted to say don't measure a breeder based on the puppy pack :-)

Agree, I tend to think above the essential paperwork and info the puppy pack is just sentimental.