For several years I have used a contract(much like many CD users have and similar to KC AB one) which no one has ever questioned before. there is a part about returning the pup 'in 7 days'. A prospective owner is objecting to this and requested I change it to 28 days. Is this a reasonable request do you think

If any prospective purchaser of one of my puppies showed any interest at all in a return clause, they most certainly would not get a puppy from me.

No.

When you think how much a puppy changes and grows in just a week let alone 28 days, and how much damage can be done to a pup if feeding and exercise is mishandled.

Any pre-existing condition should pretty well be apparent in a week, and an independent health assessment should have been done by their own vet in that time in conjunction with vaccinations.

If they are unhappy with the terms they can go elsewhere.

Thats what i am thinking..I also ask that they stay in touch at least twice a year with updates which usually people are happy too do. They do not wish to be contractually obligated but want to keep it informal

I think I might be changing my mind about letting these people have a puppy if they are going to find keeping in touch twice a year too onerous :(

No.  They could damage your pup and then expect you to take it back.
I don't like their attitude and they wouldn't be suitable for me. :(

My puppy.   My contract.  You don't like my contract?   You can't have my puppy!   Simples!

I'm with the rest, 28 days in the life of a small pup is a very long time when other issues could arise resulting in pup becoming ill, nothing to do with your breeding. 7 days is plenty of time to get pup settled and then to go and have checked over by their own vet.

Thats just what I say Lokis Mum...That is why I make sure everyone has a chance to see the contract well before the sale day!!
Aileen

Well basically they have now agreed to 7 days but are unhappy about a couple of other things I have..staying in touch a couple of times a year and a paragaraph I have about having a secure garden, not leaving dog for long periods, seeking vet if necessary, keeping dog under control. Just general basic stuff really. Nothing sinister. Have used this contract for a long time and no one evr been unhappy before. Even had solicitors and vets agree. I dont feel you can adjust your contract and what you believe in, on demand. Basically i have now said if they are unwilling to accept it and the criteria we ask then perhaps we are not the right people to take a pup from. I have to be totally happy that the pups is going to the right folk. If your gut feeling is not right than I guess you should go witth it.

Absolutely! 

Your contract sounds very reasonable. :)  If they are this much trouble BEFORE they have the puppy .......... :(

Thanks for the support :-)

im about to buy a pup and i certainly wouldnt object to your contract,the puppy comes first.

I think your contract is perfectly resonable shows a breeder who cares and as a prospective owner by accepting it who cares to

Agree with the others, these people wouldn't be getting a puppy from me either.

I agree if they cant except them terms then they cant have the puppy..... I had a contract to sign when I collected my boy, it clearly stated I had to have my vet health check him with in 72 hours of me having him and I had 7 days to return him for full refund ect but if I ever needed to re home him at any part of his life he has to go back to them ! I live 3 and a half hours away from my pups breeder but was more than happy with the contract...

28 days! The puppy is a living thing not an electrical item.

I also ask that they stay in touch at least twice a year with updates which usually people are happy too do. They do not wish to be contractually obligated but want to keep it informal
Y'a know this almost bothers me more than the 28 days!  I sort of understand (but don't agree!) with buyers thinking that they've paid their money and so the pup is theirs to do whatever with, BUT most owners would be grateful that I breeder wants to keep in touch and is on hand to help even if they are experienced dog owners.
I wonder what they've got planned for this puppy???  Something just doesn't seem right here.......

Stick with your gut feeling here Star. :)

On my contract for my litter last year I asked more or less the same as Starr, mine was return in 10 days (sounds awful). Evryone has kept in touch barr one couple, I havent heard from them for almost a year despite them saying they would send emails and photos. They still have the same mobile numbers and at Christmas I got a text saying that they had moved and wouldnt be back in touch. Im gutted, I have never pestered these people, I just need to know the pup they have is ok and that they still have her. Ive tried texting and ringing a couple of times since Christmas but got no reply of any kind. I dont know what else to do!

What a shame. I was lucky with my two - both owners keep in touch, one set are good friends and I go and visit them in America and they come over here. The other lot aren't very good at sending photos, I've had a few by mobile phone, but they do text me from time to time, and if I text to ask how they and the dog are they nearly always reply the same day. Next time though I'll put something my sales info about how they are gaining me as a friend and aren't allowed to lose touch!

Im not sure I would actually like in a contract how many times I HAD to contact a breeder in a year.  Its one thing to build up a good relationship and want to keep in contact, however HAVING to keep in touch is a bit controlling imo.  I havent contacted my Cavalier breeder for a couple of years now, however when he passed his gold KC award I rang her to let her know and the fact that he had developed dry eye also.  But other than that what could I say to her other than that he was well and happy?  She wouldnt even know what he is like anymore, he is a lot different to when I got him from her at 8 weeks old.

However...if they are disputing your paragaraph about having a secure garden, not leaving dog for long periods, seeking vet if necessary, keeping dog under control I would be worried as they are just common sense and standard dog ownership criteria.

As a puppy buyer, not a breeder, I do recall being surprised with my first very well bred puppy that the breeder obviously really wanted to stay in touch.  Having, as a family, had rescue mongrels before , or rehomed pedigree dogs, or dare I say it one from a not so good breeder I sort of assumed that once we got him then we'd be on our own.

I certainly wouldn't have gone so far as to object (to anything) but I clearly remember thinking it was a bit peculiar (!), and having that very discussion with my OH on the way home... 

It soon became apparent, long before pups were on the ground even, that contact is welcome and desirable and goes both ways.  A very good and conscientious breeder has much to contribute and it would have been daft not to respond in kind.  My breeder has even given me excellent advice about my mongrel.

If contact is all they were querying I'd say tread lightly as it might just be because it is outside of the realms of their experience BUT as they are querying rather too much for your peace of mind then I think the advice to move them off your list is good advice :)