I have just spoken to the breeder of my(hopefully) new puppy.... she had told me to ring her this coming week to book an appointment for viewing the puppies.  the first time i spoke to her she was really friendly and said as i was the first person to call her i could get to meet the pups first.  but today when i spoke to her, although she was still really really friendly, she seemed eager to discourage me, saying she now had 5 people wanting the 2 available pups and if she didnt think i was suitable she would sell the puppies to the others. 

I think I am suitable, I've had dogs before, we have a big garden and live near regent's park and hampstead heath so the dog will get plenty of exercise, I've done a lot of research and have already found and visited puppy training classes, found a vet, read a few books on training and the only book I have been able to find about wire fox terriers.  I am dog-proofing my garden next week (small gap in fence) and although I'm at uni until lunch time most days there is always someone at home to be looking after the dog, and also, the week the puppy will be ready to go is the first week of my easter holidays which means i can spend 24hours a day with the pup the first month he's here. I just don't know how to assure the breeder that the puppy will be well loved and well cared for!!  I will be really devastated if she feels I'm not suitable as I really feel i have prepared myself well for taking care of a dog, but how can she know this?  

Any advice from breeders on this board? (also tell me if you think I'm going about it the right way or maybe doing too much LOL!! :D

really wishing you the very best of luck tuti. i hope you get your puppy.
maybe the breeder is just being cautious (which is no bad thing) just say all you have told us on here & im sure youll be ok!!!! :)

Good luck! tell her what you have said on here, tell her you have a fenced in secure garde, that the pup will not be left on its own, tell her about the dogs you have had before etc

she probably wants to make sure your serious...shes being up front and honest in telling you that just because you visit doesn't guarantee a pup...she sounds like a very responsible breeder...GOOD LUCK
Archer

I have just had a dog returned to me after a year with an owner similar to yourself at University and I wished I'd turned them down rather than let the puppy go now.

The Uni part worries me and the sole attention for the first mth but that would worry  me with any prospective owner, I like my pups to go to the house on a 'normal' day or week so they get the idea from the start that this is how life's lived in this household.  Uni will take up lots more of  your time as you progress as my own daughter is finding out she realises she couldn't give a dog the amount of time it needs during her final year it's either her dog or the degree lucky for her her dog is now 10 and lives with mum so no worries on that score. Unfortunately for the youngster I got back things changed dramatically including a house move which seems to have tipped the balance for him as he couldn't adjust to the changes in their life or the lack of contact with the family as parents were posted overseas.

After my experience with this dog I would never again let any of my dogs go to anyone regardless of age who's working on a degree fulltime, it is taking a lot of work and patience to bring this dog around again before I can even think of pet homing him he's just had too little socialising during a fear phase in his life.  As a breeder I try to work out what's best for my pups and gut instinct is a lot to do with it, I know it sounds awful but the pup is the most important part of this whole experience and for me timing is just a little off for now.

Just curious but how long will you be at Uni and what are your plans when you finish there ? Would you be looking to work and if so would that be full time. Just looking ahead and what changes would be in store for any puppy that you get now.

Margaret

Please don't condemn all students I got my first BC when I was at College on a full time course(I was 18), by the time she was 8 1/2 months old she had won out of Beginners & Novice in Obedience by winning 4 Beginners & 6 Novices at our first 8 shows by the time she was 2 1/2 she was working C only & by 3 1/2 she qualified to work in Ticket C, She had also been trained to work as one of the first SAR dogs & to work sheep. I trained her for WT & she was one of the few BC's to get WT qualifications This was despite the fact that she was attacked & badly hurt doing a retrieve & she was too frightened to do retrieve for over a year & she had 4 monthly seasons !

I also trained one of my tutors dogs(an Irish Setter)to do Working Trials & Obedience

Having a dog to train & be with is a great release from the pressures of a hard course. So don't think the fact they were on a degree course is the reason they didn't treat the puppy correctly. odds are they would have been an inadequate owner no matter what they were doing.

Thanks for the support Moonmaiden :)

Schip, yes, I am a full time student and I still have 2 years left.... but, probably unlike thie girl you sold to, I live with my mum AND  my sister (who graduates this summer).  My mum doesn't work, she's at home all day so, you see, even if I stay with the new puppy all day at first thats ok because there will be someone with him most the time.

I understand where you're coming from but please don't jump to conclusions.... it's not fair to generalise any group of people!!

Margaret: I'll be at uni another two years, but as it's a Photography degree, I'm actually studying from home most of the time!  (i only have class in the mornings and wednesdays off :) )

When I leave I'd either like to work as a photographer or an art critic, and possibly go on to do a part time MA.  I don't intend, EVER, to have a 9-5 office job, I think I would go insane!!

Thanks for the replies.... going to a dog show today :D

Tuti you are not unlike her in situation if anything she had more in her favour in that she was living with both parents, a graduate brother and sister and she was further into her degree than yourself. Her family had owned my breed for many years as well as other larger breeds so they had a lot of experience behind them in the idiosincrises of the breed so there was indeed a lot in her favour including people with the dog at all times.

You asked for comments from breeders I have given my own personal experience and reasons as to why I wouldn't do it again, you don't have to agree or even like what I've had to say but you asked for it.  I am sure I'm not the only breeder to feel this way, it is NOT a generalisation but my personal experience which has led to a decision on my part for my future puppies, any potential buyers who can't accept that in the good faith it was given in my mind are not suitable for one of my pups so I am happy for them to leave.

  I imagine the best breeders just want to give their pups the very best chance. Given the choice between an experienced middle aged couple who are settled in their ways etc and a young student who currently lives with her family, I'd go for older folk everytime. Not because they could love the pup more or because I tarnish students with a particular brush, just because there are no guarantees in life, it's all about taking chances. You know what you don't want but life may not go that way. At some point you'll be moving, start to live independently, relationships will come and go...you just don't know where life is going to take you. A dog is lifelong commitment and none of us are pyschic. I'd always go for the safest bet and keep everything crossed.
Fortunately my Breeder has alot more faith in people than me which resulted in my first gorgeous boy :)

Well I think you have both just stereotyped this potential dog owner. There are no guarntee's with anyone...middle aged people may have grandchildren come along and can't cope with both. There are pro's and con's with everyone. I am young and have just got married. Thank goodness are breeder was abit more open minded!

I agree, at the end of the day it comes down to the person, regardless of age or situation, if they are the right kind of people to be dog owners they will know whats acceptable and essential for a dog to live a happy, healthy fulfilled life. Breeders unfortunately can't get it right everytime.

Thats what I meant about my breeder too :) I had also just got wed, had a young child, just moved etc. I always say if I vever breed I'll end up stalking potential owners, hiding in bushes spying on them....I'd be terrible! Thats my point, don't take a refusal personally. The right breeder will hopefully be the one who can see the good in you regardless of stereotypes :)

It does seem a bit unfair at first:-(

I had problems getting my first staffie as I had 4 young children (I now have 5 & 1 on the way!) Which I do understand the breeders point but I was gutted as I wanted to show.

In the end I purchased one from an ad in the paper (gasp I hear you all say - lol) after reading lots & going to a few shows.

We all love her to bits & she loves us.

Luckly as I did my homework I picked a good pup & we have done quite well at shows.

Now I hope she is in pup, & I think I will be  the same when it comes to selling my puppies.

hope you get it sorted out.

Jo & Blue

I sold a beardie to a nice middle aged couple experienced owners etc & took her back after 10 months a quivering wreck who peed herself when ever she was touched, the couple had mishandled her by using the old rubbing nose in mess that she made to teach her not to etc she also came back complete with huge choker & no neck hair

Her sister went to a similar couple & couldn't have had a happier life travelling all over the UK with them in their caravan

One should never judge a book by it's cover,  I know people from all walks of life that I would never allow a dog to live with bacause they are not what they seem(incuding a serving police dog handler), on the other hand I also know people who many owners would think of an unsuitable & yet are excellent owners, this includes a paraplegic student  & his BC who is a self taught assistance dog at the same level as Endal yet the Assistance dogs people told him he couldn't have a BC as they are not suitable for assistance dogs. Come to think of it there is a disabled wheelchair obedience competitor who has won in open obedience with, I think, his Pem Corgi !!!!!

Hi... thanks for all the replies :)

I only really posted this because I found many of the breeders I spoke to on the phone very intimidating.... However, I met a few of them today at the show (we had so much fun!!)  and am now a lot more relaxed.

I spoke to the secretaries of two different fox terrier clubs and one of them told me she would be happy to help me find a puppy if the puppy I want goes to someone else.  Another breeder has a litter coming in summer and seemed happy with all our questions:)

I think moonmaiden is right.... you should never judge a book by its cover and obviously I have nothing but respect for a breeder who cares about their puppies' welfare.... I just happen to be pretty confident that I can give a puppy a happy life :)

(By the way, we met the loveliest little rescue dog today, made me want to adopt one, but obviously am not experienced enough!!  In future when I have experience of the breed I will definitely consider rescue dogs :) )

Anyway, thanks for all  the replies :)

UPDATE

Sorry, I haven't been on this site for a while.... Thanks for all the replies all, just thought I'd update you all to let you know, we are picking the puppy up on Friday!!! We have already met the pups and they are gorgeous :)

Again, thanks for the replies, even form people who did not think we were suitable :)

Hi Tuti,

Many congratulations - I'm glad it all seems to be working out for you now and I'm sure Friday can't come quick enough for you :)   Don't forget to let us know what your new furry family member is like, your chosen name (when you've decided :P ) and feel free to toss as many questions to the forum as you like :D

Best wishes and good luck,
Teri ;)