I have sold a litter of puppies, now 8 weeks most have left but a couple are staying due to owners home situation etc. One booked puppy, to which I have received a deposit, should have left next weekend. However, I had to ring the potential new owner to confirm and to let them know how pup was getting on only to be asked to keep the pup another week with no real reason for doing so. Its not that I mind doing so, but as I have the first innoculations before they leave I have a sneaky feeling they want me to keep pup till 10 weeks so I have to have, and pay, for the second one. I have said this needs doing and will do this if they wish, but they will have to pay for it. I think this is fair. But from the conversation I had it is obvious they are still looking at puppy ads, and I am begining to wonder if they find one closer to home they will leave me with this puppy.Now, what I would like advise on is, should they try to get me to keep it after 10 weeks, can I refuse and sell the puppy to someone else,and also keep the deposit as i will have to re advertise etc? Also give 2nd jab, feed etc. I have lost potential purchasers as I have had to turn people away. I have been breeding for 10 years and have never ran across this before. Everyone always rings me like mad and visits as the pups grow, but this couple although very interested at the start seem aloof now.

You would really need to try and find out the reason for the new owners requiring you to keep the pup for another week, did you ask the reason?  I have done this to breeders twice and I have also done this on selling my own pups.  I have asked a breeder to keep the pups for me. 1st time the pups was kept until 12 weeks, 2nd time pup was kept until 4.5 months.  The pup I was selling I kept until 18weeks. All were given 1st and 2nd vacs. I did not pay for the vac of the pups I was buying and niether did I charge for the vacs to the pup I was selling.   It is only £26 for both vacs, not a fortune. And without sounding rude, surely a small amount to pay for the health of your pup whether it is sold quickly or not.

BUT.... If there reason is frivolous and as you say, you think they may be looking for something else, then I do feel that you should be entitled to keep a % of the deposit for feed and vacs etc.

If it were my pup, I would telephone them and clarify the situation and explain to them the possibility of losing part of their deposit.

It is still your pup, and in all honesty, you have to make the decision now whether you feel that this is the right home for him. In which case you should return the full deposit. Personally, if this were the case, I would rather return the deposit and make sure my pup went to a home I was happy with, regardless of how long it took.

Kay

if it was me i would tell then they cannot have the pup and send there money back.  if they are not interested now what will they be like when they have the pup??

i like the new owners to come twice to see the litter and on the phone or email as much as they like if i have to get in touch with them (cos they cant be bothered) then its only to tell them that the pup is staying with me

I have to agree with Staffylover, I would be asking them what the hold up is and  if I was not satisfied with the answer tell them I would returning their money and then find a better home for my puppy. The puppy is the most important consideration in this situation.

ide see if they come for the pup nextweek.if they do great if they ask you to keep hold of it ide say to them that if they want you to keep hold of the pup they have to pay the remaining balence or come and collect there deposit .as you have someone else interested in the pup.personnally if it was my pup ide be straight to collect it as soon as it was ready to leave. it sounds to me like your getting messed about! but i could be wrong!!! what is it you breed can you pm me and let me know,youle have to join first.as you wont be able to post it on here as its seen as advertizing!
thanks
sarah x

When we were waiting for our Staff to arrive,she's now a year old, we were ringing every week for updates and advice and couldnt wait to go and pick her up. I know perhaps these people may have complications but I cannot understand their lack of excitement. As the other posters have said. Ask the question,' why they cant pick up the puppy', if the reason is genuine then tell them that they have to pay for the vaccs, it maybe that they cant get to the vet and want you to do it for them but will pay, mind you I would be wary if that was the case because whatever happens an owner needs to make time for their pets. If you're anxious in any way then dont let them have the puppy and return the deposit or if they themselves renege on having the puppy then they forfeit the deposit

I always tell my new owners that deposit is non refundable if THEY decide they no longer want the pup!  If I feel uncomfortable with them after taking their deposit, due to lack of contact etc.  then I return their deposit and tell them I don't think they are ready for a pup.

I've only ever had to do this once!