Communication with breeders in general

[Julie]

Hi Everyone,
We are moving along in our quest to find a goldendoodle. We put a deposit down. I'm curious if I am alone in having very bad luck with breeders getting back to me. Before we put a deposit down I narrowed my search down to a few breeders. I tried to show I was a serious customer and ready to put a deposit down. I found the emails I was being sent by many breeders were very vague and didn't answer my questions. I would see online all of the waiting list so other people must have had good communication. I corresponded with a breeder via email a couple of times and asked if I could call her just to avoid the back and forth (vague) emails and she said I could try to catch her. I never did and she didn't call back. I'm not trying to be a pest. We opted for a breeder that we know people who have gotten their doodles from. This breeders website is very basic so there are no birth announcements or anything. I have asked when puppies are due a few times with no answer other than not yet. The plan is for a puppy at the end of may or beginning of June. Breeder knows we have allergies and color preference but I would like to discuss temperment etc. I just want to know if anyone else notices this trend.

Thank you so much for your input!

[Lisa & Sunny]

I only worked with one breeder.  I never talked with her on the phone and only communicated via email.  She was good about answering emails but sometimes it took a while to get a response from her.  Thankfully between her website and her Facebook page I was able to get all the information I needed about when the puppies were born, etc.

[EJ & Dante]

I would be concerned about that.  I wouldn't expect an immediate response, but within a few days to have your questions answered.  I got all my questions answered, and I asked a LOT.  Our breeder also communicated through website, public facebook and a private facebook group for owners and waiting families only.  Once the puppies were born, we got updates and pictures daily, or every few days at the most.  I did not put a deposit down until all my questions were answered.

[Julie]

It's weird that every breeder I have emailed with just wouldn't give complete answers. I'm not bothering them because I have only asked if they were born. I don't think I'm asking too much or being a pest. I guess I just have to wait. I will keep you posted! Thank you for replying!!!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

You are paying a LOT of money for your purchase - would you be satisfied if you ordered a sweater from a store and couldn't even find out if it was in stock?   Personally, I'd ask for my deposit back.  Breeders have a responsibility to their customers.  E-mail replies take a few minutes.  Answers should be direct and to the point.  You are not asking too much.  If you have allergies, truly, I would get a poodle and cut it longer.  There are no guarantees with doodles as to shedding or being allergy friendly.  Do you want to fall in love with something and find out you can't keep it?

[Stella]

I would be concerned. After I contacted my breeder with questions and expressed interest in a pup from her, my breeder phoned me. She interviewed me over the phone before she would even release her address for a visit!

[Stella]

This is a great guide to things to look for in a good breeder

http://www.doodlekisses.com/notes/What_To_Look_for_In_a_Breeder

[Julie]

I know it sounds silly. But I guess since I spoke with several via email it seemed the norm. I will keep you guys posted. Thank you for your thoughts!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thanks for keeping us posted.  We love to accompany you in your puppy journey.