Breeder Communication

[Patti Golden]

I know I'm just an expectant mom and my puppy is less than 3 weeks old but I have written two emails with no response from the breeder (I have sent her my deposit already).  She was quick to respond on initial inquiry and I spoke to her on the phone soon after that, but it's been almost 2 weeks since I've heard.  I know she's busy but a quick reply would mean a lot to me.  My question is what is the normal rate of communication between the breeder and you.  How often did you get photos?  Am I being too anxious?  Do I need a good slap on my hand to just be patient? 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This is very disturbing. She clearly has several websites and breeds four or five different breeds. If you enter her phone number in a google search, you get all the websites. This is one reason it's important to visit the breeder in person.

If this were me and I could afford it, I'd forget the deposit and find another breeder.

[Patti Golden]

Live and learn, right?  I have never purchased a dog from a breeder before - always the pound or a rescue.  From now on I will do my Google search BEFORE placing a deposit.  I think it would be less expensive to forego the deposit and feel good about where I purchase a puppy, instead of paying her another HUGE amount and feeling like she is not reputable.  This is so upsetting to me.  I thought he was the perfect puppy, but who knows what I'd find when I went to visit (based on that one person's review).  I also remember she didn't want me to visit at 6 weeks, just wanted me to visit when I came to take the puppy home.  sighs 

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Patti ~ I am so sorry to hear this happening.  Do you think this is a puppy mill!  If it was close I would probably go talk to her in person.

My personality is such ( an old bag) that I would  not forfeit my deposit without talking to her (at least on the phone) - tell her how you feel and why and tell her what you saw online.  Be interesting to hear her side of the story if there is one.   Hopefully, she will give you your deposit back and you can find someone more reputable and comfortable to work with.  My word, how would it be to communicate with her over a health guarantee if for some reason there was an issue like that!  

I had a similar experience here in WA. I saw the puppies online, excitely sent my deposit through paypal and then heard nothing more.  I called her the next week with a couple of questions and when we got talking I found out she was having financial problems, etc and she was moving to CO and would ship the puppy to me - at an extra $350.  Long story short, I told her no way and I wanted my deposit back. She too said she normally did not return deposits - please see her website!  It took her 4 months to get my deposit back - I actually put in a complaint with paypal.  She called me and asked me to remove the complaint so she could continue to get deposit via paypal from other people.  I said no way and my deposit arrived about 8 days later.

I do think things happen for a reason, and I bet you will find a very good breeder who will communicate with you during the purchase of your new friend and after. 

Keep us posted and good luck to you.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Patti, What if you called her and told her that you'd like to come out to see the puppies soon -- not to pick one out, but to simply visit?  You could ask, even if you have no intention of actually going there, just to see how she reacts.  A good breeder will welcome visits from people who have already sent in a deposit.  If she hesitates or says, no, I'd definitely start looking for another breeder.  

If it were me, I'd trust my gut and focus on finding a different breeder.  I'd search for someone with whom you feel more comfortable and whose communication style meshes with your needs.  Good luck, and I'm sorry that you're in this situation.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I agree 100%.  Forget about the deposit and move on if you can.  I am sorry - you can find a better breeder.  It takes time and research but you can find one you feel much better about.

[Bonnie and Kona]

I am so sorry to hear this very disturbing news. Hoping you are able to rise above this heartache and find your best possible puppy.

[Patti Golden]

Thank you, Bonnie.  Right now I'm just in kind of a befuddled state not really knowing what to do.  I've started looking at other breeders just in case.  It's not like I have to have one tomorrow, and I should take my time anyway to be sure.  It just feels really strange not having a dog now for the first time in years.  I'm sure this will all turn out for the best.

 

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

This is not sounding good at all.  I do wish you the very best in your search for your perfect puppy. But this breeder does not sound reputable so harden your heart if you have to and move on.

[Candice & Bailey]

I'm so sorry to hear this is happening to you. I would definitely start hounding her as well. Most breeders will let you come and pick your puppy after they are 3 weeks old. They may not let you handle the puppy, and you may have to scrub your shoes to even enter the puppy area, but they will let you come and view them. If she isn't responding or letting you view them, I'd say something is up. I'd also be concerned about those multiple ads. Did you pay through credit card or paypal? Is there a recourse for your deposit if she won't refund it? I would probably run the other way, knowing what you know, but still be on her for my deposit back!

[Sue & Lily Grace]

Patti, I am so sorry that this has happened to you. I too would hound her until she answered my call just to hear what she would say about this. I would then tell her you were not comfortable with the situation and ask for your deposit back. You have nothing to lose. I hope that you find another breeder that loves the dogs that they breed and are looking to breed the best. Best of luck to you.

[Patti Golden]

Sue,

Thanks.  I have already started talking to another breeder and researching others.  The breeder I am talking with is even closer to me and I know there are members on this site who have purchased from them and are happy. 

[Lynne of Fountain Falls]

I think I can add to this discussion because I am a breeder.  

1. If someone contacts me by phone or email and I haven't responded within 24 hours it means I didnt get it.  I feel it is very important to be available to answer any questions someone might have about their puppies or goldendoodles in general..  

2. sometimes there are more pictures than others.  It is very difficult to get good pictures until the pups are really moving around on their own. If I know someone needs a puppy fix I will try to get them more pictures.  I post on my fountain falls facebook page a lot.  It is harder to update my website, ffgoldendoodles.co more than once a week because we have slow internet and have to travel 15 miles to town to upload any changes.

To sum it up, I think it is very important as a breeder to be available to new families.  Part of what I sell is access to my advice and support for the life time of the puppy.  Buying a puppy is a big and expensive decision. Part of being a breeder is being available.  Yes I'm busy, yes I have a very full life and don't often have time or inclination for a lengthy chat but if that is the case I try to at least answer the question.

That's just me, each breeder is different.  I feel it is part of what you are buying when you put a deposit on one of my puppies.  It is my business and personal  philosophy to be available, within reason, to anyone who wants information about goldendoodles.