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? 

[Patti Golden]

Lynne,

Something you said just finally knocked some sense into me.  How in the world is this breeder going to give me a lifetime of support when I can't even get her to respond now?  I hadn't really given that much thought as I was so focused on just getting my puppy, but you are 100% correct about that.  I think the best thing to do is to give this one up - would be better in the long run.  Who knows if I'd even get the puppy she promised?  (the one bad review I found from someone said they didn't get what they were promised).  Thanks for the advice and for letting me hear from a breeder's perspective.  I know breeders are busy taking care of the puppies but just a short note would have sufficed and satisfied me for a time.

Patti

 

[Candice & Bailey]

I hope your deposit wasn't a large one. I'd still go after her for the deposit if you can. I wish you the best of luck in your doodle pup search!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I totally agree with Lynne. Our breeder is always reachable within at least 24 hours and the two doodles of hers I have are 41/2 and 2 yrs old. The first yr was very comforting knowing I had her as a safety net and wealth of knowledge about her pups. Very important point.

[Patti Golden]

UPDATE 9/25/12

The breeder finally contacted me last night after I had emailed her and told her I would forfeit my deposit.  She was very apologetic about the lack of communication and all.  To make a long story short, all is well now.  She took some photos of the 2 boys last night.  They are 5 weeks old now.  I will try to load one of them.  Now I need to begin my puppy shopping to get ready.  It's all very exciting but I do not look forward to getting up in the middle of the night and taking him potty in the cold.  LOL.   I know it will be worth it though.  :-)

Thanks to everyone who suffered through this with me and for all your suggestions and input.  It was so appreciated and helped just having someone to vent to.

[Candice & Bailey]

What were her reasons for the lack of communication?

[Patti Golden]

She said that she had no excuse.  She took total blame.  She did say though that they were busy and that phone is always the best way to reach her and that her kids sometimes get on the computer and unclick messages.  I still don't believe she didn't receive my messages and only responded to this one because I threatened to pull out.  But then she immediately took photos and sent them so I'm fine with it all now.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Patti,
I just read your whole discussion. IMHO be careful. If this breeder has several sites and breeds different breeds of dogs sounds like a puppy mill or back yard breeder.
I would go there unannounced and look for myself. You are so right - a dog is a lifetime commitment and you have to be sure that you are getting as healthy a puppy as possible.
Make sure you get vet records, ask for the vets name and number and contact them yourself. I can't begin to tell you what we hear in the rescue world.
I would also get pet insurance. I gave it for all 3 doodles and yes it is expensive for 3 but not having it and GF anyone got sick would be more expensive.
Good luck and paws crossed this breeder is everything she says she is.

[Patti Golden]

I know.  I'd be lying if I didn't say I still had doubts, but I'd have that with ANY breeder - that's just me.  She did send me a list of things to do once I get the puppy home.  I sent my friend this list along with the photos.  Her husband is a small animal orthopedic surgeon and he was very impressed that she recommends taking the puppy off puppy food at 4 months and starting them on adult food.  He says he knows of no other vet that recommends this.  The puppy food makes them grow too fast and causes bone and joint problems - he sees it all the time.  She also emphasizes that she gets right of first refusal, even if the puppy is an adult, if for some reason I can't keep the puppy.  She is feeding Black Gold (which apparently is hard to find) and recommends Blue Buffalo.  I don't know too much about these special foods but am going to check them out.  I want to do what's best for this guy.  She also states something about not giving Lepto or Corona as part of their puppy series of shots but that if I do that it be given after 6 months of age.  So she does seem to care about the puppies.  I know she has other breeds and I don't like that either.  I just can't forfeit my deposit over something like that; especially when my whole life I've had rescue dogs or pound dogs and they have been fine (I know...I'm lucky).  I do appreciate the warning though. 

 

[Adina P]

I don't know who the breeder is, but just about every breeder that has a website has puppy care guidelines and an opinion on food and vaccination.  Even the ones that are indeed bad breeders.   I'm not saying she is, but I wouldn't hang my hat on puppy recs meaning a whole lot.  Some very seemingly caring people have turned out to be backyard breeders, puppy millers, etc.  Bad breeders aren't necessarily bad people (though not saying they can't be that too) and even some otherwise GOOD people shouldn't be breeding dogs because they just aren't doing things to a high standard for breeding.  It doesn't mean they are heartless, evil, cruel, or abuse dogs.  It just means that their breeding practices are poor and they could be inadvertently causing problems they are ignorant of or turning a blind eye to.  Anyway, just something to think about for anyone reading. 

[Lynne of Fountain Falls]

a last comment. If it took threatening to forfeit your deposit to get her to call, what kind of leverage will you have when you really need to get in contact with her once you have your puppy.  You are not buying a rescue.  You are buying a supposedly well bred goldendoodle, with all of the health testing ( have you asked to see proof of this) and breeder support for the life of the dog.  I saw somewhere that she breeds different breeds and has differet web sites.  Red flag.  Not always but I have all I can do to keep up wit the latest on goldendoodles.  I can't imagine breeding several different breeds.  

These days there are soooo many goldendoodles to choose from.  This is a 15 year commitment.  Make sure you are getting what you pay for.  Good luck.  

Lynne

[Patti Golden]

Thanks Lynne.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed he's all what she says he is.  As far as I can tell she breeds goldendoodles, goldens, labs, cavaliers and cavapoos.  Yeah, that does sound like a lot.  When I looked at her golden puppies they look just like the goldendoodle puppies pic she sent me (the one I posted).  So how do you tell the difference when they are so young? 

I also must add that I take some of the blame for lack of communication.  While I did send her 3 emails she didn't answer, I also didn't call her.  When I called her the first time to let her know I wanted a puppy she sounded really busy.  I always feel that emails are better because then you won't interrupt someone at a bad time and they can answer at a more convenient time in an email.  I also just don't like talking on the phone.  But I will start calling her now because she says that works better for her. 

I think this puppy will be great.  There are so many to choose from like you mentioned that it's hard to know which is the one best for you.  Since I can't afford to lose my deposit I decided to stick with this one.  Had I not put a deposit down I would have come to visit you.  :-) 

Again, thanks for all your input.

[Patti Golden]

WOW!   I can't believe it.  Just emailed my breeder about the day(s) I could pick my boy up and she replied in 45 minutes!  

Getting my boy on either the 13th or 14th of October!!!  Trying to get everything ready.  Has anyone purchased the Puppy Pack from Doodle Country?  It seems to have a lot of the things that were on my list.