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Jac · 09-12-2009, 02:34 PM

Liz, thank you for your post. I know that this is something that is very dear to you...as it is to me, Maureen and the others on this forum...obviously, or we would not be here ready to discuss good breeding practices on a forum of strangers...so thanks to you all.

I do want to concur with Maureen's post. While the statement you made about puppy sales via the internet is true, and while I absolutely agree that they need to get to know their breeder BEFORE they send any money, I want to explain, as Maureen has, that there are many good breeders who sell through their web page, over the internet and many of us limit or greatly restrict visitations.

There are good reasons for all of this...and, like any other sales, you have to be sure that you are dealing with someone reputable before you buy. But that can be very difficult. One of the best ways I know of, to weed out a "bad" internet purchase (especially with puppies) is to have A LOT of contact with the seller. You can learn a great deal about a person by your conversations and interactions. Most reputable breeders will freely discuss your questions and concerns, they will have MANY references for you to contact (and you SHOULD contact them!) The good breeders will talk to you on the phone and they will want to protect the health of their puppies.

Not long ago, there was a story on the news about a young pregnant woman (a dog breeder selling her puppies) who was brutally murdered and her baby was cut from her womb...the person who did this was someone who had seen her picture on the internet, had talked with her about her family, her pregnancy, etc. When the "client" wanted to come out and visit the puppies...the breeder was killed. The "client" had been searching for the right person, pregnant woman, living at home...for easy access. Obvioulsy, this is not always going to happen...but most good breeders have their dogs in their private homes and in order to protect their families, they refuse to have people visit. I understand this concern. Also, there is the HUGE risk that people puppy shop from place to place, brining parvo or other diseases in to the families.

So, while I will let people visit my pups, I insist that they have a deposit down before they do...and I set the rules. If I don't trust them completely, I will meet them somewhere away from my home.

So, to be fair, it is important that you not paint this with such a wide brush that you eliminate some very good breeders or paint them as back yard breeders/puppy mills.

There are many things you can do to find out about the dogs and puppies...and if a breeder is too busy to take your calls or answer all of your questions...THEN look somewhere else. Usually that breeder doesn't care about the placement, they only care about the money.

Another good way to find out about your breeder is to ask other GOOD breeders...they all know each other through forums and associations. These breeders will tell you if there are any red flags about the breeder your are considering...but beware a breeder who will try to steal your purchase from another breeder too...

Finally (sorry this is so long) rescues are always non-profit corporations, so find out what the IRS number is for their 501 (c) (3)...if they don't have one, or if it is pending...wait until it is final. Then you can also check local humane societies or animal control departments to verify this business.

This is much like internet dating...you have to use common sense and logic and take many precautions...but I met my husband on the internet...so I know that good things happen online!

09-12-2009, 02:34 PM	#127 (permalink)
Jac Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: northern California Posts: 9,243	Re: Back Yard Breeders/Puppy Mills Liz, thank you for your post. I know that this is something that is very dear to you...as it is to me, Maureen and the others on this forum...obviously, or we would not be here ready to discuss good breeding practices on a forum of strangers...so thanks to you all. I do want to concur with Maureen's post. While the statement you made about puppy sales via the internet is true, and while I absolutely agree that they need to get to know their breeder BEFORE they send any money, I want to explain, as Maureen has, that there are many good breeders who sell through their web page, over the internet and many of us limit or greatly restrict visitations. There are good reasons for all of this...and, like any other sales, you have to be sure that you are dealing with someone reputable before you buy. But that can be very difficult. One of the best ways I know of, to weed out a "bad" internet purchase (especially with puppies) is to have A LOT of contact with the seller. You can learn a great deal about a person by your conversations and interactions. Most reputable breeders will freely discuss your questions and concerns, they will have MANY references for you to contact (and you SHOULD contact them!) The good breeders will talk to you on the phone and they will want to protect the health of their puppies. Not long ago, there was a story on the news about a young pregnant woman (a dog breeder selling her puppies) who was brutally murdered and her baby was cut from her womb...the person who did this was someone who had seen her picture on the internet, had talked with her about her family, her pregnancy, etc. When the "client" wanted to come out and visit the puppies...the breeder was killed. The "client" had been searching for the right person, pregnant woman, living at home...for easy access. Obvioulsy, this is not always going to happen...but most good breeders have their dogs in their private homes and in order to protect their families, they refuse to have people visit. I understand this concern. Also, there is the HUGE risk that people puppy shop from place to place, brining parvo or other diseases in to the families. So, while I will let people visit my pups, I insist that they have a deposit down before they do...and I set the rules. If I don't trust them completely, I will meet them somewhere away from my home. So, to be fair, it is important that you not paint this with such a wide brush that you eliminate some very good breeders or paint them as back yard breeders/puppy mills. There are many things you can do to find out about the dogs and puppies...and if a breeder is too busy to take your calls or answer all of your questions...THEN look somewhere else. Usually that breeder doesn't care about the placement, they only care about the money. Another good way to find out about your breeder is to ask other GOOD breeders...they all know each other through forums and associations. These breeders will tell you if there are any red flags about the breeder your are considering...but beware a breeder who will try to steal your purchase from another breeder too... Finally (sorry this is so long) rescues are always non-profit corporations, so find out what the IRS number is for their 501 (c) (3)...if they don't have one, or if it is pending...wait until it is final. Then you can also check local humane societies or animal control departments to verify this business. This is much like internet dating...you have to use common sense and logic and take many precautions...but I met my husband on the internet...so I know that good things happen online!