Bigsley

My first response was to ask my breeder. I did so by email and she was able to respond soon after. When I first asked the breeder for clarification of this issue before I bought a puppy, it was over the phone, and between us I obviously didn't get the right idea. In the email, I said I was confused and then stated four facts. I don't consider this to be confrontational or accusatory, however one commenter here suggests this warrants the breeder cutting me off from further assistance. Yes, the relationship between a breeder and owner can be very valuable. Rather than respond back to the breeder and potentially create an uncomfortable situation, I chose to consult the Worldly Wise Web. I didn't call up a competitor breeder for a whinge session, and I wasn't making a demand on anyone's time. I used the word "mislead" because I was left with the impression that the puppy would be registered in my name. I accept that the breeder would not have intentionally done this, to trick me out of less than $40 when I was going to be paying thousands. Prior to purchasing a puppy, it's recommended to speak to as many breeders as possible and ask lots of questions. Why should that stop after purchasing a puppy? Many of the responses I've received online today are more informative than the breeder's response and I've also been able to learn some additional things. Giant breeds do take a lot of care to raise properly. Before committing to getting a puppy I did a lot of research from many different resources in addition to speaking to the breeders and visiting. I found differing opinions on two of the questions that I asked breeders, and the opinion I developed on those aspects is differing to my breeder's idea on the subject. That doesn't mean I discount her opinion or wouldn't seek her advice where necessary. But for me, it does show the value in speaking with people from different backgrounds, whether they be Saint breeders or owners, or giant dog breeders or owners. I understood that the breeder was having the puppy microchipped, but not registered on the NSW companion animal register, and I understand what is involved with that registration. I wasn't able to take microchip paperwork home when I picked up my puppy because the breeder didn't know which microchip number was his and her scanner wasn't working. I signed the form with it blank and took my puppy to my vet the next day to get scanned and emailed the chip number to the breeder. His microchip and paperwork is all in order and I will be registering him on the companion animal register following further consultation with my vet and the council. It's not just the term "registration" that is causing me confusion, but at the time he was registered, I was the puppy's owner. If the form had arrived showing this other person as "Breeder" or "person initially registering the dog", I would have less issue with the situation. For her to be recorded as the owner was simply incorrect. Yes, she was to begin with, but not at the time of registration. But I guess that's just how Dogs NSW operates the register. The breeder had determined that my puppy was going to be sold and on limited register weeks before I picked him up. So I didn't understand the six week period between when I picked him up and the "date registered". I sought feedback on this issue on two forums. One of them was more helpful and less judgemental than the other.

Thanks for the helpful responses. It does seem that it was a miscommunication/misunderstanding. Dogs NSW advised me that breeders in NSW do have to be recorded as the owner on initial registration. They also confirmed that in NSW the breeder can handle the transfer of registration to the new owner, and that a new owner doesn't need to be a member. I can see from a breeder's perspective it makes sense, because they know that their name has to be recorded as the owner (except QLD). I think the QLD process is better, in the sense that at the time of registration whoever is the current owner can be registered as the owner.

I purchased a pure bred Saint Bernard puppy from a registered breeder. Prior to deciding to purchase, she advised me that the price ($2500) included registration. I asked her what this meant, because I wanted to clarify if it meant lifetime registration on the NSW companion animal register. She wasn't very succinct in her answer, but I understood that it was registration to do with his breeding rather than the companion animal register. I recently received a form in the post from her, titled "Application to transfer registered ownership of dog". The form is to be returned to my State ANKC member body, with payment. I emailed the breeder as I was confused. "I'm a bit confused about the transfer form you sent me. It says it is to be sent to Dogs NSW with the applicable fee, but you advised me that the price for the puppy included registration. The back of the form shows the date of registration as 19/05/2016, after my puppy had come home with me, but shows you as the registered owner." Her response - "Yes the puppy is registered. The breeder is the only one who can register puppies. It is the new owners responsibility to transfer the ownership. The puppy is registered!!! The transfer of ownership is your responsibility." It's disappointing that she wasn't clear about this part of the process, and I do find it misleading that she stated registration is included in the purchase of puppies, but is not including transfer of that registration to me. She is registered as the owner of my puppy unless I pay an additional fee. She never mentioned that this transfer was required even though I asked about the registration. The amount is irrelevant. This is the first time I have purchased an animal through any breeder. Previously I have purchased through RSPCA or rescues. I contacted five registered breeders to ask questions before purchasing, although I didn't ask about the registration with any of the other breeders. Is this common practice? From what she said to me prior to the purchase I would have expected her to cover this fee. For the price I paid, I would have expected transfer of ownership to be included. It should have at least been mentioned. Putting aside the fact that he is a much loved family member, I paid for something and it became mine, yet she is still recorded as the owner. Perhaps other customers don't give it any thought because it's such a small charge compared to the price of the puppy, but I am a bit pedantic about honesty and principles. Even though breeders are the only ones who can do the registration, do they have the option to state a different owner? Also, the date of registration is a little over two months after my puppy's birth date. Is that normal, as I would have expected it to be done sooner?

That young rough boy has just turned three. He's also very far away. I didn't ask more about him because I think he's not the one for me :) Yes, sounds like a good idea to call NSW breeders to let them know if they have any puppies returned to them or young ones they become aware of that need rehoming I would be interested to know about them. Thanks for your input :)

Hi Folks After a lot of research and contemplation, my dog and I have come to the decision that we should get a second dog, and he should be a Saint Bernard. Maybe I will end up buying a puppy from a reputable breeder, but having been involved with rescue previously I much prefer to adopt than buy. Saints are said to be "low popularity and high dumpage", but I don't think they are in shelters or rescue/foster very often, or maybe they just get snapped up quickly. I would like to let you know about the home I can offer, and perhaps if we are suitable for a needy Saint you come across, you might get in touch with me. There are several reasons we would like our new friend to be so young (up to a year). He will be less likely to dominate my current dog or make him feel threatened. He will be smaller/lighter, so will physically be easier to train (when fully grown he will weigh more than me). I want to do a lot of obedience training with the new dog and ultimately would like him to become a Pets As Therapy dog, providing the drool doesn't preclude them! Also, the lifespan of these dogs is unfairly brief and I want for the new dog to still be around when/after my current 8yo GR eventually goes to the rainbow bridge, which I expect won't be for several years or more. I quit full time work last year, partly so I can spend more time with my dog. Loving life! I work for myself from home, so will be with the dogs most of the time and they will be inside most of the time. I have a suburban home, but a large backyard with high colourbond fencing and certainly enough room for the three of us. Have two boxes of dog toys already waiting. Until the young fella is trained up I will walk them separately. I would be willing to undergo house checks and normal adoption procedures, and can travel within NSW to pick up our new friend. Although he'll be sharing the home as part of the family, I'll also be crate training the new arrival, so I'm on the lookout for massive crates. 122x74x82cm is the largest I've seen so far. Do they make ones large enough for adult Saints? I can potentially construct one. Cheers :)