Breeders Taking Back Dogs They Bred

[cointreau]

The breeder where I have got my two Danes from made it clear to me that they wanted the dog back if I was unable to or decided I didn't want my dog anymore. That sounds very blunt but I guess you have to be sometimes I certainly wouldn't want to give up my best friend but a consideration at time of purchase was their welfare should anything happen to me resulting in me not being able to look after my dog anymore.

I carry a piece of paper in my purse stating who to contact should I be in an accident so my pets are properly cared, for the breeders details are also on it with instructions of what to do with my dog & other pets if necessary. A copy is also with a close friend hopefully this will prevent my pets from being pts if I can no longer care for them, I NEVER want that document to be used.

It is rude to expect the breeder to pay you for your dog if you decide to return it, but polite to let the breeder to have first option to rehome the dog and be aware of what is happening to one of their puppies. I think any breeder who cares about their breed would like to know where the dogs go and the reason if they can no longer be kept by the purchaser.

[Savane]

Mine would take him back but I can't think of a reason I would need that to happen, she offers awesome support I was also very impressed at how she vetted each buyer and each pup to match up the appropriate pup with buyer. For example a buyer with small children she would steer away from a really boisterous pup. Ivé not had Ridgebacks before but she knew my history and background with dogs so I was put as a priority buyer and I am so glad I went with this breeder.

I think it's all about ethics too, perhaps some breeders cannot take a pup back but surely they would do their best to help find the dog a new and loving home.

I can never understand why some people sell older breeding dogs, because they don't do good at a show or whatever, I know it's a business too for some but what about the bond and love you should form with your dog?

[ellz]

Will add here too that one of my most recent litter went to a wonderful older lady who already has two old Staffords and who has been involved with the breed since she got her first show Stafford in the late 1970's. Her family had poo-pooed the idea of her getting a puppy, telling her that she was too old and that they wouldn't take him because they don't like the breed.

I was able to reassure her by telling her that I would take Ben back without question if anything happened to her, or she was unable to continue to care for him.

I also told her that she was to send her two oldies here if anything prevented her from caring for them as well. They're nothing whatsoever to do with me, but if one comes here, they might as well all come here.

[Joan of Arc]

I make it clear to all our puppy buyers that if thier circumstances change was expect them to approach us first and we will take the puppy back. In fact we did just that last year and I was overwhelmingly supported by other breeders here on DOL for our actions. So I know that many many breeders do this, perhaps we just dont advertise it.

I should also add that in some cases there may be extenuating circumstances where a breeder is not in a position to do so. While I was in hospital having a total knee replacement a puppy buyer who was in Perth rang to see if we would like our black girl back. At the time, taking a puppy back was the last thing on my mind or OH's, luckily Sandgrubber had a beautiful loving home lined up for her just incase.

[jr_inoz]

Let me just say - I am not a breeder...

Until I came onto this forum, I would never have thought that it was the breeder's responsibility to rehome a dog that they had bred. My view was (and still is) that if you take on the responsibility of a dog, then it is your responsibility and it is a life-long committment. It is not the responsibility of my breeder to take back a puppy just because my circumstances change, or it is too much for me or whatever.

My breeder, though, is someone who will help with re-homing and also, as part of the whole screening process for their new puppies, will often tell people that if things don't work out in the first couple of weeks, and the family are finding it hard, will take the puppy back with a full refund.

I applaud both my breeder and many of you who decide that you will rehome the dogs that you have bred if you need to. That is a really good thing that you do.

As far as expecting a refund for the dog you return.... unless it is coming back in the first few weeks - absolutely not! People need to learn responsibility for the decisions that they make. Dog owners should be grateful that there are breeders around who will 'take their dog off their hands' for them, not expect them to also pay for that privilege.

I would never part with my dog - but understand that circumstances may arise where she might have to go back to the breeder (if I get run over by a bus for example). I love that I have that security that her breeder will make sure she is looked after and rehomed.

[Trisven13]

I have known some breeders who are very helpful, some breed clubs who are very helpful. Unfortunately i have also seen a dog recently at a shelter- reason for surrender? Dog did not like show ring. Lovely dog too.

That is so sad.

I've not had to take one of mine back, but I've had a few of them come and stay. A couple have been a real challenge for their owners and I've looked after a couple for a few weeks, to give them a break and some extra training.

I'd do anything to help an owner overcome any problems that might be having and so far it's worked out.

As the old saying goes " prevention is better than the cure ".

I do understand that sometimes things happen in your life and dogs can find themselves in a postion where the owner is unable to care for them. If you carefully select the homes for your puppies and offer the support , then it should be the genuine cases where dogs come back

And that is something that sets you & others apart Jacky.

Sadly I've seen too many cases of breeders not wanting to take their dogs back. I'll be honest, I don't think it is a coincidence that the majority of registered dogs I have come through have breeders who don't care about (ETA by this I mean that they don't put as much thought into homes as they should either) - one of them even told me to "F&^% off". I expect no more from a registered breeder than what I provide as a rescuer. I'm here for help & assistance with a dog I've rehomed. If the new home can't keep it I will find it a place in foster care, re-assess it and rehome it.

ETA - I have 4 registered dogs and all of them come from breeders who will take their dogs back. My daughter also has a registered dog whose breeder will take him back. I wouldn't buy from a breeder who wouldn't take the dog back.

Edited March 1, 2010 by Trisven13

[Jed]

Pups only leave here when the new owner has signed an agreement which states they will not rehome, sell, send to the pound or give away the dog without offering me the dog back.

I also explain that the reason for the agreement is that I want the dog to have a lifetime home, and if it is not with them, I want to ensure that it is with someone else suitable.

So, basically, if they can't keep it, I am the first port of call. I will also mind dogs I bred if the owners have problems -- ie, sick, moving etc. I would rather do this, and know they can keep the dog if someone helps, than have them rehome the dog.

Savane

I can never understand why some people sell older breeding dogs, because they don't do good at a show or whatever, I know it's a business too for some but what about the bond and love you should form with your dog?

Because most breeders are limited by council regulations to the number of dogs they can keep. Some are only allowed 4. If you have a few dogs and you breed a bitch a couple of times, she might be 4 or 5 - she will live to 12 - 16, so while you keep her, you cannot own or breed with another bitch, because the council will not allow you to have one. If you have 3 bitches and a dog, you are only breeding for 4 or 5 years, and then you have middle aged to old dogs, and you are no longer a breeder.

Retired show and breeding dogs are healthy, well trained, and most breeders have queues of excellent homes, where the dog will sleep on the bed etc, waiting for them.

This is the only way for some exhibitors and breeders to continue with their hobby. No matter how badly they feel about it, they need to do it. And rehomed dogs always get excellent homes, where they are happy. They aren't rehomed unless they will be happy.

[ellz]

I can never understand why some people sell older breeding dogs, because they don't do good at a show or whatever, I know it's a business too for some but what about the bond and love you should form with your dog?

In addition to what Jed posted, sometimes dogs just don't DO well in a volume setting. Some would prefer to be an "only" or one of a smaller pack in a different environment.

Most good breeders/exhibitors can recognise this in their own dogs and will make whatever arrangements are necessary to ensure the ongoing health and happiness of the dog/s concerned.

[Crisovar]

I agree with Jed and Ellz, rehoming older dogs is a hard decison and done in the best interests of the dog.

Good breeders don't take this lightly, and do it when necessary, without this we would have less good breeders for the public to buy their well bred, well raised, healthy, happy pups from.

As far as taking back dogs, good breeders do this or at the very least assist to rehome the dog to a suitable new family, but theyhave to be aware of the need first.

It is alarming the number of people who do not even consider contacting the breeder when things go pear shaped, your breeder should always be your first port of call.

Some rescue groups also do not attempt to contact breeders, even in cases where the breeder is known.

[~Anne~]

Old Pugs re-home just as well as young Pugs. Maybe Pugs are of a particular easy going nature though. They don't fret, they don't stress. As long as there is food and attention, they're happy and the transition from home to home never worries them a great deal.

Overall, with the Pug breeders I contacted while running my rescue, I had very positive experiences and most were very willing to help or to take back the dog. I can only recall one breeder who answered with "yeah.. and what do you expect me to do about it" when told one of their dogs had come into rescue. Several breeders willingly went out of their way to assist me both financially and with time. Jenny Stimson from Kabova Pugs paid fees to collect Pugs from pounds several times and transported dogs across the country for me and Amanda from Bathurst fostered, collected and delivered Pugs and still to this day keeps a look out for Pugs in need. Philippa from Yarrowfell has also gone out of her way to assist Pugs in need in rescue situations.

Overall, I would say that Pug breeders are very responsible with caring for Pugs that end up in difficult circumstances in my experience.

Edited March 1, 2010 by ~Anne~

[FionaC]

I've not had to take one of mine back, but I've had a few of them come and stay. A couple have been a real challenge for their owners and I've looked after a couple for a few weeks, to give them a break and some extra training.

I'd do anything to help an owner overcome any problems that might be having and so far it's worked out.

As the old saying goes " prevention is better than the cure ".

I do understand that sometimes things happen in your life and dogs can find themselves in a postion where the owner is unable to care for them. If you carefully select the homes for your puppies and offer the support , then it should be the genuine cases where dogs come back

wow just wanted to say that's really brilliant

my boys are from 2 different breeders but both would take them back in a heartbeat if we needed them to ..... when buying our first boy as a new dog owner it was such a comfort to know that this was an option if something happened (not that we'd ever consider it but it really felt good to know that he meant as much to us as he did to the person who bred him ) and then to have the same discussion with our puppy's breeder was like the icing on the cake... we know if something happened our boys would be loved and cared for ... :D

[Bubitty]

I have made a will leaving my dogs to their breeder. We have consulted our breeder on this who is more than willing to take them back should we come to an unfortunate demise!

They also baby-sit the kids 4-5 times a yr so unfortunately they just can't get away from the dogs they breed!

[hilaryo]

In a perfect world all breeders would take back their puppies but in reality sometimes it isn’t possible. Very strict dog numbers in most places mean adding an extra at little to no notice is impossible for a lot of people. I would like to think that all breeds at least assist in the rehoming even if they don’t physically take the dog back..

Having said that the breeders who think the puppy is not their responsibility once they are sold should give up breeding and unfortunately I know a lot like this. Don’t know how they can bring a puppy into this world and not care if he is having a happy life.

Well said cowanbree!

[BeagleBoys2]

I know a lot of breeder that care about each and every puppy that they sell. If the household is not able to keep a puppy for whatever reason they want to know before the family re-homes the animal themselves.

Responsible breeders should be tracking how the animals develop so they can ensure their breeding program is improving the breed. How can you do this if you do not stay in contact with the owners??

However, as many of you have indicated it is not always possible for a breeder to take back a puppy. Only after this avenue was deemed not possible would I discuss with the breeder the availability of the Breed Club taking on the animal to re-home. A number of Breed Clubs have rescue homes that temporarily take on a dog before being re-homed.

Edited March 2, 2010 by BeagleBoys2

[ozjen]

While I let my puppy owners know that I will take a dog back or assist in rehoming at any stage in its life I do sometimes wonder it this is the correct way to go. Not that I'm not willing its just that I wonder if we make it too easy for people to not take any responsability for taking on a dog. I know circumstances change or an individual dogs personality might not fit the household, but are we giving people to easy an out. In this throwaway society are we encouraging people to do just that with their pets.

No flaming please, but I am genuinely interested in peoples thoughts on this as in the back of my mind I have often worried that perhaps we are contributing to people taking the responsiability of dog ownership too lightly by offerring the easy out.

Having said that, I myself have rehomed a dog after offering it back to the breeder. I was more than happy to do the rehoming and consulted the breeder with regard to whether they would prefer the dog to be sterilised first and transfered to limited register if they did not want it back themselves or whether they were happy for her to go to another breeder who had some of their lines.

I also microchip my pups although it is not madatory in our state so that they can hopefully be traced back to me if any are found or end up in a shelter so that I can take responsibility for them.

Edited March 2, 2010 by ozjen

[Kissindra]

While I let my puppy owners know that I will take a dog back or assist in rehoming at any stage in its life I do sometimes wonder it this is the correct way to go. Not that I'm not willing its just that I wonder if we make it too easy for people to not take any responsability for taking on a dog. I know circumstances change or an individual dogs personality might not fit the household, but are we giving people to easy an out. In this throwaway society are we encouraging people to do just that with their pets.

No flaming please, but I am genuinely interested in peoples thoughts on this as in the back of my mind I have often worried that perhaps we are contributing to people taking the responsiability of dog ownership too lightly by offerring the easy out.

Having said that, I myself have rehomed a dog after offering it back to the breeder. I was more than happy to do the rehoming and consulted the breeder with regard to whether they would prefer the dog to be sterilised first and transfered to limited register if they did not want it back themselves or whether they were happy for her to go to another breeder who had some of their lines.

I actually think of it as breeders showing how much they care about their dogs - that the dogs they breed are worthy of their commitment and care even years after they have gone to new homes. It demonstates the value of that life rather than taking away value.

I think it encourages people to turn to their breeder should there be issues, and provides the breeder with an opportunity to step in and help if there is something resolvable.

Ideally when someone goes to a breeder they are screened for suitability, offered a tonne of information and lifelong support - this does a HECK of a lot to insure the vast majority of dogs sold go to great homes and stay there so If good homing practises are in place I don't believe a rehoming clause will serve to promote a "throwaway" attitude to their pets.

[ozjen]

I have made a will leaving my dogs to their breeder. We have consulted our breeder on this who is more than willing to take them back should we come to an unfortunate demise!

They also baby-sit the kids 4-5 times a yr so unfortunately they just can't get away from the dogs they breed!

After the recent passing of a couple of friends I discussed with my oldest son the future of my pets should I die. When it came to my very mischievious spoilt Aussie, I asked if he would take her as I could not think of anyone else for her. His answer was " I hope you are going to outlive Jenna, Mum" but why was I left wondering if this was more because he didn't want my wildchild rather than him hoping Mum would always be around. Maybe it was that look he flashed in Jenna's direction.

[Steve]

A couple of years ago I had an incident with a Maremma which I bred. It had gone to a pet home and for 2 and a half years all was good .Then the family moved to another home which had a wire fence at the back and the dog had started barking at the neighbouring horses. I received a phone call to say they could no longer keep him as the barking was now a problem. After all suggestions for them to introduce the dog to the horses and a bunch of other things I was told it wasnt worth trying because she worked now and couldnt be bothered to take steps to try to prevent the dog being too noisy. So I told her to send the dog to me. She then asked for me to buy the dog off her at one and a half times what she paid for it 2 and a half years earlier.

I explained that adult Maremmas werent so easy to place and that I was prepared to ask a small price for him and give her the money when he was sold but she didnt want this.She wanted the price she was asking or the dog was going to be PTS. She gave me 2 weeks to either buy the dog at her asking price or sell the dog for that amount.She had raised it and fed it and she wanted compensation for that plus her purchase price return.

If it had been up to me I would have paid her price and the whole thing was pretty upsetting because obvioulsy I didnt want the dog to be destroyed but not only did I know the dog wasnt worth this money I couldnt afford it either.

Hubby refused and was not budging.The day of the dealine I rang her and told her again I would take the dog and keep it until I found it a new home and any payments I received for it I would give to her but she yelled and ranted that this was it the dog was on it way to the vet to be put down. I was in tears - hated hubby because he woldnt give the go ahead for me to do it. That evening her mother rang and told me she had paid her the money and the dog was going to live with her because the kids loved the dog and it was breaking their hearts to say goodbye.The dog still lives with the mother and the grandkids get to visit with it.

Im happy to bring the dog home and either keep it here or find it a new home but I think its unreasonable for people to expect a refund of their purchase price years after the original puppy sale.

[centitout]

seems to be a common thing now though,where people buy a dog-but the DOG OWES THEM apparently.The one i just bought was not worth what i paid for him,they wanted more because the 'DOG OWED THEM FOR ITS FEED".He didnt really get a lot of that either,poor bugger.

[Miss Danni]

We have always taken back dogs that we have bred, some with refunds and some without depending on circumstances. Taking back an adult dog can cause problems in a stable pack, but if I had to, I'd put a dog into boarding to make sure that I could take back one that I had bred. Otherwise, we juggle dogs until we find a suitable new home, and of course, some that come back never leave again and just take up room on the bed!

I have also fostered my breeds (back in the days when I only had 3 dogs!) for up to 7 months while trying to find good homes.

I particularly despise anyone that threatens to PTS if the breeder wont take a dog back immediately. Those people are a waste of breathing space and should be banned from animal ownership for life