Unable To Keep Dog Thats Under A Contract

[Dxenion]

I'm not a breeder (yet) but I know a few that have had dogs returned. PP you've asked why money is such an issue and why the contract states that if you were unable to keep her, she is to be returned to the breeder free of charge.

Breeders may be subjected to council restrictions on the number of entire animals (breeding stock) they are allowed to have on their property. When this dog is returned, it may need to be temporarily housed elsewhere (usually at considerable expense) until there is room at the breeders. This might not be the case with this dog's breeder but it is a cost that has to be factored in.

When taking the dog back, there are financial costs of health checks, vaccinations (if proof cannot be provided), worming, heartworm, flea and tick prevention treatments, grooming, the cost of addressing any behavioural issues etc

Then there are the rehoming costs. If this dog is not a puppy, it may take longer to rehome as people are generally not interested in older dogs. This means additional advertising costs and the costs to feed this dog. Also, this dog is now older than when you got it and in harsh reality, unless it is titled or has some other sort of significant qualification, it is worth less now than what you paid for it. Why should a breeder give you a full refund for a dog that may no longer be worth $2500?

Also while the dog is waiting to be rehomed, an ethical breeder will take the time to continue with it's socialisation program and to give it quality attention (to keep it mentally healthy). If the breeder already has their hands full (and most are non stop busy with care and training of their dogs), then someone will need to be hired to ensure this dog gets the mental stimulation it needs and deserves.

When you factor in all of the above, it adds up to a lot of money. That is why some contracts state to be returned free of charge. While you don't get back the money you spent on this dog, the breeder is legally contracted to take it back which costs them a lot of money and time (and time is money).

So on the surface it may seem to be about the money but in reality, money gets the dog the physical, psychological and physiological things it needs to ensure a top billing of health and the best possible chance of being rehomed.

Edited to add:

Further to this there is the initial cost of the dam, educational costs associated with the research of the potential sire for any health issues, genetic anomalies, progeny data. Then once the sire is decided upon, the dam's breeder has to pay stud fees. Sometimes there are additional charges for frozen semen, manual collection and artificial insemination and these costs skyrocket if the semen has to be imported. Then before dam and semen get together there are (usually multiple) hormone tests to determine the optimal time for mating. In many cases the dam is transported to the sire for mating so you possibly have flight and boarding costs too.

Now lets say the mating is successful. There will be vet costs associated in confirming this and at least one ultrasound (all costs). During pregnancy, the dam will need additional supplements and probably increased diet - more costs. If not successful, the breeder will have to wait until the next season (therefore incurring all the mating costs again). There may be fees associated with finding out why it wasn't successful as well.

Now we approach birth. The dam may experience delayed labour or labour may stop after one pup which is an emergency trip to the vet. Murphy's law just about guarantees this will be in the middle of the night (when vet fees are cheapest - not). The breeder will hope that a simple injection will speed the process, otherwise you are looking at vet intervention and possibly even a C section. By this point the breeder's credit card will be screaming from abuse!

The pups (fingers crossed more than one) arrive. They may need assistance to start breathing, especially after a protracted labour - more fees.

The dam and pups are now home and doing well (fingers crossed). Mum definitely needs more food now and the breeder hopes like heck all the pups are feeding, otherwise it's bottle feeding. Formula costs, equipment costs, time off work (or may have to hire help) for round the clock care.

The pups are now at the stage of transferring to solid specialised food. More costs. Then there's vaccinations, worming, tattoing (for some breeds), microchipping and ANKC registration. If environmental and socialisation training hasn't already commenced, it should about now. More time and costs ensuring each pup gets the best mental and physical introduction to the human world it will be living in.

The pups are close to being ready for their new homes. Introduce advertising fees, time spent on the phone answering all manner of calls from prospective buyers as well as continuing training not just the pups but the other dogs as well.

The time has come for the pups to go to their new homes. After they've left and some sense of sanity has returned, the breeder sits down, tallies up the costs divided amongst the pups and will most probably just break even or have a loss. Then those that are a registered business have GST and tax to pay as well. All those breeding costs are divided up amongst possibly 6-8 pups. Suddenly $2500 doesn't seem quite so expensive. Add more $$ (feeding, vaccinations, medication etc) if you purchased an older dog.

In summary, the cost of bringing a pup into the world and raising a healthy well adjusted bundle of happiness to 8 weeks, then the cost the breeder will incur should that pup be returned for rehoming leaves the breeder a long way behind the eight ball. It really is unreasonable to expect a refund, given the costs and approx 5 month endeavour the breeder undertook to produce just one litter.

It's a very long post but I hope this helps you to understand why your contract states return free of charge.

Edited September 12, 2011 by Dxenion

[lappiemum]

I'm not a breeder (yet) but I know a few that have had dogs returned. PP you've asked why money is such an issue and why the contract states that if you were unable to keep her, she is to be returned to the breeder free of charge.

Breeders may be subjected to council restrictions on the number of entire animals (breeding stock) they are allowed to have on their property. When this dog is returned, it may need to be temporarily housed elsewhere (usually at considerable expense) until there is room at the breeders. This might not be the case with this dog's breeder but it is a cost that has to be factored in.

When taking the dog back, there are financial costs of health checks, vaccinations (if proof cannot be provided), worming, heartworm, flea and tick prevention treatments, grooming, the cost of addressing any behavioural issues etc

Then there are the rehoming costs. If this dog is not a puppy, it may take longer to rehome as people are generally not interested in older dogs. This means additional advertising costs and the costs to feed this dog. Also, this dog is now older than when you got it and in harsh reality, unless it is titled or has some other sort of significant qualification, it is worth less now than what you paid for it. Why should a breeder give you a full refund for a dog that may no longer be worth $2500?

Also while the dog is waiting to be rehomed, an ethical breeder will take the time to continue with it's socialisation program and to give it quality attention (to keep it mentally healthy). If the breeder already has their hands full (and most are non stop busy with care and training of their dogs), then someone will need to be hired to ensure this dog gets the mental stimulation it needs and deserves.

When you factor in all of the above, it adds up to a lot of money. That is why some contracts state to be returned free of charge. While you don't get back the money you spent on this dog, the breeder is legally contracted to take it back which costs them a lot of money and time (and time is money).

So on the surface it may seem to be about the money but in reality, money gets the dog the physical, psychological and physiological things it needs to ensure a top billing of health and the best possible chance of being rehomed.

Best post yet. PP - please take the advice you have been given and contact the breeder directly.

[dogfan]

Besides the money factor, if for whatever reason I (or my family) couldn't keep Moose I'd actually WANT him to go back to his breeder, someone who loves the breed and I trust would look after him well, not some stranger in the Trading Post that I don't know in the skighest.

yeah same here!!

I agree with this too. From what I understand from reading the thread (I haven't read the whole thread yet) is that you won't give your dog back to the breeder because you don't think it's fair if you don't get any money back. You signed a CONTRACT. You should've thought of it BEFORE you paid the deposit. Please go to the breeder and ask her for her benefit and for hers. You never know what she might say, as someone has already stated, we're all human

I'm not a breeder (yet) but I know a few that have had dogs returned. PP you've asked why money is such an issue and why the contract states that if you were unable to keep her, she is to be returned to the breeder free of charge.

Breeders may be subjected to council restrictions on the number of entire animals (breeding stock) they are allowed to have on their property. When this dog is returned, it may need to be temporarily housed elsewhere (usually at considerable expense) until there is room at the breeders. This might not be the case with this dog's breeder but it is a cost that has to be factored in.

When taking the dog back, there are financial costs of health checks, vaccinations (if proof cannot be provided), worming, heartworm, flea and tick prevention treatments, grooming, the cost of addressing any behavioural issues etc

Then there are the rehoming costs. If this dog is not a puppy, it may take longer to rehome as people are generally not interested in older dogs. This means additional advertising costs and the costs to feed this dog. Also, this dog is now older than when you got it and in harsh reality, unless it is titled or has some other sort of significant qualification, it is worth less now than what you paid for it. Why should a breeder give you a full refund for a dog that may no longer be worth $2500?

Also while the dog is waiting to be rehomed, an ethical breeder will take the time to continue with it's socialisation program and to give it quality attention (to keep it mentally healthy). If the breeder already has their hands full (and most are non stop busy with care and training of their dogs), then someone will need to be hired to ensure this dog gets the mental stimulation it needs and deserves.

When you factor in all of the above, it adds up to a lot of money. That is why some contracts state to be returned free of charge. While you don't get back the money you spent on this dog, the breeder is legally contracted to take it back which costs them a lot of money and time (and time is money).

So on the surface it may seem to be about the money but in reality, money gets the dog the physical, psychological and physiological things it needs to ensure a top billing of health and the best possible chance of being rehomed.

[Brennan's Mum]

I'm not a breeder (yet) but I know a few that have had dogs returned. PP you've asked why money is such an issue and why the contract states that if you were unable to keep her, she is to be returned to the breeder free of charge.

Breeders may be subjected to council restrictions on the number of entire animals (breeding stock) they are allowed to have on their property. When this dog is returned, it may need to be temporarily housed elsewhere (usually at considerable expense) until there is room at the breeders. This might not be the case with this dog's breeder but it is a cost that has to be factored in.

When taking the dog back, there are financial costs of health checks, vaccinations (if proof cannot be provided), worming, heartworm, flea and tick prevention treatments, grooming, the cost of addressing any behavioural issues etc

Then there are the rehoming costs. If this dog is not a puppy, it may take longer to rehome as people are generally not interested in older dogs. This means additional advertising costs and the costs to feed this dog. Also, this dog is now older than when you got it and in harsh reality, unless it is titled or has some other sort of significant qualification, it is worth less now than what you paid for it. Why should a breeder give you a full refund for a dog that may no longer be worth $2500?

Also while the dog is waiting to be rehomed, an ethical breeder will take the time to continue with it's socialisation program and to give it quality attention (to keep it mentally healthy). If the breeder already has their hands full (and most are non stop busy with care and training of their dogs), then someone will need to be hired to ensure this dog gets the mental stimulation it needs and deserves.

When you factor in all of the above, it adds up to a lot of money. That is why some contracts state to be returned free of charge. While you don't get back the money you spent on this dog, the breeder is legally contracted to take it back which costs them a lot of money and time (and time is money).

So on the surface it may seem to be about the money but in reality, money gets the dog the physical, psychological and physiological things it needs to ensure a top billing of health and the best possible chance of being rehomed.

Best post yet. PP - please take the advice you have been given and contact the breeder directly.

I agree .

[juice]

So let me get this straight, you paid a deposit, then really didn't want her, as you did research AFTER choosing the breed ,even though you claim to be a breeder, so should know better.

So you only took the dog so you didn't lose your deposit?

You are threatening to put it on the trading post.

You expect the breeder to give you money back for your mistakes?

Are you for real?

You wonder why no one is being sympathetic, read your posts, you come over as not caring and money grabbing.

And no, i am not a breeder and don't think the sun shines out of all of them but you take the cake.

Ring the breeder or rehome her desexed so she doesn't end up in the wrong hands......again.

Which breed will you pick next, as you seem to be going through a few

[OSoSwift]

I'm not a breeder (yet) but I know a few that have had dogs returned. PP you've asked why money is such an issue and why the contract states that if you were unable to keep her, she is to be returned to the breeder free of charge.

Breeders may be subjected to council restrictions on the number of entire animals (breeding stock) they are allowed to have on their property. When this dog is returned, it may need to be temporarily housed elsewhere (usually at considerable expense) until there is room at the breeders. This might not be the case with this dog's breeder but it is a cost that has to be factored in.

When taking the dog back, there are financial costs of health checks, vaccinations (if proof cannot be provided), worming, heartworm, flea and tick prevention treatments, grooming, the cost of addressing any behavioural issues etc

Then there are the rehoming costs. If this dog is not a puppy, it may take longer to rehome as people are generally not interested in older dogs. This means additional advertising costs and the costs to feed this dog. Also, this dog is now older than when you got it and in harsh reality, unless it is titled or has some other sort of significant qualification, it is worth less now than what you paid for it. Why should a breeder give you a full refund for a dog that may no longer be worth $2500?

Also while the dog is waiting to be rehomed, an ethical breeder will take the time to continue with it's socialisation program and to give it quality attention (to keep it mentally healthy). If the breeder already has their hands full (and most are non stop busy with care and training of their dogs), then someone will need to be hired to ensure this dog gets the mental stimulation it needs and deserves.

When you factor in all of the above, it adds up to a lot of money. That is why some contracts state to be returned free of charge. While you don't get back the money you spent on this dog, the breeder is legally contracted to take it back which costs them a lot of money and time (and time is money).

So on the surface it may seem to be about the money but in reality, money gets the dog the physical, psychological and physiological things it needs to ensure a top billing of health and the best possible chance of being rehomed.

excellent post

[Baileys mum]

Why did you get this dog in the first place, if you aren't willing to train & excercise it properly??

I feel so bad for the dog & breeder in this case ...You signed a contract, do the ethical thing & return the dog back to the breeder.

Personally if you where one of my puppy buyers & I was alerted to this thread, I would be giving you back the money just to get the dog back of you.

I really find it very disrespectful to your breeder that you are coming on this public forum to talk about this issue, rather than adressing the situation with your breeder first.

How would you like it if one of your own puppy buyers disrespected you in this way??

You signed a CONTRACT do the right thing!!

Edited September 12, 2011 by Baileys mum

[Rebanne]

Yes i am glad the OP has named the breed, but is she just leading us all on a merry chase? Didnt someone say before she had a GSD? She bred labs and had another breed?

she got rid of the GSD to her sister or so she says

[corrie]

What breed of dog is it, Pinkpuppy?

I would contact the breeder and try to make some kind of compromise.

Why should the breeder compromise. She agreed and signed a contract. Under duress ? Then you should have said no to signing and taken the breeder on for the deposit refund. If you didnt think you stood a chance of getting that back I hope the breeder usually sells their dogs for $5000 and you only got it for this price because of what you agreed to and you find yourself with a bill rather than a refund if you dont honour what you agreed to.

I didn't say the breeder should compromise, Steve, and I personally don't think they should but I think the breeder deserves the opportunity to know what is going on and make that call for themselves.

[♪♫LMBC♫♪]

You only have this dog because you didn't want to lose your deposit.

You now want to get rid of the dog because it...um...is a dog?

You have apparently made no effort to train or socialise or stimulate this dog in any way and don't even allow it adequate exercise.

You don't seem to understand why it is YOUR fault that the dog is behaving badly.

And yet you also claim to be a breeder. A breeder with a total lack of understanding of how to appropriately care for a dog.

Its not about the money. Its about the fact that you even put the poor dog in this situation in the first place.

The right thing to do would be to give the dog back to the breeder. You don't deserve to get your money back. You should have thought this through better. Why should the breeder have to be out of pocket for YOUR mistake?

[newfsie]

You signed the contact and now you have to live by it.

we will see

It's hardly a laughing matter and the breeder could easily take you to the small claims court.

well I outright own the dog, so I don't see how she would have a say in anything, I will speak to my lawyer and see what they say

Lawyer would most likely end up being more expensive, especially if taken to Court.....Contracts are contract.

But.........Have you tried discussing this with the breeder. She might have other options or ideas. Also even though she might have planned to possibly breed your dog, it might not be what happens anyway.

If you are on a Contract you do not own the Dog out right. Is your name on the Certificate of Registration?

Edited September 12, 2011 by newfsie

[TrinaJ]

Oh and be careful if you think of desexing her and rehoming her without offering her back to the needed first..... She may well sue you for desexing her and ruining her program, this may be the only bitch left in these particular lines and that will cost you a small fortune. I know of a similar situation and the owner was taken to court and lost because of the contract. The breeder won.

Please contact the breeder

[Cody]

The OP stated some pages back that they would be contacting the Breeder...

[kirst_goldens]

the reason people seem to be hinting u are abusing ur dog is because it must be going slowly insane from bordom locked in a yard so she destroys things yes by all means give her a new home if u are unabe to give her what she needs but who knows this dog better then anyone but the breeder???

Hope the breeder has a good chat with u and u are able to sort something out for the dogs sake that suits everyone.

ur worst option though is to rehome the dog before this is fully sorted as stated above u may be in a much worse spot then u started.

hope it is all sorted very soon

[Starkehre]

So let me get this straight, you paid a deposit, then really didn't want her, as you did research AFTER choosing the breed ,even though you claim to be a breeder, so should know better.

So you only took the dog so you didn't lose your deposit?

You are threatening to put it on the trading post.

You expect the breeder to give you money back for your mistakes?

Are you for real?

You wonder why no one is being sympathetic, read your posts, you come over as not caring and money grabbing.

And no, i am not a breeder and don't think the sun shines out of all of them but you take the cake.

Ring the breeder or rehome her desexed so she doesn't end up in the wrong hands......again.

Which breed will you pick next, as you seem to be going through a few

... and you forgot the bit where if she didn't care, she would have got rid of the dog ages ago

I hope OP realises that the Rottweiler world is tight knit and looks after their own. She will have definitely done her dash in our breed community.

[raz]

Well that was an interesting read. I hope the breeder is a member of this forum.

[Andisa]

I really hope this breeder has a top solicitor who is well versed in breech of contracts so when Pink puppy takes the breeder to court that she (Pink puppy) will have the opportunity to understand what agreeing to a contract and signing it really does mean.

I wish the breeder all the luck in the world at getting this bitch back and keeping the whole $2500 for breech of contract PLUS all court expenses - I would love to be there :D .

[Atanquin]

Sorry but you signed the contract. If you read the contract and didn't like it why sign it. Simple give the dog back as it states I'm sure it will cost you more to go to court

[RallyValley]

so really if money wasn't important to this breeder...then she would pay for the dog

How do you know he/she wont? You haven't even asked them yet......

thanks Purdie, i will be calling the breeder tomorrow.

I just find it funny how everyone goes on about money, saying that it shouldn't be about that, and good people dont care about the money but then why is it that breeders refuse to give money back??? if it isn't about money for them why would they hesitate in paying for their dog back or refunding deposits etc?? VERY HYPOCRITICAL!!!

OMG For all you know when you contact the breeder they might say 'yes we will pay the full purchase price' yet you are ranting as if they have refused!!!

[GoldenGirl85]

Here is what I don't understand

You paid a ridiculously high deposit for a dog you then changed your mind on

You then agreed to and signed a contract and I quote "because I wouldn't get my deposit back if I didn't sign" yet the contract STATES that the dog will be returned to the breeder FREE OF CHARGE if you can't keep it?

That is what I call sheer stupidity