Proposed Puppy Ad Changes

[Steph M]

Perhaps a survey troy ,of what is important to buyers in an ad, to build the template?

i know what i would like to see to make purebred dogs more attractive, lets see what everyone else thinks, bounce idea's around?

I like this idea too, I wouldn't have any problem having a go at this.

I have to say, as a newbie buyer I copped a fair bit of, I wouldn't say flack, but bafflement from some people when we started telling people we were researching a PB dog. There was two schools, the Oscars Law crowd and the older generation who centred around the 'but there's perfectly good dogs on the trading post or in the pound for 1/8th the price you're looking at' and 'so it's not even born yet? You could go to the LDH and get one now though'

The benefits are huge for us, health testing, the opportunity to meet or know about the parents, knowing how they were raised, having some support after and having a degree of confidence in what we were getting matching what we want.

In my humble opinion, you would be mad not to advertise these massive benefits?

I guess, without sounding like a 'you vs them' thing, the Oscars Law crowd are growing and growing, if the general public knew more about these benefits and how things work from the inside, perhaps that's a start to establish some firm and deserved legitimacy, and weeding out the dregs can't hurt either.

Also would love if the breed clubs got on board and advised what's good scores and what to look for and to have it all in the one spot. It can be very hard work finding this info, and even more so to have it relate to Australia.

Not everyone knows what they're looking for and where to find it. It'd make life so much easier, from a consumer position.

Like I said, I'm an outsider and a consumer, I don't know much about the politics or how this affects the breed as a whole, but I would love to see more info and more benefits advertised.

[Jed]

Troy, I believe it said that people who show or do other activities will be given "priority"?

Wouldn't it be better to police what you have now that make even more rules? There is currently a puppy advertiser on site who says the pups are not registered.

Edited May 3, 2013 by Jed

[minimax]

Troy, I believe it said that people who show or do other activities will be given "priority"?

Can you point that part out please? I'm still failing to see it.

[Sheridan]

I think Steph M and others that a lot of that 'why a pedigree puppy' info is lost on DOL because the home page is very busy. I was actually thinking of starting a website dedicated purely to promoting why pedigree dogs are great and what to look for but getting the time to write it is a bit difficult at the moment.

[Troy]

Troy, I believe it said that people who show or do other activities will be given "priority"?

You are still pushing that barrow ..... if I have said that, I apologise. Please point it out so I can amend it as that is not my intention.

http://www.dogzonline.com.au/puppy-ads.asp

I said recognition will be given to people who participate in ANKC activities.

[Are You Serious Jo]

A myth busting section would be good to have as well, address the common misconceptions out there.

[Steph M]

I think Steph M and others that a lot of that 'why a pedigree puppy' info is lost on DOL because the home page is very busy. I was actually thinking of starting a website dedicated purely to promoting why pedigree dogs are great and what to look for but getting the time to write it is a bit difficult at the moment.

I think that's a fabulous idea, but the issue is finding the sucker. The info is all out there, scattered to the wind, but so is heaven knows what else. It'd be fabulous to see it all in the one place.

But that sounds great, if you get it up and running I'd share the bejesus out of that! :D

[Troy]

Come to think of it?

WE know no puppy should be sold under 8 weeks old and

No puppy should be sold without its vaccination or microchip card and paperwork.

I cannont see anywhere on this site telling newbies if these three very important facts are not present in the pup they see, they should RUN, NOT WALK OFF THE PLACE IMMEDIATLY.

Maybe put it somewhere very prominant?

Would there be room on the Home page to fit it in the Looking for a Puppy section on the page?

With a nice big red

"WARNING READ THIS FIRST BEFORE GOING TO SEE ANY PUPPY

This applies for ANY puppy xbred or purebred"

With a click link listing what they need to ask to see before even looking at the pup and explaining why this is so important?

Yes, I am wanting to do this. I will be creating an article library and links will be prominent from various sections of the site (including the puppy buying page). 'Before you buy your puppy, read this etc.'

At the moment my site does not have a lot of information and I want to change this. I will wanting to give as much information as possible to visitors to help their decision. From breed information, benefits of health testing, ANKC activities they can do etc to give people good reasons to buy pure bred dogs and restore the image they deserve.

[Jed]

Whilst we have no intentions of removing every breeder who doesn't show or do some activity (as suggested by some people), we may start monitoring the litter registrations in the journals (especially for some of the problem breeds) and gradually remove the 'major players' as their current memberships expire.

Recognition will also be given to those who participate in ANKC activities (eg Showing, Obedience, Agility, Retrieving etc). We will be able to automatically recognise the breeders who submit results to our results system, but we will formulate alternative methods of proof for other disciplines

Sorry - my misunderstanding - "recognition" not "priority"

[juice]

Steph, you are exactly my point, we need to get purebreds out there, and to do this we have to get people to realise they are not just for showing.

In fact alot of purebreds are actually cheaper than the oodle doodle's in petshops, something i tell people often, they listen when money is mentioned.

more puppy buyers comming here to look create's more potential members.

[mita]

I reckon having a symbol next to your ad to say you show may well be detrimental to attracting newbie's.

I bet most newbie's would pick the health checked dog not shown over the one that is.

Joe public is still very wary of show dogs and think its all snobby dog people.

I agree that health matters are in the top priorities for newbies. But in my experience it's being friendly & biddable with people that they get attracted to.... as that's what makes a dog a close companion dog.

Strangers often remark how surprised they are that our ex-show dogs are so people friendly & sensible. They expect 'show dogs' to be robotic. I tell them that our ex-show dogs are that way because they were show dogs.

Showing involves a bond growing with the breeder, loads of out-in-the-world experience as the dogs meet other dogs, strange people.... & even get handled by judges they've never met before. So it's not surprising that the majority of 'show' breeders love their dogs as much as any pet person.

I show those people 2 pics. One is a trio of Australian registered breeders socialising after a dog show.... with their happy, 'smiling' dogs around them.

The other is the UK breeder hearing the announcement his dog's won Best of Breed at Crufts. Spontaneously, he opens his arms, with the biggest smile... & his little dog, tail wagging, leaps up into his arms for a cuddle. Just as our much loved pets do. No 'snobbery', just dogs who love their owners & vice versa.

OK there will be exceptions among show breeders .... but pet buyers need to know the means by which the majority of registered breeders produce well socialised dogs (& there's research evidence saying they do). So they need to know what to look for... & why.

'Showing' needs to be described to pet buyers & the general public for the positive outcomes it brings for dogs.... as companion dogs.

In most cases, 'show dogs' are loved 'pet dogs', too.

Edited May 3, 2013 by mita

[inez]

Steph, you are exactly my point, we need to get purebreds out there, and to do this we have to get people to realise they are not just for showing.

In fact alot of purebreds are actually cheaper than the oodle doodle's in petshops, something i tell people often, they listen when money is mentioned.

more puppy buyers comming here to look create's more potential members.

Excellent point. One other thing just about completely missing from every puppy add is the price.

So without phoning and asking the newbie probably perhaps? Is assuming they are going to cost more than a pet shop or a trading post, gumtree or wherever.

Is that a good or a bad omission, never thought of it before your question.

[juice]

Before i came here years ago i was scared to ring breeders with no price ,in case i couldn't afford them and felt an idiot on the phone.

[Sheridan]

Steph, you are exactly my point, we need to get purebreds out there, and to do this we have to get people to realise they are not just for showing.

In fact alot of purebreds are actually cheaper than the oodle doodle's in petshops, something i tell people often, they listen when money is mentioned.

more puppy buyers comming here to look create's more potential members.

Excellent point. One other thing just about completely missing from every puppy add is the price.

So without phoning and asking the newbie probably perhaps? Is assuming they are going to cost more than a pet shop or a trading post, gumtree or wherever.

Is that a good or a bad omission, never thought of it before your question.

I think ads should include a price. It would save a lot of hassle at both ends of the phone/email.

[The Spotted Devil]

I wonder if the average dog owner assumes that no listed price = out of my price range. Like POA on real estate websites.

[Steph M]

I overestimated by about 500 or so, which isn't a small amount.

Would be nice to have a guide, but I don't know if then you cut off that initial contact and screening/education point? I was under the impression a few breeders really like this screening point and also that perhaps the prices change along the line or from customer/dog to customer/dog.

It would have to be optional, really. Surely you couldn't demand someone price and publish their prices online, might be a big ask.

[juice]

But you could, with the breed heading have a price range, ie. expect to pay between $1000 and $1500 for this breed?

[LisaCC]

But you could, with the breed heading have a price range, ie. expect to pay between $1000 and $1500 for this breed?

I like this idea

[Steph M]

Me too. A guide would be fabulous!

[Sheridan]

But you could, with the breed heading have a price range, ie. expect to pay between $1000 and $1500 for this breed?

Very real estate! Great idea, juice.