Return the dog

[Prajeena]

Hello, here’s the situation: My husband bought a dog who’s very cute but has been extremely scared of sounds and everything else since we got her two months ago. My husband reached out to the seller to ask if she was like that before, but there was a disagreement. The seller insisted on taking her back, and since my husband couldn’t deal with it due to his work schedule, he ended up returning the dog. They refunded the payment, but I got so attached to her—she felt like my child—and I miss her terribly. I tried contacting the seller, but they won’t sell her back to us. Is there any way for us to get her back, since legally they have no obligation to return her? Thank you.

[Little Gifts]

Look at it from  the  seller's   perspective. If they sold you a puppy without issue and you wanted to return it because it has become fearful in your household, why would you sell it back to the same people? Something or someone in your household potentially made the puppy fearful so there would be no point going back to that same environment. I don't know the breed or your background as dog/puppy owners but fears can become entrenched at certain ages. The breeder is trying to act in the puppies best interests now (which is what a good breeder does).

 

If you do get another puppy down the track at least you now have a better idea of their needs. They really do depend on humans and they do need a safe place to settle into a new home after a big change like leaving their mum and learn and be guided by what is expected of them. Patience is also required while they learn. Another good option is a puppy school where they can socialise and you can learn about their needs and how to have a good life together.

 

Chalk this up to a learning experience. And next time be honest with a breeder about your past pet owning experience too because it may just be that you require a pup that is a  little more bomb proof than you thought. The aim is to match you with the right pup so it is successful for  everybody.

 

Good luck!

[Mairead]

Remember you are taking on a living being not a handbag. 

You should not be expecting to apply consumer laws that are meant for handbags or toasters.

[Loving my Oldies]

“….there was a disagreement.”  I can just see it - denial and anger on both sides. And sad for both sides, or three sides really because the puppy suffers too and, depending on where she goes, could be damaged for life.  
 

I think @Prajeena you have to let this go, despite how sad you are, and I do feel your pain and loss.  
 

Are you new to having dogs in your lives?  If so, perhaps do some reading on various breeds to get some sort of an idea as to the breed you favour and which best suits your lifestyle.  If you definitely want a puppy, read up on “when you bring your puppy home” books and other sources.  
 

 

Edited January 20 by Loving my Oldies

[Loving my Oldies]

1 hour ago, Mairead said:

Remember you are taking on a living being not a handbag. 

You should not be expecting to apply consumer laws that are meant for handbags or toasters.

That’s a bit rude.  

[Dogsfevr]

If there a decent breeder they will likely have your number blocked .
No way will you be getting this puppy back .
I can guarantee if the money was refunded that quickly they felt red flags & addressed it quickly & smartly & did all the rights things for the pup.
Simply put your relationship with this breeder is well & truly ended with no comeback 

[ellz]

On 20/1/2025 at 11:37 AM, Mairead said:

Remember you are taking on a living being not a handbag. 

You should not be expecting to apply consumer laws that are meant for handbags or toasters.

Not nice at all.  You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar!!

 

But FYI, you’re actually wrong. In consumer law, dogs are classed as “goods” and the same laws apply as for handbags and toasters.

[Sallys]

I understand how heartbreaking it must be to miss a dog you’ve become so attached to. Unfortunately, since the seller isn’t obligated to sell her back, your best option might be to continue reaching out to them or explore other legal avenues, but it’s tough without their willingness to cooperate

[Mairead]

I didn't write that the laws are different.

[coneye]

Whats the name of the breeder what dogs , do they breed , sounds like a good breeder to me , sounds like  this dog may be a very gentle dog , and perhaps your house is too loud and robust for the dog , and it gets scared , breeder is doing right by the dog , WHY would a good breeder want to send his/her pups into a scary enviroment , regardles off why its scared

[ellz]

On 25/1/2025 at 8:16 AM, Mairead said:

I didn't write that the laws are different.

Actually you kinda did……you said that you couldn’t expect to apply consumer laws that apply to handbags and toasters to dogs…..you actually can.

[asal]

On 24/01/2025 at 11:52 PM, ellz said:

Not nice at all.  You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar!!

 

But FYI, you’re actually wrong. In consumer law, dogs are classed as “goods” and the same laws apply as for handbags and toasters.

 

sadly the dog world went holier than thou in the 80's. instead of helping, newbies preferred, to view with suspicion, think of them as potential abusers instead.

Might be a potential puppy farmer or backyard breeder.

 

"Eliminate Will Robinson. eliminate"

Edited yesterday at 01:22 AM by asal

[Mairead]

OP - "since my husband couldn't deal with it due to his work schedule ...returned the dog". 

I should have asked, but it sounds to me like a socialisation and/or training schedule was suggested by the "seller" and neither of them wanted to follow it ("there was a disagreement") so husband returned the dog, then wife had second thoughts.