I cannot imagine committing to buy a puppy without seeing the animal and if possible the sire and dam. OTOH, a rescue (or adoption of an older dog) is a different thing. My last two Basenjis came to me sight unseen, and turned out to be wonderful dogs, but the breeders I got them from wanted to place their dogs in an experienced Basenji home, and I only paid the cost of getting the dogs to me. One came by air, one was personally transported to me by his breeder. If she hadn't been happy with what she found I expect she would have taken him back with her when she left. I also had to commit to return him if ever I couldn't keep him. Good breeders care about where their dogs end up.
What am I doing wrong???
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I have no idea what all the hullaballoo is about. I skimmed most of your posts and while it's possible i missed something, your posts seemed respectful and looked like an new basenji-owner-to-be looking for as much info from as many experienced basenji people as possible.
I think you ought to ask your breeder as many questions as it takes for you to feel comfortable about getting a dog from them. That goes both ways actually. Maybe if you were breeding, you'd do things a little differently, but that's okay. Ultimately the breeder has the last say on how the puppies/dogs in his/her care are handled. If she does not feel comfortable exposing them to different people until 6 weeks, that's her call. I know some breeders that do just that, others will do differently. And if you're okay with her reasoning, all would seem okay. Perhaps other breeders are giving her some grief about not socializing earlier? If that's the case, I don't really see how that would reflect on you being a good basenji owner.
I hope things are smoothed over quickly. Your pup's breeder is like a new family member. Perhaps your correspondencs with the breeder seemed tense because of something unrelated going on? I know that's often the case when talking via email.
Well, that's my two pennies worth.
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Agilebasenji- Truthfully, until you mentioned it I didn't even think of that- it could be, I know the whelping season can be draining, I hope you are right but I still feel uncomfortable not knowing the honest opinion- We have been able to talk in the past so I am sure we will again- I'll give them some space though just in case you are right and there is something going on. Thanks for the input
You could also be right that they may have gotten some grief about it and she considers me to be at fault for having even mentioned it..i hope not though because I didn't post for that reason or to question- I just wanted to brag I was getting a puppy- lol. Everyone is different in what they choose to do but I know the reasons behind what they do makes sense and thats good enough for me.
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I also don't think you were disrespectful. Some breeders like to have people in their house right away, some don't. It's a personal choice. I will probably have people in my house when the puppies are between 3/4 weeks old. Maybe as someone said, they are just stressed and busy and have taken it the wrong way.
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Chealsie508 - go talk to your breeder and explain you have nothing but respect for her and whoever sent her messages about you didn't know what they were talking about and ask to start over. You are excited to adopt one of her pups and want to work with her and follow her advice on the pup's care and training.
Now take a deep breath. -
I agree with what everyone else has posted. Don't know who here (but then there are many "lurkers") would send you breeder something from here and try and make like you were not a good puppy home or that you were questioning your breeders practices. How sad that someone felt the need to do that. And to add, never did your posts sound to me like you were questioning the breeder, you were just stating the facts and what your breeder does.
All of our comments regarding the "visiting" pups were strickly meant as our preference… and in my post I even stated that, that every breeder has their own ideas and ways of doing things. Doesn't mean my practices are any better or worse then any other breeder.
I hope that you can iron out any problems this person caused, I would believe you will....
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Chealsie508,
I read that thread and you were very respectable to your breeder. I cannot figure out how anyone could misconstrue anything you said to be otherwise? -
Thanks everyone for the support- unfortunately, today I have been stewing about this all day. This is supposed to be the most exciting time for me and yet I have to deal with the aftermath of this with. I guess that is really bothering me because this is the second time now an outside person has claimed something about me– It's like "who out there is trying to sabotage me," I do not participate in breed activities or such so who could know me and not like me enough to create havoc between me and another person?? I am frustrated and annoyed- I am a good person and its disappointing this is happening and no matter which way I try to explain it, I have two strikes against me.
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Well, I'm not a breeder, but colour and sex were a part of my wants. IMO, I suppose some breeders might feel that a buyer looking for a particular colour/sex gives away some opportunity for them to try to match a particular dog to someone, especially if they see showing plans for particular dogs.
When you meet with the breeder, try to have calm vibes all around you. Let the breeder tell you about the litter, and the dogs individually. Maybe you could bring a list of questions with you, but I would definitely leave that towards the end of the visit.
Now STOP beating yourself up
because if you are down or anxious when you visit, puppies and the humans will pick up on it. I will keep my fingers crossed for you. And if it doesn't work out, look at it as if there just wasn't the right dog there for you. Then start looking again. -
Thanks everyone for the support- unfortunately, today I have been stewing about this all day. This is supposed to be the most exciting time for me and yet I have to deal with the aftermath of this with my breeder. I guess that is really bothering me because this is the second time now I have been questioned and I feel like its strike 2- both times an outside person construed something to my contact that then fell back on me. First time it was that I was only thinking about superficial aspects such as color and markings; because I contacted another breeder to inquire about their breeding plans ( just curious, didn't go behind anyones back to get a puppy from someone different) and that blew up in my face as I was trying to see whose puppies were better looking to decide!!! I am frustrated and annoyed- I am a good person and its disappointing this is happening
Oh, and I forgot to say a lovely looking dog is great, but it needs to combined with the best temperament and health as possible.
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Thanks everyone for the support- unfortunately, today I have been stewing about this all day. This is supposed to be the most exciting time for me and yet I have to deal with the aftermath of this with my breeder. I guess that is really bothering me because this is the second time now I have been questioned and I feel like its strike 2- both times an outside person construed something to my contact that then fell back on me. First time it was that I was only thinking about superficial aspects such as color and markings; because I contacted another breeder to inquire about their breeding plans ( just curious, didn't go behind anyones back to get a puppy from someone different) and that blew up in my face as I was trying to see whose puppies were better looking to decide!!! I am frustrated and annoyed- I am a good person and its disappointing this is happening
I find nothing wrong with contacting other breeders to find out their breeding plans… In fact, I encourage anyone talking to me about a puppy to do so.
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Kipawa- I have said in the past that I wanted a red and white- I just love that you can see their facial expressions more clearly than the other colors- however after three years of waiting I don't care of the color or sex- I just want a puppy that is medium in its energy level- I don't want the pushiest, boldest puppy nor the shyest type. I want a love bug/ velcro dog if I can and one that has a disposition better to being around young children as I have a one year old nephew…other than happy and healthy I can't ask for anything more
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Try to meet up with as many breeders as possible, even if you have to drive some miles to see them and to meet the puppies. Getting the idea of the energy level and all-around demeanor is really important, and you should see that yourself. No offense to breeders who don't work their breeding programs this way for their unique reasons/situations.
Are there any shows coming up in your area? You may be able to speak with a few breeders. On occasion there are pups available. Just a thought.
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Kipawa- I have been at my breeders several times now and feel good about their dogs and have full opportunity to see the parents, did a lot of talking to others but never visited any of them, I live in MA and I dont know of many in my area…regarding shows- I would certainly go to some if anyone knows of any upcoming?? I know as long as our personal relationship isn't ruined she is the breeder I expect a puppy from, I have a fondness for their dogs...I just hope there will be one that fits my home and I am sure there will be :rolleyes:
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Would this breeder, as they are close, be bringing the dog you choose to your home? It's the final way to see if the new owner and the puppy will be a good fit.
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Kipawa- I believe I will be picking the puppy up because we have discussed what size crate I will need in order to pick him/her up in…however, I wouldn't be opposed to a home visit...and just to clarify because I didn't make it clear- they will be picking the puppy for me, with my input I'm sure...I have no problems in that because they are so thorough they will do a much better job at picking the right puppy for me
