Are You A Breeder? Here Are Tips For Dealing With Prospective Buyers (Part 2)

As a breeder, it is important for you to educate all prospective owners. This educational program should also include those who purchase show-prospect puppies. These people will be exhibiting and eventually possibly breeding. If this information is correctly extended to them, they will in turn be able to carry on your tradition of offering sound information to their own puppy owners.
                       
By all means, let your prospective purchasers know that of course “papers" are available for pet-quality puppies. Inform them that these dogs may compete in Obedience and Field Trials. It is highly important to be candid with buyers from the beginning, making it perfectly clear why each animal being individually registered is not necessarily a breeding program candidate.

As prospective clients view the puppies, teach them the physical differences between a show prospect and a pet-quality puppy in order that they may make an informed decision. The differences may be any number of physical variables that do not closely meet your breed Standard's requirements, that designate a specific puppy as pet quality. Stress the fact that lack of any of these physical qualities does not diminish a puppy's potential as a marvelous pet.

It is important to disclose that while your pedigree offers generations of champions behind your litter, there has never been a dog that is perfect. Some dogs may approach perfection, being closer to their breed's Standard than others. Take the time to explain your breed Standard fully. Let your clients know why it was written, the history and purpose of your breed and why any deviations from the Standard are unacceptable for a breeding program.

Most people are reasonable and will accept such explanations. They will show evidence of acting conscientiously upon your advice as a dedicated breeder. There are many people who desire a well-bred dog in their home as a pet, but who cannot afford the price of a show prospect. These people can nevertheless offer a superior home, and a supportive and loving environment to the pet-quality puppy.

During prospective owners' interviews, introduce the subject of obedience training. Every dog, from the finest purebred to the "all-American bred," at the very least deserves some basic obedience work. Most people will exhibit an interest in training when given a brief background about the basic rules and regulations of obedience, and how competition is judged, be it the Canine Good Citizen Test or Obedience Trial. Offer information about the challenge and excitement of training and competition. Encourage your clients by letting them know that bonding and communication with their dog is immeasurably enhanced by such training. Additionally, beyond opening communications, this training will last the lifetime of the dog. While anyone can breed a "pretty" dog, it is in competition where dog-and-owner bonding are all that matter.