Australian National Kennel Council Registered Breeder

Success is a journey, not a destination.

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This was written by Cindy of "Copperhill" Boxers - USA

Dear Potential Puppy Buyer,

Today we talked about your getting a puppy from me. I have some concerns, which I want to talk to you about.

What exactly is it that you want? That you first say you want a show puppy, then say you really just want a pet, then talk about possibly breeding, you have to understand that I am suspicious. Please don't be dishonest with me.  Being a con artist is not attractive, and I will sniff you out. There is no shame in wanting "just a pet" and if that is what you want, please say so.

If what you really want is a breeding/show prospect tell me that, too. Do understand that my pets are sold on alter contracts, and that you will not be getting his registration papers until that is done, so if you think to tell me what "I want to hear" then go off and breed this dog, you are incorrect.

You asked a lot of good questions today, and I will be happy to provide you with copies of the health testing we've done in the event that you do get one of my puppies. What I ask of you in return is to please call me immediately if a health problem arises. It appears that you have done some homework and tried to learn about the breed before you talked to me. There will more to learn in the future, and I hope that you will always feel free to ask me questions but that you will also continue to try to learn on your own. I can teach you what I know, but part of your responsibility to your new puppy is to educate yourself.

I've asked you for references and I will check them, but I am not the FBI. Please try to be as honest with me as you want me to be with you. Do not try to "sell yourself" by making claims that aren't true. You may pull something over on me, but our relationship will be permanently damaged and I will never trust you again. I would rather sell to an honest janitor than to a dishonest executive.

I am a little insulted that you think my puppy price is negotiable. I will not gouge you, but please don't insult me by asking me to lower my price for you. What you're telling me is that you already see this puppy as having no value. That does not say good things about your future as a pet owner.  People with this mentality rarely keep their dogs for life. 

On the flipside of the coin, if you decide to go elsewhere I hope that you realize anyone who is so desperate to sell their puppies that they will take "best offer" or try to sell you more than one at a reduced "two for" price are a very bad risk, and not someone I think anyone should buy from.  

I may have a puppy in mind for you. Please tell me more about yourself so that I have a better idea about which of my babies will suit for you. And yes, that means you may not walk in the door and pick for yourself. I am sorry if that disappoints you, but I know my puppies as well as their strengths and weaknesses. It is far more important to me that my puppy be happy in your home, and that you end up happy with the temperament of your new dog than in if you get "the pretty one". If I have several puppies that I believe may equally suit you, those are the puppies I will offer to you. The rest are "not available". Please don't be insulted. I do this to everybody. 

If you do get a puppy from me, I ask you this. You say that you want a registered dog, so when the time comes please hold up your end of the agreement. Please don't "forget" to register him. I will be checking up on how he is doing, will remind you when the time comes for him to be neutered, and will also remind you about the registration.

I would ask that you hold yourself equally as responsible as you expect me to be. By this I mean please exercise good judgement. Please provide the very best food for my baby. I am very flexible in this, realizing that different people hold different views, but I do ask that whatever you feed be of good quality.

Please take my puppy to a progressive vet who is "up" with the newest veterinary developments. 

Please keep my puppy in a safe manner by utilizing a leash, a crate, and a fenced yard. Please have a care with toxic exposures, whether that be lawn chemicals, vaccinations, household products or medications/preventatives. 

Please keep my puppy safe from big bad dogs, from being run over by a car, from children who are too rough, etc and yet, please do not stifle this puppy's development by going too far in the other direction. 

In other words, please utilize your common sense! 

You went to the trouble to find yourself a responsible breeder, now please be a responsible owner. Please know that I want to hear from you. If I call you, please return my messages, and please know how thrilled I will be if you call me out of the blue! I want to know how this little guy is doing, what fun things you have done with him, what problems arise, what silly nonsense he has been up to. It doesn't have to be often, but when you have the time please stay in touch.

I ask that you always be kind to this little guy. If you hurt him in anyway, you will have taken a dagger to my heart. Always know, that even on his very worse day, I loved him first! And when the end comes, as much as it will hurt you, please let him go with grace. Please do not let him suffer, but please try to remember to give him one last stroke and a kiss from me. I loved him first.

Yours sincerely,