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Anxious and impatient puppy buyer needs to learn breeder contact etiquette

7K views 81 replies 14 participants last post by  Starvt 
#1 ·
I am trying not to be a nightmare client, but of course I want to know as much as possible while waiting to pick up my puppy. Is it rude to ask for pictures? The last were sent out over 2 weeks ago. I know I’ll see the actual dog in the flesh next week. The breeder is now dealing with 10 7-week old pups as well as her personal dogs, so she has her hands full. Would I be imposing? I really have no experience with breeder interactions, so I don’t know what’s pushy and what’s normal. I’d appreciate insight from this experienced group!
 
#2 ·
If it's been two weeks I don't think it's rude to ask as long as you are very polite. Something like "Greetings! I'm sure you are very busy with ten puppies to care for! I am so excited and can hardly wait to bring mine home. If you have any new photos and the time to send them, I'd love to see how they're doing! Wishing you and the mom/pups the best!"
 
#4 ·
The vibe I get with the breeder is that she’s not crazy about communication, possibly because she has a lot going on. I forgot, she grooms, too. I bothered her last week about getting a signed contract, and she previously tried (without success) to help me coordinate a pickup so I wouldn’t need to drive 20 hours. It’s becoming evident that I need to back way up. I’ll deal with my nerves myself, like an adult, and I’ll leave the poor woman alone. 🙂
 
#9 ·
Well, I wish I hadn’t heard from the breeder. The pup fell over with something resembling a seizure. He screamed. I said I would take the pup if the issue can be reasonably managed. I am nervous about this, but I had my heart set on this pup, and my husband really want to move forward. Vet appointment is tomorrow. :(
 
#11 ·
Me, too. I can at least be grateful that the breeder is honest. She called me right after it happened.

The breeder is shaken and heartbroken. This has never happened with any of her puppies. Poor pup and poor breeder.

My husband’s family dog as a child had seizures successfully managed with phenobarbital, so he is inclined to go forward if it is “just” epilepsy. Funny - he didn’t want a dog, consented begrudgingly, but now that he knows the poor dog may be unwell, he has made a 180 degree turn on the issue. Husbands!
 
#18 ·
Sounds to me more of an injury than a seizure. From my understanding, seizures don’t hurt unless puppy hit something during it, which is one of the reasons why they are dangerous. They do take up a LOT of energy, which would explain wobbling. And from what I’ve read, they typically only show up in canines at around six months, so it is rather early for one. I suppose it could have been a partial seizure and the puppy cried because it was scared, but then, I’m not too familiar with the subject. Best of wishes for good results.
 
#21 ·
Ohhh no! Almost the same thing happened to me weeks before I was to pick up my new pup. The mom toppled her whelping box over the puppies and mine got stuck under as the mom was jumping on the box. Let's just say there were lots of tears flowing in my home. We ended up getting a different pup as per our breeders suggestion. Jax is incredible, but I always wonder about that first pup 🧡
Sending good vibes that the little ones ok!
 
#25 ·
Thanks, Raindrops! The vet didn’t do any imaging or bloodwork because she’s convinced this is just a pinched nerve in the neck. Based on the appearance of his eyes she said the vet was convinced this isn’t neurological or seizure-related. I’m thinking I’d want some more evidence than that. Would it be too much to ask for a trip to a specialist with imaging done? What if I offered to pay if no issues are found? Or whether they are found or not?

I just read about a genetic spinal condition with a poor prognosis where the pup walks with a rear foot out, and that’s what this pup did in videos.
 
#27 ·
Yes, good things have been said about the breeder on this board. She was upfront and honest about the initial episode and has kept in touch since. She just said she trusted her vet’s opinion that no further testing was necessary and that pup would heal with pain meds, massage and maybe chiro. That doesn’t resolve my concern about something neurological that is episodic, of course.

She would add to the contract a promise to take back the dog in case of future neurological issues but I can’t imagine we’d give a dog up. I am really torn.
 
#29 ·
I don’t know if the breeder would want the videos on the internet for all to see. Pup was toddling along normally and dropped, screamed, and then started walking strangely. He is somewhat better, but still seems to be in some pain although less.

I’ll dig up the website where I found the scary information.
 
#35 ·
^^Good advice in the comment above.
I don’t know if the breeder would want the videos on the internet for all to see. Pup was toddling along normally and dropped, screamed, and then started walking strangely. He is somewhat better, but still seems to be in some pain although less.
That’s understandable. Also, pain meds aren’t always able to cover all the pain associated with a pinched nerve as it heals (just ask anyone who’s had a crick in their neck!), so do keep that in mind.
As for the two conditions you mentioned, the one I would be more concerned about is atlantaloaxial subluxation, as it can appear at a younger age, but from what you have described, it is highly unlikely.

Here is a video on wobbler’s:


And here is a video on atlantaloaxial subluxation: WARNING! THIS ONE HAS GRAPHIC IMAGERY OF SURGERY STARTING AT ABOUT 3:00 AND ENDING AT ABOUT 3:40!!!


I believe X-Rays or MRIs are suggested for both conditions, but I would ask for medical records first before beginning any of that. Hoping all gets better soon.
 
#32 ·
This is just breaking my heart. What a difficult situation.

I think if a puppy at that age is showing pain, it's probably in quite a lot of pain. I'd personally want to know that the breeder will cover any vet bills related specifically to this injury or possible disease. Returning the puppy will very quickly not feel like an option to you (I speak from experience) so don't go down that road unless they agree to that condition or you're prepared to cover the (potentially lifelong) costs yourself.

Sending my sympathies. :(
 
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