Getting the Breeding bug
OK I recognize the signs and symptoms here...LOL
If I am correct (maybe I'm not) I don't think you will easily get over this Breeding Bug...
Sooo why don't you examine what you have to work with here.
1. WHat was the contract and breeding agreement you purchased her under ?
If you tell me "non-breeding" OK you are done.
2. Is she AKC registered ?
If you tell me "no" ..ok you are done.
3. What is her 5 generation pedigree ?
if you don't have this you really do need it.
You can start out with a free one using your AKC registered parent's names
www.poodlepedigree.com but you really do need to order an official one (including colors) from AKC.
Above are basic starting points you should check BEFORE even going any further.
EVERY breeder has had to start somewhere and in my experience MOST breeders have started out with this nagging feeling that they would like to "try" breeding and eventually, they will do it.
I'm going to talk about the bad stuff now since you should hear that side of it.
I will tell you this... nothing worse that having birthing issues and having to rush to the emergency Vets at triple the price and perhaps not the most experienced VEt to do the C-section and loosing all the pups (maybe one living one) and maybe even the mother and STILL have the $1,000.00-$2,000.00 Veterinary bill
and having already paid the $300.00-$1500.00 stud fee.
If you took deposits... well you have to pay those back too.
and what if she has to be spayed after that...you loose all your investment and still have the bills.
As for dealing with sales... (here is a tip...take only cash when you first start)
bounced checks (from every end of the economic scale)
forged money orders
Money orders from the bank that are cancelled (yes just ask the bank) or you will find out when your mortgage bounces...
Payment Plans that Stop and you loose
Dealing with people after purchase....
BE prepared for the phone calls of:
why is puppy limping
Why is puppy sneezing
Why is puppy hic cupping
why won't puppy stop barking
Puppy won't stop nipping
Can I return the puppy for a refund
neighbors are complaining about the puppy what should I do
I got a fine from the city because of the noise violation
Puppy has fleas what should I do
Puppy has loose stool why is that and should I go to the vet
Vet says the hospital bill is Breeder's responsibility
Selling to friends or family...
oh boy... better have a contract that covers ALL the bases as you get one medical bill and a dispute over it and that friendship will be on the rocks.
AND... What if they wish to breed
Registration....
Where are my papers
Why didn't I get a pedigree
Why didn't I get the insurance or a DVD
Basically if you are selling your pups you make sure to keep at least 50% of that money to cover future expenses.
Just some things for you to consider... as a "breeder" people want you to know all the answers to everything from behaviour, health to training and as a responsible breeder you SHOULD know these answers.
Buyers also want to know that they bought quality...even if they ony pay $200.00 and actually in my experience, the least they pay the more pet people seem to expect.
They tend to also view the puppy as more "disposable" if they pay very little.
If a Vet bill is above the price they paid for the puppy... well what are they going to choose, should the puppy need medical care. ANd guess what "breeder" they will give the Vet your name and number and you will get the call "they are going to put the puppy down as they can't afford the medical care. Do you wish to pay for it".
Of course you will pay for it and then does that mean those people get a refund or that they now keep the puppy ?? What happens ?
Tough choices and expensive.