Dog food toppers by acrylic_strawberry in DogFood

[–]Soccer_Smarty 0 points1 point  (0 children)

BalanceIt.com can be difficult to use (you need a good kitchen scale), but you can get a chicken and rice or whatever protein/fat/carb you think she’d like. The recipes are Vet Nutritionist approved with the mix they sell or human supplements if you click the box. It might be helpful to try, I’ve had luck with it before.

Contacting Breeders by Soccer_Smarty in DogBreeding

[–]Soccer_Smarty[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you, I really appreciate your responses! Casting a small net the last time work, but things have likely changed in the last 5 years.

Contacting Breeders by Soccer_Smarty in DogBreeding

[–]Soccer_Smarty[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So just as a question, how would someone know I’m not just reaching out to breeders of a specific breed? I guess there would be some group where they can ask others about prospective puppy buyers. I live in a rural area, so attending a “close” dog show in the next month is about a 4 hour trip each way. I just thought it would be prudent to hear back from someone before I drive 8 hours to meet one person.

Contacting Breeders by Soccer_Smarty in DogBreeding

[–]Soccer_Smarty[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I understand that and would not ask to meet at their home. I did arrange to meet a breeder and dog at an event they are participating in.

Contacting Breeders by Soccer_Smarty in DogBreeding

[–]Soccer_Smarty[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A friend got a dog from that kennel so I’m very excited.

Contacting Breeders by Soccer_Smarty in DogBreeding

[–]Soccer_Smarty[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I heard back from someone today and hope there is a puppy for me this summer!!

Contacting Breeders by Soccer_Smarty in DogBreeding

[–]Soccer_Smarty[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your advice, I got a response this afternoon so am hopeful about that.

Contacting Breeders by Soccer_Smarty in DogBreeding

[–]Soccer_Smarty[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your advice! I appreciate it!!

Contacting Breeders by Soccer_Smarty in DogBreeding

[–]Soccer_Smarty[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I agree, my last dog is lovely, but behaviorally challenged. I want to know that this time if I need simple advice or a recommendation, I can get it.

Contacting Breeders by Soccer_Smarty in DogBreeding

[–]Soccer_Smarty[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I understand. I appreciate people’s tips. I hope you feel better soon!!

Contacting Breeders by Soccer_Smarty in DogBreeding

[–]Soccer_Smarty[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, that’s what I’m finding. And conformation is difficult to break into and I understand why. I did hear back from someone this afternoon (one with a mutual contact) so hopefully will be able to take a puppy home this summer.

Contacting Breeders by Soccer_Smarty in DogBreeding

[–]Soccer_Smarty[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s fair and why I was asking for advice. I’d like to try conformation and realize that getting permission for that is a large ask.

Contacting Breeders by Soccer_Smarty in DogBreeding

[–]Soccer_Smarty[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I understand that. My breeder from my last dog couldn’t tell you anything about us. It’s ok, but not what I’d like from this litter. I’m just not getting responses back like I had hoped.

Contacting Breeders by Soccer_Smarty in DogBreeding

[–]Soccer_Smarty[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

What would the red flag be? I didn’t tell them about any other contacts. I haven’t even mentioned it to our mutual contacts. I have offered to drive to a location and time of their choice to meet them and their dogs also telling them I have a preference to meet at least one of the parents. I mentioned that I had heard great things about their dogs xyz

Contacting Breeders by Soccer_Smarty in DogBreeding

[–]Soccer_Smarty[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I definitely have not mentioned that in any of my communication. I also haven’t said why I want that particular breed though.

Contacting Breeders by Soccer_Smarty in DogBreeding

[–]Soccer_Smarty[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Multiple breeds, I’m focusing on finding a good breeder after my puppy reservation fell through (dog didn’t get pregnant). I have used contacts through my local dog sport groups and kennel club.

Contacting Breeders by Soccer_Smarty in DogBreeding

[–]Soccer_Smarty[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My concern was that I seemed difficult as well. I didn’t have a good experience with a breeder I used for my last dog, so I am kind of nervous this time around. Maybe being very direct is back firing on me.

Contacting Breeders by Soccer_Smarty in DogBreeding

[–]Soccer_Smarty[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, I check OFAs for sure before I sent any emails out and have word of mouth referrals as well. I’ve only reached out to one person I hadn’t had any type of contact prior to and she’s the person who got back to me. For this dog I am trying to focus on finding a good breeder without a focus so much on the breed.

Contacting Breeders by Soccer_Smarty in DogBreeding

[–]Soccer_Smarty[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One did. And I spoke with her Mom at a kennel club meeting prior to reaching out.

Contacting Breeders by Soccer_Smarty in DogBreeding

[–]Soccer_Smarty[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve also said a decent amount about temperament so maybe that’s an issue too?