When looking for a pup, Deanna and I originally looked at Saints, and met
with two breeders, then looked at Leonbergers, again meeting two breeders.
While all four people were very nice, only one Saint breeder and one Leo
breeder actually let us interact with the dogs. The other two let us look
from behind a fence. I guess they figured we were unknown quantities, and
might not mingle well. Regardless, it was a little off-putting, as Deanna
and I agreed that it would make sense for a breeder to let a PPO interact
with the dogs to see how they did.
When we looked at Berners, we talked on the phone with several breeders,
including one who seemed very hesitant to sell a pup to a "first-time" owner
(how exactly do you become a 2nd time owner if you can't be a 1st time owner
he never explained). The one breeder we did visit not only let us interact
with her adult dogs, but also let us sit with her 6 week old litter. We were
hooked. While we would have loved to take one home right then, we knew we
were not ready, our breeder knew we weren't ready, and we waited another
full year before we finally brought home Vandal (very much worth the wait).
Having been the PPO, I can say that I greatly appreciated the time given and
the trust shown to us, especially as we were new to dog ownership. When
sitting in the kitchen with the dogs, we were gently coached in proper
human-dog etiquette and corrected when needed, but never made to feel
unworthy.
I think a breeder has every right to ensure that a PPO is ready and able to
provide for a puppy. Equally, a PPO has every right to expect time, courtesy
and the benefit of the doubt from a breeder, at least in initial
discussions. As more conversations and (hopefully) visits take place, each
party will get a clear sense of whether there is a compatibility that will
result in a puppy being placed with that PPO.
Sadly, based on this thread, there are rude PPOs and breeders. Then again,
there are rude lawyers and clients, teachers and students, doctors and
patients, contractors and home owners etc., etc.
That's my two cents. Now stop reading email and go hug your dog.
Mike, Deanna and Vandal
