Sense of Entitlement to puppies (Breeders help)?

[Xeph]

I was just wondering how many of you breeders dealt with friends and family members that felt they were entitled to a Shepherd puppy when you started breeding? I have quite a few people that seem to believe because I am friends with them, I will automatically give them a puppy.

How did you tell them no?

[Chicagocanine]

I'd tell them something like "Oh, of course you can have a puppy. They are $___ and you will have to fill out this questionnaire/contract/whatever."
If you don't think they are the right home for a GSD puppy you could explain the needs, exercise requirements, etc and explain why you think they might be better off with another type of dog (or better off without a puppy, etc...)

[Xeph]

The issue I'm having though, is that they're all perfectly willing to pay what I'm asking....they just aren't suitable for the breed.

There are other issues in one particular case...

[Betty]

Just start asking the normal interview questions.

A lot of people that express interest disappear so I wouldn't stress too much.

[Xeph]

They've seen and sent the application....really I'm just trying to figure out how to say no.

The fact that they're willing to go through it all makes me feel worse about saying no (because I know them...>.&lt.

[Minnieski]

I had a friend who recently was in the process of getting a pup. It was a bad idea, based on her lifestyle and personality, but no one will listen if you tell them that. Instead, I loaned her "The Art of Raising a Puppy" (you could sub your favorite puppy book here), and after reading she decided that it wasn't the right time for her to get a dog. She called her breeder and canceled, even though she lost her $200 deposit she said it felt like the right thing. It's best if people can figure it out for themselves, if you can find a way to do it.

[Xeph]

It would be much easier if these people weren't actually dog people...I'm just going to have to suck it up, try to be as tactful as possible, and just say that they aren't right for one of my Shepherds

[zyppi]

Originally Posted By: XephIt would be much easier if these people weren't actually dog people...I'm just going to have to suck it up, try to be as tactful as possible, and just say that they aren't right for one of my Shepherds

Not right for Shepherds, or not your lines?

If it's a GSD issue, then ask what they will do with the pup, and if it's not suitable for your dogs, tell them and explain you are doing them and the pup a favor as mismatch is awful for each.

Be straightforward, it's always best.

[victoria_warfel]

Have them dog-sit for you for a weekend, maybe they will change their minds? Or tell them if they help with the pups before they go home, maybe they can have one from a future litter... You want to see how they turn out before you give one to someone so dear? (BS, but still, it may work).

[doggiedad]

don't waste your time thinking about people that think
you should give them a puppy? do you mean they want a puppy for free? just because you are friendly with or family to someone doesn't mean they should have one of your puppies. friends and family get the same screening as any one else. i guess you could give family or friends a little discount.