More customers from hell--
 

One week after the sale, a customer wants a full refund for a puppy they are allergic to. What do you do?

I would take it back as if it is true that they are allergic , the puppy needs to go and if is a lie obviously they don't want the puppy anymore. I would prefer to get involved and know where the puppy will end up, I would take the puppy back and offer to refund (keep deposit) as soon as I place the puppy again.
I'm considering to put the allergic issue in my sales contract.........something like they'll have to spend at least a week around a dog to see if there is any allergic reactions before they adopt . I have read so many times that new owners turned to be allergic and can't keep the puppy, adopting a puppy is a very serious desicion .........I get so sad to see a puppy back and forth.

I would take the puppy back for sure. I would want to be able to place the pup and make sure he/she goes to the best home :)

puppy
 

I would take the puppy back and like the other poster said keep a deposit until placed... or maybe I wouldn't...but I would try to be fair.:aimeeyork

pup
 

Take it back...be done with them...I know it sounds so unfair to you as the seller and if you were selling used cars or potted plants I would say the opposite, but you want your puppy in a home where it is wanted.

Although, I do think you could deduct for another advertizing fee if you advertize...and any vet fees if shots, worming were due and they did not follow through. In a court situation, they make sure you as the breeder are even, not in the hole...

Joey's breeder said that anytime during Joey's life I wanted to return him I could. She would find a new home for him, and give me the money she had earned from the sell. However, the first week I could return him for any reason, and all my money would be returned.

I had that happen. It was tragic for all of us. They were totally in love with the puppy, crying etc, and I was beside myself with worry, my puppy getting bounced back and forth and the worst was she was very car sick and they lived about an hour and a half away. I took her back gladly but felt so very sorry for them. They even sent the bed, and other items they bought for her to go to her new home. Luckily she did go to a good home, but another hour drive. It happens sometimes.

I did take him back---
 

My puppies' welfare always comes first, and I did take the puppy back with full refund, but I find I NEED IDEAS ON HOW TO AVOID THIS IN THE FUTURE. This is scary because I thought I was being careful and selective about the homes my puppies go to. I don't understand how someone could be allergic to dogs and not know it before taking one home. I make it VERY clear to customers that I will buy back my Yorkies any time, for any reason, and I totally mean that, but it is not my intention to be sending puppies off with people who think they can just try them out. This has happened three times out of five litters in the past year. I'm thinking of starting a Hall of Shame directory or something like that where breeders can report customers who should not be sold dogs. I do an internet search on all customers before my dogs leave home, just in case there's something there I should know. Once some info came back that caused me to cancel a sale. I learned too late that one person who returned a puppy this year has done it at least one other time. Wouldn't it have been nice for me to be able to know that beforehand?

Chances are, they weren't allergic. It was probably just an excuse. Perhaps a puppy was more work than they realized. So, let's say they had called you and said, "I'm sorry, I think we bit off more than we could chew. Can we return the puppy? She's just too much work for us." A good breeder should take it back no matter, simply for the fact that they don't want their puppy in a home it's not wanted. Because if they don't want it, eventually, they'll give it away or take it to the pound. Very sad, but true.

But many breeders out there would just say, sorry, no returns. So many people will claim allergies for an excuse. The truth is, it is best that she contacted you, whether or not she was lying about the allergy, so you can decide what happens to your puppy.

You did the right thing. :)

Thanks mistyinca--
 

I know I did the right thing, but I'm losing too much money here. I do believe she lost interest in the puppy when she realized there was some real work involved in training him, but you're right that the reason does not matter very much. Of course I'd rather have the puppy back and have some control over where he goes next, but my point that I'm very angry that people can be so careless as to joepardize a puppy this way, and waste my time and resources as they have. The yorkies are wonderful, but the people, probably can't describe them on here. And this particular couple, young professional, ivy educated types...

I'd take the puppy back, because they obviously don't want him. This way you know he can go to a house where he will be loved.

Joey's breeder made it very clear that we would not be picking the puppy up the day we met, she wanted us to see the dogs, and "talk", she spent a long time talking about the dogs, and their needs and I felt very much like I had to pass her test, not the other way around. This was, of course, after we sent several e-mails and had many phone conversations. What I'm trying to say is that just because someone looks or acts respectable, it isn't enough. Ask them questions about their beliefs in discipline and training, and really keep a keen ear open for anything that alarms you. They need to pass your test, as well as you passing theirs.

Well, this was their 2nd visit in 6 months
 

This couple first visited in February before they had their own home, which is one of our requirements. I was very impressed when they returned upon purchasing their home, felt it was a sign they were very serious about wanting this puppy. I prefer older people who have had small dogs before, but have seen great success with less experienced ones too. A couple of other people who were here when the puppy was returned commented that she (the purchaser) looked like a spoiled brat and that most likely the puppy peed on her floor and sent her into a state of shock. I make a long speech about training issues, but that doesn't seem to get through to some sociopathic types who are adept at fooling people. If I can't bust them up front, I certainly have to follow up with something. At the monent I'm looking at reporting on sites like Ripoff Reports. I can't make myself just let it go, and I can afford to cause some trouble.

Perhaps the couple discovered one was actually allergic. You aren't losing money...you can resell the puppy.

I have seen on here before a person who was allergic to dogs but heard yorkies were good for people with allergies so they got one and had to turn around and rehome it because of their allergies

I understand that each breeder has their own preferance but please don't make these mandatory everytime. I'm 20 and rent but I support myself and my babies are spoiled rotten. Screening is very important but make sure you get to really know the person. I would have gone to a rescue before I got stormy but because of my age and that I don't own or have a fenced in yard I couldn't. So anyhoo please take into consideration that young people can definitely be a good home! But I also would never suggest a yorkie for a first time dog owner. Hope your baby finds a wonderful home! And I agree you should see what you can do to prevent this couple from doing this to another good breeder. No baby deserves to be thrown away!

I guess I'm wondering what that last sentence was supposed to imply, exactly?

Many people will think yorkies are hypoallergenic based on faulty information they read on the web or by looking at lists of so called "hypoallergenic" breeds. They will then buy the puppy assuming everything will be ok and it turns out not to be, and they have to return the puppy.

I have been through this before however I haven't returned my babies, I kept them and did all I could to manage through.

It's a very common misconception that certain dogs are safe for those w/allergies and it's really untrue however sometimes people aren't educated enough to know this ahead of time.

I'm sorry that it didn't work out for them, but am glad you could take the baby back to find it an appropriate home.

i guess beware of first time puppy owners..try to find owners that have one dog already

But how does one become an owner of furbabies if breeders look for people who already have them?

Lorisha

People are such pains! I would probably take it back and give a 95% refund and maybe they will learn their lesson to check stuff out before you purchase an animal. Who in the heck is allergic to a yorkie anyway..

Maybe someone in the family was genuinely allergic. Unfortunately, it sounds like you needed to give this family the benefit of the doubt and will need to resell the pup. However, sellers should not always assume the worst: that people are making excuses.

A couple things you can do to protect yourself in the future are (from a business point of view):

- Asking in your standard questioning whether there is anyone in the family with allergies. Whether they answer yes or no, you should explain that although this is a non-shedding breed, that is no guarantee that there won't be any kind of reaction.

- Generating a return policy of some kind. I know that we're talking about a living creature here, but this would be for the puppy's well being and safety as well as your own sanity.

- Use your past not-so-great selling experiences to develop your return policy and your questionnaire.

You sound like a breeder who genuinely cares about her pups going to a good home. I hope this is helpful; good luck!

No matter how careful we are as breeders, occasionally a pup will be placed in a home that just doesn't work. I would definately take the pup back, as you did. I would also take the pup to my vet for a thorough check up and have a fecal done to be sure that the little one was free from parasites and deduct this vet visit along with the deposit (if any) and fees for advertising for a new home from the total amount that I refunded.

Some of my very best forever homes have been to people who have never had a yorkie before. They have kept in touch and we have developed close relationships. Belinda, it's just hard work, placing pups.... we do the very best we can for each pups, and occasionally things just don't work out.

I wish you the very best of luck in placing the little one. They are so precious and each deserves to be loved.

homes
 

I posted my way of doing this some time back and a few breeders thought I was out of order asking for references from vets etc..

I do not let puppies leave the first time a person comes to see them. I prefer a deposit at 8 weeks and they may leave at 12 to 16 weeks...I encourage a visit once a month..sometimes I can manage twice a month...

I want a vet reference as to how the person cared for their last pet or current pets..and quite honestly, I do not place with people who have never had a Yorkie or toy dog in the past. There are so many good breeders who do and I have decided to be one who does not...so it evens out..and I am happy to refer to a breeder who has puppies waiting for homes...so no one cares what rule I make.

I certainly understand your point about not wanting to "lend" out your pups to see how it all goes...that is not fair to you, but I give every one two weeks to decide if it is a done deal...and of course you may return the dog at any time in their life for any reason..but I will not buy it back. I will find a good home for it. If it is resold, I will deduct my expenses and pass the rest to the owner.
Good Luck

PS..I do request a well puppy visit if the person is returning a puppy...only fair to me and my other dogs. I have ahd two returned in the last 20 yrs or so..both forgot what it was like to have a new puppy in the house, as the old ones were so old they slept alot...

and be ready tpo keep them
 

five litters in one year?:eek:
find people who are smart enough to get 2 puppies.. and mature enoiugh
to know what it takes.. and rich enough to provide it.. that only means
smart enough to know it costs money to have dogs.
time and money..
with age comes wisdom
at least 30 years old or as smart as a 30 year old..
even people with less money can have dogs if they can provide the basic necessities..
good food...grooming supplies.. x pens and fencing..crates and beds and toys..
set a higher standard when choosing new owners
i guess the best breeders have buyers waiting and choose from a waiting list..
in a perfect world..
:aimeeyork

if you only had 2 dogs returned in twenty years, you must be doing it right.

i guess as a breeder we cant dont be too quick to get the dogs adopted.. just because there are so many:)
if the breeder is having too many puppies.. then ask why?:animal-pa

pups
 

[QUOTE=cesar49;2141520]if you only had 2 dogs returned in twenty years, you must be doing it right.

You have to take into account, a breeder of 35 yrs has long time pet owners they deal with...last year 4 people lost old pets..and since I am semi retired, that was enough homes...one lady got a great-granddaughter of her lost pet...she was beyond happy..it will no doubt be her last pet, since her girl lived 17 yrs.

litters
 

If you have had 5 litters in 12 months...and a conservative count would be 15pups...3 returned is no doubt average for a volume breeder..no disrespect intended...just the law of averages.

I guess some breeders would not have thought I would of been a good owner of a Yorkie. I rent, am disabled, and suzi is my first yorkie. However, she is happy, healthy, and very much loved. Suzi has all the toys a dog could ask for, sees the vet regulary and is socialized. She is my service dog in training , and is a member of our family.
My point is that if a breeder really want the puppies to go to a good home, then it takes time getting to know the people ... But, it is not foolproof.
I am glad you have the puppy and can find a better, home for him. I understand your frustration, but it is difficult to know for sure what is going to happen when a puppy leaves to a new home.
My Suzi is my baby, and she is spoiled rotten. I'd never give her up. I have the funds to take care of her and give her a happy, healthy life. :aimeeyork

Take the puppy back. No matter if they are lying or not, they want to get rid of the dog, and you want a good like for the dog too.

Thought; Do you think that many people with allergies get yorkies because they are known to be hypoallergenic dogs? I've seen lots of instances where people need to rehome because of allergies, and I'm wondering if they are allergic to dogs, and figure they won't be to yorkies....