My work in dog rescue has shown me that, for whatever reason, many people do not stay in contact with their dog's breeder after the pup goes home. They don't consider that their breeder is a resource for information or advice. Nor do they realize that their breeder has an investment in knowing how the pup that they created has turned out. Responsible breeders care deeply about the long-term well-being of each individual dog that they produce and they also feel a strong sense of stewardship of the breed itself. So, staying in touch with the owners of our pups is an important part of the work that we, as breeders, do.
Why is lifelong communication between dog owner and breeder so important? Many breeders go to great lengths to give our pups every chance for an ideal "dog's life." We perform health tests on parents and spend time working our dogs and earning titles on them to prove that they are fine examples of their breed. We spend years studying animal husbandry, genetics, breed history, animal behavior, and so much more. We do this because we strive to have a positive impact on our breed. Our responsibility does not end when your puppy goes home. We do not turn over responsibility for the pup. Instead, we enter into a partnership with you where we now share responsibility for the well-being of your dog. Even the most capable dog owner is sometimes faced with a training or health issue that has them stumped and unable to find an effective solution. And, every breeder should monitor the health, temperament, and working ability of the dogs they are breeding to see if we are achieving our goals. We cannot determine our success by how healthy and cute our puppies are when they go home with you at eight weeks of age. We must monitor their development over time to see if we are on the right course. Keeping lines of communication open is good for your dog and it's good for the breed.
Before purchasing a pup, choose a breeder who plans to be a resource to you for the life of your pup. Look for the signs that tell you that the breeder is committed to your pup and the breed as a whole. Did they perform health clearances on the parents? Are they involved in their breed's AKC parent club (i.e. The American Chesapeake Club) so that they can learn from the larger breed community? Is the breeder willing to take the dog back to resume full responsibility for the well-being of the dog when you can no longer keep it for some unforeseen reason?
The best breeders are thrilled to get your calls and your emails. We love to hear your news from the smallest achievements to the greatest. Victories in housebreaking are as epic as news that you've earned a title in your chosen event. The best breeders stand with you in your worry when you have a concern about your dog. Like you, we lose sleep when they are ill. And, we grieve with you when they are gone. We want your dog to be an integral part of your family, but we want you to remember that they began as part of our family.
So, look for a breeder who expects to be your partner. Mark them as a "favorite" in your contacts and plan to get to know them very well over the next 14+ years. Don't wait too long to contact them when you have questions. With their experience, they might put your mind at ease right away. And, if they don't know the answer to your questions, they will find someone who does. Be grateful when your breeder calls you up for no particular reason. Its a sign that they care and that their commitment to your pup is strong. And, that is how it should be!
Gina Downin, Weatherdeck Chesapeakes
