why do people sell adult dogs? - Page 3

GSDfan, you said it all D'Man

I've seen some older studs for sale, even as old as 11 years old. No, I kid you not! Those are the ones that break my heart. Often a breeder has to stop using a stud because his bitches are getting too inbred. Some breeders will just sell him instead of giving him the nice life of leisure he's earned. Of course, you've all mentioned some perfectly good reasons for selling older dogs. I myself would prefer a dog that's housebroken already, as I am single, and just can't be in two places at once: at work and at home to put the pup out every couple of hours.

Very interesting discussion. I agree some people may not appreciate a free dog, but I can say from personal experience, the Ursus Von Batu son laying at my feet was free and he has slowly but surely won my heart and I could not imagine life without him now. The place he came from was supposed to sell him for a friend in Germany, but the guy was not honest about the dog's medical condition (dysplasia) before shipping him. He was advertised (lived in the kennels) for a year and no one bought him so they decided to give him away. I clicked on the ad one day on the 'net, and fell in love. I spent $100 on rental car, gas, and food for the round trip 12 hour drive so maybe in a way he wasn't free after all...... He is such an awesome dog, so gorgeous and sweet-tempered with the rats, cats, and my 4-year-old daughter. Very obedient too, one of the best dogs I ever had.

Just be careful. I was looking a male GSD the other day but they did not want me to come visit and view the dog. Go figure! lol

Just be careful. I was looking a male GSD the other day but they did not want me to come visit and view the dog. Go figure! lol

Another thing to keep in mind is dogs going to police depts are generally started dogs. In my area few agencies are equipped to start with a puppy nor do they have the time to do so. Far better for them to buy a dog with a solid foundation that they can do the appropriate health checks on and get on the street faster and in the long run for them a little more cost effectively. Personally I kept back one or two pups more out of this litter than I had planned on because I want to see how they turn out and develope. To me this means how they take to training also. Later on at least one will be placed elsewhere where he/she has a job to do and is the main dog instead of one of several. It also gives me more time to choose which one I really want to keep and work with. Granted I breed seldom maybe averaging a litter every three to five years so I have more of a luxury of time.

some times there sell dogs at say 4 or 5 years old while they still have value,it always buyer beware,but all the kennels in germany i have dealt with have been very honest ,,,,the fullers and the obmanns very honest dog people, no one country has cornered the market on shady breeders ,they are all over the world thats why you got to do your home work,your self......but thats just me rick....

Caveat emptor! (Let the buyer beware). I got burned in a deal buying a 10 month male import, and the deal was brokered by a man that I trusted - the training director of my former SchH club! Puppies are no doubt a crap shot. I had just gotten a nice black pup, but he had soft ears that never stood. 9 months of my time and money down the drain. So, I get this charitable advice - why not buy a young green dog straight from a prestigous kennel in Germany? Hips already prelim'ed, ears up, balls down. Already started. Blah blah blah. What a deal, right? Unfortunately when the dog arrived it turned out to be a spook and I sent it back. Although I got a refund for the $3,500 price tag, I still lost about $1,000 on the deal for shipping, fees, food, and vet bills (oh yeah the dog was shipped sick). For the money that I flushed on the fees I could have gotten a decent puppy! So after being burned (and finding another SchH club) I will never again buy a dog sight unseen, regardless of what photos and videos I am promised. Here's another tidbit - I take pictures of training at my SchH club, and with much time and patience I have been able to get some really good pictures of weak dogs that make them look strong. So even if a prospective seller would send me pictures of a dog being worked, I know now how easy it is (with a little patience) to make a weak dog look good for the fraction of a second that it takes to click the shutter. Are there many legit breeders out there? Yes, of course, but a lot of shams too. Just look at the huge list of ads on this website alone and think - just how many "super top" dogs with "extreme drive" "crazy for work" "perfectly balanced" do you think there are in the world? Are you kidding??? Find out for yourself what you're buying and good luck!

Some adult dogs "for sale" or listed on this website might be purebred rescues as well.

SchHBabe, What a horrible experience. I am too much of a sceptic to buy from another country site unseen. D ranger, to touch on the subject of not being able to visit a dog. It is absolutely a must, to see the dog before I purchase it. But, also on the flip side, I have had puppies stolen from me , so I am very particular who I let at my house now. IF it wasn't for one of my Bitches almost getting out, I think they would have stolen more than the 2. She must have scared them enough to stop after 2, but they were still quick enough to get them. If I have a dog for sale or puppies, I now will for the most part meet people at a public place. Esp. If I get a suspicous feeling about them. It might be time consuming, but I would rather do that than, have to many Pain in the but people with no intentions of buying, coming to my house. It will also, weed out people that are not serious. If , I offer to meet them in the direction that they are coming from, and they decline. That is a relief for me, that they don't need my puppy or dog then, anyway. I definately want to allow someone to meet my dog, and by going somewhere, it allows them to see the dog in a different environment than just home. 99% of the time that in itself will sell the dog or puppy. IF it is a puppy they are interested in I will only travel with pups after all vacc. and at least 8 weeks old. I will also bring the mother with me so that they can see the parent in person. I know every where you read, it tells the buyer to make sure you can see the puppies environment and visit several times, ect.. But, as a seller, I have to protect my animals from the stranger with ill intentions. or someone who is just a window shopper, and wants something to do on a weekend. I do still allow people to come, but on a very limited basis. I will not let the person that calls today come tonight. Nope! just my input : )