Puppy Questionnaire Help

[pirateb20]

I filled out an application for a Doberman puppy recently. It is very thorough, which I am grateful for because it weeds out the bad people, but one of the last questions asked about coming to evaluate my home. I don't feel comfortable with this and was wondering if I put "no" and told them that makes me uncomfortable, would that basically be a guarantee of me not getting the puppy?
Thanks for any advice!

 

[Doberman Gang]

I think with Covid saying no wouldn’t be a deal breaker, most breeders just want reassurance their puppies will be in a safe environment. Some require a fenced yard, dogs be kenneled inside and not kept outside in a dog house ect...
I am sure if you talked with the breeder on the phone many of those questions and answer would be cleared up.

 

[Viemarangelrock]

Having gone down the rescue route with 2 of my dogs we were required a home visit. Both visits seemed pretty laid back and informal.
They check the house and garden for anything unsafe for dogs, check the fencing and gates were secure and high enough.

With the current pandemic I can’t see why you be denied by saying ‘No.’ Just be open and honest with the potential breeder.

 

[JanS]

I agree that a phone call would be in order to discuss it. No one should hold it against you with the pandemic going on. I honestly don't want outsiders in our house either right now.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

Hey, welcome!

Certainly have heard of home visits for rescues, but not for purchasing from a breeder. I guess it makes sense though, just unusual in my experience. In a way, I'd welcome it and I'd think it would mean that I was in the serious running for getting a pup.

How reputable a breeder is this though? It this was just someone selling pups on craigslist or in the classifieds or something, I would be quite leery of it being a scam or a setup.

 

[Liberty & Justice]

Filled out an app from a Breeder or a local Rescue ? I highly doubt a breeder would want to come out to your house. After 3 Dog's acquired from Breeders not one of them has asked that question. As to a Rescue ? I can only imagine that if a dog has been rescued they would want reassurance on round 2. If you are not comfortable with people coming to the home, how about a video tour ? Although if you have to second guess your own living situations with considering adding a dog to the mix, perhaps you should wait until different housing is found.

 

[Tropicalbri's]

how about a video tour ?

I was thinking virtual tour too but I don’t think it’s necessary to video the interior of your home. Just video the outside to show a fenced in yard and then snap a couple photos that show your address is the same in pictures as it is in your application.

 

[Maze]

That has always seemed odd to me, invasion of privacy. Several rescue locations asked for that info and I didn't choose to adopt from those. I went with another rescue location because they didn't care what the living situation was. I have an apartment and the dog is cared for and whatever is in and around my partment should be of no concern to a rescue place. Homeless people have dogs so why intrude into a person's home lifestyle?

While I dont believe it would disqualify you, you should ask what their reason for doing so is.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

I know how the O.P. feels, certainly, though. As potential puppy buyers, we have to live in fear of upsetting breeders or turning them off.

 

[JanS]

Certainly have heard of home visits for rescues, but not for purchasing from a breeder.

I saw one questionnaire from a Great Dane breeder asking if you would agree to her or someone she knows to visit your home prior to approval. I don't know if they would actually follow through but you never know.

 

[Rits]

I've seen it on a few applications. It feels invasive to me and I've avoided them. I also have social anxiety so my home is where I don't have to stress. I don't mind taking pics of our setup at all to prove we would be a good home. I've also run into apps that refuse to sell to homes that don't have a fence. We have an indoor outdoor kennel just for going potty and a 100ft zip line across our property for safe retained exercise, we also have a horse long line, go for walks, class, swimming, and when they are old enough do ecollar training for off leash. But some don't care that someone with a fence could do none of that and give very little exercise, training, or attention. I did convince a no fence no puppy breeder after a long talk about my life background and personal experience, so it is possible. So learning from that...My advice, if you like the breeder and their dogs, talk to them!

 

[pirateb20]

Hey, welcome!

Certainly have heard of home visits for rescues, but not for purchasing from a breeder. I guess it makes sense though, just unusual in my experience. In a way, I'd welcome it and I'd think it would mean that I was in the serious running for getting a pup.

How reputable a breeder is this though? It this was just someone selling pups on craigslist or in the classifieds or something, I would be quite leery of it being a scam or a setup.

I found the breeder on the UDC website in the breeder directory so I assume it’s not a scam but I am still wary. I can’t see the breeder driving hours to everyone’s homes though. I just thought it was a bit peculiar because it’s not a rescue.