Page 3 | Buying a puppy. Breeder applying pressure for payment.

fandangored · 2025-02-13T01:42:20+00:00

Breeder applying pressure for payment and asking for transfer or cash payment BEFORE viewing day with puppy at 4 weeks..? Already paid a £200 pre reserve fee!!! Should I continue or red flag and run?!

Naunet · 13/02/2025 08:39

fandangored · 13/02/2025 08:36

Problem is I know nothing about her! No info, no details, no address all online. I've not received the contract yet! I want to see it. She's sending paperwork out in the post in next few weeks..

I would likely feel pressured to buy puppy upon viewing day.. having already paid a "pre reserve fee" of £200 - viewing first then collection 4 weeks after..

The dog is a cross breed of poodle and cavalier hence why not KC as they only have single breed.

Mum and dad should be KC though, I hope so!

She wants you to pay before you have a contract or even her contact details???

Naunet · 13/02/2025 08:41

greatfrontage · 13/02/2025 08:36

Don’t choose the payment method as your hill to die on, OP. It sounds like she has had at least one person say “oh I just transferred the money to you on the app - it’ll just take an hour or two”, take their puppy home and then no money appears, or ended up standing around for ages waiting.

They're not taking the puppy home at 4 weeks old though! Or if they are, that's illegal.

NotthinglikeaBondGirl · 13/02/2025 08:42

I agree with PP who say that not taking puppy to the vet is a big red flag. My parents were KC registered dog breeders. I have bought several puppies from KC registered breeders & have always taken pup to the vet for a health check. If the puppy is healthy why would be breeder have any concerns about a vet check?

LandSharksAnonymous · 13/02/2025 08:44

The more you write, OP, the more nonsensical this seems.

How is this even a thread?! It’s so clearly a puppy farm scammer.

The mind boggles. Absolutely boggles.

Also, poodle-crossed ARE NOT HYPOALLERGENIC. Christ on a bike. How many times will I need to say this on mumsnet?!

RentalWoesNotFun · 13/02/2025 08:44

Not sure this sounds right.

I've not bought a puppy before but if you expect to remove a dog before a balance transfer has arrived in her account I can absolutely understand her attitude.

However if viewing day is just to see the pup I don't see why she can't take a balance transfer as, if it doesn't come through within 24 hours, she can just sell the pup to someone else. Especially if the £200 is non-refundable. She loses nothing.

However you've not done much research on this person. You don't know anything about her dogs. That's not how reputable breeders operate. I wonder if it's a puppy farm. Hence no address and wants cash?

I'd only buy from a registered breeder. But all I've done in the past is go to a shelter and buy an abandoned dog.

Do you know anything about puppies? They wreck your house. They cry at night. They bark if you don't keep separation anxiety to a minimum so they're not stressed. They need lots of care. Unlike an older rescue. Sure you want one?

Wonderwhyibother · 13/02/2025 08:45

Biggest red flag for me is the breeder not wanting you to take the puppy to the vet. First thing I have always done either with puppies or an older rescue is get them booked straight in for a thorough check up. Not saying their vet is dodgy but I trust my vets and I want to make sure I have a healthy animal.

Doggymummar · 13/02/2025 08:46

With respect, Cavapoos are not calm dogs, I have one they are mentalists. Into everything don't concentrate proper characters. Sounds like you need to do more research.

WhatDidIComeInThisRoomFor · 13/02/2025 08:46

When the breeder says “you’ll get a refund” if the pet isn’t suitable, shouldn’t she also be guaranteeing to take it back
herself?

Grumpyoldpersonwithcats · 13/02/2025 08:48

How did I know when the OP started this post that the puppy would be a poodle cross?
OP - this is a shyster puppy farm. Anyone saying the breeder sounds knowledgeable is talking absolute horse shit.
I would not buy any animal where the breeder told me not to go to the vet for 10 weeks.
And yes bank transfers are instant - I have regularly paid for collection items by transfer while present at the seller (not pets though!)
Avoid.

Viviennemary · 13/02/2025 08:48

I don't like her attitude. It's dreadful. Don't think I would buy anything from her. And asking for cash. Probably a tax dodge. Report her to HMRC.

LizziesTwin · 13/02/2025 08:49

I’ve bought 3 puppies & adopted one adult dog. I’ve always gone to my vet with a new dog, you carry the puppy in and inside the consultation room it’s all sanitised - you aren’t going to put the puppy on the floor, it will go on the bench. If you want to buy a cross-breed buy one from someone you know has bought one from the same breeder who is happy with their puppy. You have a dog a long time, maybe 15 or 16 years, no need to rush.

qotsa · 13/02/2025 08:51

A bank transfer on the day shows straight away We have had this form of payment with 2 car sales and selling an iMac. Just sat and waited a couple of minutes for it to pop up on the banking app. It doesn't have to be done in advance. I don't think anyone 'carries' £500 cash, but obviously if you know you need it you can just withdraw it before you go. Unfortunately with transactions like this there is no sure fire way to do transactions that protect everyone. There has to be an element of trust which I do agree is very daunting.

LizziesTwin · 13/02/2025 08:51

Adding, my dogs’ breeders have always put in the contract that you have to give them the dog back if you don’t want it anymore, they are more worried about what happens to the dog than anything else. How will she judge whether it’s a suitable family pet or not? That’s dodgy.

DumpedByText · 13/02/2025 08:51

I think you're overthinking it. She sounds professional to me and she has made her T&C very clear. Cash on the day is the safest option. Is there a reason you can't do this?

Original poster

fandangored · 13/02/2025 08:51

Funny her attitude hasn't been great at all from the start - very business like and somewhat snappy when I ask a couple of questions she avoids.

I'll need to be prepared to knock this on the head.. I don't have a good feeling - she's also insistent that my kids come to viewing to meet us (of course this adds pressure)

So really, I suppose I don't feel comfortable about it all as she is wanting part payment along the way and final balance upon collection.

Something feels off!

OP posts:

Nessastats · 13/02/2025 08:54

What makes you think cavapoos are calm?

There's no established standard by which you can say "this type of dog is calm" because they're just a crossbreed of any two random dogs from the right breed, so you might get a dog that's the calmer part of a cavalier or you might end up with a mad energetic poodle side. If you want a calm, low energy, hypoallergenic small dog there's a few breeds that fit that criteria.

Get a proper breed with a breeder that's subject to at least some checks. A good breeder will be breeding for healthy dogs of the right type and good temperament. Champdogs is a good place to start. If this woman has no online presence that's a bad sign. I still don't see the problem with her asking for cash on viewing as a deposit though.

ASunnyWeekend · 13/02/2025 08:55

fandangored · 13/02/2025 07:37

They are asking for part cash payment on the day of viewing puppy for the first time..

The reason for a breed is great with kids, supposedly calm, low allergy etc.,

I sent an email and her reply is this...

'I’m not sure where this has all come from but I asked for cash on viewing day and it’s you who has asked to pay by bank transfer so I’ve asked for it to be done before you come. If you’re not happy to part with money beforehand then cash on the day is my normal protocol after your appointment and cash for collection otherwise bank transfer is to be done prior to both arrivals.

I’m not sure what you’ve been reading at this time of night but I think you’ve driven yourself into panic mode, I’m a 5* licensed reputable breeder as you can clearly see from my Facebook page and reviews and I won’t be tarred with the same brush as whoever you’ve dealt with in the past.

I’ve operated the same protocols for the last 8 years and I’ve never had anyone dispute the way I work. Firstly there are lots of parts of paperwork to the contract, you have the first part after viewing day which is your holding deposit form and then contract of sale you when you collect. And no I don’t want you taking your puppy to the vets within 72 hours- firstly vets are places where people take poorly animals so you can pick up all sorts of germs, secondly you are having a full documented and signed health report from a vet upon collection and lastly it already states in my contract that if anything is found which deems your puppy unsuitable to be a family pet then you will have a full refund. You will be visiting your vets at 10 weeks for second vaccination and further check up once your puppy is more settled so you do not need to take them to the vets prior to this.

I’ll send photos of my paperwork tomorrow at some point when I’ve had chance to print.'

Any thoughts??

Well that was quite the drip feed. She is not applying pressure at all and sounds like a very reasonable breeder. Tread carefully as I wouldn’t be surprised if she pulled out of the sale as good breeders often have more people wanting puppies than they have for sale

Naunet · 13/02/2025 08:55

Nessastats · 13/02/2025 08:54

What makes you think cavapoos are calm?

There's no established standard by which you can say "this type of dog is calm" because they're just a crossbreed of any two random dogs from the right breed, so you might get a dog that's the calmer part of a cavalier or you might end up with a mad energetic poodle side. If you want a calm, low energy, hypoallergenic small dog there's a few breeds that fit that criteria.

Get a proper breed with a breeder that's subject to at least some checks. A good breeder will be breeding for healthy dogs of the right type and good temperament. Champdogs is a good place to start. If this woman has no online presence that's a bad sign. I still don't see the problem with her asking for cash on viewing as a deposit though.

OP already paid a deposit. She wants the cash on top of that.

I agree though, go to a proper breeder OP, not someone off Facebook.

Grumpyoldpersonwithcats · 13/02/2025 08:56

Op - Where is the viewing taking place if you don't have an address?

Harrysmummy246 · 13/02/2025 08:57

StarlightLady · 13/02/2025 08:39

Bank transfers are instant.

Show quote history

Most of the time. Can take up to two hours, or occasionally just don't work, as I found when I went to buy a rowing boat- tried to do the transfer, my app didn't work so had to ring my husband to transfer before I could leave- fortunately he had the funds available.

BumpandBounce · 13/02/2025 08:58

https://www.wylanbriar.com/buying-a-pup/how-to-buy-a-responsibly-bred-labrador-puppy/

https://www.wylanbriar.com/breeding-advice/how-we-run-our-waiting-lists-for-litters/

Here’s a couple of useful articles about how to buy a responsibly bred puppy and how waiting lists work. It’s for KC registered Labs but the same principles should apply whatever breed you are buying.

How to Buy a Responsibly bred Labrador Puppy | Wylanbriar Labradors

https://www.wylanbriar.com/buying-a-pup/how-to-buy-a-responsibly-bred-labrador-puppy

catsrus · 13/02/2025 08:58

fandangored · 13/02/2025 07:51

I asked for a bank transfer but she's saying cash (who carries £500?)

wanting cash is not a red flag, both my last two pups were paid for in cash, but I was totally sure about the breeders as I had knowledge of the breed I was getting and was willing to wait for the right pup. I was on a waiting list for a year for one of them as I wanted a dog from that breeder because I trusted her and liked her dogs.

If you have any doubts back away.

thehorsesareallidiots · 13/02/2025 09:00

Breeder sounds dodgy AF to me. You don't actually have a contract yet and no good breeder would brag about being 5*.

Were you on her waiting list? Good breeders have waiting lists.

NormasArse · 13/02/2025 09:01

fandangored · 13/02/2025 01:44

Though so :(

My son has been waiting ages poor thing.. looking for a good puppy breeder has been a nightmare!!

If you must buy from a breeder, do your homework. Choose someone who you absolutely know has bred from their own dog which lives in the house with them. Never look for puppies on the internet.

It’s an horrific industry.

Pickingmyselfup · 13/02/2025 09:04

This is a good point actually.

I don't like the sound of this because I wouldn't want to pay in cash and a bank transfer can be done whilst you are there. A good breeder should be happy to host you for as long as needs be, have a cup of tea/a chat/interact with the dogs.

Also no insurance, I wouldn't touch any breeder who wasn't offering a standard 4 week insurance. I probably wouldn't be rushing to the vets so 72 hours doesn't seem an issue but I would definitely be wanting a check up during the 4 weeks of the insurance before I then transferred it over.

Also asking for a reserve payment...what happens if you don't think the puppy is suitable for you? Do you get it back? I turned down a breeder who asked me for the same, it didn't sit right with me.

Finally..a mixed breed is an entirely different kettle of fish. You could be getting more breed trait's from a King Charles (which are prone to health issues) or the Poodle side. Obviously there are no guarantees with any breed but if you mix 2 of the same breed known for x characteristics the more likely you are to get a puppy with the same ones.

I wouldn't be continuing if I were you but that's up to you. I hope you find your perfect pet though, it's such an exciting time and you've chosen one and you are waiting to bring it home.