nowhavethreebears
New member
I got Hannah sight unseen and flew her up from Texas....But I had seen lots of pics of the sire and dam and I was very, VERY sure about the breeder.....
Question About Purchasing Site Unseen
- Thread starter BTA2M2
- Start date
graybird
New member
I did take one of my two kids up to see Sophie (who was 1-1/2) before we brought her home, but frankly, both of us found it kinda hard to get a feel for her. She greeted us enthusiastically but then plopped down by her breeder and just checked us out. I knew her breeder was stellar, had been following her on the show and club circuit for years and years, but Sophie's indoor experience was limited and I really didn't know what to expect from her in terms of behavior. The breeder agreed to word the contract and hold the check for a month so that we could return her if things were Just Awful. I thought that was such a straight-up thing to do.
In hindsight, I should have spent more time interacting with Sophie on that first visit; unfortunately, it would have been just plain awkward under the circumstances. Her transition to our home ended up being very peaceful, but I think all rehomed dogs experience grief for their former families (with the obvious exceptions), and having a little more exposure to me before leaving her breeder's home might have eased that for her.
Fingers crossed for you!
In hindsight, I should have spent more time interacting with Sophie on that first visit; unfortunately, it would have been just plain awkward under the circumstances. Her transition to our home ended up being very peaceful, but I think all rehomed dogs experience grief for their former families (with the obvious exceptions), and having a little more exposure to me before leaving her breeder's home might have eased that for her.
Fingers crossed for you!
new_2_newf
New member
I agree with graybird there....poor Sulley was just so overwhelmed, he was dropped off with his other breeder, then drove for three days to National, then was passed off to Jake and I, and rode in the back of a Prius with Jake's golden, Sarah, then came home to two cranky kitties. I had the week off and hand fed Sulley his food..that seemed to help. We also did lots of walking and simple things like sits and downs, and by the time I went to work, he was just fine.
Garden_girl
New member
Does the breeder have children? If not, I would definitely take my kids along. You *NEED* to know if this boy gets along well with children. While the dog may be standoffish as mentioned above-you should be able to tell if he's comfortable with children during your visit. I wouldn't bring any dog home, unless my kids interacted with the dog first, puppy yes, mature dog, no.
BTA2M2
New member
If you don't mind, why would you be skeptical?
Sound Bay Newfs
Active member
Why does the breeder have this dog? Is it one she kept, but didn't work out as a show dog? Or is he a return from a family? Is he a kennel dog, or has he been raised with children? You may want to ask those questions.
CMDRTED
New member
Ask the kids, are they willing to miss a weekend game, for a new puppy. If it was me the pupper wins hands down. I would still make the trip kids or not. To estalish a relationship with the breeder as well as checking them out, seeing how they raise their pups, looking at health clearences, etc. Have a list of questions. I believe their is a sticky with some on the forum
Ginny
New member
My fear would be that if the family doesn't have the time to fit a visit in, how much quality time would be available for my dog? Also, to me, it's a possible indicator of the family's commitment/devotion to my special charge...
lacey9875
New member
I agree. There have been times that we have had to decline an invite to someplace too far-have to let the dog out, can't leave her too long. It's not easy to just pick up and leave when you have pets. What if the puppy gets sick? They need regular exercise-especially now that it's getting cooler, you don't want an overly rambunctious 11 month old Newf bouncing through your house.
And I wouldn't ( and this is just me ) bring any dog into my house at 11 months without seeing how he was with children or small animals. I would want to see them interact-how he plays, has he had any training, is he food agressive, etc. An 11 month old male Newf is going to be big, I'd be worried if I had to start from ground zero in training with him, especially if you're an active family. Will you have the time to devote to him? I'd start by making a list ( I'm big on lists) and going over every "what if" with your family, because it is a big decision and responsibility.
BTA2M2
New member
Good points! I understand some families may be like that. In our case, we have plenty of quality time with our lab, Bo. I'm a SAHM (and not like the ones on tv that meet the girls for lunch etc). I workout each morning after the kids leave and I take Bo with me on the run. The kids have practices Tues/Wed/Thurs from 6-7:30 and anywhere from one to three games per weekend (combo of all 4 kids). Since I stay home during the day, that is why I'd like to get into water and therapy work when we get a Newf.
So yes, I do feel we have time to dedicate despite our children being in sports. I do see your point and I too would worry about as a breeder. In your opinion though, is that too much time away from the Newf?
BTA2M2
New member
I agree! Maybe that's why we don't go a lot of places, b/c we have Bo. So glad I'm fortunate enough to be a SAHM so that I can dedicate and devote time to our animals. I can't imagine what the owners of Newfs do if they work outside the home!
And I like you, wouldn't bring a dog of any breed into my home without first finding out how he/she was with children. That's why I wouldn't make the trip without the kiddos! Maybe that's wrong of me, but my kids safety is first and foremost. Hopefully that's not taken wrong.
Ginny
New member
Sounds great, but here's what I'd be worried about:
family who has never had a Newf...thinking of a young kennel dog...
breeder's perspective:
I'd want to witness the whole family's reaction to the dog. They look fabulous on TV, but
JMHO
family who has never had a Newf...thinking of a young kennel dog...
breeder's perspective:
I'd want to witness the whole family's reaction to the dog. They look fabulous on TV, but
- what reaction is there to white foamy floggers dangling?
- what happens when a huge flogger lands on the child's or parent's cheek?
- what about when the dog places jowls filled with water in your lap?
- when they jump up and knock your child to the ground?
- when you see tumbleweeds of black hair strewn all about?
- has this kennel dog been socialized and has an affinity to people, you, and your kids?
- has this kennel dog been socialized and is confident in new situations?
- does the dog require (which it will) obedience training? When will this fit into our busy schedule?
JMHO
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BTA2M2
New member
Ginny, thank you for the honesty! As I read your questions I had to laugh b/c I can imagine those scenario's and am confident my family will be okay with a Newf. I knew about the drool/water in the jowls. But never thought to put it as how would the kids or even Brad react. Have to say we'd laugh at it! I owned a licensed home day care for 9 years so honestly, the floggers and lap drenched isn't a big deal. Much rather have a flogger then clean up another kids barf. 
The kids are used to drool and being knocked down from their cousins St. Bernard and and our lab (when they encourage the wild play). And I'd rather have tumbleweeds of black hair then the sticky blonde from our lab.
Thanks again for the honesty!
The kids are used to drool and being knocked down from their cousins St. Bernard and and our lab (when they encourage the wild play). And I'd rather have tumbleweeds of black hair then the sticky blonde from our lab. Thanks again for the honesty!
lacey9875
New member
Lol-there are many of us here who do work outside the home. I suspect our Newfs lay on the cool tile thinking about all the fun stuff they are going to do when we get home!
I would definitely bring up the water/therapy work that you want to do with the breeder-I think there are a few Newfs here who aren't super crazy about the water. And I've had a yellow lab, and dealt with that hair, trust me when I tell you Newf hair takes on a life of it's own. Especially when they "blow their coats"! :shocker:
new_2_newf
New member
I have to say, even though my boy was a kennel dog, he was very, very well socialized and trained, and he is simply amazing with kids. Not saying he doesn't require training, he does, he needs reminders daily to listen to the Mama and not the penis, but he has been really easy. So, it is possible to get a kennel dog that is what you are looking for. I would want to see him with the kiddies though, I don't have any that live with me, so when they visit, it is easy enough to totally focus on that interaction and to remove the dog if one or the other is not behaving....kids there 24/7 when I am not literally right there with my hand on the dog...I dunno. My friends kids are all small 4 and under, so they require total supervision when with the dog.
SunnyD
Active member
Like Kelly, all three of ours were purchased sight unseen. I have been blessed with gorgeous girls. I have also developed great relationships with both of my breeders. I have met one breeder in person but Rosie's other Mama lives in Ontario so visiting was not an option. We do intend to make a trip there sometime in the near future. Perhaps to pick up another family member :shocker:
Both of my Newfs have been intact kennel dogs and you don't know how CORRECT you are!
In more ways than one. The two biggest problems with the "kennel dogs" have been:
1. They think that ANY female dog is made for THEM to mate.
2. They probably will have to be RE potty trained. Even though mine
have supposedly been "potty trained" (one was a show dog),
BOTH have needed remedial work.