Ever wondered if it's a "red flag" that a breeder doesn't have an open door policy?
Before assuming there are weird or dishonest reasons for it, here are 5 reasons why a lot of reputable home-based breeders don't do it...
This isn't a petting zoo.
People love puppies, and being surrounded by many is a novel concept. We get that.
However, our puppies are socialized with people we know, like and trust, to ensure their socializing experiences are positive and creating the kind of associations we want them to have.
Puppies are not a zoo exhibit.
As much as sitting in a pile of adorable puppies scrambling all over, giving kisses is on most bucket lists, it isn’t something we are able to provide to people we don’t know, in the name of “seeing if it’s the right fit”.
It isn't 1950 anymore
Pop-by's, visiting hours and drop-in's are not designed for home-based businesses.
Our “business space” is also our private space. This isn't a storefront or a commercial space, it is not only where our puppies reside, but where we live. To allow strangers to visit our home at the drop of a hat isn’t wise, and most people with good intentions can understand why.
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for breeders to be targeted by scammers online because their stock & litters are of great value.
We know many breeders who have had dangerous situations occur that have threatened either their own safety, or their dogs, and logistically, the risk is not worth taking.
Time in a bottle...
A lot of home-based breeders do more than just their dog business. This is true for us as well.
We gladly take time to chat and answer questions online with thorough care and attention to detail, as well as always take time for Facetime meet-and-greets with potential families (in which we show/introduce you to the puppy in question) and talk in-depth about many things.
However, we do not have time to have potential families on their quest for a dog (most times, talking with multiple breeders), come by and spend an hour or two in our home, with NO strings attached.
Simply put, it’s not feasible for us.
Speaking of "right fit"...
Depending on what age the puppy is, you 9/10 won't leave knowing if they're "the right fit".
They could be too young and not showcase their personality at all because they're still "blooming" and are overall boring & sleepy right now.
They could be older than 8 weeks and have entered a natural "fear stage" (aka "playing strange") where it takes several hours to warm up to strangers.
One visit is not going to showcase what that dog is like when it's comfortable and familiar with you.
What we share online about the puppies comes from spending hundreds of hours together, learning about their personalities, quirks, triggers, and strengths. We are realistic & accurate about what we notice so families can pick the right fit with the long-term in mind.
"We just connected!"
If meeting in person is paramount for you, no problem!
We are not hating on that at all, however, a lot of the time, people who are sure they need an in-person meeting to decide if the dog is a good fit, are making the decision based on an emotional connection/attachment they felt instantaneously, not the personality, energy, temperament, etc, being truly compatible and lining up for them.
It’s important to realize if something is the right decision because there was a “connection” or because you chose with your temperament & energy similarities in mind.
Yes, sometimes it’s “love at first sight” and it stays that way, but a more sure way to have success in the long-term is to assess honestly what you need, have to give, and what your own strengths and weaknesses are, and then look for a dog that matches that.
The RLD Team
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