As a puppy seller, you want to make sure that your puppies are going to the best homes. Here are the top 5 questions to ask potential buyers to see to it that your puppies are being matched with great families.
1. Why do you want a dog?
As a breeder, it’s important to learn a buyer’s intentions behind buying one of your puppies. Asking this question will allow you to ensure that the buyer is selecting the right dog for them. Be sure to trust your gut when determining whether or not a buyer is trustworthy and committed to caring for the dog for its whole life.
2. Do you have children? If so, how old are they?
Children have the potential to become a dog’s best friend and vice versa, but it’s important that the buyer knows how children should behave around the dog and what is expected of them. As a seller, you should also make sure that the future owners know what to do in the event that the dog becomes aggressive towards the child.
3. Who will be the dog’s primary caretaker?
It should go without saying that owning a dog is a big responsibility. With day-to-day care, vet visits, and grooming (to name a few), having a dog is more than just a privilege. For this reason, you should ask the potential buyer who will be the main person taking care of the dog. Responsibilities can be shared among family members, but it should be made clear from the beginning who is going to handle what.
4. Does a puppy work with your schedule and lifestyle?
Puppies are a lot of work, and some breeds require more exercise and training than others. That said, you should make sure that your puppy’s future owners have a lifestyle that can handle the workload of raising a puppy. For example, if a potential buyer has a hectic schedule and spends a good amount of time away from home, a puppy may not mesh well with their lifestyle.
5. Are you aware of the costs associated with owning a dog?
Many people underestimate the costs of owning a dog on a daily, monthly, and yearly basis. Pet owners should be prepared to pay for everything from vet visits and vaccinations to dog insurance and licensing fees. These costs can add up quickly over time, and your potential buyers must be aware of this.
While these aren’t the only questions a breeder should ask a potential puppy buyer, they will give you a good idea of whether or not someone is a good fit for one of your puppies. Additionally, don’t be afraid to be upfront and honest with an interested buyer if you don’t think they’re the best match for your puppy. Feel free to suggest other breeds that you think may be a better match. You can also direct buyers to Lancaster Puppies’ new quiz to help them determine the ideal breed for them!
