So you’ve submitted a prospective owner questionnaire. We’ve replied to you to let you know you’re on so and so’s list. We’ve mentioned that we’ll let you know when we have some more details to share. But you still feel like you’re in the dark.
Here’s some FAQ and answers that might help!
Why are you suggesting that I get on one dog’s wait list, but not another. Why not all of them? Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. Every planned Barrett breeding plays a role in our overall breeding program. No two breedings are identical, and each chips away at a different goal.
One litter might be bred for the extreme hunting dog. At home, these puppies may be active, stubborn and willful. Unfortunately, it’s a steep learning curve for a family who has never had Weimaraners before, so those folks should get on a list where we know puppies are tamer.
In tandem with breeding capable bird dogs, it is PARAMOUNT for us to send the right puppy out of the right litter to the right home. The right home for one litter may or may not be the right home for another litter. Knowing what we have and knowing who you are helps us make the best placement decisions. It’s a 12-15 year commitment. It’s important to get it right!
Why does it take some families a few months to get a puppy, and other families a few years? It depends on what each family is looking for. Sometimes, we have teachers who would prefer to raise puppies when they’re at home over the summer. Other families might be planning ahead and want their toddler to get a bit older before adding a puppy. Sometimes, we have families who are specifically looking for a mellow boy who won’t bark, has long ears, is a lighter shade of gray, will grow up to be exactly 75 pounds, and guaranteed not to be hard of hearing in his old age. (PSA: Those families are still waiting for their perfect puppy to arrive.) On the other hand, families that usually have shorter wait times are those who are experienced with Weimaraners or other sporting breeds, inclusive in the activities they do with their dog(s), well versed in providing structure and basic obedience, are flexible in gender, and who might casually hunt over their dog. Weimaraners, after all, are hunting dogs and those who take them out to do what they love may get short-cutted to the front of the line.
Am I supposed to check in with you? Or just wait and try to be patient? It’s up to you. Once you’re on the list, we’ll give you a shout, usually once we know the girl you’re on the list for is confirmed pregnant. (Based on when you reach out to us, and which list we’re adding you to, this could take several months.) This is around the same time that we’ll provide you with the cost of the future puppy, and based on preliminary head count, whether or not we think we might have enough puppies for you to get one.
When will I know if I’m getting a puppy out a particular litter? Usually, once puppies are a few days old and we know how many boys and girls we have, we’ll be able to tell you if a) we’ll definitely have a puppy for you, b) we might have a puppy for you, or c) we don’t think there are enough puppies in the litter for you to get one. If we might have a puppy available for you, it’s usually because availability will depend on aptitude, temperament, and structure evaluations, which are done in the seventh week.
What happens if there aren’t enough puppies? If we don’t have enough puppies for you to get one, we’ll either move you to the next litter that might be a good match for you, or we’ll refer you to another breeder who might have puppies available sooner than we will. We’ll also feel terrible about having to do this, but post-COVID, there has been a tremendous uptick in people looking for puppies, and we simply can’t (nor do we want to) breed at a rate to keep up.
With so many unknown factors, would you suggest that we get on more than one wait list? Generally speaking, yes. And we personally don’t mind if you’re on several lists. Just make sure it’s from a breeder colleague, and not just any Joe Schmoe from the interwebs. Things have a way of working out, and you’ll get the puppy you’re meant to have!!!
March 2021 – Ruby puppies at four weeks of age, exploring their new puppy pen.
I am excited for a puppy and I didn’t mention I work from home as a hairstylist I’m here all day 😄