Decided to get a back up plan

[Dog Pal]

In our search for a puppy we realized that alot is not within our control. So we stepped back and decided to figure out what is in our control. We have found the breeder and dogs we like - but they only accept reservations on one pick (we picked female chocolate). We also gave a wish list for other options but everyone else get first pick as well so we won't even know if another option is left for us. We chose 1. Female Chocolate 2. Female Black 3. Male Chocolate 4. Male Black. The litter should be a mix of chocolate and black. But that is not within our control nor is the sex's born or even if the mating will be a success. The female is breeding for the first time.
So we have been visiting other breeders still hoping that we can find a good back up choice for ourselves. The idea of waiting another whole year for the dogs to mate again is not something we are willing to do.
We figure by getting a back up choice we are able to put a little more within our control. So far we have not found another back up choice but the one we are visiting this weekend looks promising.

We are looking for health first, then temperament and size. One breeder so far had dogs that in our opinion were not in proportion. The second one is our first pick and the third one we visited was over populated to the point the dogs were begging for human contact. The one we are visiting this weekend provides organizations with service dogs for autistic children, the blind and down syndrome people. They feed only organic foods and breed dogs for health first, companions second along with temperament and then looks. The deposit is a little lower so that we should be able to save a spot as a back up. We are hoping this will be a good one. Who knows it may even become our new first pick. The good thing is the litter is due at the same time as the other one.
It's not something I would normally do putting money down on two litters and making promises, but as the breeders cannot guarantee anything, this is the only choice we feel we have.

[Deerie me]

You shouldn't have to put down a deposit before the puppies are born. You go on the waiting/interested list and then when they are born you put a deposit on one. Don't put a deposit down on something that doesn't exist. Labradors are exactly rare.

[Dog Pal]

All the breeders here in Canada that I have contacted go one of two ways - you pay deposit to get on list of upcoming matings or you pay the deposit at the time of mating. I have not yet come across one that takes deposits once they are born. That would make far too much sense really. Would save alot of people the time and effort of return payments.
Now you can see why we are getting a back up plan in place. They take your money and guarantee nothing. Don't get me wrong these are really nice and reputable breeders registered with CKC. I have also had our family member who works at CKC check them out to see if they have had any complaints or infractions. This just seems to be the way they generally do business. So like I said - it is not within our control. By putting down on two litters we gain a little control back again.
Thank god one is only $100 deposit, the other (and most are) $300. But we still don't know about the back up breeder until we visit tommorrow. We are starting to get excited like we may actually get a puppy out of all of this.

Thanks for the advice.

[Deerie me]

Doesn't this mean you are going to forfeit the deposit on the one you don't take?

[Dog Pal]

Yes Unfortunately we will be losing one of the deposits, but only if they have a dog - if there is no dog for us then we get refunded. Both litters (if this one on the weekend is good) are due at same time. So in fairness to the dogs and breeders we would let them know as soon as the pups are born which way we are going. This should give them enough time to find a home for the puppy. It could be that one of them does not have a dog for us anyway. But I am hoping we can at least have one in the end. This has been a long process indeed. We have been going to breeders every weekend. But the breeders even encourage looking around - the good ones do anyway.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

I can understand why a deposit is non-refundable only if they make available to you, your first choice. I hope there is something written in the language of your deposit that speaks to notification, by both parties, as well as what is being offered.

If both bitches whelp on the same day, and both produce the puppy you want, then I can see how you might lose one deposit. However, if you give notification to either breeder prior to the other litter being born, you should be able to receive a full refund.

Both Tracy and I are just concerned that you are protected. Who knows, perhaps you'll end up with two pups!

During all the time I was searching for a Cavalier puppy, here in southern Ontario, at no time was I requested to give money to be put on a waiting list. That was generally first come, first served, unless it is a repeat purchaser or connected in some other way, like another breeder with whom they plan to breed.

When are the pups due? Having a new puppy is very exciting and I think you are wise to have a back up plan

[4 the Dogs]

I'm going to stick my foot in my mouth here and smear some egg on my face. I hope my comment isn't taken wrong.
I have read through your posts about looking for a lab puppy and the issues you are having. I've been wondering, have you or would you consider looking at a shelter for a lab? I have volunteered for a long time at one of the top shelters in the US. Yes, I'm probably a little slighted here, but let me tell you, the shelter is Lab central. I have seen some truly fabulous dogs there, and they get overlooked simply because they are a black lab. I know there would be no guarantees with a shelter dog, except of love and devotion. Some do have some issues, but a lot don't and you'd be saving a life.

I'm not trying to offend you! I'm just curious if you'd consider this option?

[Dog Pal]

Actually our history has been with animal sanctuaries and pounds. The last pet was the first time we had a purebred from a breeder. The reason for the switch? Our two dogs we saved from the animal sanctuary both ended up with lupus. Our cat we had from the pound had severe repeated urinary tract infections. After the expense and heartbreak with those pets we decided to add a little security and went with a breeder. We realize there is no 100% guarantee and that there also pets that can be found at the pounds that would be in really good health, but after losing our lab of 15 years it is hard to think of going the higher risk category. Please, don't apologize, more people should mention the pounds, my parents have always had dogs and always been from the pound - they were very lucky to have 3 good dogs with little or no health issues. Who knows, we may take a visit after christmas when the pounds are bound to be full with unwanted pets. Always so sad.

Thank you for the suggestion.