11 Tips For Selling Puppies – Simple Guide to Selling Puppies

Summary: So you want to start selling puppies? Breeding purebred dogs can be a very fun and rewarding way to spend your time. However, if you think you are going to make a lot of money at it, then you are better off getting your dog spayed or neutered. Responsible dog breeding requires a considerable amount of time and effort to make sure you are breeding quality puppies. The following article we provide 11 tips for selling puppies.

Selling Puppies Responsibly

Selling puppies responsibly seems to be a worrisome problem for many breeders, especially if you are reasonably new. I have written this article to help relieve some of the stress that may accompany the hectic life of a breeder. Compiled here is an 11 item checklist of things you may want to consider doing/having to help you sell your puppies professionally and responsibly.

11 Tips for Selling Puppies

1. Learn About the Breed: Before you have puppies, consider whether you are in love with the breed. Is your dog worthy of improving the breed? Do they shed? How large will they be? What is the typical temperament of this breed? What potential health problems are they prone to? Be educated (For example, Shih Tzu’s and Lhasa Apso’s should not eat a lot of lamb. It can give them hot spots.) The more educated you are, the better you represent yourself when speaking with potential clients. If you feel confident, your puppies’ new owners will feel confident purchasing their new family member from you.
2. Know Your State Puppy Laws: Each state has different laws regarding puppy sales. You should know the laws in your state and the laws in the state where your puppy will be going. Many states have puppy lemon laws. Most states require puppies to be 8 weeks old before leaving their mom.
3. Contracts: Have a contract. Verbal agreements are not enough. You need to have a written contract signed by both you and the buyer. Write one now and save it on your computer. Print two copies for each transaction. CONTRACT CONTRACT CONTRACT. It doesn’t have to be in perfect legal terminology. Something simple will work as long as it is signed and dated by both parties.

Preparing Your Puppies to Sell

1. De-worm Your Puppies: The vast majority of puppies have worms. This is an easy thing to do. Read our article about ‘How to Worm a Dog or Puppy’ for more information.
2. Immunization Records: Keep record of your puppy’s shots. When your puppy goes to her new home, give these to her new owners. Responsible breeders keep all their paperwork organized and easy to understand. Puppies should be immunized for distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, coronavirus, parvovirus. Talk to your vet about any others they may suggest.
3. AKC papers: If your purebred puppies are able to be registered, have all their paperwork ready and organized. I like to use a folder for each puppy. I include basic puppy care information, AKC papers, shot records, a business card, puppy food coupons, and breed information.
4. Puppy Food: Know what kind of puppy food you are feeding your puppies. The new owners need to know what to buy for their puppy. Consider giving each new owner a small bag of puppy food to get them started. I recommend joining Purina Pro Club for Dog Breeders. This program helps you prepare for a professional transfer to your buyer of your puppy.
5. Price: Obviously you need to know what price to charge for your puppies. Research what other people are selling their puppies for, and then determine what your puppies are worth. Responsible breeding costs more than back-yard breeding. But your reputation is worth it and the puppy deserves the best you have to offer. Take this into account when determining your price.
6. Use PayPal: Consider using PayPal for payment. It offers protection to the purchaser and the seller. It is very simple to use and set up. When a purchaser is local to you, there is no problem using cash or a check as long as you have a contract.
7. Correct Spelling: When posting your ad online or in the newspaper, be sure to use correct spelling and punctuation. I wouldn’t consider purchasing a quality puppy from someone that doesn’t know how to spell the breed name correctly.
8. Pictures: Having pictures is obviously helpful, but having the RIGHT kind of pictures is essential. Make sure when you take your pictures that there are no feces or other messes in the background. I recommend NOT taking pictures of the puppies in your bathtub, whelping box, crate, or in your arms. Post each puppy separately rather than the whole litter in one photo. It can be frustrating trying to figure out which puppy is which when the breeder says something like third one from the left above the one with the spot of white on its back.

When contacting potential buyers, keep track of each phone call by using a phone log. This will help you remember what day you said you would call a potential customer back and what price you agreed on. It will also help you remember important details about her, like how many kids she has or if she has other dogs at home already. This will give her more confidence in you as a breeder and it will also give you more knowledge about where your puppies are going to live. Perhaps the most important thing to remember is to use your instinct. Trust your intuition. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not right. Also, if something sounds too good (like someone offering double the price of the puppies), it is probably a scam.

Keep your papers and office organized. This will do wonders in helping you feel professional and representing yourself well. If you know what you are doing, people will respect that and your reputation will grow.

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