Just my .02 worth on this discussion, because I’ve read on this list and other lists that Laura is searching for a ridgeback puppy. And because of this knowledge I think Laura is wanting something very specific, in a non-specific way. And Laura, any animosity aside, I think it would be very difficult for people to give you any advice on a litter that is only 4 weeks old, if you don’t know the breeder or what she has produced, meaning you have no information concerning adult dogs of similar breedings.
We have heard from you in many contexts about getting the right puppy, but you have given us NO INFORMATION about what you know of this litter that is 4 weeks old, the research you have done regarding the parents, and how THEY behave, and BECAUSE I know you from this list an others, you have very specific wants and needs, and are quick to give opinions about breeders, but less willing to give us certain background information on the parents.
In other words, because you deem yourself as someone that is trying to do all the right things in getting a puppy, your enticing people to give you solid advice on a FOUR WEEK OLD LITTER without any additional information, when you, yourself seems to be on a quest for a lot of information, seems a bit ingenuous.
I’ve read all the responses…I’ve read that good breeders do certain “tests” on their puppies concerning temperament…I’ve read that breeders should “know” what is a good fit for a simple family home…
Wow…guess what…I KNOW my dogs, I know their basic temperaments…even with my first and second breedings…I simply KNOW whatever “quirks” may linger in their DNA. And I simply DEAL with and interview intelligently with people that simply want a BASIC dog. Am I going to TELL someone something specific if they take home a 9 week old puppy and EXACTLY how that puppy will deal with existing cats?
? Hell no…if someone is THAT concerned with how a 9 week old puppy will relate to their CATS, and isn’t CONFIDENT they have the ability to deal with such a minor issue, they simply aren’t ready for a Rhodesian ridgeback.
In other words, Laura, you will NEVER find “the perfect ridgeback” without work on your part. And quite frankly, if we are to believe your account of your dealings you’re your latest breeder, I would certainly have concerns.
<<The litter was four weeks old. They were never on the floor before.>>
I'm sorry, but after all that has been written, and I am just now catching up....the above statement from the original poster actually concerns me more than anything else...
What exactly does this mean?
What does “the floor” mean??? Four weeks old that those puppies have never been “anywhere?”
The range of temperaments you described in your visit with 4 WEEK OLD PUPPIES is foreign to me…4 weeks old is barely out of eyes and ears opening up. This is an age where exploration is at its height…because those puppies are just now experiencing a lot of different stimuli….
I can only say that MY four week old puppies have been “off the floor” if that means they have been anywhere else other than the whelping box and I find it disturbing if other breeders use this excuse to potential buyers.
Oddly enough, the bigger picture is that I would NEVER allow someone like Laura to lay claim on any of my puppies based on a visit when they were 4 WEEKS OLD to get exactly what she wants, and any breeder that would do so, I would question. Not to mention that I would find SUSPECT any potential owner that had certain and very narrow needs, because quite frankly that tells me someone simply wants perfection without the required human intervention.
Quite frankly, Laura, since you have SUCH strong opinions about how breeders should behave, yet you CONSTANTLY bring question concerning that very concern, you need to QUIT trying make accomplices of everybody else and make a decision. And since on your LAST comment on this matter, you stated you sent your deposit (and I personally DON’T believe in deposits for this very reason) I suppose we will hear every little thing about a puppy you got from a breeder that you, by fact of everything negative you have written is STILL suspect.
I HOPE you are happy with this puppy that you had all of these doubts about, and have engaged this forum in the whole process. What I HOPE doesn’t happen is that when you AREN’T happy that you blame the responsible ridgeback breeder community.
Shara
