This questionnaire was developed through our years of dealing with puppy buyers. Please do not be offended by these questions. In the long run, it is better to find out ahead of time, rather than when a puppy becomes a problem, that you didn't know what you were getting into. We try to address most problem areas in this questionnaire.
Answer the following questions and click Done when finished
(Questions marked with an asterisk * are required)
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Why have you chosen a Border Collie, and what are your long-term plans for the dog?
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Have you had any experience with this breed? If so, please describe.
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Have you owned a dog/dogs before? If so, what happened to it/them?
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Have you ever taken a dog, cat or other animal to a shelter, rescue or other? Please explain.
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Do you have children? What are their ages? Do they reside with you?
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Jealousy between human siblings is a problem for some families. With a dog as part of your family, if you don't have children now and anticipate having them in the future, have you considered how to introduce the child to the dog? What steps do you see as being necessary to make this a smooth transition for the furry child to accept the human child and vice versa?
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Will you be crate training your puppy?
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Who will be responsible for taking care of the puppy?
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Is someone home during the day? If not, how many hours per day will your puppy be left alone?
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Will your puppy ever be tied up outside for any amount of time?
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Do you have a fenced yard or large acreage away from traffic? If not, explain how you plan to safely exercise your puppy?
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Are you prepared to spend about 1 hour a week brushing your Border Collie? (More is better.)
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Border Collie puppies will require training and socialization. Are you able to take the time necessary to socialize your puppy? (Take puppy to public places.) Are you willing to attend a puppy kindergarten class or basic obedience class with your puppy, (usually an 8wk course) at your local kennel club or Petsmart? This is a VERY important question.
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Puppies require house training. This includes toilet training as well as teaching them what they can and can not chew. Some BC puppies can be stubborn. Based upon your persistence, it may take 2-6 months to accomplish successful house training. Do you have the patience to properly train your puppy to develop acceptable house manners?
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A Border Collie puppy is like a 2 year old child. They can, at times, be hyperactive and need to "run off energy". Are you willing, and do you have the time and space, to provide your puppy plenty of safe exercise?
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All dogs require veterinary care from time to time, including yearly routine vaccinations, worming and monthly heartworm prevention. Are you willing, and do you have the finances to spend on routine necessary vet care?
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Dogs occasionally get stomach bugs, coughs, colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, various allergies, diarrhea and skin ailments. They will sometimes do things that result in injuries to themselves. This can often be quite costly. Do you have the money to spend, and are you willing to spend it, should such accidents or illnesses occur with your pet?
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The “average” life span of a BC is 12-15 years. Do you intend to keep this dog for it’s entire lifetime? It’s like having the responsibility to supervise, provide and care for a 2-3 year old child for as long as it lives. Are you prepared for this responsibility?
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If you and your family relocate (due to job situation, personal situation or personal preference) to another town or state, or if you are hospitalized, incarcerated, become deceased or sustain some other unforeseen situation, what will happen to this dog… if you are NOT able to take it with you? Please be specific. This IS important!
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Do you have any other animals? What types? Their ages? Please list all that you own. Are they kept indoors or outside? If outdoors, how are they contained?
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How long have you lived at your current residence? Do you own your home, rent, or stay with friends?
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Is your home on acreage or a lot? Is it a house, mobile home, condo, etc.? Are animals allowed where you live, and if so, would a puppy exceed the limit of animals you are allowed to own? These pups grow to 35-55 pounds. Is an animal of this size allowed where you live? (Please answer ALL of these questions!)
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Tell us any special information that you want us to know about you. This is your time to shine. Please be candid and take as much space as you need.
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If, for any reason, you cannot keep your puppy/dog, would you be willing to return it to the breeder?
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Are you willing to spay your female puppy no later than 6/7 months of age, or neuter your male puppy no later than 7/8 months? (For those into dog sports, or against spay or neuter for the dog’s hormonal health, or your own personal reasons, tubal ligations / vasectomies are permited before breeding age, provided documentation and proof is provided for the procedure by a licensed veterinarian.)
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Are you willing to remain in contact with the breeder of this puppy throughout it’s lifetime? Will you agree, in writing, to keep the breeder informed of any and all moves or relocations, major illnesses, genetic defects or death of this puppy? Also, are you willing to send a yearly photo of your puppy to the breeder?
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Do you have a regular vet? Would you be willing to give your vet’s name and phone number? Would you have any problems with us contacting your vet as a reference? Please answer these questions, then list your vet’s contact information. If you do not want us to contact your vet, please explain why.
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What sex puppy do you prefer? Would you accept the opposite, if a puppy of that sex is not available?
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What color puppy do you prefer? Would you accept any other color, should that color not be available?
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Is there a particular puppy, litter, bloodline or registry that you are interested in? If so, please list it.
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Have you read the “INFORMATION” page on my website? If not, please read it in it’s entirety before returning this application to me. http://dd.bordercollies.tripod.com
Have you read the Information page and do you understand everything contained therein?
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If you purchase a puppy from our kennel, would you be picking it up, or would you require us to ship it? (*If puppy needs to be shipped, please include all information for the airport you would be using, including the airport’s name, 3 letter universal code, phone number for cargo area and their location, including zip code.)
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Are there any questions that you would like to ask me?
We will be available and willing to help answer any questions you may have throughout the lifetime of your Border Collie. We will explain schedules, crate training, proper grooming, feeding, training and other tips. We also strongly request periodical photos and/or visits from your puppy and want to be kept up to date on any major “happenings” in your puppy’s life, be they joyful or sad.
Over the years, this application has developed into a tool to help us choose the best buyers for our puppies. It is also to help buyers determine if a puppy of any type is right for their current situation. We have added questions as situations arise. All of these questions are relevant, and no matter how trivial or “silly” they may sound, we have dealt with all of these issues in the past.
Puppies chew, dig, make messes, piddle, poo and vomit. They shed and should be brushed regularly. They bark, howl and whine, must be walked even if it’s raining, snowing or you're sick. They require attention, exercise and at the very least, an annual vetting w/heartworm/flea meds. What if you become ill, or worse? Are you prepared for the responsibility that a puppy (of any breed) requires?
Yes llllllll No
Owning a puppy or a dog is a big responsibility, regardless of the breed you choose. It's expensive and takes a lot of time, effort, planning and love. It's a big commitment for the whole family. Well behaved dogs are not born, they are the result of consciencious owners who provide the care, attention and training necessary. This responsibility will be yours.
