"How do you get to know your buyers and how do they get to know wolfdogs?"
Kay, I will try to answer this question with the scenario that the would be buyer has contacted me by phone and I do not personally know this person.
My first questions are "why do you want a wolf dog" and "do you have prior experience with wolf dogs". If the answer is "they looked so great in the White Fang movie" or "I want a guard dog", I try to explain that they are not guard dogs and the responsibility involved in owning a wolf dog. I always ask what their lifestyle and experiences with canines are and what behaviors they expect from the animal. Many times, I invite the people to come and visit me or other facilities such as Wolf Park so that they can see just what is involved in the responsible ownership of wolf dogs. One couple wanted a wolfy looking animal to go hiking with them in the woods off lead at all times, and I convinced them that they needed to get a northern breed dog instead of a wolf dog. If I simply tell a person "no" by phone, then there is the worry that they will go elsewhere and get an animal that they are not prepared for. By allowing people to come here and spend a few hours, they usually can see for themselves that they are not prepared for wolf dog ownership, and certainly not ownership of high content animals.
Some folks are just genuinely interested in wolf dogs and would make good first time owners of a low content wolf dog, they truly want to learn about the animals. Their next question is, "Can you guide me to a good breeder?" This question presents a problem for me, as I am only aware of two good breeders of lower content animals, I am not saying that there aren't more good breeders of low contents, but I am not aware of them. Oh sure, there are many breeders out there that are selling so-called 90 percent animals that are actually low contents, and there are breeders out there that are breeding Heinz 57 variety dogs with a little wolf thrown in the pot. These breeders cannot or will not be able to provide any provable documentation about their puppies and I will not refer new owners to this type of breeder. There is a demand for good, well bred low content wolf dogs, there just are not enough honest breeders in this content range.
The other group of wolf dog buyers claim to already have animals and experience with wolf dogs. The following is a list of questions and information that I would require from the potential buyer.
1. Photos, documentation, breeder's names of the wolf dogs that you currently own. In many instances, their current animals were not represented accurately by the breeder they were purchased from. If they claim to have a 90 percent animal that in reality is only 30 percent, they are not prepared or have the education needed to own a high content wolf dog.
2. Their veterinary's name and contact information.
3. Photos and veterinary documentation of kennel facility. Even if they choose to keep their animal in the house, I require an outside facility that meets my requirements. Most owners agree that wolf dogs that live in the house may not be dependable when left for long periods of time unattended, therefore the outside facility is a requirement for the times that the owner it is at work or away from his animal. My contract specifies that the wolf dog must not run loose and cannot be kept on a chain, or the animal will be confiscated. The contract states that I (or an agent on my behalf) can inspect the premises where the animal resides at any time. It also states that if the animal has to be given up for any reason, that I will take the animal back or help them to place the animal in another screened home of my choice with another contract to be signed by myself and the new owner.
4. The location of a prospective owner as to whether they live in town or the country and the disposition of close neighbors is a determining factor. I would not place an animal with anyone that rents the property where they live, a prospective owner must own the property where the animal will be kept. I do not place animals into homes with small children or homes that provide daycare services for small children.
5. The physical care of the animal, veterinary care, diet, exercise, socialization and training of the animal are all covered in the contract. This contract is given to a prospective buyer early on in the screening procedure so that they are fully aware of what I expect from them and also what they can expect from me as the breeder.