Working it!

[Tink]

Since I enjoyed my first litter of Labradoodle pups and was well satisfied with how they sold, I decided I'd like to expand on it. My site is still busy, I've found new FREE places to advertise that are keeping my site traffic up even now that I've run out of pups to sell. (I Had 203 page views in a single day this past week) So I have been half heartedly looking for new dogs to add to the breeding program, and got lucky once again!

Today I am taking ownership of Bella, a nice 1 yr old black lab female. She's AKC reg, house trained and used to kids, cats, and other dogs. Her previous owner got her not realizing how energetic and busy lab puppies are so ended up frustrated and wanting to be rid of her. His fool hearty attitude will hopefully be my good fortune.

Due to landlord problems, I am also taking back one of the female pups that I'd recently sold. Snuggles is a black f1 Labradoodle, turning out very cute, and while she's out of Moses and Canada, If I keep her I can breed her with my new chocolate poodle male... so that's the plan today. LOL

snuggles3.jpg Snuggles

The new chocolate boy will be coming home this weekend. I have yet to come up with a name for him, but am going to be putting a lot of my future plans on him. I am going to be getting him DNA tested so if he proves to be sound genetically I will be able to know what colors he's able to pass on, that he's not a carrier for issues commonly found in purebred poodles, etc. He will be the first one I'll have tested... followed by the females. By having all my breeding dogs tested I will be able to guarantee my pups and increase the value of every one of my dogs.

Being able to sell pups with a DNA guarantee should put us in a whole better category (and price range).

So I might be insane... this is going to be a major undertaking... but it's working for me so far, so why back off now. LOL My goal is to have 3 -4 litters a year (during the warmer months of the year) then give us all a rest over winter.

So I'm working it and we're now well on our way!

[Tiramisu]

Good for you! Don't you just love having that new life around you!

A few years back, I bit off a big chunk - built an enclosed building with heat and AC, fenced around it and paved part, bought 2 pairs of shih tzus, 1 pair of bichons, and 1 pair of yorkies (all as pups). The bichons had one litter that hadn't sold at 4mo, so I gave the 4 pups and parents away. The shih tzus were awesome sellers, but with having a day job, I just couldn't keep up. Between all the dogs, I had 17 pups at one time. So, a friend of mine took the shih tzus. It was hard to let the shih tzus go, but I do get to visit them and hear about them all the time, so it's much better.

Now, I just have my 3 adult yorkies and the 5# (spayed) shih tzu. Since I am hoping to retire in 380 days, I am adding to my yorkies. I'm getting a second adult male this weekend and am looking for a female. I'm also getting a 6mo maltese girl this weekend, but will have her spayed.

For me, it's not about the money - I love having my doggies to care for and I dearly love seeing the pleasure on the new owners face when they get that first puppy lick/kiss.

[DianaB]

Tink, it sounds like you're about to get very busy!!!! I hope that it all works out for you!! Just remember to take care of you first!!

[Tink]

Tiramisu,
That had to be SO depressing!
I sold 8 of my 12 quickly and then had a tougher time selling the last 4. Toward the end I did more searching and found some very busy places to advertise for free that really got things moving for me. So I will use them right away from now on.

My website has been a real God-send with this. I doubt I'd have had anywhere near the success I've had without it.

I also plan to be set up to ship pups by the time the next litter is ready which will open up a lot more possible sales for me. Most of this recent litter went to people 3-4 hrs away who were willing to drive here to pick them up. I now have people farther away who want to be notified when the next litter is born so need to be able to get pups to them.

[Janet]

Looks like you've laid out some well thought plans Tink. Just a reminder...start small and don't get overwhelmed too quickly...it's so easy to let happen.

[Tiramisu]

I started a website, but closed it out because I didn't want to get involved in shipping. If I get to retire I will absolutely do shipping. I only advertise with the local newspaper and a couple of online places through TV and radio stations.

I've mentioned the pups on YT for locals. We've had 14 pups in 3 years and I know where 12 of them are. They tend to go to friends and family. My daughter has sold 5 to or through people at her church.