BNB's Purchasers Questionnaire

    Thank you for inquiring about our Labrador Retrievers. We are dedicated "fanciers" who participate in various dog related events. We breed to produce what we believe to be quality Labrador Retrievers that conform to the breed standard, are intelligent, and have wonderful temperaments. We also focus on doing all we can to produce physically and mentally sound dogs.

    Through competitions, membership in both the local and National Labrador Retriever Clubs we are exposed to other points of view, educational programs, updated rules and regulations and more importantly have an opportunity to share concerns, information and ideas with other concerned and knowledgeable dog people.

    When we have litters, we make sure our puppies are sold to loving committed homes. We do our best to screen the owners to ensure a good match between the puppy and the buyer. Before the puppy leaves our home, it has been well care for and socialized. The puppy does not go to it's new owner as a trained, well-mannered finished product. It is up to the puppy buyer to complete the job we have started. The new owner is responsible for the further development of the puppies personality, through structured discipline, training, guidance, and love. In an effort to ensure that our puppies are going to receive the love and care they will require throughout their lives, we ask all potential buyers to complete this questionnaire. If you wish to be put on our waiting list you must complete and return the questionnaire to us.

    All of our PET puppies are sold on a Spay/Neuter Contract -without exception, which means that if the dog is bred, the resulting offspring will not be recognized or registerable with the CKC/AKC.  Any planned or accidental breeding taking place is subject to a disciplinary fine as outlined in our contract of sale. We attempt to evaluate each puppy’s personality by observing them during their development. We attempt to match the puppy to the buyer to produce the best fit of puppy and family. The order in which we will pick is determined by the order in which your name appears on our waiting list. Therefore if having a number of puppies to choose from is of importance to you it is in your best interest to complete and return the questionnaire in a timely fashion.

    We have certain criteria that BNB Kennel deem necessary for the well-being of our puppies. Each applicant's questionnaire will be reviewed and weighed against my ideal. We only place Labrador puppies in apartments or town homes on certain conditions. Homes without fenced yards, unless there is a separate dog run, (invisible fencing is not acceptable). You will be notified if you are accepted as a future puppy owner of an BNB Labrador with further instructions on how to complete the reservation process and a list of the proper equipment and supplies to obtain prior to bringing your puppy home. At the time you purchase your puppy you will be given information on training, feeding and care of your puppy and, a copy of the pedigree and a completed sales contract (which you must sign), our health records, as well as any additional information that we feel may be needed. Also included in our puppy booklet are pull out sheets for name choice for CKC registration which is obtained by the breeder, and report forms that follow the weight and feeding of the puppy during the critical growth stages. These forms must be sent back at the stated intervals.

    We make every effort to ensure that our puppies are free from inherited defects, by screening perspective breeding stock for those problems common to our breed (hip & elbow dysplasia and PRA [Progressive Retinal Atrophy]). However due to complex genetic interactions and environmental factor's beyond our control we cannot guarantee that a puppy purchased from us will be free of genetic disorders.

THE BREED The Labrador Retriever takes two-three years to mature mentally and physically. The Lab is also keenly intelligent, thriving on stimulation and socialization and has a high 'pack drive.' Successful ownership requires 'building time' into your schedule to include your dog in activities, and the training and exercise he requires. These are not self-socializing dogs. Owning a dog is a lifetime commitment, and in the case of the Lab this can be 10-15 years. Please take a moment to consider and answer these questions so we can both decide if this the right time for a Lab, and indeed if the Lab is right for you.

YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND HOME Labradors require a clear idea of 'pack structure' and order. Humans must be the clear leaders and a successful adjustment and relationship with all people regularly in contact with your dog is essential. Also, a fenced yard is an important safeguard for your dog while outside with you. The purchase price of your dog is just the beginning. Dogs require annual vaccinations, heartworm testing and preventatives, health certifications, spaying or neutering, quality food, boarding in your absence, training, toys, crates etc. You don't need to own a home in the suburbs with a fence to be the idea owner. However, you do need to be realistic about the problems of owning a dog in an apartment or condo.

THE BREEDER Responsible breeders feel they have a lifetime commitment to each dog they are responsible for bringing into the world. Most require all sales to be by written contract, with the rights and obligations of both parties spelled out. A contract is in essence a 'memorandum of agreement' about the conditions and terms of sale spelled out. If you have questions about the wording or have a concern you would like addressed in a contract, the time to discuss it is BEFORE YOU SIGN.