Breeders Do you use contracts when selling your pups if so what do you include in them?

I do not, as I do not feel they are worth the paper they are written on. I just try to screen buyers and talk to them about how to do things. Last litters I have gotten as involved as possible in getting people testing at least for JH which gets them involved in their dog afield. I do not sell pups to pet homes, period.  We work hard at breeding dogs that have the qualities for hunting, trialing or testing and like very much to see them doing as much as possible. 

I still dont understand why breeders feel they need to decide how a dog is raised

What does co ownership entail?  Surely if you pay the purchase price for the dog then it's yours, period?  I've probably got the wrong end of the stick though.

Here in the UK, i got a contract with my pup, and one of the stipulations is that he can't be bred  before the age of 2.  As a result, if i do breed him before then (which i have no intentions of doing) then none of his pups can be KC registered.  And this has proved to be true as I went to look at a litter on monday (which i decided not to get as neither parent were hip scored) but his dog was 1yo and while the pups were pedigree, they weren't registered even though the breeder tried.

Is this the same in the US?

I do use a contract. It's been a struggle for me though. As a BUYER, I do not want too many restrictions, or requirements but do want some protection against health related issues. As a breeder I want to weed out some potential owners, protect the breed from losing hunting ability or developing health problems or temperment troubles like you see in some other breeds, and I want protect my individual puppies.  I do not want to require them to do anything besides care for the puppies well, love them, and not breed them without making the best most responsible descisions they can. On my end, I make myself available for advice, able to take a puppy (or dog) back at any time- even an inconvenient one, even a sick or debilitated one, no matter that reason or issue. I will do my best to make it right by them if an issue comes up. How do you put this in a contract? You really can't, but I try. Over the years I have had 3 litters. My contracts have gotten more stringent each time, but still I try to be reasonable. I tell everyone to read and think about the contract. If there is a particular part of it they disagree with, ask me about it. We might come to a compramise and write it differently for them. My goal is not to restrict anyone, just protect the breed and the dog. That's it. Still as to being worth the paper, it really is not. I have had 2 people not follow contract in fairly severe ways. Both are the reasons my contract has become more strict. I wish I could sell with no contract, and even with one, I put alot into trying to find the right owners. Really people are tough to read. I have a dog to a home that I was really hesitant and he has turned into one of the best homes ever. Another to a home that was perfect sounding pet and hunting home, and 2 years later the "family situation" changes and the dog is now a full time kennel dog. It is not an awful life, but just points out that people change, and I can't see the future.

The restrictions I do place at this time are 1)basic proper care 2) all puppy vaccications must be given on a schedule reccomended by whatever vet they choose - I also call or email reminders so they do not get over looked! 3) Breeding dogs must have OFA hips, and CERF eye certification and brucellosis before being bred. This weeds out alot right here, believe it or not. 4) breeding dogs must demonstrate hunting ability though they do not need to be trained or hunted regularly.  I would LIKE alot more but to me, that is a minimum. I sell puppies for $200 less if bought on limited registration. This helps cover the spay/ neuter prices. I am debating offering further discounts to those agreeing to test or trial in any venue to help people do more and become more involved, as the breed is so highh energy.5) you'll never surrender the dog to a shelter, rescue, sell to a puppy mill, and you'll give me first option to buy the dog at your asking price whenever/ if ever you are selling.

The things I agree to are 1) always be available to take the dog back no matter what 2) help with advice, training, and problem solving. For basic training (as would be a JH or NAVHDA NA level) and problem solving, I do not charge. It's just my responsibilty.  3) "replace" the puppy or the price of the puppy if there is a health issue. You may keep the dog, (I hope you do but you do not have to,) but must send verification of the problem and the spay neueter. I do not agree to pay vet bills unless you call and discuss with me and we agree on it. I have yet to have this issue at all, but I do hear horror stories from both sides.  4) if you do want advanced training in an area, or short term boarding I offer it at a lower rate, and guarantee the training as well. Meaning if you want a hunting dog and I have bred it  and I train it I guaratee it will be a good successful hunter or your money back.

Still I have yet to feel like any paper contract was good enough.