Recently we met with a group of both past and prospective puppy owners for a walk across Whitchurch Common and up to Pew Tor, which felt like a lovely, natural way to bring everyone together.
I really value meeting prospective families like this, especially before there are any puppies on the ground. It gives everyone the chance to take things at a natural pace, without the pressure or excitement that can come once puppies arrive.
As a breeder, it’s important to me that people can see my dogs in their normal environment, interacting not just with me, but with unfamiliar people, other dogs, and even livestock where relevant. Those moments give a far more genuine picture of temperament, training, and everyday behaviour than any description ever could. It also allows families to ask questions, build a connection, and get a real sense of whether the breed, and my dogs specifically, are the right fit for their lifestyle.
Elsie has recently been mated and is hopefully expecting, so this feels like a particularly nice time for people to come and meet her and the rest of the dogs ahead of any potential litter.
Of course, I completely understand that not every family is in a position to visit in person. Distance, work, and general life commitments can all make that difficult. In those cases, I make a conscious effort to invest more time in getting to know people in other ways. That might mean longer phone calls, video chats, sharing more day-to-day updates, photos and videos of the dogs in different situations, and having open, honest conversations about expectations, routines, and experience. It’s important to me that the same level of understanding and trust is built, even if it looks a little different.
I also encourage prospective families to connect with previous puppy owners where possible. Hearing directly from people who already have one of my dogs gives a really honest, day-to-day perspective and offers the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and get a feel for what life is like beyond those early weeks.
Ultimately, I want the right match for both my puppies and the families. If, after going through that process, it turns out that it isn’t quite the right fit, that’s absolutely fine too. It’s far better to recognise that early on than to force something that isn’t quite right.
I find that people who are willing to invest the time to engage with the process in whichever way they can—whether in person or remotely—often demonstrate a real level of thought and commitment. That kind of dedication is something I place a lot of value on when considering future homes.
After the walk, we all headed to the pub for some lunch, dogs sprawled under tables and at our feet, tired in that contented way that only a good run can bring. It gave everyone a chance to chat more easily, swap stories, and ask the kind of questions that come up naturally once you’ve spent time around the dogs. There’s something about sitting down together afterwards that rounds the whole experience off nicely, turning it from just a walk into something more like a shared glimpse of what life with these dogs is really like.
