Has anybody ever been to Sable Rock Kennels in St Peters, MN? I live about 4 hours south of there and was/am interested in a pup. I have emailed Callie Smuder 3 differnt times since April 10 or so, to get a date scheduled.

Her first and only response was that they needed an advance notice (more than a few days)to schedule a visit and that currently they were too busy with people picking up pups, dog shows, then some birthdays in May. Fair enough, so I replied back asking her to look at her calendar and pick a convenient date that would work for her. I thought that would work better then me requesting more dates that don't work for her.

So far I have not heard back from her with a good date. I was a dumbass and sent her a $100 deposit to "reserve" a pup from an upcomming litter due around May 7th. She did reply to say she got the deposit. This was after my asking for her to pick a convenient date for me to visit her Kennel. I am starting to wonder if it is a scam. Does anybody else have experience with her/Kennel?
Thanks

I don't know anything about them or their dogs, but since you've never met either of them I don't think giving a deposit is the right way for you to go. Do you plan on doing anything with a dog beyond having a nice pet?

It sounds like these folks are into shows so thats what they would breed towards. Is that something you want to do?

Sounds all very unprofessional to me. Even the busist of breeders will stop to give e-mails to the lucky owners, no matter how few or many that may be.

There's not much on the site to indicate that they know what they're doing with their breeding program. Lots of showline imports, and the gait on this dog is somewhat scary: http://www.sablerockkennels.com/cadiintlshows093.jpg

Have you *called*, rather than emailing? My own breeder is notoriously difficult to get an email response from, but returns calls within the hour, assuming she doesn't pick up immediately.

Hi Jacob,

I have a wonderful German showline GSD - he is a great dog and I'm having a great time "learning with him". Knowing what I know now about the showline vs working line GSD, I would not make the same decision today. There is nothing wrong with my dog - he is a great match for my training ability/skill level, etc... However, if I were in the market today for another GSD, I would be talking to a well respected working line breeder who would help me select the right drive/intensity level pup for my experience and interest in training.

It is only $100 bucks at this point...

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Sounds all very unprofessional to me. Even the busist of breeders will stop to give e-mails to the lucky owners, no matter how few or many that may be.

Yes!

The breeder I got my pup from was very good about keeping me updated, and scheduling appointments at "my" convenience. You could try a phone call, if they didn't answer, or no return call, 4 hours is not a long drive !

She at least had time to update her website today!

I guess I am a little more forgiving about this kind of stuff. I'm assuming this person is busy like most show people meaning that their Friday through Mondays are packed with dog show *stuff*. I'm also assuming that they work the rest of the week and probably has kids as well.

I would send one more email then call. Then it's time to get direct if this isn't meeting your expectations of viewing the kennel.

Personally I don't deal with deposits unless it's between final vet check and balance upon delivery of puppies and papers. How on earth can a breeder know what's going to be born?

I am mainly after a family pet, but have been contemplating protection/agility training as well.

I certainly understand about being busy, but if it is your business whether full or part time somebody should be available to respond to email inquiries. I was blown away when she ignored my request asking her to choose a date, but started a new email with me indicating she had received my deposit.

April 10th, I was told the 16th would not work for her. April 12th I replied back asking her to pick a date that works for her. On April 17th she emailed me stating my deposit arrived along with some links to past puppies to look at. May 4th I asked her again about her schedule to see if she had a chance to look for an open time slot. May 14th I sent her another one.

I haven’t called her yet. I like email because I can keep track of my contact dates better. I know she carries a blackberry, because one time she replied to some questions I had it and it contained the blackberry signature. However, I will be calling her in the next few days. Also I may just take a road trip and pay her a surprise visit. I hate spending $100 like that. I might have well wasted it on Iowa Power Ball Lottery tickets. Though I am glad it wasn’t more.

I appreciate the quick responses from everyone. I will post when I have more information to share.
Thanks

i would run, run, run away from that so-called "breeder". she's already showing you her level of committment, ie, NONE. if she won't refund your deposit, well that bites--but you'll be getting off cheap.