Making a Positive Impression

As breeders, owners, and enthusiasts we all have the power to do good. Every time the phone rings, an email arrives, or we are stopped in a public place and asked about our dogs, we have the opportunity to make a positive impression. We can explain what our breed was bred to do, why it looks like it does, and how it interacts with its surroundings and people—and maybe we can help people decide if the breed is right for them.

And every time we sell a pup to someone—whether a newcomer or a longtime owner—we have the opportunity to enhance the experience. By encouraging new owners to stay in touch and by sometimes taking the initiative and making contact ourselves, we show commitment to our breed and the owners. These interactions help nurture a good impression of “dog people.”

Most of us have dealt with people who just don’t have a clue about how to get started. Sometimes the urge to cut the inquiry short can be overwhelming. The alternative, however, is to dig deep and find that last bit of patience to ask some questions ourselves and impart some helpful guidance.

It’s just a little thing, but what a difference it can make.

And let’s not forget the dogs we have placed. We should be concerned and proactive about any health and behavior issues that are reported to us, whether the dog is 15 months or 15 years old. Share knowledge and be open and honest in all our dealings with the public, and we safeguard both our club’s and our breed’s reputation. Knowledge and honesty are powerful tools we can use to do good things.