Raising the
Standard
Ethics, Responsibility and Buyer education
Placement Begins With the Right Questions
Written by Ashley Young, LakeHaus Kennels — Breeder, trainer, and advocate for purposeful, ethical German Shorthaired Pointer breeding.
Standard #10
Ethical placement doesn’t start when puppies are ready to go home.
It starts with asking the right questions.
Responsible breeders interview their buyers. They use applications. They do phone or in-person interviews, check references, and in some cases even do home checks. That isn’t about control or ego — it’s about making sure the home is a good fit for the dog, and the dog is a good fit for the home.
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Key themes in this standard include:
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Why ethical placement begins long before pickup day
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How applications and interviews protect both dogs and buyers
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The importance of transparency and two-way communication
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Why saying no is sometimes part of responsible placement
Why Ethical Breeders Ask Hard Questions
My own application is long. Very long. Nearly 70 questions, actually. I’ve even been told once that it was “unhinged.” But here’s the thing — it’s long on purpose.
That application covers far more than whether someone wants a puppy. It asks about breed experience and research, goals, training background, daily life, activity level, and what someone realistically expects life to look like after the puppy goes home. It also asks questions about knowledge you will need for this breed.
That isn’t meant to disqualify people — it helps me understand where education may be needed so those gaps can be addressed before a puppy ever leaves.
Placement Is a Two-Way Responsibility
Placement is also a two-way street. A huge part of doing this ethically is transparency on my end. I’m happy to answer questions, introduce people to my dogs so they can better understand temperament and drive, or point someone toward a different breeder — or even a different breed — if my dogs aren’t the right fit.
And yes, sometimes that means saying no.
Turning someone down isn’t personal. It’s part of the responsibility that comes with intentionally producing dogs. Ethical breeders don’t place puppies just because someone wants one — they place puppies where they are most likely to succeed long-term.
Core Principles
Questions Protect Dogs
Thorough applications and interviews help prevent mismatches before they happen.
Placement Is Not First-Come, First-Served
Ethical breeders prioritize fit and long-term success over convenience.
Saying No Is Part of Responsibility
Turning someone down is sometimes the most ethical choice.
Raising the Standard Means…
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Using applications and interviews to understand homes fully
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Educating buyers before puppies ever go home
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Being transparent about dogs, expectations, and limitations
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Placing puppies based on fit, not demand
Takeaway
Raising the standard means asking the questions that matter, even when they’re uncomfortable. Because good placement isn’t about filling homes — it’s about building the right ones.