A Binding Agreement: Remember that a breeder's contract is legally binding and outlines the responsibilities of both parties for the dog's care. Fully understand and agree with these terms before committing.
It may well depend upon what country you're in. In the US the short answer is no, they can't take the pup back or force you to alter the pup. Under US law, dogs are property, so if you bought it outright (no co-ownership arrangement) it's yours to do with as you see fit.
A breeder contract is a legally binding document that sets out the terms and conditions of a puppy's sale. It details both the breeder's and the buyer's responsibilities and expectations, providing a clear framework for the dog's care and management.
In the painful event of a serious dispute, a court is more likely to enforce terms that are clearly spelled out as essential to the Breeder's agreement to sell the puppy in the first place. Not everything is a Deal Breaker - Remember, if the contract is too overbearing and unreasonable, it likely won't be enforceable.
Co-owning means that there's going to be a contract, which is going to specify ALOT, and it also means that at various points "your dog" is going to be in the direct control of a person who has just as much legal right to the dog as you do, which means that you're not going to get her to change her ways.
Yes, a dog can have two owners. In fact, many dogs have multiple owners. For example, service dogs often have multiple handlers during their working life. Each handler becomes a primary owner to the dog while they are working together.
Not everything is a Deal Breaker - Remember, if the contract is too overbearing and unreasonable, it likely won't be enforceable. Some breeders use the "carrot" approach and provide incentives for Buyers to meet the terms of the Contract such as spay/neuter requirements and OFA x-rays.
Dogs are sensitive beings that thrive on routine, stability, and human interaction. While some dogs adapt well to co-ownership, others may experience stress or confusion. Co-owners should be attuned to the dog's behavior, ensuring that the shared environment promotes a sense of security and comfort.
Be aware that most contracts in the dog world are not legally enforceable, especially the ones that are micromanaging. Legally, dogs are property. As a result, do not rely on contracts to ``force'' the behavior that you want. Instead....