FAQs

How much are your puppies?

My puppies are $1500 and come with FULL AKC registration. I require a non-refundable $200 deposit to hold a puppy for you, the remaining balance will be paid prior to pick-up.

Are there any health issues with the parents?

Both Mack & Nala have received genetic testing for 210 genetic conditions that can be passed to offspring. They were cleared for 209 of them with Progressive Retinal Atrophy coming back inconclusive, however, this is difficult to determine with just a genetic screening. They also have both had OFA (Orthopedic Foundation of America) clearances for their joints.

What is Early Neurological Stimulation and why is it important?

The short answer is that Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) is a process of stimulating a puppies stress response purposefully in early life to help them learn how to handle stressors later on. ENS has been shown to help with fear (i.e: gunshots, fireworks) and also with overall anxiety, heart health and disease resistance. Below are links to a couple of articles to help you learn more about it.

How do you socialize your puppies?

I follow the Rule of Sevens when it comes to socialization. Because baby dogs are still susceptible to diseases like Parvo this has to be done carefully. The only places I allow them on the soil is at my home and at my son's home. They are introduced to many people and begin going places with me starting at about 3 weeks of age. My interpretation of this is that they will do AT LEAST 7 of the different challenges, including 7 or more trips in the car. 

1. Been on 7 different types of surfaces:  carpet, tile, linoleum, concrete, wood, vinyl, grass, dirt, gravel, and wood chips.

2. Played with 7 different types of objects:  rope toys, plush toys, big balls, small balls, soft fabric toys, squeaky toys, paper or cardboard items, metal items, and sticks.            

3. Been in 7 different locations:  front & back yard, basement, kitchen, car, garage, laundry room, bathroom, kids room, living room, hallway, Vet’s office, groomers.

4. Met and played with 7 new people of different ages.

5. Been exposed to 7 challenges:  climb on a box, go through a tunnel, climb steps, go down steps, climb over obstacles, play hide and seek, go in and out of a doorway with a step up or down, run around a fence.

6. Eaten from 7 different containers:  metal, plastic, cardboard, paper, human hands, pie plate, tin pan, frying pan, Frisbee, elevated bowl.

7. Eaten in 7 different locations:  crate, yard, exercise pen, basement, laundry room, living room, bathroom, back yard.

When can I pick up my baby dog?

I require that puppies remain in my care and with their littermates for 10 weeks. This is different than many breeders but I have found that puppies who remain with littermates for that time have better social skills, less biting, less fear & anxiety, have an easier time handling new environments and are just all around better adjusted puppies. What happens between weeks 8-10 is that the behavior the puppies don't appreciate about each other start being addressed by each other. For example: they learn that they shouldn't bite because they don't enjoy being bitten in return. These puppies are mostly potty trained, crate training is easier and they are sleeping thru the night more often. They are less likely to exhibit things like resource guarding and separation anxiety. This is non-negotiable except by a few days if I feel it is appropriate.  

What kind of food do you use?

I feed both my adult dogs and the puppies Purina Pro Plan. Puppies start eating at about 3.5 weeks of age and eat 1 tbsp of food softened with warm milk replacer 3 times a day. I gradually increase that amount based on behavior and weight gain until they go home. Pups go home eating between 3/4 and 1 cup of dry food twice daily.

What kind of comb/brush do you recommend?

I use a "Furminator" undercoat brush every week or two and a wide tooth comb to remove burrs and things from the long hair. If you keep up with combing the shedding is much more manageable. Both items can be purchased on Amazon and most pet stores.

What kind of nail care do you recommend?

I use both a heavy duty toenail clipper and a silent nail grinder on the puppies from the time they are a few days old and continue every week until pickup. Both items can be purchased on Amazon. I recommend continuing grooming often to help your dog not become afraid of doing this.