How do I go about adopting a puppy?
If you are interested in a puppy please fill out the adoption form located on my website. Please fill this out in detail as the information you supply will help me decide what puppy is best for you. If your adoption form is approved I will contact you.
I require a $300 (non -refundable deposit) to reserve a puppy. Deposits are only refunded under one circumstance and that's if I don't offer you a pup within one year of the date of your deposit. If you cancel your pup you loose your deposit HOWEVER it can always be put towards a pup at a later date. I give everyone a timeframe as to when I think pups will be ready and from which litter I think you will get a puppy from HOWEVER sometimes dogs don't' have the amount of pups I think they will have and sometimes they don't get pregnant. This is mother nature and happens. Your deposit will then be transferred to the next litter. Please make sure you are fine with my policy before submitting a deposit.
How do you decide which puppy is best for me?
Based on what you have told me in your adoption form and from talking and getting to know what you're looking for.
We watch the pups very closely from when they are 3-7 weeks old. We will sit and watch them for hours just analyzing their behaviour and taking notes. This is when all those animal behaviour courses I've taken come in handy!
When the pups are about 7 weeks old we do the final temperament test. By this time we have a really good idea where they fit in the litter. We can't tell you exactly what you're dog is going to look or act like when it gets older but we compare the pups in a litter and by 7 weeks we have a good sense of which one will suit your family situation.
Once the pups are 7 weeks we email everyone who has reserved a pup from the litter and at that time I will let you know which one or ones I think will suit your family.
At 8 weeks you are allowed to come and pick up your puppy or I will ship it for those that live far away!
Under no circumstance do we allow people to have first pick or allow people to pick a pup because it is the cutest in a litter. Pups change so much as they mature and believe me the cutest pup can turn into a not so cute dog!!! TEMPERAMENT AND COAT (if you have allergies) are the most important when choosing a pup!
When can I see my puppy and can I visit the kennel?
The only people who are allowed to visit are people who have purchased pups. These people are allowed to visit on the pickup date only! No other visitors will be allowed on kennel grounds!
I post pictures of all the puppies when they are first born, then again at 3-4 weeks and once more around 6-7 weeks of age. At around 7 weeks we will decide which puppy is best for you. To try and keep traffic to a minimal (to reduce disease spread) we only allow you to see the pups on the day of pickup. You will see many pictures of them beforehand! If for any reason you are not happy with your puppy you are under no obligation to take it. Our temperament testing and the way we help you choose your pup works very well and people are always thrilled with the pup they get!
I have heard of many parvo cases and can't take the chance with my babies. My job as a breeder is to breed happy, healthy dogs and I take every measure possible to make sure this happens. I understand that a lot of people want to meet the parents and see the kennel before they purchase a puppy for this reason I have added many references to my website. Most of my references have seen my dogs and visited my kennel. Please feel free to email my references if you have questions about how I keep my kennel and my dogs and you will see it for yourself the day of pickup!
Do you have a contract?
Yes, please email me if you would like a copy.
Do you require the dog to be spayed/neutered?
Yes, every puppy needs to be spayed/neutered at or before 6 months of age. If you would like a dog for breeding please let me know as I do make exceptions in certain situations.
What Currency do you charge?
Prices are in Canadian dollars. If you live in the US you can send a US money order or bank draft for the Canadian equivalent + 3% as the banks charge a service fee to switch it over!
What is your health guarantee?
We guarantee the dog for 2 years against hip dysplasia or any hereditary disease. Whatever the condition a test proving the illness is a hereditary disease is required. If your dog does have a hereditary defect that makes it unsuitable as a pet or in need of extended veterinary care we will replace your dog but a note from a board certified vet must be provided to us and you must return your dog to us.
Or we will refund you 1/2 the purchase price of the pup if it needs extended veterinary care. This is the buyers choose.
Please note that puppy's can have parasites like Giardia, coccidia, roundworm ect. We do everything in our power to prevent these parasites by putting out dogs and pups on a strict deworming program HOWEVER you still need to have your puppy checked by a vet to make sure it is clear of these parasites for your safety.
What are your prices?
Please be aware that prices of English golden retrievers vary widely. When buying a retriever please we aware that there are all sorts of breeders out there. A lot of breeders do not do any health or temperament testing on there dogs. Remember that this dog is not just a dog it will become a lifetime family member and there's nothing worse then having a sick family member all the time. It is a buyer beware society so as a buyer ask the breeder a lot of questions. Ask to see all the parents health certificates. Ask about the temperament of the parents (please see the health certificates and a description of all my dogs placed beside there names).
A breeder should be doing whatever it takes to improve the breed they are breeding and make sure you're getting a healthy puppy. In life there is no guarantee but it is less likely your puppy will come down with a genetic defect if the parents have been tested for these genetic disorders. Our prices reflect the time and effort we have put into our breeding program by doing all the genetic testing, researching lines thoroughly, importing dogs all over Europe and temperament testing all breeding stock before they enter our program. We only breed the best to make sure you get the best dog out there!!!
Prices are on average around $3000 which includes tax.
Do you ship and is it safe?
Yes, we will ship your puppy for a flat rate of $495. This price includes airfare, a crate and an international health certificate. As far as I'm concerned shipping is SAFE! We have been shipping puppies for a long time now and we've never had a problem. The airlines take great care of them and they always arrive safe and sound. If you are in driving distance we would love to meet you!
Does the puppy have to be quarantined if I'm from the States?
No, quarantine is required within north America or Europe (except England). It is very simple to take a pup across the boarder. Customs will stamp paper work and send you on your way. It's very simple!
Please note if you live in CA in some cases some of my clients have been required to keep their puppy away from other dogs and at home until it has been fully vaccinated HOWEVER you should do this anyway to prevent disease so it's no big deal
How do I contact you?
Go to the contact page all my contact info is posted there. Please email me this is the best way to get a hold of me!
English golden retriever FAQ
