Planning and producing a litter of puppies is not an exact science. Sometimes the bitch we were planning to use doesn't come into season, sometimes the breeding doesn't "take". Some bitches have what are known as "silent" heats and there is a chance we may miss the breeding date. There are many variable factors that all must fall into place to produce a litter. As a result, it is not uncommon for a year or more to sometimes go between litters; however, people on our waiting list of potential future puppy owners have always been very patient waiting for their puppy.

When planning a litter we try to take into account the known aspects of each potential bitch and sire, trying to make the best match possible. Some of the things we look for are conformation and temperament as well as the primary inheritable diseases. If there any inheritable diseases in the background of the bitch and/or sire where they are in the background and what are the chances of it coming to the forefront. No bloodline is completely clear and you should steer clear of a breeder who tells you their bloodlines are clear.

There are no guarantees. We try to ensure that we have taken all reasonable steps to minimize the potential for a puppy to end up with an inheritable disease; however, when a breeding takes place, nature will take its own course. When current research reveals where all the DNA markers are for each inheritable disease it will help minimize the risk but regardless of anything we may learn that risk will always be present.

We do not allow future puppy owners to pick and choose their own puppy from within a litter. We make the determination as to which puppy goes to which home. This is based upon the personality of the puppies, what the new owners are looking for, and what will be expected of the new puppy (hunting, show, companion, family with young children, older couple, etc.). Also, many of our puppy buyers travel great distances to obtain their new puppy and simply do not have the opportunity to view the puppies in advance to make a personal pick. It is much better for everyone to know that they are receiving a puppy picked specifically for them rather than to feel that they are just getting what is left over.

Our policy is to try to treat every new puppy owner as we would like to be treated and are very careful where our puppies are placed. Over the years this policy has worked well for us. If we feel that an individual cannot be trusted, that we are getting standard "canned" answers to our questions, or feel that an individual is not being honest with us, or that the household is unstable, that individual will not be getting one of our puppies.

We strongly encourage all new puppy owners to make an appointment with their own veterinarian in advance of receiving their puppy. We promise to provide a healthy puppy; however, we cannot be responsible for the health of the puppy once it is in the new owner's care and no longer under our personal care. The appointment is to reassure the new puppy owner, establish a baseline for your veterinarian, and ensure that the puppy is placed on your veterinarian's vaccination schedule.

Vaccinations:

Puppies will have received their first vaccination prior to being released to their new owners. The vaccination schedule that we use is the first vaccination will be given when the puppies are eight weeks old. Your puppy should be re-vaccinated every three weeks (11, 14, & 17 weeks) with the Lepto portion being included in the last two vaccinations if you live in an area where Lepto is prevalent. Follow your veterinarian's advice for the Lepto. The first rabies vaccination to be given after the completion of the first four vaccinations (20 weeks). The puppy should receive its first booster one year after completion of the series of vaccinations. From that point on, booster vaccinations should be given only every two to three years. It is important not to over vaccinate as this can lead to auto-immune and other health problems.

Worming:

All puppies will have been wormed several times to ensure that they are clear of all the normal roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, tapeworms, etc.

Heartworm and Flea/Tick Protection:

We recommend that you discuss with your veterinarian the use of heartworm medication and flea/tick protection. All areas of the country have now reported heartworms in non-treated dogs and your dog should at a minimum be treated during the summer months. Our own recommendation is to maintain the heartworm medication year round. Depending upon your area you may not need both flea and tick protection. Follow your veterinarian's advice on this.

Microchips:

All puppies will have received their electronic microchip for permanent identification. We use the AVID brand microchip. We recommend that the new owners transfer the AVID registration into their own name as soon as possible. This ensures that should the puppy be lost or stolen the puppy will be traceable back to the new owners.

Release to new owners:

A puppy will not be released to its new owner prior to eight-to-nine weeks of age and an earlier release date will not normally be considered. This is to ensure that the new puppy will have had its first vaccination, its microchip implanted, and will have had the opportunity to better socialize with its litter mates learning what is or is not acceptable behavior.

Puppy kindergarten classes:

We recommend the new puppy owner enroll yourself and your puppy in a good, well run, puppy kindergarten, and that the new owner take the time to teach the puppy basic obedience commands. Behavior that is acceptable and cute as a puppy often is not acceptable as a young/adult dog. This will make for a more obedient and loving relationship as the puppy grows and becomes a young dog. There is no "rocket science" involved, only a bit of common sense.

For those individuals interested in going further with their dog, whether it is show conformation, obedience training, field training, agility training, tracking training, or even if it is just simple throw and fetch training, we offer as much assistance and encouragement as possible. The important thing is to develop a mutual love and respect between yourself and your puppy. Doing things together is the best way to accomplish this.