A: We want to ensure that your new puppy is set up for a successful and smooth transition into their new home. Each puppy comes home with a comprehensive information binder and puppy starter kit that includes: 1. Health Records: Your puppy will have a preliminary health check completed by a licensed veterinarian, which includes their first set of vaccinations and documentation of deworming treatments. You will receive a copy of these health records for your reference. 2. AKC Registration Paperwork: All puppies are sold on a limited AKC registration 3. Microchip Documentation: Our puppies are microchipped before they leave our care. We provide the necessary documentation to register the microchip's details with your contact information. 4. Additional Information: This includes pictures of the Sire and Dam, pedigree information, and tips on caring for your new puppy. 5. Signed Purchase Contract and Health Guarantee: Please see our page on our health guarantee for more information. 6. A Small Sample of Puppy Food: To maintain consistency in your puppy's diet, we provide a small sample of the high-quality puppy food they have been eating. We recommend feeding your puppy this same type of food, at least initially, to help ease their transition to a new environment without dietary disruptions. 7. Blanket with Mom's and Littermates' Scent: A fleece blanket that carries the scent of the puppy’s littermates and mother will be included. This familiar scent can help ease your puppy's transition and reduce stress.

A: We do not routinely remove dewclaws. However, if a buyer specifically requests it, we can accommodate this if advance notice is provided and the request is made early enough for the procedure to be done safely (typically 3-5 days of age). Current research suggests that dewclaws play a functional role in limb stability and help stabilize the leg during turning and braking. Keeping dewclaws intact may reduce strain on other digits and joints.

A: We require a deposit of $500 to hold a puppy for you. The remainder of the balance must be paid prior to pick-up. We accept various forms of payment including cash, Venmo, check, or credit card. If you choose to pay the remainder by personal check, it must be received 14 days in advance of the scheduled pick-up date. Please note that if you opt to pay by credit card, I pass on the credit card processing fees associated with the payment, which range from 2.6% to 3.5%. For our Good Dog buyers, payment terms, fees, and conditions set forth by Good Dog on their website must be abided by. Please note that the higher price on Good Dog is to account for higher fees charged to me as a breeder.

A: Once puppies are ready for solid food to be introduced, we feed them Nutrisource Large Breed Puppy Chicken and Rice Formula. This a nutrient rich food containing chicken as its number one ingredient and it is made in America. We highly suggest you continue feeding this food initially when you bring your puppy home to minimize dietary changes and ensure a smooth transition. If you choose to switch to a different puppy food, do so gradually over time. Transitioning slowly helps to avoid digestive upset; start by mixing a small amount of the new food with the Nutrisource formula, gradually increasing the new food's proportion over a two week period. This method helps your puppy adjust to the new diet comfortably.

A: We do not mandate a specific age for spaying or neutering your puppy in our contract. We believe that the timing of these procedures should be a decision made collaboratively between you and your veterinarian taking into consideration your unique circumstances. However, we encourage you to consider current research that suggests that leaving your dog intact until he or she is fully developed, at about 18-24 months, can offer significant health benefits such as better joint development and reduced risk of hip dysplasia and ACL tears.