Frequently Asked Questions
How can I reserve a puppy?
If the puppy has not been born yet, you can reserve a spot on the wait list for $100. After the puppy is born, to hold a specific pup, we ask for a $200 deposit. The balance is due at puppy pickup
When can I pick up my puppy?
We allow pups to leave their littermates/momma at 8 weeks. Research has found that puppies who are separated from the litter too early are more likely to show fear, aggression, anxiety, resource guarding, reactivity and inappropriate play biting than puppies who stay with the litter for at least eight weeks. We will keep a reserved puppy for one extra week (8 weeks) for no added fee. Each day after 9 weeks is $14/day. It's still less expensive than boarding your pup, with the benefit of having the pup in comfortable surroundings, so if the pickup time is not convenient because of vacation/life - but you want a pup, this is an option!
Will my puppy be potty-trained when I get them?
While do do begin introducing pups to several training methods that HELP with potty training (such as outdoor potty time after meals, puppy pads available in part of the kennel, and introduction to crates) the majority of the potty training will fall to the new owner. Ideally, you’ll start potty training when your pup is anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks old. Young puppies have small bowels and bladders, and they don’t have full control over their bladder until about 5 months (a tip- puppies younger than 5 months often need two wee-wees to fully empty their bladder, so don't take them back in immediately after their first wee! After 5-6 months, the bladder will be fully developed, and you will no longer need to do this!). We highly recommend the Rachel Fusaro channel for great tips of training your new puppy!
What kind of food will my pup be eating, and how much should I feed him/her?
We like Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog food and Purina Pro Plan Under One Year puppy food. Because of the small kibble size, your pup will be eating the Diamond Naturals when you get him/her. Occasionally, as puppies grow, they develop allergies to chicken, and you might have to switch to a lamb based version. While none of our mommas or daddies have a chicken allergy, we have had a few pups develop the allergy and need to be on a modified diet, so that is something to consider if puppy is having tummy troubles and/or skin issues! As far as how much, your pup will be used to eating 2x per day, morning and afternoon. Most pups will be eating 1/2 to 3/4 of a cup of dry dog food during each feeding, but this does depend on puppy size, as the larger the puppy, the more food they will eat!
What shampoo do your recommend?
We LOVE the PetAg Fresh 'n Clean Concentrated Shampoo. We buy the 15:1 concentrate and dilute it, and even though we have 8 dogs, it lasts a really long time! We also like to keep the same brand doggie cologne spray for between baths and to extend the fresh smell after bath time!
When should puppy get his/her first haircut?
We like to begin trimming the pup (sanitary trim around potty areas, feet trim, eye trim) around 6-8 weeks (and we will do this trim for you before pickup!) We suggest continuing the trims as needed and getting the first full haircut by 16 weeks at the latest, although earlier, if you feel your pup needs it. Starting the trims younger, during that critical developmental stage, will make the grooming appointments less traumatic for your pup in the long run.
How often will my doodle need to be groomed?
This is a hard question to answer, as everyone has different preferences in the style/length of the hair for their dood! We like to keep our doodles on the shorter side, as ww have so many, it makes keeping my house clean--- a bit easier! So, most of our pups get groomed every 2 months. Our cavapoos can go a bit longer - for some reason, their hair just grows slower! The sheepadoodles grow a bit faster than the rest, and are getting longer than I like by 2 months, but I still keep them on a 2 month cycle for my sanity! We bath weekly, as well as do a sanitary trim and eye/face trim about every 2-3 weeks. We brush teeth with an enzyme toothpaste every week as well!
Who is your vet?
We use Dr. Scott Hamm of Atkins Animal Clinic (479-641-2244. 304 NW 12th Street, Atkins, AR 72823. He will be the vet who removes dewclaws and health checks the pups within 5 days of their birth, and he will also give the first round of shots, deworming, and do another health check, at 6-7 weeks of age. The pup's other de-wormings will be done at 2 and 4 weeks in our home, with Pyrantel Pamoate Dewormer, provided by Dr. Hamm's office.