Our Program

From their earliest days, our puppies participate in Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI), following age-appropriate protocols. These early exercises introduce gentle, controlled experiences designed to support development and encourage positive responses to new sensations and scents. We carefully follow appropriate age guidelines and prioritize each puppy's comfort and well-being.

We want our puppies to begin discovering the world in a safe, positive, and controlled way. As they grow and are developmentally ready, we introduce them to a variety of sights, sounds, scents, environments, and people. We use a stroller for outings so puppies can observe and experience the world while remaining protected from contact with unfamiliar dogs and potentially contaminated public surfaces.

• Exposure to everyday indoor and outdoor noises
• New sights, scents, and surroundings
• Positive experiences with different people
• Car rides to begin building familiarity with travel
• Gradual introductions to new experiences at each puppy's own pace

Our goal is to help puppies become more comfortable with everyday life while respecting their individual personalities and comfort levels.

We temperament test our puppies using the Volhard's Puppy Aptitude Test. This helps us learn more about each puppy's individual personality, confidence, energy level, sensitivity, and natural tendencies. We use the results of this testing, along with our observations of each puppy throughout their time with us, to help match them with the household best suited for them. Our goal is to ensure that each owner ends up with a puppy who is best suited for their lifestyle, expectations, and household. Our puppy application includes a series of questions designed to help us understand what you are looking for in a puppy and what type of household you will be providing. Please make sure that you answer all questions appropriately and honestly so we can make the best possible match for you and your family.

Regular grooming is an important part of life for our breeds, and we want our puppies to begin building positive associations with it early. We gradually introduce puppies to age-appropriate grooming and handling experiences, including:

• Brushing and gentle coat care
• Bathing and blow-dryer sounds
• Nail trimming
• Gentle ear cleaning and ear wipes
• Handling of the face, ears, paws, and tail
• Gentle examination of the mouth and teeth

These experiences help introduce puppies to the types of handling they may encounter at home, at the groomer's, and during veterinary visits. We use gentle, positive introductions and work at a pace appropriate for each puppy.

We begin laying the foundation for good habits before our puppies leave for their forever homes. Our early training includes:

• Potty training: Establishing routines and encouraging appropriate potty habits.
• Crate training: Introducing puppies to a crate gradually and positively.
• Basic handling and manners: Helping puppies become comfortable with everyday care.
• Early independence: Encouraging age-appropriate confidence and comfort with short periods of rest.
• Positive reinforcement: Rewarding desirable behaviors and making learning a positive experience.

Every puppy develops at a different pace, so we focus on building a foundation rather than expecting perfection before they go home.

Families who would like their puppy to remain with us longer can arrange an extended stay until their puppy reaches 13 weeks of age for an additional fee. During this time, we continue building on the foundation established during the earlier weeks, including:

• Continued potty and crate training
• Further safe socialization and environmental exposure
• Introduction to basic cues, including sit, crate, and recall using the puppy's name
• Beginning leash training indoors, with gradual introductions to walking on a leash
• Continued grooming and handling practice
• Continued age-appropriate enrichment and confidence-building
• Veterinary care and vaccinations according to the puppy's individual schedule

Our extended program gives puppies additional time to practice these early skills before joining their new families. Training progress varies by puppy, and families should expect to continue reinforcing these skills at home.

Our puppies' health and well-being are among our highest priorities. Before going home, each puppy receives age-appropriate veterinary care, including:

• Veterinary wellness examination before placement
• Vaccinations appropriate for their age and veterinary schedule
• Deworming according to their care schedule
• Veterinary documentation provided to their new family

We want every family to understand their puppy's care history and know what follow-up care is needed. Puppies are still developing their immunity when they leave us, so families should follow their veterinarian's guidance regarding vaccinations, parasite prevention, and safe socialization.

We stand behind the puppies we raise and want our families to feel supported when welcoming a new companion into their lives. We offer a one-year health guarantee for qualifying health concerns covered by our written health guarantee. If a concern arises, the puppy must be examined by a licensed veterinarian, and the family is responsible for the examination and any related diagnostic costs.

• During the first week: If a qualifying condition is documented and meets the terms of our guarantee, the buyer is eligible for a refund.
• After the first week: If a qualifying condition is documented and meets the terms of our guarantee, the buyer will receive first pick of a puppy from another litter, subject to the terms of the written agreement.

Full details, eligibility requirements, and any applicable limitations will be provided in our written health guarantee before purchase.

Our commitment to our puppies doesn't end when they leave our home. We want every puppy we raise to have a safe, loving, permanent home, and we never want one of our dogs to end up in a shelter or an unsuitable situation when we may be able to help.

• Our first-week adjustment policy: We understand that sometimes a puppy may struggle to adjust to a new household. If you find that your puppy is not adjusting well during the first week, please contact us to discuss returning them. To qualify for a full refund under our first-week return policy, the puppy must be examined by a veterinarian, including a parvovirus test and a complete fecal examination. You must provide veterinary documentation confirming the puppy's health status and a clean bill of health before the return can be accepted under this policy. All returns remain subject to the written purchase agreement.
• Our lifetime rehoming commitment: If circumstances change at any point during your dog's life and you can no longer keep them, we ask that you contact us before attempting to rehome them. We will take the dog back or work with you on an appropriate return arrangement, with the goal of helping them find a safe and suitable home. Returns after the first week are not eligible for a refund.

Our puppies are part of our extended family, and we want to help protect their well-being throughout their lives.

We want bringing home a new puppy to feel exciting, comfortable, and a little less overwhelming! Every puppy goes home with a thoughtfully prepared goodie bag containing helpful supplies to get their new family started. Depending on the puppy's needs and the items provided at the time of pickup, the bag includes:

• A blanket carrying the familiar scents of mom and littermates
• Approximately one week's worth of the puppy's current food
• A food or water bowl
• A leash and collar
• Teething toys and additional toys
• Food topper
• Puppy pads
• Poop bags
• Cleaning wipes

We hope these familiar items help make the transition into a new home a little easier and give families a head start on their first week together.