Your Questions, Answered
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We require a $500 deposit to reserve a puppy.
Deposits should be given by a buyer in good faith, which means the buyer is serious in his or her commitment to purchase a puppy from us.
It is important for potential puppy owners to understand why we require deposits and why those deposits are non-refundable, in addition to understanding the specifics of our deposit policy when they choose our program.
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Our prices range from $2300 - $3000.
It is important to understand that this is a 24/7 commitment to our dogs and puppies, including holidays, summers, days and all hours of the night.
Our prices also include a vaccine schedule, separate from the 8 week vet appointment, that comes out of our own pocket to ensure the health of your puppy when they are finally ready to go home.
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Being a responsible dog breeder requires careful planning, a huge time commitment, and major financial investments. Non-refundable deposits support us with all of these things.
It is of the utmost importance to us that we place us puppies with new owners/families who are ready for the lifelong commitment of getting a puppy. Finding, selecting, and preparing these new owners takes a large amount of our time and energy.
One of the most difficult times for us to do this screening is around the same time as the birth of the pups. Prior to the birth, we are often on call, waiting with and supporting the pregnant mom. Once the litter arrives, we stay with the litter 24/7, as a second mom to the pups and a nurse to the dog mom. Puppies are born unable to hear or open their eyes and are entirely dependent on both their dog mom and us. This neonatal period can be particularly anxiety-inducing as the pups’ health and weight need to be monitored daily. It’s not uncommon for a pup to require supplemental feeding from us (in addition to feeding from the pup’s dog mom) in order to survive this critical time. All of this means sleepless and stressful days and nights delivering and caring for the new family.
After the pups’ eyes and ears open, we are fully focused on the demanding and costly task of providing for the health and development of their litter, including socializing, training, feeding, providing vet care for, and beginning potty training an entire litter of puppies and caring for their mom! Additionally, we use this time to evaluate our pups, share regular updates with their prospects and determine which puppy will make a good match for each puppy applicant in order to ensure that a puppy’s new home will be a forever home.
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Are you ready for a huge time commitment?
Can you commit to this kind of financial investment right now?
Are you ready for a lifestyle change? Do you expect your circumstances to change in the near future?
Is everyone in your home on board?
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Expenses can add up quickly for a breeder who uses responsible practices. The average cost of such a litter can fluctuate, but it takes a great deal of money, energy, and time.
A great deal of maintenance is required to make sure the mother of the puppies is comfortable and in good health. Regular health checks are for all of our dogs is also required for our program.
Considering all goes well with the first attempt at breeding, the total cost of breeding before the litter even arrives can sometimes average out at nearly $10,500.
In anticipation for the puppies’ arrival, we have to accumulate all the necessary supplies — including things like a heat mat, siphon bulb, clamps, heat milk, and a whelping box. The cost of this kind of preparation averages out at about $150 as well.
Throughout the pregnancy, breeders invest in extra food, prenatal vitamins, and x-rays to confirm the pregnancy — all of which average out at more than $250. The actual cost of birthing can get up to $3,000 depending on whether or not there are complications or if a c-section has to be done.
Premium food for the nursing mom and weaned puppies who are starting on solid food will cost nearly $600. Essential vet visits for the puppies can add up quickly as well — worming puppies costs around $250 when you factor in stool samples and medication. Shots for Parvo, distemper, and a regular vet visit to have the puppy cleared with their health certificate will land as much as $400 - $800, depending on how many puppies are in the litter.
Additionally, puppy care packages with paperwork, collars, and toys for new owners to take home can land around $160.
Other costs include emergency vet visits, missing work to deliver the puppies, replacing puppy toys and towels, home destruction, utility costs for added laundry and heating, communication with new buyers, and the 24/7 job of looking after a dam and her puppies — all of this can accumulate to more than $1,600. This does not include the years of raising a puppy until they reach their maturity to be bred.
Ultimately, the total cost of responsibly breeding a litter of puppies can range anywhere from $7,700 to $23,900. Although it’s an expensive and time-consuming undertaking, the energy and thoughtfulness we put into our puppies is the foundation of what will be a better world for dachshunds.
At the end of the day, investing a little more money into your puppy now could save you both in the future — and you’ll be supporting a breeder that pours a great deal of money, energy, time, and love into each puppy that comes out of their program.
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Personal recommendations from people you trust, such as family, friends, fellow breeders and co-workers, are a great place to start
Do the location and hours of operation work for you? Is the practice relatively convenient for you to get to? Are they open at times that you can make appointments?
Is the clinic accepting new clients? Some practices are closed to new clients so call before you need an appointment.
What are their fees for care? You’ll want to have a rough estimate of what to expect to pay when you take your dog in.
Does the clinic accept your pet insurance plan? If you have or are considering pet insurance, make sure that your plan is accepted there.
What medical services does the practice provide? Does the practice offer reproductive services? Does the practice offer only routine care or do they also do diagnostics or have specialty services? Some practices refer out to specialty hospitals for some types of care.
What is their recommendation for veterinary emergencies? Some practices have an established relationship with a particular emergency practice. Your regular veterinarian may or may not be able to take on urgent or emergency cases during regular hours of operation.
Do they offer in-home services? If you have limited mobility or if your dog does not travel well, look for a veterinarian that offers housecalls.
Your dog’s veterinarian will be one of the most important people in their life! Taking the time now to find the right veterinarian is the first step in providing your dog with excellent, life-long health care.
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All dogs benefit from daily activities that provide them with mental stimulation and physical exercise. Activities that keep your dog busy, encourage species-typical behaviors, and promote the happiness of your dog, are often referred to as enrichment. Each dog’s enrichment needs will be different, but we’re here to help you get started, no matter what stage of life your dog is at!
Puppies need enrichment!
Generally speaking, dogs are highly motivated to engage in species-typical behaviors like chewing, digging, chasing, or retrieving. Puppies are learning about their environment and are highly motivated to explore with their mouths and paws.They will require appropriate toys, daily exercise, and regular playtimes to give them an outlet for these behaviors.
As soon as puppies' eyes and ears are open, they are learning about their environment. Puppy enrichment boxes and activity centers are play structures, often made of PVC pipes and dangling dog toys that can be chewed or manipulated. The toys are within puppy’s reach, and can be adjusted or changed out as your puppy grows. These are a great way to offer your puppy different textures and sounds to explore.
Enrichment for life!
Throughout your dog’s life, you will want to provide them with several different types of enrichment activities to help promote natural behaviors and keep them happy. You may have to try different toys or games to see what your dog responds to best, and introduce new ideas throughout their lifetime to keep them engaged! Here are some broad categories of enrichment activities with ideas to help you get started.
Social enrichment
Many dogs are highly social and enjoy opportunities to engage with other individuals, especially humans and other dogs! Dog parks and play groups can be a great opportunity for dogs to have positive interactions with other dogs (if they are dog-friendly). If your dog isn’t interested in playing with other dogs, they may enjoy socializing with you (or a dog walker!). Trips to the park, beach, and hikes are fun physical activities that most dogs can enjoy. You can also bond with your dog via playtime, positive reinforcement training, or gentle massage. If your dog seems to have challenges with social activities (seems fearful, overstimulated), check in with your veterinarian or a behavior professional for guidance.
Sensory enrichment
Provide your dog with opportunities to take advantage of all of their amazing senses. Try toys and bedding with different textures to allow your dog to explore new tactile experiences. Music made for dogs may be soothing and enjoyable for some; other dogs may even enjoy videos (yes there are streaming channels for dogs!). And don’t forget your dog’s exquisite sense of smell - a “sniff-ari” walk allows your dog to determine the pace and direction of a walk, all guided by their nose and interests! Nosework is a game where your dog is trained to find hidden odors in exchange for treats, which also taps into your dog’s hunting instincts.
Problem-solving & Food Puzzles
Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise. Giving your puppy opportunities to enrich their mind is important for healthy development and growth. One of the best ways to keep your pup busy is by encouraging them to forage for food using food puzzle toys. Food puzzles require your dog to interact with an object to extract food, for example, by rolling a ball around, allowing pieces of kibble to fall out. Even something as simple as hiding treats in different places in a room and allowing your dog to search for them can provide mental stimulation.
Puzzle toys and problem-solving opportunities challenge your puppy, provide them a positive outlet for their energy, and lead to improved cognitive ability — and who doesn’t want a smarter puppy?
Training and sports
Some dogs (and their owner) thrive with more organized activities, such as agility training, the aforementioned nosework, or flyball. These dog sports require an investment of time and energy (not to mention some specialized equipment), but can be a great way to build a relationship with your dog based on fun and teamwork!
Playtime
Play helps your dog develop social skills, provides exercise, and offers a constructive release for their puppy energy. It’s also an important way to establish — and maintain — a connection between you and your dog.
Tug of war, chase and fetch, and frisbees are all fun ways to play with your dog. Many dogs also enjoy interactive “flirt poles” - sticks with rope attached and a lure tied to the end. You move the flirt pole so your dog can chase the lure.
Solo play toys
Many dogs enjoy balls, chew toys (such as Nylabones and Kongs), and squeaky toys that they can play with when they are alone.
Safety first!
Avoid small items that your puppy could choke on
Do not offer your dog toys with strings, ribbons, or small parts that could be chewed off
The toy should be appropriate for your dog’s age and size, and ideally tested for safety
Check toys regularly for damage
Supervise your dog with new toys or objects to be sure they are safe
Use supervision as needed
Check with your vet if you still have questions about safety
Dogs with orthopedic problems, arthritis, or other mobility issues will need low-impact activities
Enrichment should be fun!
Remember that enrichment is supposed to be fun and engaging for your dog. If your dog seems fearful or stressed, that might not be the right activity for them. Every dog will be different in their preferences for play and activity. Get creative, give your dog time to test things out, and try new toys to see what really floats your dog’s boat!
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We do not ship our puppies. Pick up must be in person.
If you are flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO), we are more than happy to meet you there.
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Our puppies will be sent home with a few toys/treats, a sheet sharing adjustment information, their 8-week health certificate from the vet, and their deworming/shot records.
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Our puppies have a full vaccine schedule prior to seeing the vet at 8-weeks old.
Before your puppy goes home, they are treated with/for the following:
Coccidia
Dewormed weekly
Parvo (NeoPar)
Giardia
DAPV (Canine Distemper)
Full vet check/clearence and health certificate at 8-weeks old
Our vaccine schedule was written by Ben Hatler, head of research at NeoTech. NeoTech created NeoPar, a parvo vaccine that bypasses the mom’s antibodies. NeoPar contains a high antigen mass (more vaccine units per dose), which results in a short period from vaccination to protection, a higher level of protection, and a long duration of immunity.
You will receive a sheet of your puppy’s vaccines given and their corresponding health certificate upon pick up.
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Yes, we do!
If you are interested in one of our retired adults, please fill out our inquiry form to be added to our list. We vet every prospect very intensely and carefully as these dogs are our life and they deserve the world. We want to be sure they go to the loving homes they deserve.
They will come home doggie door trained, crate-trained, fully vaccinated and well socialized.
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You can reach us anytime via our contact page or by sending us a message on social media!
If you are interested in a puppy, fill out our Inquiry Form to be contacted with more information!
We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.