Frequently Asked Questions

We would like to thank you for your interest in our puppies. We are pleased to provide you this puppy purchase information to review. We hope that it  is informative and will address most of  the initial questions you may have.

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Do you allow visitors?  We do allow families to pick up their puppies. To ensure the future health of the puppies, other than at pickup, we do not allow visitors. We provide extensive photos, videos, and feedback to aid in the selection process. 

​We hope this does not offend anyone, but our puppies health if of great importance to their new families and us.

How long have you been breeding/raising puppies? Our first litter of Doodles was born November of 2003.

Male or Female? Males are very family oriented. They feel that their main objective in life is to be with and around their humans. Males tend to enjoy cuddling with you on the couch while you watch a movie, sleeping at your feet while you work and playing when you are free. The males take on a "shadow" like mentality.

Females are also family-focused, but slightly more independent. They are task oriented and watch over the family and are more aware of their surroundings. The female Sheepadoodle, like the males, are fantastic with children and other animals. They are more likely to bounce from one family member to the next to make sure all are included and nearby. Both genders make wonderful pets--if they are spayed or neutered.

When can you spay or neuter?  This is a personal decision that should be evaluated individually and under the care of a veterinarian. Puppies can be spayed or neutered starting at six months of age. 

I live in an area that gets very hot in the summer. Is it okay for me to own a Sheepadoodles? It can absolutely be fine to own a Sheepadoodle in very warm climates, but special precautions should be taken if you do. Sheepadoodles, like Old English Sheepdogs, can overheat in hot weather because they have extremely thick coats. Because of this we highly recommend keeping your Sheepadoodle's coat short in hotter months and allow them constant access to water. Air conditioning inside is great and they really enjoy a kiddy pool when they are outside to keep cool. When cooler months come around, you will barely be able to get them back in the house!

Are Doodle mixes good with children? By their nature, Doodle mixes are excellent with children. They are very friendly, passive, loving and loyal. Doodle mixes are very social and long to be with their "humans." They do require lots of socialization. Remember, as puppies, Doodles exhibit all the behaviors you might expect with any young, untrained puppy such a chewing, nipping, and running. That is why training at an early age is so important for the future of the puppy and you the new owner.

Do you temperament test your puppies? We DO NOT temperament test our puppies. Our parent dogs are healthy and well behaved dogs with wonderful temperaments and personalities. We would never use any dogs in our breeding program with any undesirable or aggressive temperaments. Any puppy of any breed can have temperament problems if you do not provide proper discipline & guidance. Doodles, in general, are very smart and eager to please; therefore an easy-to-train dog.
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We do provide or puppies with lots of socialization, stimulation, and love! 

Do you guarantee your puppies? Absolutely! We offer a two-year genetic guarantee. See our HEALTH GUARANTEE.

Should I crate my puppy?  Yes, we believe puppies should be crated. If a pup is allowed free access in your home he will get into trouble. A young pup needs a safe place that is for them alone. Most puppies will not soil their crate. A puppy doesn't like to soil its own sleeping area. It is more difficult to house break a puppy that doesn't have a crate than a pup that does have a crate.

​Crate Training  

• At a very earlier age, puppies will get off their bedding to potty, so they do not have to lay in wet bedding. This is an instinctive behavior and why we are proponents of crate training.  
• You will need a crate about 2-3 times the size of your pet, do not get a huge crate because the pup will just potty in the corner and be able to get away from it. We recommend 42" for Standards and 36" for Minis with a divider.  

A note of crate training

• Most puppies will cry in the crate for the first few nights. Do not let the puppy out if it cries. If you do, you are reinforcing the crying.  
• Make sure the puppy is not soiled, and offer verbal reassurance.  
• Do not leave food or water in the crate at night.
• If the puppy needs to relieve itself, make sure to routinely put them back in their crate right afterward. 

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How many times should I feed my puppy? Most puppies should be fed three times a day until they are about 4 months old. Then change to twice daily. It is harder to house break a puppy that always has access to a full bowl of food. We do not recommend free feeding. Abstaining from eating at first is not unusual. Adding warm water to food can help to entice their appetite.

The biggest question of all: How do I house break my puppy? First of all, realize that a puppy's body is not mature enough for muscle control of its bladder until it is 3 1/2-4 months old. Bowel control is usually faster. Tips and tricks: PATIENCE, CONSISTENCY, ROUTINE, AND LOVE!!

​All puppies need their own secure sleeping area, (crate) A puppy usually will not soil in their sleeping area. Do not give puppy food or water past 7 PM if at all possible. Obviously, this time can be adjusted if it is very hot or the puppy has had a big play time. This gives the puppy plenty of opportunities to be able to bed with any empty bladder. Keep your puppy in your site at all times! Take puppy outside: *As soon as it wakes up, *Right after it eats or drinks, *After 20 minutes of playtime. Always use the same command such as "go potty" or "outside." It doesn't take long for a puppy to learn. Make a schedule for "potty time." If you catch a puppy in the act of having an accident in the house, pick them up mid-stream and say "no" in a firm tone. NEVER hit a puppy or rub his nose into his own mess. This does not teach the puppy anything good or positive. You can show the puppy the urine smelling cloth (after you clean it up) and say "No Potty in the House." Then lovingly, but firmly take the pup and the cloth outside. Put the cloth on the ground and say, "Go Potty Outside." Let your puppy smell the cloth. Remember to watch your puppy closely and recognize the "need" for them to go outside.

What to expect on the way home. Unless on an extended car ride, you can hold your puppy on the way home so it can acclimate to your smell. If on an long car journey, we recommend a crate. Pups can grow carsick, so make sure it has a clear view of the window. No trips out and about the first three days, let your pup get settled. Let it become familiar with its new home and abstain from having a lot of commotion. 

A note on ears ​Ear infection is common in dogs that have ear hair. It is caused by dirt and moisture and is a yeast infection. A sour smell in the ear or a black gunk in the ear is a sure sign of an ear infection. They will also scratch and claw at the ear and it will become very sensitive. It is important to use either ear powder prior to a bath or put cotton balls in the ear during a bath. Keep cleaning till the Q-tip comes clean (be careful not to go to deep). I usually put about 1 cc/tsp into each ear and let sit and massage the ear for a minute or so and then clean out. You can buy Ear Wash and Momentamax at the vet's office to treat the infection. ​

A note on baths When bathing try not get water into ears or up nose. If you do get water in ears, put a few drops of alcohol or mouthwash into ears. After a bath, make sure you dry puppy completely. If I need to clean the pups nose area, I will lather it up with baby shampoo and right before I put it under the faucet I will pinch its nostrils so it doesn’t breathe in. Do this only for 1-2 seconds and then let the pup take a breath and repeat. Use a puppy shampoo or baby shampoo especially around eyes, nose, and mouth. Keep the potty trail area clean and trimmed regularly. They can get dry skin in the winter just like we can from over bathing. Make sure to use a conditioner. Also, if your puppy scratches use an oatmeal and aloe vera shampoo and conditioner.