FAQ

FAQ

Q: What is Gotcha Day?

A: Gotcha Day is the day you bring your puppy home.

When is Gotcha Day?

A: Typically, when puppies turn 8 weeks old.

Q: Do we get to choose our own puppy?

A: You will choose your puppy on Gotcha Day with our assistance, unless if you have last pick. Please note that last picks will not get to choose a puppy as you will get to keep the pup that's last to go home. Over the course of 8 weeks, we carefully evaluate the puppies' temperaments through their daily interactions and also by using the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test that we do at 7 weeks old. We will assit you in making your decision in choosing the best pup for your particular lifestyle. We will not allow a pup to go to a home if we do not feel the match is suitable. 

Q: Where will Gotcha Day be?

A: Gotcha Day will be help right outside of our home in the puppy play area. We are located in Kerman, CA. Exact address will be provided to you via email or text prior Gotcha Day.

Q: When should I arrive on Gotcha Day? 

A: Please arrive prompty at your designated appointment time (see above schedule for your time; look for your initials). 

Q: How are appointments scheduled on Gotcha Day?

A: Appointments are scheduled according to your place in pick of the litter. First picks for both genders are the first appointments, usually at 9AM, followed by second picks at 10AM, third picks at 11AM, and so on. We may sometimes hold the last pick litter spots for each gender open until after families have chosen their puppies. Once we know which pups are left, we will begin finding suitable homes for them. This is to ensure that the last pups are not placed in homes that are not the right fit.

Q: Where should I park?

A: We will be in the puppy playground right under the tall palm tree. You may park on the road right in front of the playground as it is a private residence. 

Q: Who can I bring to Gotcha Day?

A: You may bring family members and/or friends. Please note that children should be taught proper manners on how to handle puppies and behave around them before they arrive. Also note that puppies do not have their full shots yet so please refrain from visiting a vet clinic/hospital, dog park, or any place that dogs frequent before coming to minimize the pups' exposure to pathogens such as parvo. 

Q: What should I bring for the puppy on Gotcha Day?

A: Small bowl and water, a pee pad, baby wipes, poop bags, a small trash bag, toys, and old towel or blanket. Also, you can either bring a crate for the pup to travel in or a small bed. Some people choose to hold the pup on their lap instead. It is up to you. Just note that if the crate is in the back of an SUV or van without good air circulation, the puppy may get car sick and throw up. Try to have the pup where there's good AC flow to keep him/her cool. Do not feed the puppy during the car ride as he/she will likely throw up. You can feed the puppy when you get home.

Q: What will the puppy be going home with on Gotcha Day?

A: The puppy will be going home with a collar, medical record with proof of shots, deworming dates, microchip number, and vet exam letter. The pup will also go home with a small bag of current food, and a small blanket with the litter smell. 

Q: Will there be a restroom available to use on site?

A: Unfortunately, no. There will not be a restroom available to use as our downstairs bathroom is in our whelping room so please plan accordingly. Let us know if you need help finding rest stop locations. 

Q: What will happen if I'm late to my appointment? 

A: Each appointment time is alloted 1 hour. If for some reason you're not able to come within that hour, you may have to choose your puppy virtually (videos, photos, or facetime) before the next appointment time so you don't lose your place in pick. If you haven't chosen your puppy by the next appointment time, we will choose your pup for you. 

Q: What if I can't make it to my appointment on Gotcha Day?

A: If you can't pick up your puppy on Gotcha Day you may reschedule to pick up your puppy at a later day (boarding fees will apply) but you will need to select your puppy virtually at your original Gotcha Day appointment. If you're unable to choose a puppy at the original appointment time, we will choose one for you. The full puppy price must be paid at your original appointment time whether you're picking up your puppy that day or later. If you do not pay the full price on Gotcha Day at your appointment time, your deposit will be forfeited.

Q: Do you offer delivery?

A: Yes, we can deliver by car of by plane (airport to airport) for a fee. For delivery by car, price is calculated by the number of miles plus any applicable fees. For delivery by plane (airport to airport), price will include escort's plane fare, airline pet fee, and escort fee. The puppy is escorted in cabin in a carrier. The pet (puppy) fee is usually between $100-$200 (one-way only), depending on the airline. Escort fee will vary depending on how long the flight and layover times are. All fees associated with delivery must be prepaid. The purchase price of puppy must also be prepaid for all airport deliveries and ground deliveries outside of California.  

Q: What is the puppy currently eating?

A: Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach Lamb and Oatmeal Puppy formula. We buy the 24 lbs. bag from Petco. They offer 10% off if you buy the bag online and pick up surbside, and your 9th bag of dog food is free. 

Q: What size crate is the puppy using?

A: The pups begin their crate training in 18" metal wire crates. Typically, by the time the're 8 weeks old, they have transitioned to a 24" crate. 

Q: What size crate should I buy?

A: If you plan on using the crate long term, we always recommend buying an adult size crate with a divider and adjust the size of the crate as the puppy grows. An adult female golden retriever would fit  a 42" crate. Although an adult male golden retriever may fit in a 42" crate, a 48" crate would be more comfortable. Please keep in mind that these are large size crates and occupy a lot of space.

Q: How much room in the crate should I allow the puppy during potty training?

A. We recommend to allow enough room for the pup to be able to stand,  do a 360-turnaround, and lie down flat. Too much room where the puppy can walk around in the crate may encourage potty accidents. Dogs typically don't like going potty where they sleep so allow just enough space for the pup to sleep comfortably. Typically, when the pup has to go potty, he/she will appear restless in the crate and would constantly shift around, whine/whimper, or bark. If you take too long to take the pup out, the pup may potty in the crate so try to be swift in the process.

Q: How often do 8 week old puppies need to potty?

A: Typically, every 2 hours but much sooner after food and water. Pups usually go potty shortly after eating and even sooner after drinking water. Pups would do a double-poos and mulitple pees before finally settling down. It usually takes about an hour (sometimes 2) for puppy to fully potty after having food and water. Keep track of their potty breaks as this will be important to know while crate training and house breaking. Consistency is key. Puppies thrive on consistent schedules.

Q: What other things should I buy for the puppy?

A: Stainless steel feeding bowls or ceramic bowls for food and water. If your puppy is eating too fast, you will need to get a slow feeder bowl. Poop bags, puppy toys, dog bed, name tag, leash, collar, harness, brush, shampoo, play pen enlcosure for inside the house, potty tray of grass (if needed).

Q: Where should the puppy go potty?

A.: The puppy should go potty in your fenced backyard. If you have a balcony or patio, ensure that you have a proper potty area for the pup before bringing him/her home. A potty tray with artificial grass or real grass outside in your balcony or patio would be ideal. We do not recommend setting up a potty area for the pup inside the house as that can actually delay house breaking. You want to associate the puppy to going potty outside of the house, not inside. 

Q: How many times does the puppy eat?

A: At 8 weeks old, the puppy will likely be eating 3x a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) but will need to transition to eating 2x a day (breakfast and dinner) in a few weeks, depending on the puppy as some pups are bigger and some are smaller. Using kibbles to train during the day will replace the lunch meal. 

Q: What time do I feed the puppy?

A: Breakast around 6:00AM, lunch around 12:00PM, and dinner around 6:00PM. Give or take an hour.

Q: Should I take my puppy to the vet?

A: Absolutely! The pup and all littermates will be vet checked prior to going home but you should get your puppy checked as soon as possible or ideally, within 3 days of bringing puppy home. This is to ensure the puppy is healthy to give you peace of mind but also to get your pup started on flea & tick and heart worm preventative and also have the next shot and deworming scheduled. Also, you want to ensure your puppy has a clean bill of health during first vet visit as this is important if you're getting pet insurance for your puppy.

Q: Should we get pet insurance?

A. Getting pet insurance is always recommended, especially for emergencies. Puppies can get in all kinds of mischief so it's best to be prepared. Paying a small monthly premium may save you thousands in the long run. 

Q: Is the puppy microchipped?

A. Yes, the puppy will be microchipped prior to going home. We will register the puppy's microchip with AKC Reunite and pay for the fee after you bring your puppy home. You will receive an email from AKC Reunite on how to log on. You will have full ownership of the puppy but we will remain as the alternate contact on the microchip, just in case your dog is lost and they can't get ahold of you. This is to ensure the dog never ends up in a shelter. 

Q: What supplement do you recommend?

A. We recommend NuVet Plus for immune system support as that is what our dogs are using. A sample will be given to you on Gotcha Day for your puppy to try. You may call NuVet at 1-800-474-7044 to order your pup's monthly supply - Use code 874212. NuVet also offers NuJoint which is a joint supplement that will help with your growing pup's hips and elbows. You may call the same number above and use the same code. We supplement our growing puppy with glucosamine and chondroitin to ensure they have the maximum support while growing. Question: How much do your puppies cost?

Answer: Our prices range between $2700-3500 plus 7.975% tax, depending on the litter and if registration papers are included or not.

Q: Do you offer boarding?

A: Yes, but because we have to keep our home safe from any canine pathogens that could be accidentally brought into our home which could put our current and/or future puppies at risk. We only offer boarding for puppies that have not left our care. If you have reserved a puppy but are not able to pick up your pup on Gotcha Day, you may reschedule for a later pick up but boarding fees will apply. Boarding fees must be prepaid. Our current boarding fees are as follows:

Overnight Boarding: $48/night*

Full Day Boarding: $30 (pick up by 6:00PM)

Half Day Boarding: $15 (pick up by noon)

7.975% service tax will apply

*$5 is added to the nightly rate at the beginning of each new week of boarding, starting at week 9, as the pup will need additional socialization & training. 

Q: Do you sell a puppy with breeding rights or full AKC registration?

A: No, we do not. Our contract has a no breeding and spay/neuter requirement at 2 years old. 

Q: Will the puppies be AKC registered?

A: Our dogs are AKC registered but puppies will go home without (companion or family dogs only).

Q: Do you allow visits?

A: The only actual visit happens on Gotcha Day. Since our dogs and puppies live in the home with our family and children, we take extra pre-caution for bio-security reasons and for general safety. We can arrange FaceTime appointments where we can give you a virtual tour of our home and you'll also find numerous videos of our set up on our social media platforms.

Q: Do you have a health guarantee for the pups?

A: Yes, we offer a one year health guarantee. See our contract for more info.