Glenbern Golden Retrievers

Frequently Asked Questions

I kindly ask that you read through this page, as it covers the most common questions. I love getting to know families who are considering one of my puppies, but with limited time, I’m keeping phone conversations for those who’ve filled out my application and looked through the links.

Breeding goals: My goal is to produce healthy happy puppies that have great temperaments and get a good start at life.
 
Do you require a fenced yard?  I do require a securely fenced yard with access to it via a door from the house. The fence does not have to be expensive, but it has to be secure. I don’t consider invisible/electric fencing secure. If you do not currently have a fenced yard, it is a prerequisite that the yard be fenced before the puppy comes home. This is for the safety of the puppy.  I believe this breed needs a yard to run and play in, so I will not place puppies into high rise apartments/condos. Fencing - What is Acceptable

Do you ship puppies? I do not ship my puppies. 

Are your dogs health tested?  All of my breeding dogs are health tested prior to breeding for hips, elbows, heart (by cardiologist) eyes (by ophthalmologist) and DNA testing specific for the breed.

Do you have a guarantee?
I warranty my puppies up to 24 months of age against some hip and elbow dysplasia conditions, and some hereditary heart and eye conditions. 

Are your puppies registered?  Yes, all my puppies are registered with the Canadian Kennel Club on a non-breeding agreement. They are sold with a spay/neuter contract, unless you are part of my Guardianship program. 

What is involved in participating in your Guardianship program?  Briefly, you purchase the puppy, he/she is your dog. I pay for all breeding related expenses; you pay for any pet related expenses. You must live within one hour from Perth to participate. There is financial compensation for participating in this program.  For more information, please see this link: Guardianship Program.

How are your puppies raised?  My puppies are raised in my home. I am fortunate enough to be able to stay at home, so my time is devoted to them and their needs. 
Please see How I Raise My Puppies page.
YouTube link to a video from a previous litter of my puppies:  Golden Retriever Puppies 

How much are your puppies?  My puppies are $3,000.00 + 13% tax.  Puppies are veterinary checked, receive 1st DHPP vaccine, are dewormed, microchipped and registered with the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) on a non-breeding contract. They come with 1 month of free pet insurance (Trupanion), information on how to take care of your puppy, a 5 generation pedigree, health tests and photos of the parents, and a lifetime of support. 

Do I get to pick my puppy? I guide families through the matching process so every puppy ends up in the home that fits them best. Your application, our conversation, and your puppy visit all help me get a clear picture of what you’re hoping for and which puppies may be the best fit. I complete my formal assessments between 7 and 8 weeks of age, and that’s when I make final placement decisions. If you find yourself drawn to one or two puppies during your visit, I absolutely take that into consideration. I always tell families that when you come to meet the litter, your only job is to enjoy them — because you really do have to love them all.  

The adoption process? Please fill out the appropriate Puppy Application. This information helps me understand your lifestyle and puppy preferences. If we both decide to proceed with the adoption, the deposit structure is as follows:
  $200.00 non-refundable deposit to join the reservation list.
  $300.00 non-refundable deposit once the litter is born.
  The remaining balance is due upon puppy pickup.

Note: If a puppy is unavailable due to litter size or sex, your $200.00 deposit will be refunded or transferred to the next available litter. The choice is yours.

I understand that life happens! If you can no longer take a puppy from your chosen litter, please let me know as soon as possible. I am happy to move your deposits to the next available litter once. To be fair to other families, please note that further cancellations will result in forfeited deposits.

Why take deposits?  I require deposits to ensure each puppy has a committed family. Raising a litter is a full-time commitment; by eight weeks, puppies require intensive individual socialization, training, and bonding that is best provided by their forever families. Having confirmed homes allows me to focus entirely on the health and development of the litter rather than searching for last-minute placements. 

Reservations & Selection
I typically accept reservations for three males and three females per litter. If your preferred gender is unavailable, you may choose to switch to the opposite sex. Please note that I reserve the right of "first pick" from every litter to continue with my breeding program. I often look for "guardianship" homes for these prospects; please let me know if you are interested in participating in the Guardianship program. 

Refund Policy
Deposits are a commitment, but the well-being of our puppies is my priority. I reserve the right to issue a full refund and cancel a sale if I feel a specific placement is not in the best interest of the puppy or the family.   

Can we visit your puppies or dogs? I welcome visits when it is safe to do so. You’re welcome to meet me and my adult dogs when I do not have young puppies or pregnant dams in the home. During those times, visits are not permitted. Diseases such as parvovirus and kennel cough can be unknowingly carried in on footwear, clothing, or hands, and they are extremely contagious. Because young puppies and pregnant dams have very fragile immune systems, I must take every precaution to protect them.  I’m happy to share videos of my home and dogs, and you’re welcome to read the many reviews on my Facebook page. Families who have placed a deposit on a puppy may visit their specific litter once the puppies are 6–7 weeks old.

Do you stand behind your puppies?  After a puppy is placed in its new home I like to keep in touch with the owners and hear how the puppy is progressing, pictures are always welcome and enjoyed.  If there is anything you need help with I am a phone call/email away. 

What happens if I can't keep my dog?  If for some reason you aren't able to keep your puppy/dog I have what is called "First right of Refusal" in my contract.  This means that you have to contact me first to let me know you can't keep it. I have the right to take the dog back before anyone else! I want to insure that all the puppies I produce don't end up in shelters or rescues.

What is the current availability of your litters?  Please see the Puppies’ page.  Sometimes I have older puppies or adults available for adoption or to remain as part of my guardianship program, I will post this on my Home page or on my Puppies page.

Questions for you.

Is This the Right Time for a Puppy? A puppy’s first 16 weeks are crucial. They require consistent time, structure, and gentle exposure to the world to grow into confident, well‑adjusted dogs. From breeding to going‑home day is about four months, and once your puppy arrives, the next two months will involve vaccinations, deworming, training, and daily socialization. The first year is wonderfully rewarding, but it is also very time‑intensive. Please consider whether you can bring your puppy home when needed, adjust your schedule, and avoid major travel or events during those early months. Puppies cannot be boarded, or spend time around unfamiliar dogs until fully vaccinated at roughly 16 weeks. If the timing feels tight, waiting for a future litter may be the best choice for you and your puppy.

Please visit my webpage Puppy Basics for more information regarding all things puppy/dog related.

If you are interested in a Glenbern puppy or adult, please fill in the appropriate Application.

Pet Application

Guardianship Program Application


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