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Frequently Asked Questions

                                                                                                          

  What makes Hartland Kennel puppies so special?

We first start out with healthy sound breeding stock proven to pass on their great qualities. Our dogs prove their good temperaments and trainability through the various dog sports and activities we are involved in. We insist on good hips and elbows and certify all our dogs. In many cases our dogs have also passed eye and cardiac exams.  Any dog not meeting our high standards is excused from our breeding program.

 Our puppies receive individual attention and socialization from day one. The puppies are held and stimulated as proven to increase future performance, trainability, health, and potential. They spend their first 4 weeks in the house under watchful eyes then are moved to the kennel. Once able to go out, they are exposed to wide open spaces and other dogs and farm animals to help develop their nerve and drives. We set up field trips for school children and other visitors to come play with and socialize the puppies. Many times our puppies accompany us on pet therapy visits. Our puppies are observed, socialized and temperament tested from day one which aids us in matching up the right puppy the to right buyer.

Do I get to pick my puppy?

In most cases yes, but we do try to steer you towards a puppy whose temperament best matches your needs and family lifestyle. We will try to get to know you and will ask you questions about what you desire from your puppy. We provide you with our input and the temperament test of each puppy to help you make an informed selection. We reserve the right to refuse to place a puppy in your home that we feel would not be a good match.

 

How can I have the best dog I have ever owned?

It takes time and effort from the new puppy owner to continue to develop what we have started here.  Puppies need lots of socialization, training and guidance from their owners for the first several months.  We provide a packet of information on how to do this right.  We request you enroll in a puppy obedience class so your puppy will be exposed to other dogs and people. We also recommend you read one of the following books- Making Friends by Linda Colflesh, Good Dogs, Great Dogs by Brian Kilcommons, or The Art of Raising a Puppy by The New Skete Monks.  Remember. the more you do with your dog the first year, the better dog you will end up with.  If you don't feel you have the time to raise a puppy then consider buying a trained adult dog.

What if I have more questions later on?

We are always available to answer questions and offer support for the life of your dog.  We love to hear back from you and receive photos of your puppy. You help out our breeding program by providing feedback to us on your puppy's progress.

 

Do male or female GSDs make better pets?

In our experience females do tend to show more affection and devotion, where as males are a bit more aloof. However, both males and females attach well with their owners, especially to the person that consistently trains and cares for them.

 

How much are your puppies?

Our puppies start at $750 and go up to $2500.00  Prices are based on the titling of the parents, pedigree of the puppies, and costs incurred to breed the litter. Pet puppies sold on limited registration are generally priced in the lower range.

Our price includes first shots, dewormings, microchipping and veterinary health check as well as the two year hip guarantee against crippling dysplasia. The puppy packet will contain many helpful training tips as well as your puppy's pedigree, health certificate, shot records, and the registration forms for AKC and Petrac.
 

  What does AKC Full & Limited Registration mean?

"Full Registration" means that this animal's offspring can be registered with the AKC and this animal can be shown in any AKC conformation event. Unless you are a serious breeder or desire to show in conformation, you will not need full registration.

"Limited Registration" means that although the animal is a registered purebred it cannot have any of its offspring registered with the AKC. These dogs can be shown in any AKC obedience, agility, herding, and other such events; but the dog cannot be shown in AKC conformation. Our pet puppies generally come with Limited Registration. We ask our pet puppies to be spayed/neutered.
 

  Do you offer any guarantees?

We will go over and sign a puppy contract with you which does contain a two year hip guarantee. We will explain to you what your responsibilities are in keeping your puppy healthy. While our puppies are vet checked prior to leaving we recommend you have your puppy examined by your vet within 3 days of purchase to confirm no health problems.

It is important to us that your puppy or dog is happy in the new home you provide. If for some reason you are unable to keep your pet, though we are unable to offer any refund, we will provide a loving home for your pet and request you return him or her to us.

What is microchipping?

We use AVID microchips and now register all our dogs and puppies with PETrac. The small chip is harmless and is placed under the skin between the shoulder blades.  Your puppy will be registered in your name with PETract.  Most animal shelters scan lost pets for microchip numbers. Stolen pets can be recovered through proof of ownership provided by the microchip.

  Will breeding my dog make it a better pet?

Absolutely Not! There are many, many risks and costs involved in breeding that one should not take lightly. Breeding will cause changes in your dog's temperament that are not desired for a family pet. Females will get aggressive and males will become defiant and both develop a desire to roam. Pets that are spayed or neutered are better behaved and have less chance of developing certain cancers.

When is the best time to spay/neuter my puppy?

There are various opinions as to when the right time is. Please do your research and decide what is best for you and your family.  We ask our pet puppies be spayed/neutered by 15 months of age.

 

Do you ship your puppies?

Yes, we ship our puppies primarily out of the Pittsburgh International Airport. Shipping costs vary from city to city, but the average cost of shipping a puppy is approximately $300. When shipping we are very careful about the temperature. We try to ship the most direct route and in the cooler months of the year. Under special circumstances we can arrange home delivery to your door.  We do prefer you pick up your puppy in person when ever possible.


Things We Can Learn from Our Dogs

 

When family members come home, drop what you're doing and run to greet them.

Let others know when they have invaded your territory.

Take naps; stretch before rising.

Run, romp and play daily.

Eat with gusto and concentration.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day- be silent, sit close, and nuzzle him or her gently.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

Delight in the simple joys of a long walk.

 

Author Unknown


Explanation of Life

On the first day, God created the dog and said: "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years."

The dog said: "That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?"

So God agreed.

On the second day, God created the monkey and said: "Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span."

The monkey said: "Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the Dog did?"

And God agreed.

On the third day, God created the cow and said: "You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years."

The cow said: "That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?"

And God agreed again.

On the fourth day, God created man and said: "Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years."

But man said: "Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?"

"Okay," said God, "You asked for it."

So that is why the first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.

Life has now been explained to you....now who's that I'm hearing barking?

 


 

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