The Puppy Buying Process
Updated for 2024
1. Email me: Email me at [email protected] for a Puppy Application and Pricing information. I recommend you contact me 4 - 6 months before you buy your puppy to get on the Waiting list early and have the first dibs on the puppy that suits you the best. To be on the Waiting list requires the completion of a Puppy Application and a $300 deposit. More casual customers may request to be on a Contact list which will be notified if there are puppies available after the Waiting list has picked their puppy.
2. Puppy Application:
The purpose of the application is so I can be sure you are ready for the responsibility of owning a puppy. I reserve the right to decline a purchase of puppy to any person for any reason at any time. I want my puppies to have a good home and a good life. My puppies are sold as Pets ONLY. You will be required to SPAY or NEUTER your puppy by 6 months of age. Breeders sold a puppy on a case by case basis and after approval of the breeding program.
3 Waiting List
When your Puppy Application is complete, you have the option to place a $300 deposit to get on the Waiting list. The deposit represents a commitment to purchase a puppy and as such is non-refundable. Because you have shown your commitment to purchase a puppy you will have the first option to buy a puppy based on the date of your deposit.
4. Buying First Pick of a Litter (Male or Female)
I offer to 'Pick of the Litter' spots for an additional $200 fee on a first come first serve basis, if approved before litter is born.
5. Litter Notification:
Once you are on the Waiting list you will receive regular updates on the status of the dogs bred, the whelping information, and information on reserving puppies when they are born.
6. Choosing a Puppy.
I will work with you to help you choose the best puppy for your needs. Payments are due within 24 hours of choosing a puppy. The Waiting list has first options to purchase a puppy at 3 -4 weeks of age. Any puppies remaining after 4 weeks of age, are available on a first come first serve basis.
7. Paying for your Puppy
A Puppy Purchase Agreement will be sent to you after you have decided which puppy you will buy. Please note that we will add Virginia Sales Tax (5.3%). Puppies must be paid in full within 48 hours of picking a puppy. (please discuss with me if you need any extension to the timeline so I know you have not changed your mind)
If choosing to pay with a personal check, it must arrive before 6 weeks of age. Other payment options are also available (Gooddog.com, Venmo, or Zelle)
8 Puppy Visits:
We do not have any puppy visits before 5 weeks of age. Anyone who has visited a shelter, pet store or veterinary clinic with 48 hours should not come inside. Parvo and other contagions can be deadly to my litters and are carried on shoes and clothing. Only necessary puppy visits are allowed as I am not a commercial facility and do not have multiple days to accommodate visitors while trying to care for the puppies, provide photos. All visits are by appointment only. Videos and Zoom calls to meet your puppy are preferred!
9. Puppy Photos
I take new photos of puppies approximately every 2 weeks. If you want to see more of your puppy, I also post videos online. I have a specific order of care duties for each litter, I ask that you accept the timeline of every other week for puppy photos in order to allow me the time to care for the essential needs of your puppy
10 Puppy Take Home Day.
Most puppies go home at 8 weeks. If you need to pick up your puppy beyond the pick up period given on your Purchase agreement, you will need to make sure in advance of your purchase that I can accommodate your particular pick up schedule. .
11 Extended Care:
If you require a day or two of extra care for your puppy, you must let me know before you purchase your puppy. If there will be another puppy with your puppy, I charge $35 per day. Once the all the other puppies in a litter have gone home then individual puppy training is necessary. Please read about the 1 Week Training Plan which you can purchase. This includes crate training, potty training, riding in a car, and slowly adjusting the puppy to life without his litter mates and not experiencing separation anxiety.
Please note: The above policies have been made from years of puppy experience. They are developed out of consideration for my family and my customers. Experience has shown that this is the most fair way to operate a puppy business. Please know that I am a fair person who cares about people. I will always make my business decisions based on what is fair to all parties involved. I expect the same consideration from my customers. I do not accept bribes, threats or pressure from customers who want someone else's puppy. I will not sell a puppy to such rude or inconsiderate people.
2. Puppy Application:
The purpose of the application is so I can be sure you are ready for the responsibility of owning a puppy. I reserve the right to decline a purchase of puppy to any person for any reason at any time. I want my puppies to have a good home and a good life. My puppies are sold as Pets ONLY. You will be required to SPAY or NEUTER your puppy by 6 months of age. Breeders sold a puppy on a case by case basis and after approval of the breeding program.
3 Waiting List
When your Puppy Application is complete, you have the option to place a $300 deposit to get on the Waiting list. The deposit represents a commitment to purchase a puppy and as such is non-refundable. Because you have shown your commitment to purchase a puppy you will have the first option to buy a puppy based on the date of your deposit.
4. Buying First Pick of a Litter (Male or Female)
I offer to 'Pick of the Litter' spots for an additional $200 fee on a first come first serve basis, if approved before litter is born.
5. Litter Notification:
Once you are on the Waiting list you will receive regular updates on the status of the dogs bred, the whelping information, and information on reserving puppies when they are born.
6. Choosing a Puppy.
I will work with you to help you choose the best puppy for your needs. Payments are due within 24 hours of choosing a puppy. The Waiting list has first options to purchase a puppy at 3 -4 weeks of age. Any puppies remaining after 4 weeks of age, are available on a first come first serve basis.
7. Paying for your Puppy
A Puppy Purchase Agreement will be sent to you after you have decided which puppy you will buy. Please note that we will add Virginia Sales Tax (5.3%). Puppies must be paid in full within 48 hours of picking a puppy. (please discuss with me if you need any extension to the timeline so I know you have not changed your mind)
If choosing to pay with a personal check, it must arrive before 6 weeks of age. Other payment options are also available (Gooddog.com, Venmo, or Zelle)
8 Puppy Visits:
We do not have any puppy visits before 5 weeks of age. Anyone who has visited a shelter, pet store or veterinary clinic with 48 hours should not come inside. Parvo and other contagions can be deadly to my litters and are carried on shoes and clothing. Only necessary puppy visits are allowed as I am not a commercial facility and do not have multiple days to accommodate visitors while trying to care for the puppies, provide photos. All visits are by appointment only. Videos and Zoom calls to meet your puppy are preferred!
9. Puppy Photos
I take new photos of puppies approximately every 2 weeks. If you want to see more of your puppy, I also post videos online. I have a specific order of care duties for each litter, I ask that you accept the timeline of every other week for puppy photos in order to allow me the time to care for the essential needs of your puppy
10 Puppy Take Home Day.
Most puppies go home at 8 weeks. If you need to pick up your puppy beyond the pick up period given on your Purchase agreement, you will need to make sure in advance of your purchase that I can accommodate your particular pick up schedule. .
11 Extended Care:
If you require a day or two of extra care for your puppy, you must let me know before you purchase your puppy. If there will be another puppy with your puppy, I charge $35 per day. Once the all the other puppies in a litter have gone home then individual puppy training is necessary. Please read about the 1 Week Training Plan which you can purchase. This includes crate training, potty training, riding in a car, and slowly adjusting the puppy to life without his litter mates and not experiencing separation anxiety.
Please note: The above policies have been made from years of puppy experience. They are developed out of consideration for my family and my customers. Experience has shown that this is the most fair way to operate a puppy business. Please know that I am a fair person who cares about people. I will always make my business decisions based on what is fair to all parties involved. I expect the same consideration from my customers. I do not accept bribes, threats or pressure from customers who want someone else's puppy. I will not sell a puppy to such rude or inconsiderate people.
Other FAQs
Can I pick a puppy in person?
Yes. Any puppies that are available after 6 weeks of age, may be picked in person. Please note that I am not a big breeder I have a limited number of puppies. Therefore, most of my puppies are sold before they are 5 weeks of age. So choosing early is to your advantage.
Yes. Any puppies that are available after 6 weeks of age, may be picked in person. Please note that I am not a big breeder I have a limited number of puppies. Therefore, most of my puppies are sold before they are 5 weeks of age. So choosing early is to your advantage.
Can I buy two puppies so they can grow up together?
I do not recommend that you buy 2 puppies too close to one another unless they have a lot of time on their hands. The puppies that spend more time interacting with one another instead of people will learn the social cues of the dog world and not pay attention to the social cues of the people world. As a result they can end up being less confident, and harder to train. So please keep this in mind if you are thinking of buying two puppies within 18 months of age. It will require a lot more of your time to train them.
I do not recommend that you buy 2 puppies too close to one another unless they have a lot of time on their hands. The puppies that spend more time interacting with one another instead of people will learn the social cues of the dog world and not pay attention to the social cues of the people world. As a result they can end up being less confident, and harder to train. So please keep this in mind if you are thinking of buying two puppies within 18 months of age. It will require a lot more of your time to train them.
Can I bring my other Dog to your home when I visit? Please do not bring your pets with you to visit or pick up your puppy. I do not allow other pets in my home for the health of my litters. No exceptions. Kennel cough and other diseases could transmit to the litter. Coccidia can live in an adult dog without any symptoms but is easily transmitted to puppies. If you bring any pets they will need to stay in your car.
Do you require owners to Neuter or Spay their pet?
Yes, I require my puppies to be Neutered or Spayed. My puppies are sold as pets only and must not be bred. I have this policy to ensure that my puppies go to loving homes and never end up in the hands of puppy mills.
Do you take back a puppy, if it does not work out? Although I expect that each customer plans to keep their puppy throughout its life, sometimes, illness, or other circumstances may make it impossible to keep a puppy/dog. In situations where a customer cannot keep their Schnoodle I strongly encourage that you contact me. There are no refunds on a puppy, but I have the network that you need to place your Schnoodle in a loving home in a timely manner. For convenience some people will give their dog to the first person that will take him. Bad idea. Who knows what kind of commitment they will have to the puppy. You should NEVER take one of my Schnoodle puppies to a Shelter. It puts your dog into a very bad situation and it is truly unnecessary! Please remember Schnoodle dogs are in very high demand as puppies and as adults! There is much more chance of success in placing a dog, when the new owners are screened and make a commitment to the lifetime care of the puppy. There will always be an adoption fee for for the customer for any dog that is placed through my website.
Do you dock Schnoodle puppy tails?
No I do not dock tails. The majority of my customers prefer natural tails. Since tails must be docked at 2-3 days after birth, I cannot dock one puppies tail for a customer since I do not know at this point which puppy they will be taking home.
Do you crop puppy ears?
No I do not. I believe this to be a terrible and unnecessary practice.
Do you remove Dew Claws?
The latest science indicates that removing dew claws can make a dog prone to arthritis later in life. For this reason I do not remove dew claws unless a customer specifically requests this within 24 hours of birth.
Please keep in mind that removing Dew Claws is an elective procedure. It is not medically necessary..
Yes, I require my puppies to be Neutered or Spayed. My puppies are sold as pets only and must not be bred. I have this policy to ensure that my puppies go to loving homes and never end up in the hands of puppy mills.
Do you take back a puppy, if it does not work out? Although I expect that each customer plans to keep their puppy throughout its life, sometimes, illness, or other circumstances may make it impossible to keep a puppy/dog. In situations where a customer cannot keep their Schnoodle I strongly encourage that you contact me. There are no refunds on a puppy, but I have the network that you need to place your Schnoodle in a loving home in a timely manner. For convenience some people will give their dog to the first person that will take him. Bad idea. Who knows what kind of commitment they will have to the puppy. You should NEVER take one of my Schnoodle puppies to a Shelter. It puts your dog into a very bad situation and it is truly unnecessary! Please remember Schnoodle dogs are in very high demand as puppies and as adults! There is much more chance of success in placing a dog, when the new owners are screened and make a commitment to the lifetime care of the puppy. There will always be an adoption fee for for the customer for any dog that is placed through my website.
Do you dock Schnoodle puppy tails?
No I do not dock tails. The majority of my customers prefer natural tails. Since tails must be docked at 2-3 days after birth, I cannot dock one puppies tail for a customer since I do not know at this point which puppy they will be taking home.
Do you crop puppy ears?
No I do not. I believe this to be a terrible and unnecessary practice.
Do you remove Dew Claws?
The latest science indicates that removing dew claws can make a dog prone to arthritis later in life. For this reason I do not remove dew claws unless a customer specifically requests this within 24 hours of birth.
Please keep in mind that removing Dew Claws is an elective procedure. It is not medically necessary..
Can I request that you take more photos of my puppy than what you offer on your litter page. I also would like to have videos of my puppy.
When you place a deposit for a Schnoodle puppy from Growing Puppies you are buying a puppy from a litter raised in a family home where my priority is giving the puppies the best start possible. There are many advantages to your puppy in being home raised. These puppies have been individually socialized, loved and cared for. They are use to living with the normal sounds and activity that a home will have. You will have one person who can answer all your questions about your puppy because I know each puppy. These are not kennel puppies. No matter how conscientious a Kennel breeder may be. The large kennel cannot replicate the family raised puppy environment.
But there are disadvantages to a small home breeder that I also want you to be aware of. I do not have an assistant for photography. I do all my own photography and it takes more time than you would think. I take photos every 2 weeks, but for time reasons, I do not take photos at the client request. Photos and videos are taken only after the litter has received all the attention they require on their schedule first.. I have a very detailed daily plan for the care of each litter and veterinary appointments, worming, cleaning, grooming and other puppy care will not be put aside for individual customer demands. Your patience with the process is appreciated.
I am confident that you will get a high quality puppy buying experience when you buy from me. You are on this page because you already like what you have seen. Take a moment to scroll through the individual litter pages. If you are happy with the puppy photos shown on the past litter pages, then you will be happy with your own puppy photos.
Thank you for your understanding!
But there are disadvantages to a small home breeder that I also want you to be aware of. I do not have an assistant for photography. I do all my own photography and it takes more time than you would think. I take photos every 2 weeks, but for time reasons, I do not take photos at the client request. Photos and videos are taken only after the litter has received all the attention they require on their schedule first.. I have a very detailed daily plan for the care of each litter and veterinary appointments, worming, cleaning, grooming and other puppy care will not be put aside for individual customer demands. Your patience with the process is appreciated.
I am confident that you will get a high quality puppy buying experience when you buy from me. You are on this page because you already like what you have seen. Take a moment to scroll through the individual litter pages. If you are happy with the puppy photos shown on the past litter pages, then you will be happy with your own puppy photos.
Thank you for your understanding!