Your Puppy’s Life with us at Pinewood Acres

The first 8 weeks lay the groundwork for the rest of your puppy's life in regard to Health and Temperament.

And so, everything we do is carefully designed with this in mind. Additionally, we continue to research in order to improve our program.

Health

For large breeds like Golden Retrievers, a major health concern is hip dysplasia. Puppies aren't born with their joints fully formed and research shows that environment has the greatest affect on their formation. The three most important environmental factors are nutrition, exercise, and surface area. As for nutrition, if a puppy is receiving low quality food, it negatively effects the development of their joints. Also, nutrition begins even before birth—with a healthy Mother! And so, each of our dogs is fed high quality food that promotes optimal health. Our puppies are fed the same premium diet and we carefully monitor their intake to maintain healthy weight. Overweight puppies have a much higher risk for developing dysplasia.

In regard to exercise and surface area, studies show that puppies raised on hard surfaces have a higher risk of dysplasia, while those that regularly play on soft, uneven surfaces (i.e. the yard) are at lower risk. And so, we have carefully chosen the surfaces on which our puppies live. We are also very intentional about taking our puppies outside several times each day for safe and fun “play time.” This is healthy not only for their bodies, but also for their minds. A constantly cooped-up puppy is an unhappy and understimulated puppy. For more information on research about the environment affecting joint development, click HERE.

Temperament

The number 1 reason for puppies and dogs being abandoned or placed in a shelter is temperament. A bad temperament can be the result of irresponsible and/or uneducated breeders turning out puppies with anxious, aggressive, or otherwise unsound temperaments. It can also be the result of poor socialization during the most crucial first 8 weeks of life. In addition to breeding only well-mannered dogs with sound temperaments, we have a reputation for well-socialized puppies. They are happy and confident when they leave our care. Because we are a big family professionally breeding on the small scale, each puppy receives an abundance of attention. They are exposed to many positive and safe situations and interact with all ages.

Snapshots of Who We Are

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Luke probably does the most socialization around here. This is when we found him asleep in the whelping box!

We really care for and delight in our puppies. This causes us to go above and beyond expectations for their well-being.

Another candid shot! Could a puppy be more loved?

From Day 1 to 8 Weeks

From birth until 4 weeks our puppies are on soft, carpet-like material; it helps to prevent future joint problems and promotes warmth and comfort. They are in our home until about 4 weeks of age when they start to require more room to run and play. At this point, they are moved to a larger playpen in our “puppy building.” This climate-controlled building was built and customized specifically for raising healthy and happy puppies. At this time, the mother still has access to the puppies, but can get away and lay elsewhere in the building for a rest if needed. Some breeders abruptly separate the mother from her puppies at 4 weeks to suddenly wean them for show reasons. We find that this is incredibly sad for the mother and also not as healthy for the puppies. It is very important for the mother to be allowed to nurse the puppies for as long as is healthy for her. She provides excellent nutrition with immune and digestive support. The mother also has free access to the outdoors during this time. The playpen has linoleum flooring as a soft surface that's easy to keep clean. On one side of the puppy playpen are clean, fresh woodchips. This keeps the puppies clean; every time we take our puppies for their exams, the vet is amazed at how clean they are. But most importantly, the woodchips spot train the pups in preparation for house training when they go to their new homes.

Starting soon after they're born, pictures and/or videos are posted regularly updating families on the puppies' progress. These videos and pictures are great keepsakes for the future.

At six weeks old, the puppies get their first vet visit. Each one is thoroughly examined, wormed, and receives their first vaccinations as well as a certification of health.

After their vet appointment, we allow visits and the puppies are chosen by their families in the order in which deposits were received. Why six weeks? The puppies’ personalities are starting to show at this time which makes it an optimal time to make sure the right puppy goes to the right home.

At 8 weeks of age, the puppies are ready for their new homes! They are happy, healthy, well-socialized, and confident! When they are picked up, the remaining purchase price is due in cash.

We want both our puppies and our customers to be happy! During the first 8 weeks, the groundwork has been laid for success, but our service doesn't end there. As you and your new friend embark on this wonderful adventure, you can count on us now and in the coming years for a lifetime of support.

*Please note that if we are asked to hold a puppy past its eight week old date, an extra $20.00 will be charged each additional day for food and boarding.

Each Puppy Comes With:

1. Limited AKC Registration (unlimited registration is only carefully granted on a case-by-case basis to protect the breed).
2. Vet Records (first set of shots and worming)
3. Health Certificate
4. Guarantee
5. Lifetime Support

Placing a Deposit

We start accepting deposits when a breeding is planned

Deposits are non-refundable unless placed on an unsuccessful pregnancy or there is no puppy of the gender requested. In either case, the deposit may be refunded or transferred to another litter.

Deposits may be sent via check in the mail. Contact us for deposit amount and for our address. The deposit must be accompanied by a signed copy of our guarantee and transaction terms which can be found HERE.

Often litters are sold out entirely before the puppies reach 6 weeks of age. However, should a family wish to wait to place a deposit in person, they may do so at 6 weeks when the puppies are old enough for visits. There is no guarantee, however, that any puppies will be available by that time.