FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do you require a deposit?
Yes, we require a $500.00 non-refundable deposit to hold a puppy for you. The deposit will be rolled over to the following litter if pregnancy does not occur or there is not enough of the sex that you are on the list for. The earlier you turn in your deposit the better. Puppies are reserved in the order of which we receive the deposits.
2. What is the price of a puppy?
Please submit a puppy application or contact us for pricing. Our pricing reflects our commitment to producing and raising top quality puppies.
3. How does the puppy picking process work?
The picking process will be based off when we receive your deposit. For example- If you are the 3rd person to place a deposit for a male puppy on our Alabama/Finley litter then you will get the 3rd pick male from this litter. The picking process will begin around 6 weeks of age (after our week 6 video of the puppies has been posted). We know that not everyone is looking for the same thing in a dog (some may enjoy hiking and are looking for a more active dog...some families may be looking for a more laid back dog). We will break down the personality of each puppy in our weekly videos and share it with our puppy families. We will help guide you into picking the perfect pup for your family.
Majority of our puppies are spoken for before they are born so we recommend getting on our list early.
4. Where are you located?
We are located in Sherwood, Oregon.
5. Will I be able to watch my puppy grow?
YES!!! We love sharing pictures and videos of the pups. We post lots of videos so you can watch how each puppy's personality is developing. When the puppies are born we will place a different colored collar on each pup so you can identify them each week.
6. When will my puppy be able to come home?
All puppies can join their new families when they are 8 weeks old.
7. Do you offer training?
Yes, we offer a training package. There is a lot of time that goes into each puppy during the training process so space is limited. Please view our AKC Star Puppy page for details.
8. How do I get my puppy?
Many of our families are not close enough to pick up their puppy so we have several different options for your puppy to get to you.
a. PICK UP IN SHERWOOD- You are more than welcome to pick your puppy up from us at our home in Sherwood, OR.
b. PUPPY FLY IN CABIN WITH US- If you would like for your puppy to fly in cabin but do not want to make the trip then we have an option for you! We have someone who will fly with your puppy in cabin to the airport of your choice. You will meet them at your airport to pick up your puppy. You will be responsible for the round trip airfare and puppy ticket (just as if you were flying here) plus a $495 pet delivery fee. If you are interested in the option please let me know so we can make arrangements on our end.
c. PUPPY FLY IN CABIN WITH YOU- You can fly in to pick up your puppy then return back with your puppy in cabin with you. We have a delivery service listed below that can bring the puppy to the airport you choose. You will be responsible for plane ticket and carrier for your puppy. I will be more than happy to send you carrier options that we have used in the past.
We can bring your puppy to Portland International Airport.
d. DELIVERY- We offer a delivery service where your puppy can be brought to your home or wherever you desire. The puppy will not be around any other animals that are not Sleeman Family puppies. We do not like to use delivery services when the puppies have not been fully vaccinated. This is why we have the option to have our own personal delivery service. You can choose to meet half way or have them delivered to your home. Please contact us for a quote for this service.
9. What type of food do you feed your dogs?
We feed our puppies Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy
10. Do your puppies come with a health guarantee?
Yes, of course they do! Please email us for a copy of our contract for further information. You can also email us with any questions you may have about this.
11. Do your breeding dogs have health testing?
Yes. Our dogs have DNA genetic health testing.
12. What is "Limited Registration"?
Limited registration means the dog is registered but no litters produced by that dog are eligible for registration nor are they eligible to be entered in a breed competition in a licensed or member dog show. They are eligible to be entered in events such as hunting test, obedience, tracking and agility. Full registration available on a case by case basis to approved buyers (contact us for more information).
13. How are your puppies raised?
Our puppies are raised at home with us, not in the garage or a separate structure. We have plenty of space designated just for our puppies and their momma. We have a large, fully fenced yard so the puppies will have a safe confined area to play outside (when they are older...and under our supervision).
14. How can I get my name on the waiting list?
The process is easy. Fill out an application and we will review it. If you would like to talk on the phone then please email us your phone number and we will be more than happy to contact you.
15. What does it mean to "socialize" a puppy?
Research has shown that from the age of about four weeks puppies are capable of learning from their experiences and the more pleasant the experiences a puppy has before the age of 12 weeks, the more confident he or she will be in new situations. We know it is our responsibility to ensure that puppies are well handled and socialized during this time- and we take this process very seriously.
Here is a brief overview of what we will be doing with your puppy each week-- Please note this does not cover everything:
Week 1 and 2: Handled, cuddled, picked-up, and turned over, while gently being spoken to. This continues until the puppy goes to their new home to show that there is no such thing as a “no touch zone” for the puppy. We run our fingers through the puppy's gums, paws, and look in their ears (this will help when you take them to the vet).
Week 3: Start introducing the puppies to noise (vacuums, washer dryer, hair dryer, etc). This continues until they leave at 8 weeks old with new items always being introduced
Week 4: Introduced to the crate and start introducing new people and places (safely since they have not received all vaccines)
Week 5 and 6: Start potty training at night. Letting the puppies out twice a night to “go potty”. At 6 weeks old introduce car rides to help socialize the puppy and help prevent car sickness.
Week 7: Continue with potty training and introducing new people and situations. Also, introduce the leash at this time.
Week 8: Puppies join their new families!