Puppies are life long commitment so make sure you're prepared to give your new companion a loving, interactive home for the next 12-15 years....

   Freehaven puppies will have been examined by my veterinarian and will have received their first vaccination (certificate provided).  They will have been dewormed a couple of times.  I tattoo vs microchip (one or the other is required as identification) and a Canadian Kennel Club registration certificate will be provided at no extra cost.  All puppies comes with a guarantee in writing which covers any genetic defect for a period of two years ~ if for any genetic reason the puppy has to be euthanized you'll get a replacement (please read my contracts).  Also included is a 4-generation pedigree with pictures of the parents and an information booklet with feeding instructions, vaccination schedule, housebreaking and training tips, 6 weeks free pet insurance, etc.  My breeding stock all have the appropriate clearances.   The puppies are raised in our home to insure proper socialization and evaluation.  I'm are always available to answer any questions you might have after you take your puppy home.

2 boys from Brie and Cutter's first litter...

Things You'll Need.....

Cost of Owning A Dog.... 

First Year Costs....

When you are thinking of getting a puppy, many financial questions arise.  Aside from the cost to acquire the puppy, it's important to budget for the costs associated with caring for him.  The following guide will help you plan for your puppy's first year.  Your actual costs will vary depending on where you live and your personal preferences.

Basics: $500 ( and up).  Before your puppy comes home, you'll need:

  • Food (depending on brand) $25 - $58+

  • Treats $5 - $20

  • Stainless Steel Dishes $10 - $30

  • Collar and leash $25 -$50

  • Dog tag/license $20 - $50

  • Crate $100 - $250

  • Baby gate $45+

  • Toys $40 - $75

Health Care: $650 (and up):

  • Initial veterinary visit (prices widely vary between vets and location) $100 - $200

  • 2nd vaccination (puppy will already have had it's first set) $75 - $125

  • 3rd vaccination (includes rabies) $100 - $175

  • Neutering/spaying $350 - $500 ~ one time cost

  • Heartworm/flea/tic treatment $150 - $200 ~ yearly

  • Boosters $100 - $175 ~ yearly

Extras:  $400 (and up):

  • Grooming kit (slicker, brush, nail clippers) $75+

  • Training classes $50 - $300

  • Dog walker $10+ per walk

  • Boarding $20 - $50 per day

Surprises:  $100 (and up):

It's wise to budget for at least one surprise - from replacing chewed shoes to an unplanned trip to the vet's.  It is very strongly recommended that you have some level of pet insurance ~ vets these days have gone crazy with their pricing and it can get very expensive very quickly.  This is money well spent.

 

** A choke collar (nylon or chain)--for training.  DO NOT  leave a choke collar on an unattended dog as he might get caught on something and strangle.

** A 5' or 6' nylon or leather leash.  Don't get a chain leash, they are too hard on your hands.  Flexi leads are great also.  These are a self retracting lead that comes in two lengths, 16' or 26'.  Your dog can get a lot more exercise while going for a walk as he will sweep back and forth.  These are also a great training tool for when your are first teaching your pup to walk on a leash.  Snap it on and start walking, generally by the time you are 10' away from him, he'll come running to catch up to you.  If he hasn't come by the time you're at the end of the Flexi usually all you need is a gentle tug to get him started.  No need for a lot of yanking and pulling which could scare a young pup and could possibly hurt him.  

 ** A slicker brush a metal comb (Fine and Medium Tooth)  and nail cutters  .  Don't buy Hartz or Sergeant combs or cutters, they aren't very good quality.   ** A large or extra large size crate .  If you are going to get a metal crate  make sure the wire is close together so the pup can’t get it’s head caught in between and make sure the doors have two latches not just the one in the middle of the door...Crates are great as long as you use them correctly.  They are not to become a prison for your dog but a safe place of his own to be used when he can't be supervised.  If the pup is to be left alone all day, rather than crate him for 8-10 hours, an excellent place would be an indoor pen.  This would be 4'x8' minimum size and at least 4' high.  At one end put in a litter box to be filled with wood shavings (available from any farm supply) or kitty litter (the non clumping kind) about 2 1/2'x4', at the other end put his bed with some toys, and water and food dishes.  He should have an area to be able to look out, either wire or plexi-glass.  This will keep the pup from jumping up too much.  
**Stainless steel or crockery dishes, one for water and one for food.  Some dogs get a severe reaction to plastic dishes plus they are easy to chew up.   **Toys...anything made by Nyla-bone ...Gummi-bones for puppies...the Kongs ...ropes are ok but don’t play tug-of-war with your dog that could make your dog aggresive, it’s a dominance game...small balls are a no-no, they can be swallowed too easily...no rawhides, pig ears or hooves, some of them have been treated with dangerous chemicals, they get very slimey when the dogs chew them so they can choke easily on them and they stink...dogs will either play with a stuffed toy forever or will rip it up in 2 minutes, same thing with beds...  

Tilly's last litter at 3 weeks of age...