Purchasing a Puppy

I want to purchase a puppy, what do I do next?

1. Come in person or call. 
Once you have selected the puppy you want to purchase, give Wyatt a call at 319-759-4221 and let him know which pup you want.

2. Deposit. 
A $250 transferable but non-refundable deposit (cashier’s check, money order, or Paypal). Please note, when using Paypal there is an added 3% convenience fee.

3. Pick up or delivery.
Decide whether you want to drive to pick up your puppy or if you would like to have the puppy shipped to you.

4. Pay the balance.
The balance must be paid in full before a puppy leaves for their new home and/or delivery arrangements are made.  All puppies that are picked up in Iowa are subject to a 7% sales tax. Please note, when using Paypal there is an added 3% convenience fee.

Puppy & What?

Everyone asks, “What comes with my puppy”, like they are buying a kit or something. But, I believe what they are asking is if they are going to get anything when they get their pup. Here is a list of what you can expect to receive when you get your new family member:

• Certificate of Health from a licensed veterinarian;
• Bill of Sale that includes a list of all vaccinations and deworming your puppy has received along with the date that they were given;
• Copy of the signed Warranty & Agreement, which is a one year guarantee against congenital defects;
• Sample of Nutrisource puppy food;
• Baby blanket;
• Chew stick

What to expect when my new puppy comes home

Your puppy will be just a couple months old when he transitions to his new home with you. It may take some time to adjust as everything will be new such as smells, lighting, routine, his “family”, feeding schedule, etc. This will be the perfect time for you to bond as you are introducing him to his new environment. Plan to spend lot of play time and cuddle time as he learns you are his and he is yours.

FEEDING: Your pup will be weaned, eating dry dog food, and drinking water by the time he goes to his new home. We feed and recommend NutriSource Puppy Food. You will get a sample of this food and we suggest you begin feeding with this sample. If you decide to change the food, a high quality, small breed puppy food is recommended for at least the first year. Should you decide to change brands, start by mixing the new food in with the NutriSource to make the change easier on his tummy.

SLEEP: A puppy will play hard, but also needs a lot of sleep and quiet time. Make sure that he has time alone each day to rest.

DISCIPLINE: It is important that everyone in the household is on the same page and follow the same rules that have been decided for your new pup. If everyone has their own set of rules, or just wants to spoil him when no one else is around, it will make learning harder. If you can all be on the same page with rules, it will be better for all involved.

Keep your puppy in a crate when unattended to prevent mischief and for safety.

POTTY TRAINING: There are a lot of good potty training suggestions on the internet. I would suggest doing some research to figure out what will work best for you, your life-style, and your pup. It is very important that everyone in the family understand what your potty training plan is and follow it to a T to get the best results. Timing and routine are both key here!

TRAINING: You are in charge and you will need to be one step ahead of your pup at all times. Before your pup comes home, research training techniques and decide what is best for your new family member. Is it reading a book on training? Puppy Kindergarten? Classes your veterinarian clinic may offer? Talking to your neighbor (who may have three dogs, but all out-of-control and rule the household)? Or a friend who has a very obedient and loving dog that you would love for your dog to emulate? We suggest checking out a variety of different techniques. The more you can learn, the better off you will be. There is not just one way that works to get a result. Dogs have different personalities just like people, and what works with one, may not work as well with another.

Remember that puppies are full of energy and need to learn what is acceptable behavior. They have a chewing instinct. Make sure you have a few different chew toys for your new pup so you can switch them up so they don’t get bored. If your pup starts chewing on something inappropriate such as a shoe, redirect him to a chew toy or something that is acceptable for him to chew. They learn quickly so make sure they are learning good behaviors.

Think of your new pup like you would a new baby human. They need to be kept an eye on at all times, they need a lot of sleep and quiet time, and they eat, drink, and poop/pee. Growing up takes time so be patient as he grows and learns.

Make sure he has the proper size crate that will become his “safe space”. This area will be where your pup will go when it’s nap time, bedtime, and when you are gone. The crate should be a happy place, not a punishment.

VETERINARY CARE: Find a veterinarian that will care for your new pup. Although the pup will be up-to-date on vaccines and deworming for his age when you receive him, he will need additional immunizations and vaccines. When you take your puppy to the vet for the first time for his well-puppy visit, set up a schedule and ask the vet for any suggestions or get any questions answered while you are there.

Do NOT take your new pup to a puppy park or any heavy traffic areas (especially where there are a lot of other dogs) until he is current with all immunizations (around 4 months) to help prevent disease.