FAQs
Q: I've never purchased a dog over the
internet before, how does this work?
A: The internet makes buying a puppy directly from a breeder very convenient. It's worked out well for us since we've began advertising this way, we've been able to find some great homes for our pups all across the US as well as locally too.
If you find a pup you're interested in we have you pay a $200 non-refundable deposit to hold him/her until the pup is 8 weeks of age. [You will be picking out your puppy through pictures on the website/email.] The balance will be due after the puppy has been vet checked around 6 weeks of age. We use Paypal to collect payments or if you local you can pay with cash at pick-up.
Things get very busy when we have little puppies around but we try our best to make sure you get a picture of them when they are 2, 4 & 6 weeks of age if you reserve one early. We find these weeks to have the most noticeable changes. They can go to homes then at 8 weeks if flying otherwise 7 weeks if local.
We take care of all the necessary arrangements for you if you ship your pup. They are shipped via airlines, usually with either NWA or Continental. These airlines have treated our puppies very well in the past and we feel confident using them. The puppy will be vet checked no earlier than 10 days before flying and a valid USDA health certificate will be issued stating he/she is healthy to travel. We also have a few dates set-up when we will be available to take the pups to the airport. We'll book the pups flight on one of those days that works best for you to pick him/her up. The pup will arrive at your local international airport or the airline's cargo facility. You'll be given all the specific details after the flight is booked which is done 10 days prior.
Q: How do I know I'll actually receive a puppy once I pay for it?
A: We have included this question because we do get asked this occasionally. Certainly you should be careful when dealing with internet purchases. One main reason we encourage credit card [Paypal] payments is to let people know we're serious about what we do. No merchant would do business with us if we practiced "bad business." Be more cautious when dealing with people who will only accept money orders for payments. There are a lot of scams out there involving this form of payment and puppy purchasing. Paypal payments are your safest option.
Q: How do I hear about your future puppies?
A: Sign up for our email list, then you'll be one of the first to hear the news about new litters. You can do this on our home and puppy page.
Q: Do you have any health guarantee?
A: Yes, we have a 1 yr. congenital/hereditary health guarantee. Please read our sales contract for details on what's covered.
Q: What dogfood do you recommend?
A: Our Shiba puppies are on Nutrisource Small & Medium Breed Chicken & Rice puppy food. You can find a local dealer at www.nutrisourcedogfood.com or www.amazon.com to ship it to you. Puppies are fed this formula till 1 yr of age and then switched to Adult Chicken & Rice.
Q: Has any potty training been done?
A: Yes, we begin crate training them once old enough weather depending. We find crate training to be a very effective form of puppy training for our Shibas.
Q: Are they vaccinated?
A: Your new puppy will receive 1 puppy shot at 6 weeks of age. You'll be given a health record listing the vaccines and dates of wormings for you to pass on to your vet. You will want to follow through with another puppy shot at 9 & 12 weeks of age with your vet.
It's very important to know that puppies are not fully immunized to their greatest potential until they've had their 3rd puppy shot at 12 weeks of age if you stick with the regular schedule. You shouldn't socialize your new pup around strange dogs that may not have been immunized until then. Be careful when walking your dogs to avoid other dog waste during this time.
Q: Are the puppies socialized?
A: Yes, very much so. They are handled multiple times a day once they are old enough. Kids of all ages are playing with the puppies!
Q: What type of exercise do your adult dogs get?
A: Our adults have many acres to run and play in. Two-three of our adults are always found carousing at any given time throughout the day. We use Petsafe's Wireless Fence for their safety. I can't recommend it enough for your Shiba Inu even if you have a smaller yard.
Q: Are they good off-leash?
A: Some are, most aren't. You'll want to have some sort of fencing for your Shiba and plan on having them leashed when you are out. They love to get that nose sniffing and wonder off if you're not careful!
Your new puppy will also take some time getting used to the leash when you get him/her. We don't have the need to leash them here as young pups.
Q: Are they barkers?
A: Generally they are very quiet dogs. You will only hear from them if there's a good reason for it or if they're playing with you having a good time.
Q: Do they shed?
A: Yes, they are seasonal shedders. A good shedding tool and regular brushing works well for us during this time of year. Once the undercoat is shed completely, shedding is minimal and is controlled very well with a regular brushing now and then.
Q: Do they chew?
A: Yes, they are just like any other puppy in this regard. They will chew on anything they get their paws on until their permanent teeth are in. It's best to have lots of chew toys and bones for them during this time. Sometimes it works well to restrict them to certain areas of your home until this stage passes if you have a lot of expensive furniture.
Please contact us with any additional questions.
