FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the process to get a puppy?

Complete the puppy questionnaire
Roanwood German Shepherds will review your application and follow up with any questions etc.
Complete the deposit agreement and put down a deposit to be added to the waitlist.
Once the litter is born - Roanwood German Shepherds will confirm your spot for a puppy
Around 6 weeks of age puppies will be temperament tested and a puppy will be assigned to you based on your application.
Pick a name for your puppy. Puppy names will be registered as "Name" Von Roanwood for AKC Limited Registration.
Arrange for pickup of puppy (Puppies are able to go home at 8 weeks of age)
Once puppy is assigned at 6 weeks of age, if puppy is to be shipped final payment for puppy will be due.
Puppies will have their first vet visit between 6-7 weeks old.
Final Puppy contract will be signed.

How do I get money to you?

We accept deposits and final payments through Zelle & Square (Square charges a 3% service fee). We are not responsible for any fees incurred. We can also accept cash for final payment. Personal checks are not accepted for final payment. Please send the balance of your puppy at 6 weeks of age if you plan to ship your pup vs. an in person pickup. In person pickups can pay in cash when they arrive to get their puppy from us.

How does your deposit work and is it refundable?

When you are ready to get on our waitlist, we require a non-refundable $500 deposit. The deposit is transferable to another litter of your choice should something come up.
Your deposit is good with us for up to one year.
The deposit will solidify your place in line for the litter. I may take one or two deposits for working males or females per litter, and I may also take one or two deposits for pet home male or female per litter. We place our puppies based on temperament tests to determine working home or pet home based on the drives that the puppy is showing.

How will I get my puppy?

We have had good luck with shipping puppies to their new families using a flight nanny service. Shipping is available for an extra fee. Our puppies do well with their flights and usually jump out ready to meet their people. Another option that has worked well in the past is when people fly here themselves to pick their puppy up and fly back with the pup in cabin with them.
In person pickups are welcomed and encouraged!

Should you crate your dog?

Crating of your puppy is highly recommended. It is great to start a foundation while they are young, even if you do not plan on continuing to crate them as they get older. It is much easier to train a young puppy to become accustomed to a crate than it is to train an older dog.
Crating will aid with potty training. We all know that you can’t dedicate each second of the day to the puppy. Placing them in an appropriately sized crate will give you a little time to do the things you need to get done.
Crating will also give them a place to go when they are feeling a little overwhelmed. The crate is their room. When trained appropriately, they will routinely go to their room to relax and nap.
Crating your dog is not a punishment! It is a safe place for them to go so they don’t chew anything up or destroy something when you are not home.
We do not recommend putting any bedding in the crate with the puppy. We feel the benefits do not outweigh the risks (chewing bedding/eating bedding/obstruction). Please do not put anything other than chew proof toys in the crate with your pup.

You have decided to purchase a puppy. What equipment will you need?

Collar: Your puppy will need a collar. Get one that will fit appropriately.
Leash: I prefer a regular type of leash. Usually 4-6 feet in length. You can utilize a flex-leash for potty training, but I would not use it for walking your dog.
Crate: There are many different kinds of crates. I would stay away from a fabric style crate. You will find out quickly that your puppy can destroy that one really quickly. Wire crates also do not contain our puppies for very long. Smart puppies figure out how to get out of those pretty quickly. Best is hard plastic or metal crates.
Food: Currently we feed our puppies Inukshuk. We use the Royal Canin German Shepherd Dog food for training treats. You can purchase these brands from Chewy. We do not require you keep your puppy on that food but do recommend you get a small bag of it to make sure your puppy doesn’t get an upset tummy from switching foods too abruptly. We do NOT recommend grain free foods at this time due to the possible connection between those kinds of foods and heart issues in dogs. We feel it is better to err on the side of caution and chose a food with grain until the veterinary community can figure out what the exact link between the food and the health issues is. Avoid foods with peas, legumes, or potatoes as the main ingredients.

How often should I feed my puppy?

We recommend feeding your puppy three times per day. This smaller amount is easier on your puppy. Feeding your puppy too much can sometimes cause diarrhea. As time goes on, you can switch to two feedings per day. I always start with a half cup per feeding and gradually increase it as needed. You will know if you are feeding your puppy too much if your pup’s stools are not firm. You may need to back off the amount you are feeding a bit until you figure out the correct amount for your puppy.

What diet do you feed your puppies?

Puppies are currently being fed Inukshuk you can purchase Inukshuk via Chewy.com or if you are local Roanwood German Shepherds is also an Inukshuk dealer.
Puppies are also fed Royal Canin German Shepherd Dog food as training treats.

How much water does my dog need?

Do not leave water down for your puppy to drink whenever they are thirsty while they are learning to potty train. Instead, give them water multiple time throughout the day. Obviously potty training is an important part of your new puppy. Controlling their water intake until they understand the proper place to potty will aid in this endeavor.
I would establish a routine depending on your schedule. For instance, I would not give my new puppy any water after 7pm. As long as I have given them plenty of water throughout the day, this will not hurt them and give you more opportunity to sleep longer.

How often should I work my puppy?

I recommend working your puppy a couple of times per day. I generally keep my sessions short. Roughly 3-5 minutes per session. This will give your puppy some physical/mental exercise and will help tire your puppy out, giving you more freedom.

What should I do with my puppy if I am not home?

Crate the dog! As we discussed above, crates are not abusive. They are a safe place for your puppy to stay while you are away so they do not eat/destroy your property and potentially injure themselves.

Should I take my puppy to the dog park?

NO
Dog parks are routinely not regulated. You don’t know if the other dogs are properly vaccinated, are dog aggressive, toy aggressive, or people aggressive. Most people don’t even know their own dogs well enough to know. Many times people go to the dog parks to tire their dogs out and aren’t even watching their dogs.
I have seen dogs get bullied and injured at dog parks. Things can happen in the blink of an eye. Why subject your puppy to that?
Sick dogs routinely go to the dog park. Giardia, Coccidia, Parvo, and other viruses live there. Your puppy can get the virus by stepping in feces. Once again, not a fan of dog parks for that reason alone!

When should I start training?

Although the best training is with a Professional Trainer, all training starts at home.
Training can start the day you get your puppy. Realistically, it will be best to wait a day to let your puppy acclimate properly. Starting training early will also help build a better bond between you and your puppy.
All training starts with positive reinforcement. Most of the time that will be food. Give your puppy a piece of food or treat when they do something good. This will encourage good behavior.
Most training usually starts with Potty Training…

How to do you start Potty Training?

The best way to potty train your puppy is to never allow it the opportunity to go to the bathroom in your home. That is easier said than done.
Never allow your puppy out of your sight.
Remember that they have very small bladders and will have to go frequently depending on how much water you give them. On average, I try and get them out every two hours in the beginning. As time goes on, increase the amount of time between potty sessions.
Limit water intake! Do not leave a bowl of water down for your puppy to drink whenever it wants. Give them plenty of opportunities to drink throughout the day. Remember that they will have to potty after drinking or eating! When you get them out of their crate, pick them up and take them straight outside to potty first. When they wake up from a nap, do the same thing. This will help you control their potty sessions.
Praise them when they go potty outside! Give a treat, play with them, etc. Unless of course it’s at 2 am, then you will be desperately trying to not make eye contact in hopes your pup will go back to bed.
If they do not go potty, bring them back inside but watch them. After a couple of minutes, go back outside. This will usually help them to go. Oftentimes they get distracted when they go outside and will not go initially. Coming back inside will trigger the potty response as they are no longer stimulated by new smells.
I would establish a routine depending on your schedule. For instance, I would not give my new puppy any water after 7pm. As long as I have given them plenty of water throughout the day, this will not hurt them and give you more opportunity to sleep longer.

Limited vs. Full Registration with AKC

All puppies are sold on LIMITED AKC registration (no breeding rights). Registration can be amended to FULL Registration upon Buyer providing proof to Seller of ALL the following requirements being met:
Puppy has reached the age of 24 months
Puppy has received OFFICIAL hip and elbow ratings considered “passing” and free of dysplasia via the OFA (hips must be fair, good, or excellent and elbows normal) or German SV a stamp program (must be normal or fast normal)

Health Tests for Adult Dogs

Our dogs are health tested. Their hips and elbows are certified through USA registries OFA or PennHIP, or overseas in Europe through FCI, SV, or Czech rating system. They are also DNA tested for Degenerative Myelopathy.

Do you have a hip guarantee?

We have a limited 12 month joint guarantee. You as the buyer must agree to maintain preventative care of the puppy/dog in regards to hip/elbow dysplasia. Proper nutrition, weight, age appropriate exercise, and preventing stress injuries is important to fulfilling your end of the agreement. If the dog develops hip or elbow dysplasia (confirmed by x-rays from a competent licensed veterinarian of mutual agreement), I will replace the dog as soon as possible with a replacement of equal value at the time of purchase. I reserve the right to request an x-ray of the dog at a veterinarian of my choosing and that the x-ray be sent to a board certified veterinary radiologist or other veterinarian of my choice. It is NOT necessary to return your original puppy/dog to us in the event a replacement puppy is given to you. For this guarantee to remain in effect, the puppy must be maintained at a lean, healthy weight and remain unaltered until at least the age of 12 months. Spaying and neutering your dog is a personal choice and may be necessary due to unforeseen reasons. Studies have shown altering your dog prior to reaching maturity increases chances of joint malformation. If your puppy has been altered prior to the age of twelve months due to your preference and a joint issue arises, we will not offer a replacement puppy.

When are your puppies ready to go home?

Our puppies are ready to leave at 8 weeks old. It is important for them to learn as much as they can from both their mothers and littermates during this time.

Do you have a health guarantee?

We have a limited 72 hour health guarantee per below contract information.
State of Health: To the best of my knowledge and belief at the time of sale, the health and temperament of the dog is excellent. The required vaccinations, dewormings, and health examinations are as indicated on the health record. I advise the Buyer however, to have the dog examined by a licensed veterinarian of the Buyer’s choosing within 72 hours after receipt of dog. I recommend that you take a stool sample with you. If the veterinarian finds the dog to be in poor health, the dog must be immediately returned to me at the expense of Buyer, for a refund of the monies paid minus deposit, unless other arrangements are mutually agreed upon. If Buyer chooses to keep the puppy, no replacement will be given and all medical costs and treatments are the sole responsibility of the Buyer. Failure to see a veterinarian within 72 hours will void all guarantees.
NOTE: This guarantee does NOT cover eye defects that can be reversed or treated, allergies, undescended testicles, umbilical hernia, dermatitis, and skin conditions that are treatable. Seller will NOT replace a puppy due to heat stroke, abuse/neglect, improper socialization or improper exercise regiment's that cause lameness issues. Buyer agrees that they have thoroughly researched the German Shepherd Breed, and understand the many health issues they can possess. Buyer is responsible for all medical costs of their puppy. (No refund will be given). This guarantee covers only the original Buyer and is not transferable.

What is ENS?

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) is a process we started doing that introduces mild stresses to very young puppies in a controlled way. These stresses help stimulate the neurological system which improves the growth and development of the pup's immune system, cardiovascular system, and stress tolerance.

Do you have any Logo apparel?

Yes we sell Roanwood German Shepherd apparel.

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