I do
get a lot of emails per month and some about the same questions.To make my life a little less complicated and not having to repeat myself or using the copy & paste method
I find this page one of the best pages attributes that I have come up with.
Many of your questions can be found here, others can be on found on the Policies page and clicking each subject that you maybe interested in.
These are questions and answers to some of the most common questions that I get asked.
I refer to this page often and also use these FAQ's as guidelines when a question or a problem arises.
Do you have puppies available? Puppies are not always available. Usually, the females will come in heat together and thus you find our litters are usually born around the same time. The best way to find out if we have puppies available is to click on the puppy’s available page. I try to up date that page as often as possible.
Our females are just reaching breeding age or soon will reach breeding age.
Are your dogs AKC Registered? Yes, all my dogs are AKC registered. Some are AKC Champions.
Do you breed sables, roans and merles?
Yes, I do breed these coat types. But my color choice has always been with open marked parti colors such as black/white, black/white/tan and red/white
I do have solids but not very often.
If I have solid colors I usually have buff and possibly a black/tan a time or two.
I do not breed for black or brown but occasionally might have a puppy every once in a while.
We do have mismark parti colors every now and again.
That is because we breed solid to parti.
I once was told that those that think out of the box have the most success - quote by another well known show breeder. Mismarks are usually the first ones that are placed because many people like the feet with white socks!
I do breed sables both parti's and solids.
Sables are not currently allowed in the confirmation ring and
when it does become allowed I will probably breed them more often.
I tend to breed more sable/white than sable solid.
There are two sable/white kids out Ch. Harmony's Phantom Of The Opera who have
finished in Canada in 2010 and Keystone's Haulin' Ash who was brought from me is currently showing in Canada 2010.
I do plan on having my sables shown in Canada.
I do breed roans but will have limited roan puppies available as that is not my coat pattern of choice, those that would be available most likely will be
out of Shazam aka CH CVJ's N Aj's Can't Buy Me Love.
I might have one litter a year of roans maximum.
I suggest if you are wanting a roan, to get put on the list and put a deposit down on the color and sex you are wanting.
I also have been known to breed merles and I am very well educated about this coat type.
I do try to breed for open marked merles with blue eyes and tan points.
I do not usually breed for the solid merles only parti merles.
If you go back to the original page that got you here you can click on the Merles page to read more about them.
I do very limited merle breedings as now do not own any adult merles but am growing up some 2-3rd generation merle babies.
I might have 1 litter a year of merles and some times I don't have none for 2 or more years.
Currently since I don't have any merle adults we have no up coming litters.
I believe I have quality merles for the most part, most are bred to champions or go back to champion pedigree's. I have been informed by many merle breeders that they can point out my merles above others.
I definitely think I have improved on the merles that I have produced that are out there.
Some merles lines have come a long way.
Many breeders have came to me to acquire about merles so they to can produce nice merles.
It is not about the money as my merles are no higher priced than the other cocker puppies are available.
This is a big myth that merle puppies sell for much higher at times I have sold them for less than other pups.
I do try to produce merle puppies when I have a litter that are as close to standard as possible.
Many show people have merles at their homes even the 2008 breeder of the year had a couple merles and breed but do not tell friends about them and hide behind the
fact they have them so they can look better to their peers and down grade those of us who have them.
Having merles is a right and down grading people because we have them is wrong.
If you do not like merles please keep your comments to yourself and do not email me about them.
Spay and Neuter?
I don't require that you spay or neuter but do provide a brochure on spay and neutering on my purchase agreement.
I do not believe that a breeder has the right to make you spay or neuter your pet or put it in any contract.
Although I believe this way-many others are all about Spay and Neuter.
I believe that is your choice to spay and neuter but that does not mean that I recommend breeding or believe my dogs should be bred
or can produce, please see our purchase agreement and puppies information pages.
There is no question in some cases that spaying or neutering your pets can be good and also bad, there are pros and cons to this
and I recommend talking to your vet about this and on what the appropriate age for this surgery.
Some say neutering reduces territorial markings and excessive aggression.
Some say after spaying and neutering that they turn their attention and affection towards their owners.
There are many local, county and state laws stating that you must spay and neuter your pet.
Each year more laws go in place by government.
Many communities have low-cost spay and neuter programs that make surgery affordable.
Do you have a waiting list to have one of your puppies? On some litters there are waiting lists a mile long and others not so many. Depending on the color and sex of the puppy you are looking for will determine where on the list you will be placed. If you would like to be put on a waiting list all you have to do is email me. Describe what color you are looking for and what sex. Please also tell me a little about you and your life style as well as phone number with the best time to call you. If you put a non refundable deposit down to hold a puppy out of a litter and the litter does not produce that exact color or sex you have choices. You have a choice to pick out another puppy out of that litter or wait for another litter of equal quality, but it has to be a puppy that is not already taken by another party- breeder has right to choose what puppy as it will not be one that I am keeping for myself.
Or you can wait till the last puppy in the litter is sold and receive a refund for your deposit. Ha
Hair and cocker?
Cockers have bred for years to have abundance of coat because having coat has become socially correct.
Back in the 1960-70-s the coat use to not look this way as many cockers they looked like a slick coated cocker with little hair.
Because of this there is a possibility of having a puppy with a slick coat no matter what the parents
look like because of genetics behind the puppy that goes back generations.
There are many coat types in cockers.
You have the curly hair, you have the fine straight hair and you can the very thick hair.
These are to name a few.
Also it is known like a baby, puppies have puppy hair.
It is much different than adult hair.
Puppies tend to have a slick look and loose their hair
and then the new adult hair grows in.
Just like in puppy teeth, they loose their teeth and the new ones grow in.
Some puppies have very little hair as pups but again the coat at about 6 months old.
Some lines mature earlier than others and some later than others.
It pretty much is the same thing with the coat.
Looking at a puppy with little or no coat will not tell you if that puppy will have coat later on.
Blowing coat in cockers is another issue we have as a breed.
It is noted that Ascobs tend to blow or show signs of more coat loss than any other variety.
Therefore having the judges that judge Ascobs look at the dog itself besides the fact of the coat factor.
Can you take more photos?
I get asked this question all the time and the more that I get this question asked the more I get upset. I do not think the public understands what is involved in taking photos and why take photos when we do. I believe that if you are going to take photos the puppies should be well groomed and clean.
I will not just pick up a puppy and start clicking the camera. That is NOT going to happen.
The photos I take of my puppies/dogs represents me and I do not want less than what I would expect myself out there.
I try to up date puppy photos every 2 to 3 weeks as it is.
Usually after the puppies have their eyes open is when I like to start.
I also do not like taking photos when the puppies are older as stated below it take a lot of time to do them.
At this point I usually already have side shots of the body and head shots, puppies really do not change that much.
When I take photos of puppies I take photos usually of the WHOLE litter not just one puppy!
It would be pure stupidity if I did only one puppy.
The first step in my process of taking photos is grooming.
It is not fun to be all hairy and only groom one puppy. With this said all of the litter gets groomed.
Have you ever tried holding a puppy that will not sit still. It is a nightmare at times.
You can not rush this process because they remember the clippers this step is time consuming.
You do not want the puppy to be scared of clippers because cockers have a life of being clipped.
It is NOT just a five minute type of thing. Younger puppies under 8 weeks it might take 20 minutes a puppy.
Older one it takes almost 45 minutes to an hour.
It is not just clipper work, but all scissor work as well. Cutting toe nails and cleaning ears.
When I groom I do it all, not just half ass.
After I am done grooming it is time to tear off my clothes and jump into the shower and start a load of laundry.
Because you do not want to groom a puppy and not give them a bath as it will give them a burn.
You can not groom one day and the next day give them a bath.
Have you went and got your hair cut and when you are done you are itchy. Same thing in dogs!
Giving them a bath is next.
I have different soaps for different puppies including puppy shampoo.
Some times it seems like they given me a bath instead of the other way around.
Washing per puppy is 30 minutes. That does not included dry time. Again older puppies take longer!
When you have the whole litter of puppies you need to have extra hands with means family help!
Next is poop duty. As soon as you set the puppy down I don't know what it is but the puppies poop.
Walking around with paper towels and trying to place it under their butts so they don't walk in it or get them nasty.
Now by that this time I am so tired.
We have to get photos. It is all about the lighting. Is it sun shine, windy, or raining.
You can just take a puppy outside and expect a good picture. That is not going to happen.
Many people can take pictures of things but to capture the puppy and in the correct light is HARD!
Why do you think I have some great photos. Because it takes alot of time and you really need to have an eye for it.
I usually take about 20 + photos per puppy with maybe 2 or 3 turning out.
I have to down load the photos to the computer. Waiting for this to happen seems like forever.
Then I need to crop them to size.
I then go into my website program and put all of the puppy photos up for the whole litter.
Doing this is an all day task.
Taking photos of older puppies which I call my teenager is very time consuming.
Even after taking a picture a month earlier there is always someone wanting another picture of the puppy.
After the puppy reaches about six months of age taking a photo a month later is not going to show you any more change.
How did you learn to Groom:
I went to Wal-Mart many years ago and got a pair of $30.00 clippers.
The reason I did that was because I was tired of taking my Cocker Gizmo to the groomers and paying that price
because it felt like ever month I was there, I figured there had to be a cheaper way of doing that.
That was when I bought the clippers. I did find out that those clippers where not the best, the blades never stayed sharp
the clippers were very loud and the dogs were kinda scared of them.
That is when I bought a semi professional pair of clippers.
I have been self taught how to groom watching dogs at dog shows being groomed, looking at photos ect.
I must admit some of puppies look pretty cute clipped, some not so pretty.
The top knot and the bells of the feet have always given me grief.
Some puppies they stay still longer, allowing me to do a better job others want to move the whole time.
I am not a professional by no means and I don't claim to be.
I am still learning how to do a correct cocker cut and still in the process of learning to trim show dogs.
I am learning what products to use and what not to use as well.
There is a link to a DVD by Jodi Murphy that I suggest any Cocker owner to get.
Do you keep them all in coat?
As we are talking about my Cockers and their coats I would like to add that my cockers are not all kept in coats!
That right, mine are all shaved down into what is called a 10 blade.
We do this with each and everyone of my cockers in March and allow them to grow the coats back out.
Usually, we cut them one last time in July and August as well.
We call this our summer shave down.
Why do we do this because for starters it is just so dang hot outside, try going outside and having a fur coat on.
Doing this allows them to grow enough coat back for the winter months to come.
I must admit that this is not very pretty looking on a cocker. Pretty naked.
Also, have to admit that I am very bad at cutting them down and they look like they have had a chop job!
Some hair missing from here and some missing from there, extra hair here and there.
I find it much easier keeping a show dog in a proper cut than shaving them down.
I am not going for the pretty look as I don't think they look appealing to the eye in this type of short coat.
I am going for the clean, care free, less coat/hot, easy maintance.
Many breeders put their dogs in this cut.
It seems to allow the undercoat to breath for a bit.
Also because it is clipped down so short it allows to deep clean the coat and skin.
Plus, with the ears are able to breath better as well because of the short clip.
Although, I keep everyone cut down throughout the summer months I do keep a
couple in coats as I maybe growing them out for whatever reason, maybe to take a photo
or for a up coming dog show ect.
But again, for the most part they are shaved down.
What colors of puppies will you have? Depending on which Female is bred to which Male I will have a rough idea of what is to be expected from that breeding.
I usually am on target with what colors I am expecting from two bred cockers. Puppies and their coloring and freckles.
Puppies who are Parti's including mismarked solids do tend to get freckles.
Sometimes it is a lot of freckles and sometimes it is only a few.
Sometimes it is so many that it seems their colors blend.
Usually you will find most of the freckles and blending on the face, head, ears and legs.
One day they will not be present and another day they will be there. They can get freckles and blending way up into adulthood.
Some of our puppies might be born blk/white or tri and turn roan or red/white might turn roan.
We are not a crystal ball and can not tell you were the freckles will be, when the freckles will come if any, and who will get freckles. Solids
Puppies who are solid in color as well can change in color.
For instance, a silver that is born might turn into a lighter buff.
A light buff might turn into a darker buff, a dark buff might turn into a red.
A black might turn into a sable or a blk/tan.
Some puppies born solids do tend to gain white and became mismarks.
Usually you will see white on the face, neck and feet.
On any color or coat type we can not tell you what color your puppies eyes will stay or turn.
Staining- some of our puppies do have some yellow staining on them if they are white.
Due to the puppies walking through their own feces and other littermate's feces. We try to prevent this by cleaning on a constant basis and washing.
But puppy hair sucks up anything that it touches it. NOTE puppies usually shed their coats and the yellow will fade eventually with constant washing.
That is not that big of a problem.
Also puppies coats will tend to have oily ears and hair some times, that is due to dog food.
Puppies tend to get puppy food everywhere, they lay in their bowls, play with bowls and play with other puppies
that may have oily hair.
Again, we wash the puppies on a constant basis to prevent this.
We can only tell you what color your puppy is at the time you decided to put your money down or purchase a puppy
it does not mean that the puppy will stay that color.
Please note, if you are buying a puppy from us their maybe changes in your puppy from day to day, week to week and even month to month.
Puppies change and we have no control over that.
Where are you located? We are located on a farm. A small knit community of a couple hundred people, where the kids out weight the adults. A school where you know all your classmates by name and size is no more than 30. A town centered on academic and sports just like the movie Friday Night Lights. A farming community where you will see Corn and Bean fields as far as you can see in all directions. Cows and Horses grazing in a pasture. In this part of the country there is not house on top of house here. The neighbors will wave when they drive by and if you are doing something stop and ask if you need help. The County Fair is where everyone is at during the summer with all their prize winning animals, the smell of freshly made baked goods and country music playing in the background. Going to Town is going to the Village Inn (cafe) and chatting with the locals. The freedom of being by yourself and hearing you breathe instead of hearing the busy noises of city life.
Our town does not have a grocery store or gas station that is how big it is.
A post office and a cafe/bar is about it in this town.
To get to the nearest big town to do shopping is approx 30 plus minutes away.
If you are looking on a map the closest major town is Sioux City, Iowa which is on most major United States Maps and is easy to find.
Are your dogs healthy? I try my best to produce healthy happy puppies as possible. I provide my dogs with Purina brand products it is one of the best dog foods that I know is out there. We also use supplements for our dogs. As vet care goes I provide medical attention on all dogs and puppies no matter what the cost and if I have to go without something I will. Since most of my dogs are shipped there is a Health Certificate done on the puppies and that provides both parties that the puppy is healthy at the time of sale or transfer of the puppy. My dogs are like my children they are first in line. Seeing health problems at the first sign is very important to me. Learning what health problems are allows me to better my dogs in the long run. If a health problem is found at a later date it is great to learn about that health issue, some times if the problems are not brought to the attention of the breeder how is one to fix the issue.
We are not no crystal ball and we can't fore see any health issues in the future we can tell you what health issues we have had in the past with two dogs and go from there.
We do try our hardest to make sure our puppies are health and do tons of pedigree research to find out what lines have what and try not to double up on those issues cause we all know
cockers in general have a long laundry list of possible health problems.
The puppies that we have here do occasionally have ear problems such as ear mites, yeast and/or ear infections only because at this young of age the puppies tend to get puppy food everywhere on their body. Even with constant washing the puppies and wiping out their ears they still tend to get dirty.
We go a step further and cut the hair near their ear so the puppies can have proper ear ventilation.
Most ear cleaner say you can use on puppies but NOT under 16 weeks of age.
Because the puppies are under 16 weeks of age we do not use ear cleaners as recommended.
We do ask you to continue to wipe out the ears, keep the hair near the ear kept cut back.
Start using ear cleaning products as soon as they are 16 weeks of age. Breeding dogs is not like a factory and everyone is not perfect and without defects. Humans have flaws and we have no guarantees that any of us will be healthy for our entire life and die of a ripe old age. We do not have a crystal ball that we will know the out come. We have children that are born that look fine one day and are deadly ill the next. Humans rarely do genetic testing to make sure they are a match before they produce and can live at time to be very young or over 100 yrs old.
As a breeder I do some genetic testing and I pick and choose who I believe should be bred to whom.
Just like humans there are no guarantees that the dog you choose will die of old age. No crystal ball. All living creatures are subject to the laws of nature!
No matter what type of breed of dog they are at risk for some type of defects.
I got my papers but I can't find them? People do loose AKC papers just like anything else you put it down and then will return later. The dog might of got a hold of it, the children might of drawn on it or you might of thrown it away. I can replace your papers for you, by requesting a duplicate copy of your paper through AKC. It will take about 7 -10 days after they receive my request to do anything with the request. It does take some time. If you need new AKC papers the fee for that is $25.00 through AKC which needs to be sent to me and then I will send it off to AKC with my written request and proper paperwork. I also on top of that charge a $30.00 handling fee to process your request. Total cost is $50.00 replacement fee.
We will only go back 1 year in our paper process, any puppy that is not registered after 1 year
will not get any type of AKC papers and no refund will be issued as it is your responsibility to get your papers on your dog.
No matter if I tell you that you will have your papers in this time frame or that. Some times people do need a reminder so call and ask NICELY to
see if I have the papers for you. I to do forget some things. .
Why are your puppies more expensive? My puppies are more expensive than those that you might find in the local newspaper because the cost is more. I am trying to produce pet quality puppies and some show puppies. The cost of having a litter of puppies is much greater when you put a lot of work into a litter, as well as insuring proper care of the puppy with the best products out there. The pedigree's behind our puppies are very nice as well. I spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars just for my males and females. I am not just putting two dogs together and getting my kicks from them having a litter of puppies.
We have a lot of over head costs:
Because of the state we live in with anyone owning more than 3 intact dogs you have to be licensed that cost is 200.00 per year.
There is also building materials to have a kennel. Just our kennel alone the cost is roughly 25,000 for our building.
Then the cost to own a bigger vehicle to either ship the puppies so we can have crate with plenty of room and to have crate to fit in for showing.
We also have our electric and water bill so the dogs have ample of fresh water, cleaning of kennels and A/C and Heat when needed.
Grooming tools such as clippers, driers, strippers, tables, ect.
Crates we do own a couple xpens and crates either to have our show puppies in them or crates for transporting to and from shows or to the vet.
Cleaning supplies such as cleaners, brooms, mops, dust pans, paper towels, newspapers, chemicals.
Medicine such at vet care and monthly meds like Frontline Plus and Heart Worm Meds.
The parents themselves have a value associated to them.
Some dogs I have paid from 1000- 3500.00 just depends on which dog plus just like the new pet owner shipping on top of that.
Showing fees are not cheap at all usually it is $10.00 a day for boarding and then you have entry fees, traveling cost, grooming fees, and showing fees $70+ depending on which type of show.
So, that is just some of the reasons why the cost is so high, the cost to have the puppies and try to break even is high.
When at the end of the year and when you write down what we have spent - we are a couple grand in the whole then some.
On top of that I give many cockers away to friends, family, breeders and those with special needs.
When we look for a retirement home for our adults we place them for next to nothing but find that perfect home.
Our Right to Refuse
I had bought a dog or puppy but you decided not to sell the puppy to me after placing a deposit or full payment.
We have the right to refuse sale to any puppies/dogs or provide services to any person at any time for any
reason even if you have placed a deposit on a puppy/dog or payment in full.
Some of the reasons for this are to include but not limited to.
Puppy didn't clear health certificate, do not think puppy is ready to go, health issues, attachment issues, decided we want to keep.
Including finding information that was not disclosed prior to the sale or during the sale process, like you say you
have two dogs and you have 10, ect...
For any reason we decided to not sell you a puppy or dog your deposit or payment in full
will be returned to you.
If you bought a puppy, once the litter of puppies has been sold we will refund your money.
If you purchased an adult, the money will be returned to you with in 12 weeks from our written notice to you that we will be returning your money.
Why cant I come and see the puppies instead of meeting you? WE DO NOT ALLOW PEOPLE TO COME OVER TO HOUSE PERIOD!!!
We are not trying to hide anything and we are state licensed and inspected and inspected by AKC, including a lic. vet.
Inspections happen on a yearly basis.
We have two reasons as of to why. 1. In order to cover our kennel building incase of fire, storm, ect and our vehicles including the puppies/dogs traveling to the airport or taking a puppy to the vet.
We had to have commercial insurance as regular home owners insurance did not have have a rider to add to the policy they do not even offer that.
Not only does it cover the vehicles, it covers the dogs, the equipment used for the dogs, grooming equipment, building, pretty much everything for them.
We are not a commercial kennel but basic home owners insurance companies will not cover dog breeding even if you have 3 dogs.
We tried as we had State Farm Insurance for our home owners insurance for 15 yrs and they didn't even have a rider for any policy.
We finally found a farm insurance called Ag Max through Farm Bureau hours away that could cover kennels.
I believe there are tons of people that are breeding dogs out there that could possibly be effected just like us.
If they were to possibly mention breeding to their insurance agent or where they house their dogs
their home owners insurance could possibly be cancelled and be in the same boat we were once.
I only see this as the start of insurance companies not covering breeding as so many laws are being put in motion about breeding.
Because of this new insurance we had to jump many hurtles just to get it and one of the clause is not having people on the property as it is HUGE liability
for possible dog bites, accident such as a fall or what not
The more people you bring to the property the more chance something will happen.
After seeing how insurance companies operate during finding insurance
more than one -two claims a year can cause them to cancel you.
Especially with a new policy. I had to show them the 2nd reason which is listed below to show them I clearly state no visitors and the reasons being.
So with that said this is one of the reasons we do not allow people on our property,
It took many months to get this insurance and do not wish to loose it because a possible puppy sale.
2. Virus are another main reason for not allowing visits from the public because virus are extremely contagious, lives a long, long time, and puts other animals at great risk, do not expect a breeding facility to let you wander through their barns or dog’s living quarters, as exposure from the public is dangerous to the health of their animals. Even the inspectors have to spray their tires, shoes and hands, including wearing special plastic pull over booties before entering. Bleaching of tire marks after they leave as well. This is serious to us! Puppies at a breeder’s home or kennel should be viewed from a distance and not handled. A person could easily handle dogs, puppies or be exposed to a virus at another location without knowing it, and then bring this deadly virus to a breeder’s facility. Our dogs are not inexpensive dogs that you can get in your local papers. We have paid over $3,500 per dog in some cases and that is not cheap by no means. Imagine loosing 3 or 4 high priced dogs from a virus over a person wanting a puppy. For instance, you go to “Mr. Smith’s” house who has puppies in the paper, boy they are cute and you pet them or even pull up in there driveway and you leave. No big deal. Did not see any sick puppies but week later they find out they have a virus of something. In the mean time you go to someone else’s house and you see there puppies the virus spreads with out knowing. Viruses are not fun. Please don't ask to come here because I do not want to put my puppies or dogs at risk. That is why I try to show as many photos as I can of the parents, the puppies and where our dogs live. I am very well known for taking photos in the cocker world and not just for the puppies I am selling but puppies I am keeping or dogs that I have. I am constant photo taking status. The puppies most of the time do not have a full series of puppy shots and they would have a greater chance catching a virus or a disease. Plus, we would have to put them in quarantined from the rest of the puppies for at least 10 days. The puppy would still be socialized but we would have to extra steps using chemicals to treat our hands and our body parts after touching or holding of the puppy.
Many people respect this request and other still ask and complain about this.
If this is a deciding factor for you getting a puppy from us, I might be able to direct you to another breeder that is willing to take the risk.
I got a puppy and took it to the vet and found something wrong with it after you gave me a Health Certificate?
If for some reason after you get your puppy home and you take it to the vet you find something wrong with it.
First I would ask you to take your puppy/dog to the local vet to make sure the puppy/dog gets treatment.
I will go back on the Puppy Purchase Agreement and agreements on my website as they are posted about everywhere. Stating the puppy is sold "As Is".
Because I did everything in my power to make sure that puppy was healthy before leaving by taking the puppy to the vet to get checked and supplying a Health Certificate.
Products we use
We use Ez Groom Products on our puppies and dogs. Including but not limited to- Puppermint Shampoo I also use Crystal White and Maximum Impact Shampoo and other products but those are the ones I use on a constant basis.
There are several products and fragrance that will work.
Oatmeal shampoo is highly recommended as well.
Also we use Ear Magic by Ez Groom as well, it is a wonderful ear cleaner, the best I have bought. I use a rep named Krista 1-800-777-5899 ask to talk to her so she knows kinda what I have been using and can help you the best way she knows how.
Best way to blow dry in less time than a towel or hand drier is a using a force drier, cuts time almost in 1/2 I used the Double K Challengair 2000 A.D.
It is known to be great on show coats as it penetrates undercoats but leaves coat full and lustrous. DO NOT leave in one spot for a period of time.
Grooming Video that has came in handy is by Jodi Murphy click here DVD the dvd you are looking to purchase is at the bottom called
The American Cocker Spaniel - The Show Trim approx price is 35.00 and is usually to you within a week. One of the best DVDs I have seen!
Clippers: I use two clippers and one of the two is a brand new type for me.
I used the Andis Super 2 Speed AGC it is a corded clipper but is medium heaviness as far as weight. I used this brand and model since I started having cockers.
After many years of use of these clippers I finally had to replace mine not only did I buy another exact clipper but I also bought a 2nd pair which is Whal brand called Arco SE it is a cordless clipper and light weight. What I have found about this one it is much easier and lighter on my wrists. It is adjustable to 5 blade lengths which is great for cockers.
Also there is 2 battery packs for this clipper as you easily can go through one battery pay in 45 minutes. I always have both charged before I groom. I would recommend either of these clippers to anyone!
How to keep parti's white.
I have constantly been asked that question as many people see my cockers as white. My answer for this is WASHING! Yep, good old fashion given them a bath.
We wash them on a three day rotation. We do use cleaners like Ez Groom. On some of the parti's we do use Dawn dish soap with bleach, cuts the grease and grim really good. No, it has not hurt the dogs that I have seen. But a good conditioner to follow is KEY! We use Cure Care, see below for the link.
One some our show dogs we have used powered bleach but this is VERY rare and this is usually for our show dogs only and on back legs where they might of peed.
It is called BW2 8 oz made by Clairol Professional price is approx 15.00 mix this with Salon Care 40 Volume Creme Developer 32 oz price is approx 8.00 you need to mix about 1 cup of powder in a container that you will throw away with the developer adding a little bit of developer at a time until it is about little thicker than ketchup. I add in conditioner and some soap into this mixture. You may need another batch of this depending on length of coat and thickness. This will bleach anything in site including but not limited clothing, your own hair, bath towels, ect. BE CAREFUL !
I have been told to leave it on for up to 15 minutes but I know this burns so I leave on no longer than 5 minutes tops.
Then I wash the dog completely and then follow up with a good conditioner and leave that on for at least five minutes. I use CURE CARE which is the conditioner and I purchase the gallon size for about 8.00 this product is actually good for your own hair. This is non greasy, eliminates static, great for bleached hair. Really good product.
If you have a parti colored dog I recommend banding the areas of colored hair with mini rubber bands that you can get from Sallys for 1.00 to keep the hair from getting bleached that you need to stay that color.
I DO NOT RECOMMEND ON PUPPIES AT ALL!
USE THIS RECOMMENDATION AT YOUR OWN RISK AS WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR INDIVIDUAL RESULTS!
Something happened, now what? If you put a non refundable deposit down or a payment in full and something happens to the puppy prior to shipping or meeting the money will not refunded.
There is no refund on the purchase price! This is a replacement guarantee only. The breeder reserves the right to a possible waiting times of 1 year of more to make the replacement, as puppies are not always available. The replacement puppy will be of the same quality, sex and color originally purchased unless agreed otherwise. The replacement puppy will be selected by the breeder from the next available litter.
What if I can't take care of my puppy/dog at a later date? I do know that problems do arise in everyday life. Someone might die, might get divorced, loose a job whatever the case might be, run into a problem and no longer be able to keep the dog/puppy. I will not buy your pet back from you but I will take back the pet no matter how old the dog is. When I take a pet back I like to have the papers, records and any information that you have about your pet to better understand the pet and get acquainted with him/her again. I would never want one of my puppies that I produced go to a shelter or be abandoned because of a problem in them keeping their pet.
What if I have questions?
People who buy puppies or dogs from me will most likely get to know me before I sell you one on my babies. 100% of the time I talk to you over the phone and through e-mail’s before you buy a puppy/dog from me. I do talk to people on a constant basis when they buy puppies/dogs. I do like to know a little about you and how your living situation is before I feel comfortable in just handing over one of my babies. Just because you bought a puppy/dog from me does not mean that you are through with me yet. I do find it that I do make friends when I sell puppies/dogs. After receiving a puppy if you have any questions I am here to help you. You can pretty much ask me anything and if I don't know the answer to your question I will try to find someone that will.
Can I make a deal? Breeding Cockers is very costly when you add it all up. Between medical bills and services, supplies, food and papers it is very rarely you come out ahead. I do not breed to try to make a living off of my dogs but I do like some kind of compensation for the expenses I have made while breeding and adding to the welfare of my dogs. I do believe the price is fair and you can take your chances on the local newspapers if you would like, but know that I have been breeding for healthy puppy.
Are your dogs good with kids? Yes, I think cockers are great around children. Our cockers are socialized around our children from birth. I do believe that the more they are with them the better both the puppy and child will act. Nathan my seven year old counts the puppies when they are born and even tries to name them by color. When they are old enough to play with them, he is with them constantly. Having them chase him around the house and petting them. I do believe when you first get a puppy and you bring the puppy into your home there should be some time just for the puppy away from the child to get adjusted and relax. Puppies in particular need a lot of rest just like a growing child. Limit puppy-children play sessions to 15-30 minute periods 2-3 times a day. Esp. since there are new noises, new sounds, new smells and new people and maybe even new pets. Temperament is a major focus in my breeding program. I do not breed adult dogs with temperament issues. Since I am with the puppies from birth until they are of age to leave, I constantly evaluate each puppy’s personality mentally and try to place that puppy with the most fit home possible.
Males and Females SPEAKING VERY GENERALLY... Male dogs tend to be "lovable slobs" and "good ol' boys." Male dogs tend to be more outgoing, more vigorously affectionate, more "in your face." Male dogs tend to be more stable and reliable in mood, less prone to emotional swings. Male dogs tend to be clumsy and silly and prone to acting like over sized kids. Male dogs mean well and are easy to love. Female dogs tend to be more subtle than males. They're affectionate on their own terms. They'll request or demand petting, then reassert their independence by walking away when they've had enough. Female dogs tend to be quicker to learn and are not as easily distracted during training sessions. Female dogs are less likely to be openly defiant or to engage in blunt power struggles or dominance challenges
When you get an adult dog from me.
You open the cage and now you are expecting this loving dog to jump in your arms like nothing has happened.
WRONG!!! Adult dogs have been use to a routine and schedule as well as his/her living arrangements and the people they have been around.
You have to realize that dog went from a loving home, to a crate to an airplane to a new home, new people and doesn't know what is going on.
The dog at this point will be scared. Some times so frightened that he/she will growl and even bite to try to fend for themselves.
They do not know that you are good people and you will not hurt them.
Please understand in most cases they will turn around.
You need to give them a lot of time to adjust. We are talking weeks or even months.
They need to learn were to go the bathroom, your names, your sounds, your smells, all the rooms in the house, ect. Especially, that you are good people and you are not going to hurt them.
Just because they are acting this way does not mean they are mean by no means they are just scared and do not know what to do.
Give them time and positive reinforcement.
Here is a link below that I found interesting and helpful when getting an adult dog.
ADULT DOG ADJUSTMENTS
Payment Arrangements how does that work? I do know that any type of purchase can be strenuous to the pocket book so I try to make it a little easier. By paying a non refundable deposit of half down to hold the puppy half of the puppy price you are able to have me hold your puppy of your choosing. This has seemed to work better for a lot of people who can not pay that amount all up front. This also allows you to have time on many cases to come up with the rest of the money. Some people get paid weekly, bi weekly and monthly. This I believe makes it a little easier. Once the non refundable deposit is placed down to hold the puppy the rest of the purchase price of the puppy is to be paid. I try to have the purchase price to be paid between 7-8 weeks. But in some cases I do understand that might not get paid for a week later or have other issues and I will on some cases wait a week.
Note: by placing a non refundable deposit down or a payment in full you also agree to all terms about deposits, and also agree to all terms of the puppy contract agreement located on the policies page.
I sent you an email.... Spam, most heard of it in one way shape or form. Well, some e-mail’s go into my spam folder provided by AOL's server. I do not read e-mail’s that go into that folder because 90% of them usually are either junk or fraudulent practices. If I have not contacted you back in a timely manor check your spam folder and please contact me by phone, as your email might have gone into that folder. 402-635-2500
Limited or Full Registration: Limited registration is determined by the breeder. No off spring of this dog will be able to be registered! Limited registration will not change regardless of change of ownership. AKC has finally put stops to people changing litter applications by adding a code in the limited box. If it is shaded in, cut out or darkened in any way you will not be able to undo the box and find out what the code is in therefore not be able to change the dog which should be Limited to Full registration.
We actually cut out the limited box numbers as well as the pin number so you are unable to register the dog online nor able to put in full registration instead of Limited registration.
Dogs that do have Limited registrations do have restriction in showing as well. Please see www.akc.org for more information on Limited registration.
Since most of our Cockers go on Limited Registration, we actually cut out the code since there is no need for it. Full registration is also determined by the breeder. It allows off spring of this dog to be registered. With Full registration you are eligible to be entered in a breed competition in a licensed or member dog show. Please see AKC.org for information about Full registrations. Most breeders do mark their puppies with Limited registrations because it helps breeders protect their breeding programs. If breeders do not want puppies used for breeding purposes, they can request the Limited registration option for those puppies.
So, you want to have full registration but you claim you are not a breeder. AKC registration papers come with each puppy in less agreed upon. Limited Registration papers are offered on all our puppies, no if's and or butts! AKC full registration papers are available only to qualified show homes/responsible breeders with proof available on request. If you are asking for Full AKC for Showing:
Please note we do not guarantee the puppy will breed or is showable. Please see our contract with further details. If you are asking for Full AKC papers for show I would like to know what dogs you have shown in the past.
Did they finish in the ring? Who handled the dogs for you if you used a handler for showing. Do you have a Website? What is your show name or kennel name?
If you are asking for Full AKC registration papers for breeding: I would like to know do you have a kennel name, do you have a website? If you are asking for FULL registration for breeding purposes. I require, pictures and pedigrees to whom you would be breeding the puppy that you are buying from me to. How long you have been breeding.
How many litters you have produced? Why did you choose a cocker and any other information about your breeding program?
Note I am not a dog police, just wanting to make sure you are educated.
I want to breed my female with one of your males? We usually do not breed outside, but if you have something that I find of interest I might.
A brucellosis test is needed, to explain it is like getting a std test for humans but for dogs.
That needs to be done no earlier than 3 days prior to the female shipped, meeting or AI's. This test is preformed by a licensed vet and should cost around 15-25 dollars depending on where you live in the US. I also ask for copies of the females AKC papers and all information about the female. For further information about what I need please email me for details and pricing.
If you are interested in this service please contact me and ask for a Stud Dog Contract.
Our Rights! We reserve the right to sell or refuse to sell puppies/dog, products and provide services to any person for any reason at any time, even if you have put a deposit down, with no questions asked.
Naming your puppy
All puppies' names will begin with Aj's and then the name that you provide. All AKC papers will have Aj's on them when they are provided for you. The buyer agrees that he/she will not alter Aj's on the papers. The new owner is allowed to pick the rest of the name if they have reserved the puppy prior to us registering them. If you purchased a Merle from me, you will need to have the word Merle in the name as well. Because it is hard to tell the difference at times when they are older, this way it prevents any confusion. Aj Kennels, what does it stand for? My name is Aimee and my middle name starts with a J. In high school one of my nicknames was Aj. Some of my closest friends called me Aj. Since I figured that I would meet a lot of people and come friends with other breeders and possibly friends with people that buy the puppies from me Aj had to be it... Most breeders didn't have just one word for there name so I was like what can I put after Aj. I did not want to put Cockers since a lot have that plus whatever name in front of or behind the word Cockers. So, I decided to put Kennels after the name. Really no reason for the word Kennels it just went with the dog theme. I actually do not like the name, but since the beginning it was there. I feel like Kennels is kind of like the word INC. like a large company and I am not a large breeder. That is one reason I do not like the word Kennels. Since it is www.ajkennels.net for my website and if changed it might cause people not to know where I am located on the web and they might have a hard time finding me again I have to keep it.
The only reason I needed to come up with a name is because I wanted to have a website. Then as time went by other breeders would say, you are from who? So, Aj Kennels it is.
Aj Kennels or Aj's is my kennel name for registry record keeping purposes so I can keep track of my Cockers bloodline in pedigree's.
It IS NOT a Doing Business As (DBA) name.
I am strictly an individual with a passion and love for Cocker Spaniels and a Hobby/Show breeder (not a company, business, or commercial pet interprise)
and I own and compete with purebred AKC registered Cocker Spaniels as a hobby only.
I breed Cockers for the show ring and some times for pets as both are equally important.
Our Cockers are not always here, but out with our handlers traveling throughout the USA and in confirmation competitions.
I try to keep a Cocker puppy out of most litters so I can put them in the ring at a later date or park genes with friends.
I only sell the littermates to help pay for all the cost of confirmation competitions, professional handlers, equipment, Cocker health including adults and puppies,
dog food, cleaning supplies, grooming supplies, registration fees, and so much more.
On most years I loose money, so I am only doing this as a hobby as a love of the breed.
If you'd meet me in person you'd see how much love I have for animals.
Not only for Cockers but animals in general.