Breeder Check List

Here is a checklist to keep in mind when shopping for a good breeder.

• Puppies are born on premises
• Breeder does not sell to brokers or retail shops
• Facilities are clean and well kept
• Puppies have been handled, and introduced to children and other dogs
• Breeder interviews you and offers information on the breed to ensure a good match
• Puppy comes with limited registration as a pet, and is to be spayed/neutered
• Breeder promises to take the dog back (not return your money) if you can't keep it
• Breeder provides a 3 day money back guarantee, and a 1-2yr health guarantee by contract
• Breeder raises no more than 2-3 breeds, it's difficult to be competent in more breeds
• Breeder's primary concern is finding a good home for the puppy or dog rather than making a sale
• Breeder was happy to answer questions and makes you feel comfortable asking for advice
• Breeder is familiar with and abides by breeder's Code of Ethics

Feedback Wanted

I get a lot of feedback from the public that my website is a wealth of information. For others, I have to refer them back to the site for information they missed or they didn't read. I purchased educational folders from AKC, for puppy owner's. Some of the information is great, and other information that I feel is important is either vague or missing. I'm trying to decide, if I load up a folder with great puppy information, breed specific information, and training, would families really read it? Or is it something that people take home and never refer to again? Because this is an added cost to me, I would like to get some feedback. Here is a list of items included:

• Why Register with AKC
• Canine Good Citizen Program
• Should I breed my dog? - explains the difference between "pure-bred" and "Well-bred" is the product of responsible breeders
• Keeping Your Dog Fit & Trim
• Canine Travel Tips
• List of Dangerous Food/products
• Tips on basic care for your dog
• In case of emergency
• AKC Events in a brief packet
• Puppy Owner Checklist

I also found a DVD with initial training information produced by Midwest, that shows initial crate training and obedience training with your puppy. I found this helpful since owners have a few weeks with their puppy before starting obedience classes.

The feedback that I want to hear: Although I review much of the information verbally upon a puppy going home, would informational packets be helpful? If you've already bought a puppy from us at Crooked Creek Cairn Terriers, is there anything that you wish you had upon taking your puppy home? What can I do to improve or assist in a smooth transition of bringing a puppy into your home? Email me at crookedcreekcairns@verizon.net THANKS!!!

Holidays and Crooked Creek Cairn update

I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday. We enjoyed our family and although we enjoyed the holidays themselves, we did encounter the flu all week! It sounds as if a lot of people have been sick with various illness.

Bridget's puppies are doing well. The male is very large for his age, and the female very small for her age. Since all other aspects of their development have been normal, we're just monitoring their intake and health. Cairn Terrier puppies do vary quite a bit in size and bone structure. For some reason this litter has the extremes in the same litter. But they are both happy go lucky adorable puppies who wag their tails and are just adorable.

We haven't had any breedings so we're now waiting for Spring litters for puppy availability. I apologize to those waiting, but this is part of the unpredictability of nature. I'm going to enjoy a little break in the meantime. It'll give us some time for maintenance projects and it'll be nice just to spend time with my Cairns.