Adoption Practice/Overview
Our intention at Alpine Sky Goldens is to produce Golden Retriever puppies/dogs that are emotionally stable and physically sound. We don’t want our families to go through the pain of losing their fur babies to preventable genetic diseases. Not only do we ensure all of our dogs have the necessary genetic health clearances, we work tirelessly from the day they are born to ensure each puppy has the foundation needed to be a confident family member and/or therapy dog.
Our goal is summed up perfectly here: “Bred with Love for Temperament and Health”.
Process To Request Application
We have a process to be approved for an Alpine Sky Goldens puppy that includes an application and subsequent interview. We are very selective about the families we partner with (as you should be about the breeder you select) and will only provide the application by email for those that seem like a good fit. We consider our families part of Alpine Sky’s larger dog network and lean towards local families who are interested in joining our support group, including occasional re-unions and (if interested) leveraging our puppy trainer.
If you want to apply, please send an email about what you are looking for in a dog, and a brief description of your circumstances. If you are interested in therapy work, please specify with some details.
To protect our dogs for their lifetime and ensure they have the best life, the Alpine Sky Goldens contract states that if a dog ever needs to be re-homed we 1) must approve the new home, and 2) if not approved, or an acceptable family option is not provided, we reserve the right to take the dog back. Since we vet our families carefully, only once in our years of breeding have we had to re-home one of our puppy’s when the family could not care for her. In that case we gave the dog to one of our puppy families looking for a companion for their 2-year-old Golden. They are now living their best life together, which warms our heart.
We strongly believe we brought these dogs into the world and that they are our responsibility for their lifetime. Any ethical breeder will include this same language in their contracts. This protects our dogs and prevents any dog from being sent to a shelter, rescue, or being placed with an unsuitable home.
Our Puppy price includes the following:
Microchipping (including registration) @ 7 weeks.
Fully detailed wellness exam by a licensed experienced veterinarian.
First set of shots prior to the puppy going home (vaccination records provided at pick-up).
Puppy deworming starting @ 2-3 weeks.
Each puppy is hand-raised with full socialization in our home environment. We integrate the proven Puppy Culture principles with a focus on preparing dogs for therapy work. Some examples are Early Neurological Stimulation and Early Scent Introduction, plus other daily development protocols such as sound introduction, to condition each puppy to be confident dog. These early experiences lay the foundation for well-rounded companions—whether they go on to become therapy dogs, a child’s best friend, a cherished family member, or all of these!
Snuggle Puppy with Mom and litter-mate scents.
Puppy starter gifts.
Two-year genetic health guarantee.
All puppies are raised on Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Dog Food (starter bags offered as needed).
Bag of litter (pine pellets) to continue outside potty training.
Puppy classes, consults & CGC: Families local to Raleigh, NC, receive exclusive discounts on puppy classes reserved for our litters, including bundles with in-home consultations. Our local trainer also offers Canine Good Citizen (CGC) prep & certification classes and personalized consults.
Therapy dog evaluation: At seven weeks, each puppy is individually temperament-tested using a Volhard Aptitude test by our therapy dog trainer and puppy trainer.
Ongoing guidance from the breeder, in partnership with our puppy trainer, will be communicated before and after our puppies go home so our families are well prepared for their new arrival.
A comprehensive puppy guide will be shared before your puppy goes home and a take-home binder upon pick-up.
Ongoing communications & support: As part of our larger dog family, you will receive lifetime support and guidance for any puppy/dog related inquiries. We have family group chats for each litter that serves as a support system for new puppy families.
Reunions: We set up occasional reunions, and opportunities to connect since most of our families are local. This includes hikes, and other meet ups including therapy dog visits,
Trupanion Insurance: 30 day free trial ready to activate in 24 hours of puppy’s take-home day.
Limited AKC Registration with Spay/Neuter contract.
Our Terms, Requirements, and Recommendations
AKC Limited Registration Papers and Spay/Neuter contract.
Fencing: You must have a fenced-in yard (physical or invisible) or agreed-upon alternative.
Part of the approval process will be an interview. References will be required. If approved, a contract will be executed at the appropriate time.
Food: Quality food is part of raising a healthy dog, so we highly recommend that our puppy families to feed a quality dog food. We are advocates of health nutrition for dogs, and for feeding foods, holistic foods with no by-products or fillers, etc., that will not cause health issues. Our puppies start on Diamond Naturals Chicken and Rice, All Stages dog food. Quality all-natural treats are also important. Stay away from hard bones that can break teeth, or rawhides that can be choking hazards. Instead, choose rawhide-free options or bully sticks.
Socialization: Your puppy should be well-socialized and complete obedience training, if needed. Your dog should know basic commands (sit, stay, lay, recall/come (very important), and have experience comfortably riding in a car.
Heartworm medication should be given on a regular basis.
Expenses: Standard pet care should be provided, such as, food/treats, leashes, beds, routine/required vaccinations and ongoing vet care, medications, wormings, heartworm meds, supplements & vitamins, medical bills, pet-sitters, toys, basic obedience training (if needed), and other supplies.
Re-homing: We always feel responsible for our dogs since we brought them into this world. We have made all efforts to ensure they have a loving and secure “forever home”. Should there ever be an unforeseen reason to re-home, we reserve first right to approve a new home or take the dog back. Dog insurance is recommended, and each puppy will go home with 30 free days of pet insurance (registration required).
Poison alert: Avoid all unnecessary chemicals such as pesticides, poisonous plans, roach traps, gum, chocolate, etc out of reach. Keep all out of reach of your dog. Learn more about poisonous substances on ASPCA: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants.
Illness: If the dog becomes sick or injured, the family will notify us.
Safe handling practices are critical. Do not leave your dog unattended in a car or yard if you are not home, etc. Dogs can be stolen. If near a road, a leash should be used. Provide basic obedience training, such as recall (come to his/her name), as well as manners. Ensure your dog is used to and enjoys car rides. Socializing him/her as a puppy with lots of new experiences is key for a healthy, confident dog.