Adoption Practice/Overview

Alpine Sky Goldens intention 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, pricing, and services

We have a process to be approved 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 - Alpine Sky Goldens contract states if a dog ever needs to be re-homed we 1.) must approve the new home 2.) if not approved, or an acceptable family option provided, we reserve the right to take the dog back. Only once in our years of breeding have we had to re-home one of our dogs. 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 so 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 is *$3,000 and includes the following:

  • Microchipping (including registration) @ 7 weeks.

  • Full detailed wellness exam by a licensed experienced veterinarian.

  • First set of shots prior to puppy going home (vaccination records provided at pick-up).

  • Puppy deworming starting @ 2-3 weeks.

  • Each puppy is hand raised with full socialization in home environment. We integrate Puppy Culture principles such as Early Neurological Stimulation, and daily protocols to condition for therapy dog work. These practices at a young age ensure a more confident puppy and better long term companion.

  • 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)

  • Small bag of litter (pine pellets) to continue outside potty training

  • For local buyer to Raleigh, NC, discounts on puppy classes with our litter only including bundles with in home consults. And Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certifications from our local trainer. Therapy Dog Incentive: Up to $200 in credits will be provided for Therapy Dog classes with our local trainer (restrictions apply).

  • Ongoing guidance from the trainer and breeder will be communicated before and after our puppies go home so our families are well prepared for their new arrival.

  • 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.

  • Trupanion Insurance: 30 day free trial ready to active in 24 hours of puppy take home day.

  • Limited AKC Registration with Spay/Neuter contract.

* A $500 non-refundable reservation fee is deducted from the total puppy price. If there is no pregnancy or enough puppies the deposit will be returned. Once fee is paid, you will be put on the wait list in the order received. We do not take deposits until pregnancy is confirmed.

*The $2,500 remaining payment is due at 6-weeks old prior to puppy matching/selection, which occurs at 7 weeks old simultaneous to temperament testing.

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 that will not cause health issues. Holistic foods with no by-products or fillers, etc. 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 riding in a car comfortably.

  • Heartworm medication should be given on a regular basis.

  • Expenses: standard pet care 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, 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) is important, 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.