Steps to Purchase a Goldendoodle, Bernedoodle or Poodle Puppy from Sunshine Acres

I Want a Puppy Now

If you are looking to get a puppy now (i.e. the puppy is  shown on the puppies for sale page)  this is the procedure for getting a puppy:

• Select the puppy you are interested in from the “Puppies for Sale” page. If you have any questions about your puppy of interest, feel free to reach out to us.  Learn about our commitment to responsible breeding practices and healthy, well socialized puppies.  See the parents photos and health clearances.  You can call us or email.  We will answer any specific questions you have about the puppy.
• If you decide you have found the right puppy, please fill out the online application.  This application is a short questionnaire asking about your basic contact information, your pet experience and give you another opportunity to ask any questions you may have.  We will then reply to your application and give you an invoice for the nonrefundable deposit to hold your puppy in the amount of $500.  Your payment options are Zelle, Venmo, or Paypal.  Since this deposit will save the puppy only for you, it is non-refundable and non-exchangable between puppies. 

I Want a Puppy Later

How to place a deposit to be added to our puppy waiting list for a future litter:

•  Fill out the online application  This application is a short questionnaire asking for your basic contact information, pet experience and gives you an opportunity to share any information you’d like with us.  Ask any specific questions you may have about our puppies on your application, or feel free to email, text or call to learn more.
• We will then reply to your application and answer any questions you may have. We will ask if you wish to place a deposit to be added to our waiting list for our future litters.  Our waiting list deposit is $500 and is fully refundable and transferable between litters up until the time you choose your specific puppy.  If you would like to be added to our waiting list, we will share our options of how you can place the $500 deposit to be added to our waiting list for a future litter.  Your payment options are Zelle, Venmo, or Paypal.  This deposit to completely flexible and fully refundable (minus any Paypal or Venmo fees, if any were incured). 

If you are a prior Sunshine Acres puppy owner and you want to add another puppy to your household at some point down the road, this waiting list deposit is a way to be notified each time we have a new litter.  Undecided if your new puppy should be as similar to your prior dog as possible, or a different mix or color so it is different than your last dog?  A wait list deposit allows full fexiblity for this decision to be made at “puppy choosing time”, when you will know each puppies’ individual personality and characteristics.  If you aren’t certain what your timing for a new puppy is going to be, or which breed you are going to decide to get, the “waiting list” deposit is the most flexible way to get a selecting spot reserved for all of our upcoming litters.  We will notify you each time a new litter is born and a final decision for breed or timing can be made later. 

How does Sunshine Acres handle its waiting list for families who have placed a deposit for an upcoming litter?  How will I select my puppy?

Once the litter has been born that matches the criteria/timing you indicated on your application and is about two weeks old, all applicants who are a match for that litter will be notified. We will ask if you would like to consider choosing a puppy from the current litter or wait for a later one. We do not ask families to pick their specific puppy when they are newborns, but rather ask them to let us know if they wish to be included in “puppy picking time” for that litter.

If you would like to selecting a puppy from a litter that has already been born, and is currently show in group litter photos on our website, a deposit can be placed to reserve a picking spot for the litter.  This deposit is also fully refundable and transferable between litters, since is its a deposit for a picking spot, not a deposit for a specific puppy.  When our puppies are newborns, their gallery on our website is shown with group photos of the litter.  Then when puppy picking time for the litter is getting near, their information posted will be updated to show indiviudal photos of each puppy in the litter.

I will notify you a couple of weeks before puppy choosing time to make an appointment for you to come and have a window visit with the puppies, or to schedule a time that you will be available to have a virtual visit to meet the puppies. I usually make a few recommendations as to which puppy would be a nice match for your family (based on your application or phone visits) but the final decision as to which puppy you would get would be yours.  Puppy Choosing is done when the puppies are 3-5 weeks of age when we can start seeing the minor differences between their personalities and coat types.  The puppies’ individual photos will be posted on our website and we will start working down our deposit list, in the order the deposits were received, so each family can select their pick from their litter.  You can come here to choose your puppy with a “window visit”, with a virtual visit (Facetime or Zoom) or via photos/video clips posted on our website.  At Puppy Choosing time, you will have the opportunity to consider which puppy from the litter you would like to select.

When Puppy Choosing time arrives, if you feel like none of the puppies are exactly what you wanted you can forward your deposit on to a future litter.  You would be placed on that list after any other family who had already committed to that litter.  We are happy to share our observations of the puppies as they have been growing and which would be the best match for your situation.   Our priority is making certain we help you select the puppy who is the best match for your situation.

 I have Selected and Reserved my Puppy.  What is Next?

• Once the deposit has been placed to reserve your selected puppy we will email your puppy’s going home instructions.  These instructions will include a list of puppy supplies to have on hand when your puppy comes home.  This list of supplies is also shown on our FAQ page.  Please reply to our email and let us know when you would like to come and take your puppy home, to save your appointment time on our calendar.  We will also email your puppy’s care information, tips about its usual routine, vaccination/health record and driving directions to our home by at least the day before your visit.  Final payment can be made when you are here picking up your puppy.  We love to meet our puppies’ new families!
• If you will not be able to drive here to pick up your puppy, we can schedule the travel arrangements for your puppy’s arrival by air.  We will need to know what dates you would be available to receive your puppy. We will send you the puppy’s care information, shot/health record and payment information for the puppy’s final balance and delivery cost a few days before the puppy flies home.  Set aside some time to visit on the phone to go over any questions you have about the puppy’s arrival, and feeding/general care instructions.
• Pick up day – gather your puppy supplies for your drive home and come to Sunshine Acres to meet your new BFF (Best Furry Friend).  Meet your puppy’s parents and enjoy those first puppy kisses:) We look forward to your visit. We are happy to be a resource if you have questions later. Please keep us updated as your puppy grows.

For superior health and longevity, we have carefully selected our Bernese Mountain Dog, Irish-Golden Retriever and Poodle lines from pedigrees with excellent health and a sweet natured, family-friendly personality.  We breed our Goldendoodle, Bernedoodle and Poodle puppies to high standards. We follow the recommendations of the AKC for the health testing and DNA testing recomended for Bernese, Goldens and Poodles.  We take our commitment to healthy puppies seriously.  Sunshine Acres health testing requirements for our puppies’ parents is listed below:

• • Hip evaluations from GDC, OFA, OVC, PennHIP, or board certified radiologist
  • Elbow evaluations from GDC, OFA, OVC, or board certified radiologist
  • CERF or OFA eye examination, or board certified ophthalmologist
  • OFA Heart evaluation, or board certified cardiologist
  • DNA screening appropriate for their breeds

Hips – Canine Hip Displasia (CHD) merits concern by all doodle breeders and its prevalence may be reduced with selective breeding.  CHD is caused by a poorly formed ball-and-socket joint in the hip.  The quality of this joint may be screened by x-ray and can then be certified by either the OFA or PennHip organizations. To select for new parents at Sunshine Acres, they are either OFA certified or have been screened by PennHip.  We carefully select the parents for each litter of puppies to ensure their offspring will have healthy hips.

Heart –  Heart murmurs come in two different forms.  Many puppies, like human babies, can have heart murmurs that go away around 16 weeks of age.  A more severe heart murmur may not go away and develop into an adult dog health issue.  If adult parents have heart murmurs, there is a good chance that a percentage of their puppies may also have heart murmurs.  All the parents at Sunshine Acres have had their hearts screened.

Elbows–  Elbow dysplasia (ED) often first appears as front leg lameness in young dogs.  Symptoms range from mild stiffness to severe lameness.  All of our puppies’ parents have had their elbows screened by OFA evaluation.

Eyes– All of our puppies’ parents eyes have been examined by a veterinary optimologist and certified by the OFA Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER).  The purpose of the OFA Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER) is to provide breeders with information regarding canine eye diseases so that they may make informed breeding decisions in an effort to produce healthier dogs.

DNA Testing: Each of our puppies’ parents have had DNA testing for diseases which are a risk for their breed.  This list of testing done is too long to show here in detail, and is instead shown on each parents’ page on our website.  

Here at Sunshine Acres, we are commited to responsible breeding, and have gone above and beyond on health issues, temperament, and genetic screening.  We are equally dedicated to the individual care of each of our puppies and to placing them in loving homes.

How much do Goldendoodles,  Irish Golden Bernedoodles or Moyen Poodles cost?  Puppy prices varies from breeder to breeder and can depend on many factors like breeder experience, health warranty, coat type, color, size and more.  At Sunshine Acres, our prices reflect the quality of our breeding, the commitment we have to the Moyen Poodle, Goldendoodle and Bernedoodle hybrid in terms of time and financial investment, our continual improvement of breeding stock, and the care and concern we have for each of our puppies, their parents, and the puppies’ new owners.  As experienced breeders, we are committed to raising a quality puppy who will become a special part of its new family.

The price of our Goldendoodle or Irish Goldendoodle puppies is $3000.  Our Irish Golden Bernedoodles are $3900 and our Moyen Poodles are $3200. Our price for a Sunshine Acres puppy is the same regardless of its expected adult size, gender or color.  We offer $200 back to our puppies’ families in the form of a rebate (we write a check back to the puppy’s owner).   To quality for the rebate,  the puppy needs to be trained in basic obedience so that it can pass the AKC’s basic obedience certification, the Canine Good Citizen test (CGC Certification),  and we will offer $200 back to the owner. 

Through this rebate, Sunshine Acres promotes responsible dog ownership.  The American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen program is a 10-step test that certifies dogs who have good manners at home and in the community.   Through the CGC rebate, we wish to encourage good training for our puppies, as this supports happy dogs and happy families. 

Summary of Goldendoodle and Bernese Irish Goldendoodle Price & Cash Back Rebates

• Goldendoodle Price Range (read explanation of Types in FAQ):
  • F1 Type 3: $3000  [Irish Goldendoodle]
  • F1 Type 1:  $3000  [Goldendoodle] 
  • Moyen Poodle: $3200
  • Bernese Irish Goldendoodle: $3900
  • F1B: $3000 [Backcross Goldendoodle]
• Payment types
  • Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, cash or personal check with photo I.D
  • All Sales are subject to 7 percent Indiana Sales Tax.
• Shipping by Professional Pet Travel Service: to most major airports.  The cost of shipping and handling is approximately $550.
• Nanny Delivery by air: Inquire for pricing to your local airport (typical is $850-$950)
• Sunshine Acre’s REBATE — $200 cash back
  • *(Financial incentives to do a good thing!)*
    • Each of our puppies comes with the option for up to $200 in “rebates”. Our rebate is a financial incentives for our puppies’ new families to do good things with their pet.
    • The American Kennel Club (AKC) features a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program which is a 10-step test that certifies dogs who have good manners at home and in the community.  CGC is an excellent program, and one we wish to promote and encourage.  Any Goldendoodle puppy purchased from Sunshine Acres who becomes certified CGC certified is eligible for this $200 rebate. The $200 rebate for CGC certification can be redeemed by emailing or mailing a copy of the CGC certificate from the AKC.  Do not send the copy of the evaluators form, but rather a copy of the CGC Certificate which the AKC will mail to you once you have submitted the evaluators form to them.  There is no time limit or age restriction for receiving the GCG rebate.  Please also include your current mailing address in the correspondence as we will mail your rebate check to you.
    • Click here to find CGC training classes in your area.  All breeds of purebred dogs, hybrids such as the Goldendoodle or Bernedoodles, and even mutts are welcomed by the AKC to receive CGC certification.

Sunshine Acres New Puppy Care and Going Home Instructions

For the trip home from Sunshine Acres you/the family can hold your puppy on your lap (take along an old blanket or towel), or bring along his travel crate if you are coming alone.  Once you are home, give him a chance to potty and offer him food and water.  This is a good time to bond with him, so plenty of cuddling and play are great.  We recommend the crate training method of potty training.  Dogs avoid going to the bathroom near their eating and sleeping areas, so they will by instinct try to keep their den (crate) clean.  If you are interacting with him, he could stay out of his crate as long as you like.  When he has to potty he will start to circle and sniff looking for a place to potty.  You will quickly pick up on his body language and can take him outside (through the same door to the same spot in the yard).  If you are not going to be watching him, put him in his crate.  A rule of thumb for time in the crate is one hour per month of age for a puppy.  So, he should not be left in the crate more than about 2 hours at this point.  He can hold it longer than that, but we don’t want him to have to get in the habit of holding it for a long time, especially as you are beginning his potty training.  Give him plenty of opportunities to potty and if he has been in the crate for a while be sure he has a chance to run and play before he is crated again.  The wire crates with an adjustable divider are very nice, as you can make the crate small enough that he only has room to lay down spread out comfortably.  Do not leave the crate any larger than this as then a puppy will be more likely to think one corner of the big crate is his potty and the other corner is his den/bed/clean area.  Do not put any blankets/beds in the crate for the first month since a puppy is less likely to soil it’s crate if it is left bare.  However, it would be fine to leave toys in the crate.

For feeding, he is used to eating at about 7:00 in the morning and again in the evening around 4 to 7:00pm.  Offer him food (1/3 to 1/2 cup per feeding is common, but the specific amount for your puppy’s size and age will be on the puppy’s shot record when you are here), putting his bowl down for 20 minutes and then taking it up again.  If he doesn’t eat anything for that feeding, just wait until his next meal to offer him food again.  He should eat twice a day.  If you would like to feed him three times a day that is okay too, just adjust the amounts accordingly.  A puppy usually needs to potty about 5 to 20 minutes after a meal so watch him closely for a potty break after he eats.  Try to be consistent about what time each day he is fed as a puppy who eats on a schedule also potties on a schedule.  Leave water available for him all the time, (except for when he’s in the crate) taking it up a couple hours before bedtime.   He is used to eating the puppy food listed below.  Be sure to feed this food for at least the first week or two.  If you wish to change to another high quality dog food, do so gradually over about a 7-10 day period as switching to another food too quickly will cause loose stools.

We will give you a blanket for you to take home with your puppy that has his mother and littermates scent on it.  This will help the puppy feel more at ease the first few days as he adjust to his new home.  The first 3 to 5 days is the time of greatest adjustment for a puppy in its new home.  Your boy might be intimidated by things that are new, or bark when he is in his crate.  Continue to use the crate, even if he cries when he is in it as once he gets used to all the new things he will love the comfort and security of his crate/”den”.  You will notice his comfort level increasing each day that goes by.  It seems that by the time the first week is past, a puppy will be adjusted to the new routine and will have already bonded strongly with their new family.  It seems to help the puppy at night if their crate can be put in a bedroom near the family for the first few nights. Or, put his crate by the couch and have someone sleep near the puppy.  At this age sometimes they can sleep all night, sometimes they will need to get up once during the night.  If you find he is consistently getting up more than once during the night, set your alarm for around 2:00 and take him potty.  Each night move the clock back ½ hour (2:30 the 2nd night, 3:00 the 3rd night) gradually stretching out the time until he can sleep through until morning.  However, if he does not wake up on his own during the night, there is no need to wake him for a potty break. Let him sleep the night through.

Following are some tips. I recommend spending time cradling your puppy occasionally throughout the day for a strong bonding time. For rude behavior like nipping or jumping, I recommend reaching down during the act and cradling firmly and lovingly in the prone position with your puppy’s tummy facing up. Timeouts in this position start when your puppy holds still and should last for no more than 5-10 seconds. I encourage my puppies during a timeout by talking gently to them and scratching their ears and tummy. If you notice the little tail just whirring away and lots of licking, you have accomplished your purpose.

Puppies are naturally inquisitive, exploring every nook and cranny. However, their curiosity can lead them into serious illness or injury so it’s important to make your home safe. Make sure your puppy can not access electrical wires around the house. Close household chemicals behind doors as well as any medications. Be especially careful with antifreeze, poisonous plants, xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in sugar free gum and candies that is toxic in very small quantities), chocolate and other toxic human foods. Take the time now to research what plants in your home and yard could be harmful to your puppy, and make sure your puppy’s home environment is a safe one. There are many helpful resources for puppy proofing your home online.

Grooming is an important part of owning a non-shedding dog.  Use a pin brush over the puppy’s coat once or twice a week and also comb deep into the coat once a week.  At the length he is now, grooming isn’t really needed, but it is important for him to get used to being handled.  Play with his feet, ears, toes, mouth, tail, etc.  often so he is used to it.  A haircut will be needed every two to three months.  Try to limit bathing to once a month if possible, although bathing as often as once a week is ok. As his coat grows longer, be careful that you are combing/brushing deep into the coat.  The tangles/mats will not develop on the end of the hair, but right next to the skin (especially behind the ears).

We recommend taking formal obedience training classes with your puppy.  It is good for the puppy to continue to be socialized to new people, places and other dogs.  If you prefer, professional trainers can also do individual classes, or come to your home for private lessons.  Choose a class/trainer that uses gentle, positive reinforcement types of methods.  The Doodles and Poodles are by nature a soft hearted, gentle dog, and harsh training methods can break their spirits.  (No prong collars needed).  Most classes do not allow a puppy to begin until all of their puppy shots are finished which is usually around 12-16 weeks of age.  Limit your puppy’s exposure to unknown dogs until all of his puppy shots have been finished.  Your friends’ and families’ healthy dogs with current vaccinations are fine for your puppy to be around.

For training at home (the most important kind of training), Jan Fennel’s book The Dog Listener is very helpful, and one I highly recommend reading through.  Just a few minutes each day spent in fun interaction and training with your puppy will reap lifelong benefits.   While we recommend taking obedience classes as a continued socialization experience for the puppy, as the dog’s owner you are by far the best equipped person to train your puppy.  By learning how to interact with your puppy, and understanding how a dog’s mind works, potential behavior problems will be avoided.  Help your puppy understand what his boundaries are through training.  A well mannered puppy is one who will be loved by everyone and welcome anywhere!

When you are here picking up your puppy, we will give you your boy’s health record which contains the vaccinations, preventative dewormers and such information on it.  Be sure your vet gets this record so they know what has already been done with the puppy and what still needs to be done to complete his puppy immunizations.

Also, your puppy’s microchip number will need to be registered in your name.  To register (activate) your puppy’s microchip, go to Microchip ID systems at BuddyID.com.  A small one-time fee (around $20) enrolls you and the puppy for life into the 24-hour Pet Recovery Network and Call Center and into the National Pet Microchip Look up Tool.    By activating this chip you will be linking his chip number to your contact information.  Without activation, the microchip is useless, like a blank dog tag.  While we refer to the puppies on the website by a four digit number, this is only the last 4 digits of their 10 digit microchip number.  You will need the entire 10 digit number to activate his chip, which is recorded on his health record.  Your vet can also use a microchip scanner to read the microchip, which is implanted over the puppy’s shoulder blade area.   A couple weeks after you have completed this registration, check the online microchip databases that the registration has been processed.  Instructions for registering your puppy’s microchip will also be on the health record, which you will receive when you are here getting your puppy.

Supplies to have on hand when puppy comes home:

• Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Dry Dog Food- Link to Chewy   Check into where you can find this food a while before puppy is due to come home.  Be sure to feed this food for at least the first week or so.  If you wish to change to another high quality dog food, do so gradually over about a 10 day period.  Switching to another food too quickly will cause loose stools.  We have chosen to feed this high quality food because it has the ingredients in it that we wanted our dogs to eat, not because they have sensitivities.  The formulation of this puppy food closely follows the AAFCO guidelines for an ideal canine diet.
• Treats-small soft ones work well.  For an extra special treat, use cheese or small pieces of cooked ground beef or chicken.
• A copy of Jan Fennel’s book or DVD of “The Dog Listener”.  This book is a must read/watch for any dog owner who wants willing cooperation from their pet.  If you only read one thing-be sure this is it.  Here is a link to Jan’s website where you can learn about her methods. Buy her book at BetterWorldBooks.com.  The ISBN number of her book is: 9780060089467
• Stainless-steel non-tipping food and water bowls
• I.D. Tags with the contact information for yourself and your veterinarian
• A collar (8 to 12 inch size) and a 6-foot leather or nylon leash, not the retractable type. (This is the size for a puppy who will fall between 35 and 70 pounds as an adult.  Choose one size smaller if your puppy will be smaller.)
• A 37- 42 inch wire crate with an adjustable divider in the center so you can grow the crate with your puppy (This is the size for a puppy who will fall between 35 and 70 pounds as an adult.  Choose one size smaller if your puppy will be smaller.)
• Dog shampoo  (I like the hypoallergenic kind)
• Brush and comb, – A pin brush goes over the top of the coat to make it look smooth, and a steel toothed comb works great for going deep into the coat.
• Nail clippers
• Cleanup supplies such as a stain remover, paper towels, deodorizing  and odor neutralizing spray(like Natures Miracle)
• Chew Toys (Kong is one of my favorite brands.) Do not get any rawhide chews.

This is a list of the basic necessities.   There are many other helpful and fun products available at pet supply stores.  www.petedge.com is one of my favorite online spots to pick up puppy supplies.

We look forward to seeing you when you come to pick up your puppy!  We would be glad to go over an questions you have about your new puppy’s care.

As you prepare for your puppy’s arrival, below is a list of supplies you can begin gathering.  I highly recommend Jan Fennel’s book “The Dog Listener” which is shown in the list below.

What puppy supplies do I need to have on hand when my puppy comes home?  

• Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Dry Dog Food (check availability for this now to be sure you have it on hand when puppy comes home)  Here it is on Chewy.  Check into where you can find this food a while before puppy is due to come home. Be sure to feed this food for at least the first week or so.  If you wish to change to another high quality dog food, do so gradually over about a 10 day period.  Switching to another food too quickly will cause loose stools.  We have chosen to feed this high quality food because it has the ingredients in it that we wanted our dogs to eat, not because they have sensitivities.  The formulation of this puppy food closely follows the AAFCO guidelines for an ideal canine diet.
• Treats-small soft ones work well.  For an extra special treat, use cheese or small pieces of cooked ground beef or chicken. Here are links to a couple kinds we use: Wellness Soft Puppy Bites (Chewy Link) and Hill’s Science Diet Grain-Free Crunchy Biscuits Chewy Link (if you prefer a crunchy type)
• A copy of Jan Fennel’s book or DVD of “The Dog Listener”.  This book is a must read/watch for any dog owner who wants willing cooperation from their pet.  If you only read one thing-be sure this is it.  Here is a link to Jan’s site where you can learn about her methods.  Buy her book on Betterworldbooks.  The ISBN number of her book is: 9780060089467.  There are also several Youtube videos available online that showcase her methods.
• Stainless-steel non-tipping food and water bowls
• Dog shampoo  (I like the hypoallergenic kind)
• Brush and comb, – A pin brush goes over the top of the coat to make it look smooth, and a steel toothed comb works great for going deep into the coat.
• Nail clippers
• Cleanup supplies such as a stain remover, paper towels, deodorizing  and odor neutralizing spray(like Natures Miracle)
• Chew Toys (Kong is one of my favorite brands.) Do not get any rawhide chews.
• I.D. Tags with the contact information for yourself and your veterinarian
• If your puppy will fall between 35 and 70 pounds as an adult, then the below sized collar and crate (if smaller than 35 pounds, then one size smaller than is listed here):
• A collar (8 to 12 inch size) and a 6-foot leather or nylon leash
• A 37-42 inch wire crate with an adjustable divider in the center so you can grow the crate with your puppy.

This is a list of the basic necessities.  There are many other helpful and fun products available at pet supply stores.

Sunshine Acres specializes in hybrid crosses of Golden Retriever and Poodle, often called the Goldendoodle.  There are so many breeding programs for doodles today that it can be confusing to the newcomer that is trying to educate themselves on what F1, F1B, F3, etc might mean.  Most geneticists agree that hybrid vigor or heterosis occurs in the offspring of two genetically different parents of the same genus.  When Gregory Mendel discovered this with peas, a Latin term for generation was created called F for filial (generation = filial).  Thus, we get the term F1 which stands for a first generation cross between two different breeds of dog.

Many years later, mid 1900’s, corn geneticists discovered other types of first generation crosses that improved over the single crosses of hybrids of the day (only using two different parent lines).  This 3 way cross, otherwise termed F1 Type 3, was found to improve the genetic performance of the corn lines.  The corn geneticists would use a hybrid and cross it to another unlike parent line.  This improved disease resistance, increased yields, and improved drought tolerance.  However, these same geneticists will also tell you that you must start with at least one line with a desirable characteristic to achieve improvement.  For example, one corn line must have higher yield performance to improve the offspring of a cross.  The more desirable traits that a parent line starts with and the fewer undesirable traits they do not posess, the greater the chance for a successful cross.  This advice is the same for dogs.

Sunshine Acres has adapted this knowledge to our program and have now included the Irish Setter as one of the parent lines.  This new type of hybrid is an F1 Type 3 and has a greater potential for better health and vigor than the traditional F1 (Golden x Poodle).  We have searched far and wide for our genetics to create a firm foundation in our breeding program.  Our Irish Goldendoodles puppies have a hybrid mother (Irish x Golden) and a purebred father (Poodle).  Other breeds could have been selected, but Sunshine Acres’ program is focused on devotion, intelligence, dark rich colors, silky, low to no shedding coats and high health in an attempt to have puppies who live long happy lives.

Since this cross was instituted in 2008, Sunshine Acres now differentiates the two different types of puppies we raise:

F1 Type 1 = Hybrid puppy from purebred parents (Golden and Poodle)

F1 Type 3 = Hybrid puppy from one hybrid parent (f1 Type 1) and one purebred parent (Poodle)

First of all let’s define some of the other generations.

1. F1B refers to a puppy from crossing an F1 Type 1 Goldendoodle to a Poodle (1/4 Golden and 3/4 Poodle).  This cross has been borrowed from the days of the Labradoodle.  An F1 Type 1 Labradoodle often had an undesirable coat, so the F1B Labradoodle was bred in an attempt to set the coat to a more poodle type coat.  This cross can be beneficial to the Goldendoodle if the breeder consistently has F1 Type 1 Goldendoodles with poor quality coats.  Otherwise, the F1B does increase the amount of inbreeding and can lower the amount of hybrid vigor.  Special care by the breeder should be taken to be sure the Poodle parents are the most unrelated as possible.
2. F2 refers to a puppy that is produced by crossing two F1 Type 1 (F1 Goldendoodle) parents.  Unless a breeder is focusing on creating a new purebred dog, this mating would otherwise produce an undesirable offspring if you are looking for a puppy with known genetics.  Simply put, the offspring from to F1 Type 1 Goldendoodles would produce litters that have puppies that are 25% pure Poodle, 50% F1 Type 1, and 25% pure Golden.  Essentially, you can get a similar puppy to the F1 Type 1, but you may not.  Sunshine Acres has chosen not to raise the F2 because we would not know what we are selling.
3. F2B refers to the above mentioned puppy that is mated to a purebred Poodle.  Again, this would set the coat a little more to the Poodle side, but here is what you would really be getting from a litter of puppies with this mating.  50% of your puppies would be purebred Poodle and 50% would be the same as the F1 Type 1 Goldendoodle.  So if you want a Poodle, why not just buy a purebred Poodle (it is worth more and costs less).  If you want an F1 Type 1 Goldendoodle, then buy the F1 Type 1.
4. Anything beyond these crosses are going to yield similar results but the percentages in a litter are going to be different unless the breeder has access to huge gene pool (hundreds of dogs) and are selecting for certain characteristics.  So don’t go telling a breeder making these crosses that they are wrong for doing so unless you understand their motivation for the cross.  Sunshine Acres supports the F1 Type 1, the F1 Type 3, a double cross (not yet defined), and the F1B as superior matings for the loveable Goldendoodle.  Remember our focus at Sunshine Acres is about the hybrid vigor and not about making another pure breed.
5. It is Sunshine Acres belief that any Goldendoodle with less than 50% Poodle is not a Goldendoodle.  It is a dog.  It is a hybrid of some sort, but it is not a Goldendoodle.
6. Supporting links on Goldendoodle genetics

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F1_hybrid

http://www.creativegeneticsofca.com/documents/others/australian%20crossbreeding.pdf

Just search for 3-way cross and read :). I do recommend reading from websites that are .org, .edu, or .gov for the most reliable information

My Goldendoodles have mostly wavy to slightly curly coats.  My reds, golds, and creams shed very lightly to not at all.  I have seen this in person by attending Doodle Romps where my puppies have grown into adults.

You read and hear of so many classifications of coats, such as fleecy, flat, wavy, woolly.  Generally, these terms fit the Labradoodle and not necessarily the Goldendoodle.  For the most part, my Goldendoodles will be soft to the touch and wavy in appearance.  I have found that the male Poodle contributes very much to traits and not all Poodles are cut out to be Doodle Dads.  The Golden Retriever will play more of minor role in the determination of the coat, but generally I look for Doodle Moms who have a decent amount of feathering.

Neopar

Neovac DA2

Pyrantel/Marquis

Ivomectrin

No, I feel this is the barometer of what your dog is thinking and is too important to remove.  Of course, you could have it removed at any time, but I would not encourage you to.  This is really a small issue anymore.  When we first started the Goldendoodle many years ago, it was not clear whether a doodle should be docked.  The choice not to has prevailed which makes us and our dogs happy.

We also leave our Poodle puppies tails intact for the same reason.  A dog’s tail is an important communication device not only with other dogs, but also with humans.  We have chosen to leave our poodle puppies’ tails long, so they have all of this tool available to communicate with other dogs.

Standards will range from 45-65 pounds for most of my puppies.

Moyens will range from 25-45 pounds.

All of our Doodle puppies are first generation (F1) crosses. The F1 hybrid is the healthiest cross possible due to “hybrid vigor”. It is our desire to raise and promote this hybrid. We carefully select each purebred parent for the characteristics that would result in puppies with the most desirable pet qualities.

Our goal in breeding F1 puppies is to breed a very healthy puppy with the desirable companion traits found in their purebred parents. We do not breed multigenerational Doodles as we have no desire to produce a “pure breed” Doodle and we don’t want to see the Doodle hybrid begin to have the inbred genetic problems found in the purebreds.

The training your puppy receives in its first 8 weeks can last a lifetime.  Thus socialization is not taken lightly at Sunshine Acres.  Following is a general schedule each litter follows while here:

• 0-3 weeks — The puppies are maternally socialized.  This simply means they are cared for and taught by their mother.  Human contact is limited to healthcare and frequent but short contacts. Early neurological stimulation promotes optimal intelligence.
• 3-6 weeks — The puppies are imprinted to human contact with petting and light play as well as continued training from their mother.
• 6-8 weeks — The puppies spend time meeting different aged humans (primarily children) and are placed in different environments to accustom them to change.  They will also interact with other adult dogs and see and hear various other animals.
• 8-12 weeks — The puppies are now ready to go to their new homes and start their skills training.

Socialization never ends.  As puppies join their new packs, they will instinctively seek their level in the family hierarchy.  Although we love them dearly, they must be trained and taught that they are at the bottom of the family hierarchy.  A very big help to learn how to communicate with your puppy is to enroll him or her in a puppy basic obedience course as early as allowed by the instructor.  Classes are offered at most pet supply stores and canine schools in your area.  This class not only teaches your puppy skills, but continues your puppy’s socialization to you, other people, and other dogs.

The importance of beginning to train your puppy as soon as he comes to your home cannot be over emphasized.  Just a few minutes each day spent in fun interaction and training with your puppy will reap life long benefits.  By learning how to interact with your puppy, and understanding how a dog’s mind works, potential behavior problems will be avoided.  Help your puppy understand what your expectations are through obedience training.  A well mannered puppy is one who will be loved by all and welcome everywhere!

Following is my recommended schedule for your puppy once he/she is in your care:

• 8-16 weeks — Take your puppy to its veterinarian for a wellness check shortly after your puppy comes home (within 3 days).  Start to potty train your puppy.  I recommend the crate-training method.  Teach your puppy to sit and stay.  Take your puppy for short walks, but limit interaction with strangers and their pets until his or her immunizations are complete.  Finally, enroll your puppy in an obedience class.   This class will strengthen the bond between you and your puppy, teach you both about basic obedience and be a continued socialization opportunity for your puppy. This class can be started as soon as your puppy has complete his puppy shots (usually between 12 and 16 weeks).  If you prefer, professional trainers can also do individual classes, or come to your home for private lessons.
• 16+ weeks — Once a puppy is trained, he or she will occasionally relapse or possibly start an undesired behavior.  Review the basics with your puppy to remind them of your expectations.  There are many additional courses and training that is offered and you may consider more classes.

We are located in northwest Indiana, near Wolcott, about halfway between Indianapolis and Chicago off I-65.

I don’t live near Sunshine Acres. What are the delivery options to receive my puppy?

If you are not able to drive to Sunshine Acres to pick up your new puppy, we can send your puppy home to you by air. We offer air delivery for our puppies to fly home to their new families via a professional pet travel service. We have been using this service for many years and have had good experiences with their care of our puppies as they fly home to their new families. We would take care of making all of the puppy’s travel arrangments for its flight home. The cost for this service is $550 and includes the puppy’s ticket cost, travel crate, veterinary health certificate, delivery to Chicago O’Hare airport, blanket and flight paperwork.

First we need to know which airport(s) you would prefer your puppy to fly into. We will do our best to have the puppy fly into your first choice airport, but in case there are no flights approved for pet travel going into that airport, we also ask for your second or third choice of airports as well. We also ask what dates would work for you to go to the airport so we can schedule a date for your puppy’s flight home. If a puppy is reserved and needs to fly home on a short notice, the timing needed for scheduling is usually at least 3-4 days. In most cases a week would be the longest time needed to arrange a puppy’s homecoming flight.

When we book the flight we would email you flight arrangements, including where you will need to go to the airport to pick up the puppy and other pertinent information. I will prepay the flight, so all you will need to do is go to the airport pick up location and show photo ID to receive your puppy. The airport location will be the cargo facility, baggage claim office or ticket counter and will be confirmed in the flight arrangements. We need to know who will be picking up the puppy, so I can give the airlines the correct contact information.

Please keep in mind that all pet travel is contingent on the temperatures in the departing and arriving cities being above 20 degrees at the time of day that the flights depart/arrive and below 85 degrees. If the temperature falls below 20 degrees or above 85 degrees, at the time of the puppy’s scheduled flight, the puppy cannot fly and we would have to wait for either a later flight when the temperatures are acceptable or reschedule for a different day. The more flexible you can be for dates/times of your puppy’s arrival, the more options we will have for picking the time that will be best for your puppy.

Nanny Flight Delivery Service

Sunshine Acres also offers delivery by an in-cabin flight nanny service. We have used this service for a number of years and have also had good expereinces with their care of our puppies as they travel home to their new families. The puppies have their own personal flight nanny to accompany them the whole time. This service typically costs $850 to $950. Pick up location is at your local airport, usually near the baggage claim carousels. Flexibility in pick up time and date is needed, as the nannies fly standby to keep the travel cost lower. Updates by texting are given by the nanny throughout the puppy’s travel time. Up to two weeks timing in advance is needed to schedule a flight nanny delivery.

Delivery to Chicago or Indianapolis Airport, to Meet an Arriving Flight

If you would like to fly to Indianapolis or Chicago to pick up your puppy and carry it home in cabin, airport delivery is $200. Most airlines require the puppy to fly in a soft sided carrier and weigh less than 15 or 20 pounds, depending on the airline. Almost all of our puppies will easily be smaller than this size, that they can travel in cabin, if they go home at 8.5 to 10 weeks of age. Please do not schedule a flight where airport delivery is needed without first making certain our schedule is open that we can meet you at the airport at a given day/time.

My doodles have been involved in search and rescue, hunting, and therapy work. With their socialization skills and intelligence, they are the most suitable for therapy and companion-assistance type of work. I have personally seen lives touched by my doodles and it does make a difference. If you are looking for a therapy dog or service dog, please reach out and let us know your needs. We’d be happy to direct you to the puppy or litter that would be the best match for your needs.

Mostly though, my doodles are acting silly, happy, loving and doing their best to make family ties stronger. Of course, they still need training.

What do you mean __-Mart mentality?

Be prepared! Our society has taught us that all we need to do is take our purchases out of the box, put in batteries, and away we go. Real live puppies p__p and pee where we do not want them to, chew on your belongings (especially through teething time), and require a part of your busy schedule. They in turn reward you with unconditional love, much happiness, and relief of stress.

It is so so important to train them up in the way you want them to go or else they will be the biggest menace in your life! You must learn how to communicate with them. Read the books and attend a Basic obedience class of your choice. I do recommend the formal class setting for at least the first part of training so your puppy may continue to socialize with other puppies and people. A well trained puppy is a joy to its family and everyone else it meets.

You can search the internet for these books/video, order them through your local book store or check them out at your local library.  We have them listed in the order we recommend them.

The Dog Listener:

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Author: Jan Fennell
• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks; Reprint edition (January 20, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060089466
• ISBN-13: 978-0060089467
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds

The Dog Listener (DVD):

The Dog Listener-DVD (Can only be purchased on Jan Fennell’s website)

In this film, “The Dog Listener”, Jan demonstrates her technique and the exceptional results it can provide. She shares her secrets and shows how it can be much more effective and compassionate alternative to standard “obedience” training. This easy to follow approach includes case histories of problem dogs. The film is set out in easy to follow chapters:

 

The Dog Listener – Rediscovering the Lost Language- Establishing Leadership- Understanding and Applying the 4 Key Elements:-

 

1. Feeding 
2. Perceived danger 
3. The hunt 
4. Reuniting after Separation 
Please note, prices shown include P&P to your region.

 

The Puppy Listener: