General Puppy Info

Adoption Waiting List

Hickory Hill Goldens maintains a waiting list for prospective adopters. To ensure efficient communication, we require serious inquiries only.

Post-Whelping Care and Monitoring

Following the birth of our puppies, each puppy will be fitted with a colored collar for identification purposes. This enables us to closely monitor their weight, typically twice daily, until all puppies have established good feeding habits.

Puppy Allocation and Deposit

Once the puppies are thriving, we will contact waitlist families in the order of their inquiry. At this time:

• You will be asked to select a male or female puppy

• We will inform you of your position in line for your preferred gender

• If you are satisfied with your position, a small non-refundable deposit will be required to secure your place

Puppy Selection Process

At approximately 4 weeks of age, we will initiate the puppy selection process. To facilitate this, we will provide:

• Regular photo and video updates

• Detailed information on each puppy's:

• Weight

• Predicted body structure

• Coat length and color

• Emerging personality traits

When it is your turn to select a puppy, we will guide you through the process. Please note that, due to biosecurity concerns and the risk of disease transmission to non-vaccinated puppies, we cannot accommodate in-person visits.

This precaution ensures the health and well-being of our puppies, and we appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Puppy Socialization, Care, and Development

Our puppies will receive exceptional care and socialization from birth, including:

• Daily handling and socialization to promote confident and calm temperaments

• Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) from days 3-16, a scientifically-backed technique developed by the US military to enhance canine performance and resilience

• Benefits of ENS include:

• Enhanced cardiovascular performance

• Stronger heartbeats

• Improved adrenal gland function

• Increased stress tolerance

• Greater disease resistance

Maternal and Puppy Care

The puppies and their mothers will reside in a clean, warm, dry, and comfortable environment, sanitized regularly to ensure optimal health. The mothers will receive specialized diets to support their well-being and milk production.

Puppy Health and Development

Our puppies will receive:

• Regular deworming treatments

• Toenail trimmings

• Litter box training starting at approximately 4 weeks of age, utilizing alfalfa-filled boxes that encourage natural elimination habits and facilitate potty training

• Introduction to canned puppy food around 4 weeks of age, gradually transitioning to solid foods as their teeth develop

Puppy Development and Socialization (6-7 weeks)

At approximately 6 weeks of age, our puppies will:

• Begin transitioning to dry, solid puppy chow

• Start supervised outdoor playtime, weather permitting, in a secure, fenced area to promote exploration, socialization, and development

Veterinary Care and Health Guarantee

At around 7 weeks of age, the puppies will:

• Receive their first car ride to the veterinarian's office

• Undergo physical examinations, fecal testing, and their first puppy vaccination

In the unlikely event that a significant health issue is identified by either our veterinarian or yours within 48 hours of pickup, we will:

• Refund your deposit in full

• Take the puppy back into our care

This health guarantee ensures that our puppies receive the best possible start in life, and that you can have confidence in their health and well-being.

Going Home and Post-Adoption Support

At approximately 8 weeks of age, our puppies will be ready to join their new families.

Adoption Package

Each puppy will come with:

• Limited AKC registration paperwork (unless alternative arrangements have been made)

• 30 days of complimentary health insurance through Trupanion

• A starter pack, including:

• A small bag of puppy chow

• Other goodies to help your puppy settle into their new home

Lifetime Breeder Support

We are committed to providing ongoing support and guidance throughout your puppy's life. We encourage you to stay in touch and share updates on your puppy's progress. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.