Do you ship?
We DO NOT ship our puppies. We prefer to meet all of our new Littleton Ranch family members in person. Traveling from out of state, you can fly into Bellingham or Seattle and drive up to the ranch. You can then take your puppy back with you on your return flight. We understand this might not be an option for everyone. We have found it difficult to find flight nannies that will fly into Bellingham but it can sometimes be arranged depending on the final destination.
Looking for our phone number?
While we love your enthusiasm and look forward to partnering with you to find that perfect puppy, our first priority is to the 24/7 job we love most; the care, health and nurturing of our animals. Though we do wish we had the time to speak with each of you, trust me we could talk about dogs all day long, we are simply unable to do so due to the sheer volume of daily inquiries.
We have created a communication system that ensures your questions are answered efficiently and effectively. Emails through your application is our preferred method of contact. The application thread lets us keep track of your needs, questions, and our ensuing conversation.
We fully acknowledge this is a huge commitment for you. It is important for us that you understand and are comfortable with our process. Please visit our testimonials page and social media sites to see how we interact, raise, and love our animals. The care we give them is reflected in the love they give their families.
Can I email you directly?
Our email system is set up to filter out application threads and keep them at the top. We ask that you keep your communication in the original thread, this ensures it doesn’t get lost and that we have all your current information in front of us.
Can I get an update/can you send pictures?
The responsibility of care we have on a daily basis does not allow us to respond to each request we get for updates and photos of your puppy. We do our best to celebrate the arrival of new litters by posting newborn photos, this is also when the breakdown list is created. Additional photos are taken when their eyes open (usually 2 ½ to 3 weeks of age); at 5 weeks, and again at 7 weeks, just in time for selection.
Our fun videos and candid pictures are posted to our social media sites as time permits. Individual videos, to help with selection, are posted at 7 weeks.
Can I visit?
Thank you for your interest in meeting our puppies. Because we have your future puppies' health and happiness as our priority, we prefer not to endanger them by introducing them to unknown germs, bacteria and stimulation. As a part of the training, education, and health for your puppy, we work 24/7 to introduce them to age and health appropriate stimulation. This decision and plan was made in conjunction with our veterinary staff. We are very excited to share photos and videos with you online, as well as answer any questions you have about how your puppy is doing. We look forward to working with you as a partner in your future family members' progress.
Are the puppies hypoallergenic?
The simple answer is no. People can be allergic to dogs in 3 main ways: saliva, dander, and urine. This makes the word hypoallergenic misleading, as no dog is truly hypoallergenic. What helps the doodle be more allergy friendly is their low to non shedding coat but it isn’t a guarantee that you won’t be allergic to the saliva or urine.
Do the puppies shed?
This varies from puppy to puppy and the grooming you maintain at home. Doodles are generally low to non shedding.
What is F1, F2, F1B?
F1 is a first generation, so a 50/50 cross. F1b is first generation bred back to one of the original breeds. For example an F1b Aussiedoodle would be 3/4 Poodle and 1/4 Aussie. F2 is generally a cross of two F1’s bred together.
Grooming?
Introducing grooming at an early age is imperative. We begin trimming toenails at a few days old and repeat as needed. Around 5 weeks of age we begin using a dremel on their nails, also at this time we start to introduce them to the dryer. On puppy pick up day your new best friend will be freshly bathed, groomed, and nails trimmed. To keep your puppy familiar with the requirements of maintaining a doodle coat we suggest that you find a groomer for your puppy right away and start with short trips to the groomer for toenail and sanitary trims. This way when your doodle is ready for a full groom you will have them comfortable with the process and the groomer. Adult doodles will need regular grooming about every 6-8 to keep them looking their best and easy to maintain at home. Depending on the length of coat and the elements your doodle is exposed to will determine how much grooming is required at home.
What are the puppies eating and how often?
Littleton puppies are accustomed to eating ProPlan Chicken and Rice Puppy Food. This means your puppy has 100% free choice to graze at free will all the time. We are big fans of free choice feeding here at the ranch but understand this might now work for everyone. When taking your new puppy home and you wish to switch to a feeding schedule, know this can take a few weeks to accomplish. The amount of food your puppy will need will vary based on what you are feeding and how often. I suggest that you feed your new puppy a minimum of 3 times per day for the first year. If you choose to stay on free feeding your puppy will regulate what they need. For ease of potty training you can remove food and water in the late evening and return in the morning.
What does your puppy come home with?
Puppies leave the ranch with up to date health records, microchip registration, a starter supply of food, and a toy.
Can you rub this blanket on the puppy's mom for smell?
Once puppy pick up day arrives your new family member has already been working on their independence. Weaning begins at 7 weeks old and takes a few days to ease the transition for mom and puppies. We also begin one on one playtime so each puppy learns to be away from their litter. Some tricks to help your puppy transition at home is to create a routine, spend engaging one on one time and allow them to be close to you to encourage bonding. We will send your puppy home with a toy they are used to playing with. Additionally Littleton Ranch family members have found success with the snuggle puppy. Snuggle Puppy
Training?
Board and train is offered on a very limited basis. Feel free to ask and we can discuss it.
We strongly encourage all of our Littleton Ranch family members to enroll in puppy class. Whether you have trained your previous dogs or are new to dog ownership, the rewards from social interactions for a young puppy help shape them into the best dog they can be. Puppy class is the foundation for your new best friend. Not everyone has the option of puppy class or perhaps you would like more resources and for those options we love Baxter and Bella.
We are proud to be partnered with Baxter and Bella. They have a ton of information as well as videos and personal one on one help. If you use code LR25 you will receive 25% off your lifetime membership.
Will the puppy be potty trained?
Puppies naturally don’t want to potty where they sleep. We nurture this natural instinct by giving the puppies a designated potty area, (litterbox). You will need to continue working with your puppy on his natural habits, creating a great foundation for when your puppy is truly old enough for potty training. Puppies are usually ready to begin formal potty training around 12 weeks of age.
Do you have older puppies/dogs available?
We occasionally have older puppies or retired adults available, please fill out our application to find out.
