Here we tackle some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) about
Golden Mountain Doodles and Carrier Family Doodles
How much do your puppies cost?
How much do your puppies cost?” is one of our most frequently asked questions. Since we are regular people, too, we understand. When buying any product, you want to economize and get the best deal. On the other hand, sometimes you spend more to get a higher quality product that will meet your needs and last longer. Although buying a puppy is different, in that it’s not a “product,” but rather a beloved addition to your family, similar considerations apply. When it comes to our puppies, we try to balance both sides of this equation carefully.
We look at the overall market and take all of the breeding variables into consideration when we price our puppies. We aren’t a “puppy mill” with lots of breeding Mamas that are treated like farm animals, living in kennels and separated from their babies as soon as possible. Our puppies aren’t individually kenneled and neglected. We also aren’t an animal rescue, where you’re not sure what you’re getting when it comes to the health and socialization of your puppy.
Instead, we offer hypoallergenic and non-shedding breeds that are a value for those in need of them. Our puppies stay with their Mamas for as long as Mama wants to be around them. They live and play with each other and with their Mama. They are introduced to our other adult dogs, as well, when they are old enough for it to be safe. From birth, they are socialized with our large family. They have a safe “puppy space” in our home, but they also come out into different areas of the house so that they get plenty of sensory stimulation and acclimate to different sounds and activities throughout the home. When we have visitors, they often have visitors, too. This environment helps our puppies to enter into new and different situations and meet new people without a high level of anxiety or fear, which often prompts undesirable behaviors.
As well, our puppy parents are health tested and kept in the best possible health. They are allowed to go into heat in a natural way (or skip a heat, if nature dictates). They have a healthy diet, high-quality supplementation, regular grooming, and access to veterinary care if the need arises. Our puppies are up-to-date on de-worming, vaccinations, and parasite control (if needed), and they are vet-checked at approximately 7 weeks. Frankly, these things should go without saying if you are going to breed puppies, but unfortunately this is not always the case.
Our puppies go home with a complete puppy gift bag, with all the starter items you will need (stainless dish, brush, collar and leash, several toys, and a quart-sized bag of food).
We put a lot of money into targeted advertising to make sure that people who buy our puppies are going to take the best possible care of them. When you express interest in our puppies, we spend lots of time communicating so that we can match you with the most perfect puppy for you. And if we don’t think we have an ideal match, we don’t mind saying so! We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the breeds of puppies we offer, our quality of care, or how to welcome a new puppy into your home. Our level of service is a value-add that you won’t find with every breeder.
Another value-add is the early potty training using an asto-turf potty system. Starting as early as three weeks of age, we get our puppies used to using a high-quality turf that closely approximates grass. Since dogs will habitually eliminate on the type of surface that they’ve been trained to, starting with astro-turf translates well to using the great outdoors once they go to their forever homes. By most accounts, our puppies are “95% potty trained” when going home, and all it will hopefully take on your part is some consistency and watching for elimination cues. (There are some who are a little more stubborn, and we know who they are! We’ll let you know if a puppy you’re looking at hasn’t been cooperative, in case it’s a major consideration in your decision.)
We say all this because many people are not aware of the behind-the-scenes effort and cost that go into home-raising quality puppies that are healthy and well-socialized. You can get cheaper puppies elsewhere, but if price is your primary consideration, then please do your research on the other variables that influence the price and be sure you are going to be happy with what you are getting. However, we also don’t aim to take advantage of people with unreasonable prices. In the end, our puppies are neither “cheap” nor “over-the-top” compared to other breeders.
Are Golden Mountain Doodles hypoallergenic?
This breed IS considered a hypoallergenic and non-shedding breed, if the puppies are fully furnished. However, there really is no such thing as a fully hypoallergenic and non-shedding dog. The “hypoallergenic and non-shedding” label given to Doodles comes from the Poodle in the mix. The best description of the Poodle coat (and its “non-shedding” characteristic) is here: www.allpoodleinfo.com/poodle-coat-hair. To make a long story short, poodles have hair, not fur, and they don’t have a typical “double coat.” Instead, their hair does fall out, but it gets trapped in the coat and comes off during grooming rather than falling all over clothes, floors, and furniture. Their hypoallergenicity comes from the fact that poodles (and poodle mixes) release much less dander, much less frequently than double-coated dogs. For those with mild to medium pet allergies, Doodles therefore make a wonderful addition to the family, as they are usually low-shed to no-shed. For a person with severe allergies, a curly coat may be a better option. If you have concerns, we suggest that you get further allergy testing done as well as take some time to interact with doodles and their humans in your area before purchasing a puppy. And you need to be aware that people can also be allergic to dog saliva or urine, etc.
What is known as a “Furnished” Doodle will have the characteristic brows and bearded look (and are considered non-shedding and hypo-allergenic), whereas an “Unfurnished” Doodle will typically have straighter/shorter facial fur. This is called a “flat coat” or an “improper coat” and will usually NOT be a fully non-shedding dog (although shedding will likely be considerably less than parent breeds such as the Golden Retriever or Bernese Mountain Dog). The “unfurnished” occurs in a small percentage of Golden Mountain Doodle puppies because of the cross-breeding of the Goldendoodle and the Bernedoodle. We try to note on individual puppy descriptions the ones we suspect are “Unfurnished,” although an accurate assessment is often difficult before 5 weeks.
Due to the genetics of our puppy parents, we also have an occasional puppy that is “weakly furnished.” They have initial signs of furnishings, but do develop more slowly and probably won’t get a full “beard” until the adult coat comes in. They can be considered hypoallergenic and non-shedding, but if you have severe allergies, you will probably want to err on the side of caution and choose a fully furnished, curlier Doodle. Also be aware that the puppy coat differs from the adult coat, and a straighter-coated puppy will typically end up with coarser, wavier fur when the adult coat comes in. A wavy puppy may and up “almost” curly as an adult.
Our Aussie Mountain Doodles are likewise (if fully furnished) considered hypoallergenic and non-shedding. However, in the interest of full disclosure, we do find occasional, gray “tumbleweeds” from Stormy (our Aussiedoodle Mama), which have not been notable with our Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles. However, we do not notice shedding on our clothes when we pet her. We therefore recommend frequent brushing for Aussie Mountain Doodle puppies, so that the shedding hair will collect in the brush and can be thrown away, rather than making random tumbleweeds on the edges of the room or under the furniture. Because of the high percentage of poodle in the genetic mix, the dander release should be low enough to be assured of hypoallergenicity. Again, if you are uncertain, it is best to visit the parents and puppies before making a decision. We have not had any known allergic reactions to our furnished puppies, except one that was due to puppy saliva (not hair or dander, which is more common).
What are Golden Mountain Doodle coat types?
Every Golden Mountain Doodle is different, depending on the genetics of the parents and how they have been bred. Coats fall into three main categories: Curly, Wavy, and Straight. The appearance of our dogs is greatly affected by how short the coats are and how recently they have been groomed. Be sure to consider this when looking at the pictures. Also note that a straight coat is not an indication of an unfurnished dog and does not necessarily mean that the dog will shed more.
Curly coat – The curly coat will shed the least and is the most hypoallergenic of the three types. The curls on this coat are usually tight with a soft texture much like what you would see on a Poodle. Curly coats should be brushed daily and trimmed frequently. The curly coated Doodle is usually the most suitable for owners who have an allergy to dog dander. They are also the most high-maintenance, as it is important to prevent matting.
Wavy coat – The wavy coat is low-to non-shedding, and is probably the coat most seen on Golden Mountain Doodles. This coat is very free-flowing, with a lightly kinked or wavy appearance. Most people with allergies to dog dander are fine with a wavy-coated dog.
Straight coat – The straight coats don’t necessarily shed more than other coat types, and a straight coat on a furnished dog is still considered hypoallergenic. Even though this coat is called “straight,” it may actually have a slight wave to it. The length of the dog’s straight hair depends mostly on the length of the parent’s hair.
Some puppies are furnished (with the classic “bearded” Doodle look) with one of the coat types above, and others are unfurnished (with a smooth nose/chin area–more of a Golden Retriever look, since that is part of the genetic mix). Unfurnished Doodles are often referred to as having a “flat coat,” but even an unfurnished Doodle may have some wave, or even curl, to its coat. Unfurnished dogs are not considered hypo-allergenic and non-shedding and therefore are not recommended if allergies are a significant concern. However, an unfurnished Golden Mountain Doodle will typically shed less than the Golden Retriever or Bernese Mountain Dog that are in their lineage and so are a preferred option for those who like the look of these classic breeds but want a lower-shedding option.
Groomed versus Ungroomed
Keep in mind, if you select a potential parent for your ideal puppy, the adult dog’s appearance is greatly affected by how they are groomed. The pictures here are given as examples of the same dog, in groomed versus ungroomed conditions. Each of our dogs is treated differently, depending on coat type, dog personality, personal preference, and even weather.
What are grooming requirements for Golden Mountain Doodles?
Golden Mountain Doodles have hair, not fur. They require regular brushing (2-3 times per week, perhaps daily for curlier coats) with a specialized dog brush to keep them free from matting. From the time they are puppies, it is a good idea to brush your dog’s hair every day to get them used to regular grooming. If you choose to clip your dog’s hair, this can be done every 8-12 weeks or according to your preference and the dog’s activity level and needs. Most furnished Doodles will typically require a “hygienic trim” between grooming appointments to keep face, paws, and backside clean. You can easily learn to do this yourself to keep professional grooming to a minimum.
A curly-coated dog may require professional grooming; once matted, they may need to be shaved to prevent further issues.
What will my puppy look like as an adult dog?
Of course, the size of your dog will depend on the size of its parents. Most of our puppy parents are Mini in size, with the exception of our Bernedoodle sire, Buster, who is medium (50 lbs). Mini Doodles typically stand between 17 and 22 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 25 to 45 pounds, with most of them weighing 35-45 lbs. Females tend to be smaller than males.
Between 6 and 12 months, the “puppy coat” naturally changes. It usually becomes coarser, and if it had been straight it may become wavy. A wavy puppy coat oftentimes becomes curlier. A puppy that had not really required any grooming prior to the coat change may suddenly need regular, aggressive brushing with a different style comb or brush to prevent matting. If you have not been regularly brushing your puppy prior to this point, they are now of a size and disposition when they may actively resist grooming. It is important to know about, and anticipate, the changes that will occur when the puppy coat is shed.
Also, some owners who had purchased a Doodle because of its “non-shedding” label will be concerned during this transitional time. (“What happened?” “Is this permanent?”) It may be inconvenient or could create temporary concerns if allergies are an issue, but it is definitely temporary.
Coats sometimes change in color, with reds or browns fading or black coats becoming slightly silvered. {Interestingly, however, Buster’s “golden puppies” tend to get darker and may end up ginger or red, rather than fading.) Some parti puppies (predominantly white) may and up with some additional freckling when the adult coat comes in or it may be more obvious if they are clipped short. Sable puppies will also vary in appearance depending on how closely you clip the fur, since it is the color at the the ends of the hair that give sables their unique appearance.
We love getting updates about our puppies after they’ve settled into their forever homes, and beyond! We do have some photos of our puppies at older ages, such as the sampling above (each one, approx. 5-6 weeks, and approx. 5 months). We do have some at one-year-plus. Feel free to contact us if you are interested in seeing grown up photos of previous puppies.
Why does my puppy have a pink nose?
All Golden Mountain Doodles are born with pink noses. They become black within the first 8 weeks or so, although there is the occasional dog that never gets a fully black nose. The pink noses may be obvious in first photos, but they will normalize with time.
How does the puppy selection process work?
If you are interested in purchasing a Golden Mountain Doodle or Aussie Mountain Doodle, we invite you to sign up for notifications of new litters here. Keep in mind that as interest grows, you may not be first in line to select a puppy. We DO NOT maintain a waiting list. Instead, we begin advertising new litters as early as 3-5 days after birth. We try to take a group photo within a week, and then individual photos at approximately 3 weeks, and weekly thereafter. The ideal time for you to take your puppy home is 8 weeks.
We usually open new litters for reservation/deposit at approximately 4-5 weeks, when furnishings can be determined with some confidence and when puppy appearance and personality are better developed. For our F1b Mamas (which have, thus far, have had all-furnished litters), we may open reservations earlier, but until 4-5 weeks not much will be known about temperament. Of course, because our puppies are home-raised and well-socialized, and because the breed is generally people-loving and eager-to-please, you can be assured that your puppy will be friendly and sociable. What may not be known right away is the level of energy (active or playful) and the level of confidence or shyness of a puppy. You can make an appointment to come see the puppies in person before putting down a deposit. Alternatively, we enjoy answering your questions and providing photos and/or videos via email, text, WhatsApp, or FB Messenger. We can arrange real-time video calls via WhatsApp, Messenger, or Google Meet. (Sorry, Face Time is not an option.)
What should I feed my puppy?
Our puppies’ first food is Black Gold Explorer, since that is Mama’s food after whelping. However, by the time they are near weaning, they are usually exclusively eating Purina Puppy Chow (Beef & Rice). We chose this because it is a quality food that will be accessible to most people who will go home with one of our puppies. Every puppy leaves us with a quart-sized starter bag of our puppy food. If you want to use another brand of food, you can use the starter bag to mix slowly with your preferred food until your puppy has transitioned completely. Please be aware that “tummy problems” are common during this transition and going slow is a must. Pure pumpkin puree mixed with food at a rate of 1 tablespoon per cup of food can help, as can a puppy probiotic. However, within a couple weeks you should see an improvement in any problems that you may experience. Our puppies are on “auto feed” and can eat as much as they would like, as often as they like. However, when you welcome a Carrier Family Doodles puppy into your home, you will probably want to feed them 3 times per day, an average of 1 cup of food per feeding; adjust if your puppy eats less, and offer more if they eat quickly and still seem hungry. Our minis tend to eat 1/2-3/4 cup and our medium, closer to 1 cup per feeding.
Will my puppy receive vaccinations and de-worming before I bring him home?
Our puppies are typically de-wormed 3 times before they go home (e.g. at 3, 5, and 7 weeks) and have their first set of vaccinations (parvo at 4 weeks and “5-way” at 6 weeks. The next set of shots will then need to be done when the puppy is around 10-12 weeks weeks of age. If your puppy comes home at 8 weeks, we recommend you see a vet for an initial checkup and have them decide when the follow-up vaccines should be done. It is important to keep your puppy on schedule for their vaccinations. We include a Shot Record in the paperwork so your vet can see the shots we gave your puppy.
What will I get when I get a Carrier Family Doodle?
Your puppy comes home with a gift bag full of everything you need: stainless steel dog dish, play and chew toys, brush, collar and leash, starter bag of dog food, and puppy-print fleece blanket.
Your puppy is already ICA registered. This is a national tracking database that can help reunite you with your puppy if they are lost or stolen and their microchip is scanned at a vet or shelter. This ICA registration will automatically be transferred to you via email shortly after you pick up your puppy.
Our puppies up-to-date on de-worming and vaccinations, vet-checked at 7 weeks, and receive parasite control treatments (for giardia or coccidia) if needed. They are health guaranteed for their first 30 days to cover any unexpected issues that may arise upon your first official vet visit (expected to take place within 72 hours of purchase). As well, we offer a 1-year genetic health guarantee. For more on our health guarantee, please visit our policies page.
Where is Carrier Family Doodles located, and how can I get my puppy home?
Carrier Family Doodles is located in New Concord, KY. You are welcome to visit us any time, just give us a call at 765.318.1123 to arrange a day and time. You can visit when it’s time for you to select a puppy, or you can pick up at our location on your designated adoption day. We can also arrange delivery for you if pickup is inconvenient (please see our policies page for options and fees).
How does the Carrier Family Doodles puppy giveaway work?
We know many people who would love a Golden Mountain Doodle for a special purpose: as an emotional support animal for an elderly loved one or a special needs child, or to provide an anchor for a family in transition. Yet not everyone can afford it.
We are Christians who believe in giving back from what God has blessed us with. For this reason, we offer one free “giveaway Doodle” out of every 10 that are born. This giveaway does come with certain terms and conditions, so if you are interested, please visit our giveaway page!
What about puppy potty training?
Because Carrier Family Doodles’ puppies are home-raised, we are just as concerned about puppy potty training as you are! We put an Astro-turf mat and waterproof underpad in our puppy play areas beginning at about 3 weeks. They often gravitate towards it naturally. If not, we use a training spray to encourage puppies to go in the proper place. Puppies acclimate to the use of a particular texture and surface for potty and tend to prefer it, and we have found that astro-turf most closely mimics the natural grass where they will eventually go in the great outdoors. Thus, it is an ideal training tool for easier potty training as the puppy ages.
Our puppies do not go outside until they go to their forever homes, except for play in our protected puppy playground (no adult dogs access this area, and the ground cover is a barrier fabric with small, rounded stone on top that can be rinsed and bleached as needed). The puppies are regularly de-wormed and up-to-date on vaccinations. We are very careful about their environment and its cleanliness. Even so, common intestinal issues like giardia are easily transmitted from the outside environment and can even be brought in on Mama’s feet. We like to be as careful as possible while the puppies are small and their immune systems are not yet as strong and fully developed as they will be later. While older dogs may not show any symptoms or effects from giardia exposure, puppies are more susceptible and therefore, we keep them primarily indoors until they leave our home.
By many reports of our happy customers, our puppies go home “nearly potty trained!” Of course, it depends on the individual puppy and upon your own consistency in bringing them outside when they display elimination cues (shortly after eating, after waking up, and if sniffing around looking for a “spot.”) Many owners are proactive in simply bringing their puppies outside on a timed schedule. Some people like to train their puppies to scratch on the door when going outside, others train to ring a bell. Some puppies will naturally whine or bark if they want to to outside to use the bathroom. We give our puppies the best possible start so that the puppy potty training process is easier for you!
For more information on picking up or shipping your puppy, our health guarantee, and other questions related to puppy purchase, please read our policies.