Part 1: Now that you’re on our waiting list, what are the next steps? Besides waiting (the hard part), here are some tips and more on what to expect:
- We will notify you when we have an available puppy. We go straight down our waitlist in order of deposit date when puppies become available.
- In the event we have a last-minute puppy become available, we will contact families in order of date of deposit.
- If you don’t already have a vet, ask your friends with pets for a referral to a good vet in your area. After puppy is born and you have a pickup date, you can schedule their first appointment.
- Now is a good time to prepare for training your puppy, including familiarizing yourself with different concepts on potty training, crate training, obedience training etc. There is a plethora of information online and many books on the subject. We do not have one favorite method or concept in particular but do recommend you find some resources to help you navigate the puppy stage.
- Research what products you would like to get your puppy, including a good setup for the first few weeks (playpen? Sectioned off kitchen/laundry room?) a leash and collar (puppies going home would be the smallest size available in most brands) and more. Check out our “Caring for your new puppy” page for more product recommendations: https://crowndachshunds.com/about-us/caring-for-your-new-puppy/
- If you plan on flying in to pickup your puppy, decide on a soft-sided airline-approved carrier and look up what airlines are pet friendly. In general, United is not recommended, but other airlines are normally great for flying with a pet in cabin. They usually charge between $95-125 to add your pet to the reservation.
- If you are planning a road trip to pick up your puppy, see if you can find a friend to agree to come with you! Puppy does much better with an extra pair of hands to hold and snuggle them during the ride. They are less likely to get car sick and/or cry if they’re being held vs. traveling in a crate.
- You’re always welcome to email us and see if we’re still on track for your deposit timeframe.
- Please be patient (again, waiting is the hard part!) and be assured we are doing everything we can to meet and exceed your puppy expectations. We hope you have your new best friend snuggling in your arms in no time!
Part 2: Now that your pup has been born, what are the next steps?
- More waiting! But to help with the waiting, this time we get to keep you updated every couple weeks with progress photos.
- Unless it’s love at first sight with newborn photos, by week 4-5, it’s time to start choosing your puppy, so we send you photos, a video if needed and answer any questions about personality traits we might notice. In order to be considerate of everyone’s potential travel plans, we ask that those first in line make their choice in a timely fashion to give people behind them on the waitlist a reasonable amount of time for planning.
- Once you choose your pup, we plan final details such as a specific pickup time and address. Puppies must be picked up at 8 weeks of age (we are unable to board your puppy for longer unless agreed upon at time of deposit).
- Your balance due can either be brought in cash at pickup, or if you prefer an electronic method, Venmo or Zelle is also fine. We do not accept any other methods of payment for your balance due. If your puppy is being shipped, we ask for your balance due via Venmo or Zelle three days prior to shipping.
- When pickup day arrives, you meet us at our home in Colton, CA, and we will meet you outside with your new baby and a go-bag. We send puppy home with a blanket with the smell of home, small bag of food, sample vitamins, dog bowl, first toy and puppy pads.
- Within 24 hrs or less you will receive your puppy receipt via email, which includes information about puppy’s vaccinations/deworming, birthdate, amount paid, puppy’s eating schedule etc.
- Puppy is all yours to love and enjoy! Always feel free to keep in touch, send us photo updates or reach out anytime you might have a question.