More questions

[Native New Yorker]

Based on your experience, what are some things that you really should purchase before your new family member arrives?  Has anyone had experience with FYFFE's Ridgetop mini Golden Doodles?  http://www.fyffesridgetopminigoldendoodles.com/.  FYFFE'S RIDGTOP MINI-GOLDEN DOODLES

FYFFE'S RIDGTOP MINI-GOLDEN DOODLES

[Adina P]

What to purchase? The Puppy Madness group and Waiting for New Puppies group both have some good discussions on this.
Don't know anything about that breeder.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I haven't had any actual experience with this breeder, but here are a few things you may want to think about...

-Are you considering one of their first generation Doodles (F1)? If yes, you may have some issues with the allergy problems in your family. The dogs on their website seem to have the really loose fleece coats. These dogs may not be as "allergy friendly" as you need.

-I couldn't tell what they've done for health testing other than possibly hips. Their two year guarantee (hips only) requires that you use Nu-Vet supplement and feed "good nutritional food", although they actually feed Purina?? There's a one year guarantee against life threatening genetic diseases. From what I saw when I was researching breeders, these are pretty restrictive health guarantees.

Just a few things for you to consider....

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I was JUST about to post about the same response as Jane. I looked at the breeder's website and gathered the same from the information provided.

And yes, if you have allergy issues, I would opt for a higher generation. But you will have to spend more money...

Are you trying to select a breeder close by so you can visit? I am sure you could find one within driving distance that is on our Recommended Breeder lists! Of course I am not saying that someone has to be on that list to be a good breeder either!

As for things to buy, my quick list is the following: Top of the line kibble (check out Food Group), crate (I recommend 30" or 36" with divider for minis), beds, lots of toys, antlers for chewing, towels for cleaning up, steel comb for grooming (brush later when you know coat type), carpet neutralizing spray for accident cleanup, leash (non-retractable), collar, yummy training treats, harness for walking...oh I can go on and on. That's my start though. And your breeder can probably give you a good list and recommendations (mine did).

[Native New Yorker]

Unfortunately, there are not many breeders within my area of New Jersey, especially breeders of mini goldendoodles. However, I am willing to travel to the border states. There's only one or two that will have mini goldendoodles within June or early July. I do plan on visiting them this month. I'm home for the summer months and that would be the best time for us to bond with and train our new family member.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

If you send me your personal email I would be glad to show you pictures I received from this breeders .....area.

Let me forewarn you, if a breeder tells you, " My house is hard to find, I will just meet you at the gas station in town" beware!

We have sent you to links here on DK that state what to look for in a breeder. Meeting at a gas station in town was NOT on the list

[Native New Yorker]

Thank you so much Joanne. I'm sending you my email right now. My greatest fear is dealing with an unresponsible breeder. @ Jane. I would be purchasing a f1b unless the f1 had very wavy fur. That's what many people recommended to me. BTW, I'm the only one in the family with allergies and it's considered a "moderate" allergy by my allergist. What is considered a fair health guarantee?

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Read this, which covers your question about the health guarantee:
http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/what-to-look-for-in-a

Off the top of my head, the guarantee should be for at least 2 years and cover all major genetic diseases - also look for one that covers patella issues (kneecaps) - those can be a problem for minis (mini poodle parent needs to be tested and cleared). Also, you should get a monetary refund WITHOUT RETURNING your pup! The thing is, responsible breeders should be testing parents in attempt to produce healthy litters, but there is always a chance you can still end up with a pup with hip dysplasia or another problem. A good breeder knows that and should offer a guarantee to help you financially with treatment if you unfortunately get unlucky.

[Native New Yorker]

I have been told by a couple of breeders in Pennsylvania that their homes or farms were hard to find so they would send me multiple pictures. I'm finding this whole process stressful. Perhaps it's because NJ and PA probably have more puppy mills than most states.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

We have a lot of members in NJ and Pennsylvania. I am hoping someone sees this and can offer you some better guidance. I am in TN and would recommend my breeder to anyone, but I think you are wanting to visit the breeder and meet the pups, etc....so that really wouldn't work. There are good breeders out there. Just be patient. I hope Joanne can offer some help - she lives in NJ I believe.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I would absolutely we very wary of this. We bought Guinness from a wonderful breeder in VT. She lived way, way out in the country. It was difficult to find, even with a GPS. There was never any question in her mind or ours that we would go to her home, meet our puppy and her Mom. She was totally open and took us inside where we saw where the puppies were living. A good breeder should be open to that.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Add Ohio to the above list.

Buying a car is also stressful. You will have that car at least 10 years. You will have your dog longer than that car. :)

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Oh yes, you are in Ohio!! Sorry about that....
Good point Joanne. I know quite a few folks that have driven 10+ hours to get their puppies =)