RavenWyn Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Since we want the best home possible for each of our puppies, we do not approve homes on a “first-come, first-serve” basis. We work with each prospective owner through an interview process that spans through the puppy’s birth, to determine if both our puppy and their potential new family are a good fit. Many factors go into our decision-making process.  We realize that you also haven’t made your final decision, so we have outlined some common questions we receive that may help you decide whether we may be a good fit for you and if you would like to proceed.

Q.  How much do your Sheltie puppies or Rough Collie puppies cost?

A.  Many factors go in to determining the value of our exceptional puppies. This includes, but is not limited to: Health & Genetic Testing of the parents, Specialized Reproductive Veterinary support and/or Emergency Veterinary visits (C-sections, Puppy intensive care, etc.), Superior Quality Dog Food & Supplements, Veterinary Health Clearances of the puppy, Individualized puppy training, our lifelong advice should you need it, Microchipping, De-wormings, Immunizations, AKC Registration, Two-year Limited Health Assurance, and much more that goes into every litter and each distinct puppy. The old adage “You get what you pay for.” rings true when searching for a Sheltie or Collie puppy. If you are merely “price shopping” for your Collie or Sheltie puppy, please do not contact us. We do not return emails or telephone calls of that nature. We only place our very special puppies with those who place a higher value on their family companions. Thank you for understanding.

Q. How do you raise your litters?

A.  As I type this, my pregnant girls are in the house under feet with one on the couch. We whelp each litter in our home where temperatures are best regulated. Once born, the puppies remain with their dams in their very own designated area free from other dogs bothering them. These areas are in the middle of the hustle and bustle of our house.  We do this because the puppies instantly begin to use their senses as they develop. Once born, the puppies immediately discover new scents. In about 10 days (which is the best part) their eyes open and they get to see us making “goo goo” faces at them! Then, in a few weeks their ears open, so the puppies start to hear normal household noises like the television, pots in the kitchen, etc. We follow the Puppy Culture program which includes AKC Judge Patricia Hastings “Rules of Seven” and AKC Judge Dr. Carmen Battaglia’s “Early Neurological Stimulation” protocol, so that we do our best to raise confident puppies ready to take on the world!

Q. What Health Tests have the parents had?

A.  At a minimum, the puppies’ parents have been tested for Hip Dysplasia (OFA), MDR1 Drug Sensitivity, and von Willebrand Disease III (vWDIII). Additional testing varies between the breeds (Shelties & Collies) and parents.  Proof of testing will be provided upon request.

Q. Do you provide a Health Guarantee?

A.  We provide a Two-Year Limited Health Assurance with each puppy, which is comparable to a guarantee. The Two-Year Limited Health Assurance is that should your puppy develop Hip Dysplasia, Inherited Epilepsy, DM, DMS or PRA-rcd2 that is classified as “severe” by two licensed veterinarians before reaching two years of age, we will replace your puppy with another in a future litter.  At which time, you may either continue care or we will take the dog back and care for it ourselves.  Further details are elaborated in our Puppy/Dog Agreement.

Q.  Will the puppy be registered?

A.  Yes. All RavenWyn puppies are placed with a Limited AKC (American Kennel Club) Registration. This means that your puppy is registered but cannot birth registered litters.  The puppy is allowed to compete in all AKC-licensed events except conformation (dog shows). We process and cover the cost of the AKC registration fee as a courtesy. All you have to do is decide on your puppy’s registered name!

Q.  At what age are puppies able to go to their new homes?

A.  Pet puppies are ready to go to their new homes between 8 – 12 weeks of age. Agility/Performance prospects may go to their new homes at 8 weeks, since we know that is the ideal time to start training.

Q.  Can I breed my dog?

A.  No. We only place male and female puppies with a Puppy/Dog Agreement which contains both a non-breeding and mandatory spay/neuter clause.

Q.  At what age do I have to spay or neuter my puppy?

A.  Since there have been various studies on the ideal time to alter a dog, we work with prospective owners to develop an individualized care plan.

Q.  What happens if I can no longer care for my puppy?

A.  Although we do our best to pair our puppies with the best owners possible, we also realize that unforseen life circumstances may happen. Our Puppy/Dog Agreement has a clause which covers the scenario should you no longer be able to care for your puppy. We may either assist in finding a new home for your puppy or we will take the puppy back.  You are not allowed to rehome the puppy without our knowledge and approval of the new home.  Further details are elaborated in our Puppy/Dog Agreement.

Q.  Do you schedule home visits?

A.  To help protect our puppies while they’re building their immune systems, we only accept visits after they’ve had their first set of shots after 6 weeks of age. Before that time, we are happy to accommodate puppy Zoom sessions. We plan to post live puppy videos at various times on our social media accounts so prospective families can share in our excitement.

If you are still interested in being considered for a RavenWyn Collie puppy or Sheltie puppy, please complete our online Puppy/Dog Questionnaire.