I often keep puppies from my litters for future prospects or to further assess/evaluate to help in the continuous improvement of my breeding program. I typically start finding new homes for any retained pups after they are at least 4 months old. During this time, the pups go through my puppy head start training and sometimes begin formal obedience/retriever training. This is a great chance to get a “started” pup without the extra training expenses it would ordinarily require.
I also make the very difficult decision to place some of my older dogs in another home ONLY if the perfect home comes my way that I feel is a perfect fit for that particular dog. I’m never in the mindset that these dogs need to leave my home…but it would be very selfish of me to not be open to the idea of them having a better life as the centerpiece to a new family instead of part of my pack. As dogs age, they typically do better in a quiet setting where there is not as much commotion as is the case at my home. I want to continue to be a part of their lives and cherish updates and pictures of them with their new families. I also offer free boarding to all of my older dogs that I place in new homes in hopes that I get to spent time with them every now and then! I have been blessed with nothing but good experiences with the families who have been lucky enough to receive one of my retired dogs.
When a perfect match is made and the dog stays with the new family and I say my goodbye, there are always tears in my eyes. Bittersweet for sure because although I know it is wonderful for the new family and for the dog … I will miss not having them in my life daily as they are part of my heart and soul. (I’m even wiping away tears as I type this…I hope everyone knows how special each of these dogs are to me!)
One of the hardest parts of being a good breeder is to be selfless and put the dogs before ourselves.
I also make the very difficult decision to place some of my older dogs in another home ONLY if the perfect home comes my way that I feel is a perfect fit for that particular dog. I’m never in the mindset that these dogs need to leave my home…but it would be very selfish of me to not be open to the idea of them having a better life as the centerpiece to a new family instead of part of my pack. As dogs age, they typically do better in a quiet setting where there is not as much commotion as is the case at my home. I want to continue to be a part of their lives and cherish updates and pictures of them with their new families. I also offer free boarding to all of my older dogs that I place in new homes in hopes that I get to spent time with them every now and then! I have been blessed with nothing but good experiences with the families who have been lucky enough to receive one of my retired dogs.
When a perfect match is made and the dog stays with the new family and I say my goodbye, there are always tears in my eyes. Bittersweet for sure because although I know it is wonderful for the new family and for the dog … I will miss not having them in my life daily as they are part of my heart and soul. (I’m even wiping away tears as I type this…I hope everyone knows how special each of these dogs are to me!)
One of the hardest parts of being a good breeder is to be selfless and put the dogs before ourselves.
What to Expect (cost wise)
Started Dogs (older pup or young adult w/some training) approx. $4-8k
Retired Female (4+yo, trained) approx. $2-6k
“Senior” Dog (8+yo, trained) approx. $500-3k
Retired Female (4+yo, trained) approx. $2-6k
“Senior” Dog (8+yo, trained) approx. $500-3k
Benefits to Getting a started pup or older dog from Katian Kennel
Don’t have the stress and inconvenience of the puppy stage (potty accidents, nipping, chewing on furniture, etc.)
Better for families with young children and for those who are new to dog ownership
Most older dogs (2+ years old) are already spayed/neutered so you don’t have to worry about heat cycles or surgery recovery time (unless they are sold at a younger age or I choose to sell with breeding rights)
Health Warranty
FREE boarding for life at Katian Kennel!
$500 credit towards a future Katian puppy
Dogs with known health history, stable history and consistent training, predictable temperament
Lifelong breeder support
Most of my older dogs have already had all of their OFA testing complete so you know their status with common health issues in goldens (hip, elbow, eye, heart)
Lifetime prepaid microchip enrollment
1-2 FREE private training sessions at my place
Better for families with young children and for those who are new to dog ownership
Most older dogs (2+ years old) are already spayed/neutered so you don’t have to worry about heat cycles or surgery recovery time (unless they are sold at a younger age or I choose to sell with breeding rights)
Health Warranty
FREE boarding for life at Katian Kennel!
$500 credit towards a future Katian puppy
Dogs with known health history, stable history and consistent training, predictable temperament
Lifelong breeder support
Most of my older dogs have already had all of their OFA testing complete so you know their status with common health issues in goldens (hip, elbow, eye, heart)
Lifetime prepaid microchip enrollment
1-2 FREE private training sessions at my place
Review from Ryan, who purchased a started dog from Katian Kennel:
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“I had been in the market for a long-time looking for the right dog to fit my active lifestyle. I determined that I wanted a Field Golden based on their activity level, intelligence, loving nature and of course, their beautiful coat. Initially, I signed up to be on a waitlist for a puppy but learned shortly after about “Starter Dogs”. I was unfamiliar with the term, but Katie spent quite a bit of time educating me on the benefits and joys of getting a Starter Dog vs a puppy. I was paired with my dog (Phoebe), a 2 and ½ year old pup, and I could not be happier with my decision to get a Starter Dog. Phoebe arrived at my home pre-trained, house broken, and hit the ground running with me day 1 (quite literally) as my running/adventure partner. The opportunity to have a dog that was pre-trained by Katie is the best thing I could have asked for. The level of training that comes with a Katian Kennel Starter Dog is worth the investment and second to none. I cannot say enough great things about my experience with Katie, her dogs, and her commitment to you when you get a dog from her. I highly recommend meeting with Katie to learn more about her pups!”
-- Ryan Price 713-591-9216 pricedrp9@gmail.com |
Process if interested in a Katian started/retired dog…
| katianapp.2023.pdf |
Step 1: complete an application and email it to me at Katie@katiankennel.com
Step 2: arrange for a time to come to my place for a meet & greet
Step 3: pay $500 deposit and schedule a home visit at your place
Step 4: I drive out to your place w/the dog for a visit & if all is well, leave the dog with you for a trial period (1-2 days)
Step 5: We finalize the sale by signing the contract and paying the remaining balance
*While I prefer new homes to be within several hours from me, I understand that sometimes a perfect home is farther away, and in that case, I’m amenable to modifying this process to account for the long distance issues.
Step 2: arrange for a time to come to my place for a meet & greet
Step 3: pay $500 deposit and schedule a home visit at your place
Step 4: I drive out to your place w/the dog for a visit & if all is well, leave the dog with you for a trial period (1-2 days)
Step 5: We finalize the sale by signing the contract and paying the remaining balance
*While I prefer new homes to be within several hours from me, I understand that sometimes a perfect home is farther away, and in that case, I’m amenable to modifying this process to account for the long distance issues.
| contract.template.2023.docx |
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DixieDixie is one of my beloved retired girls. She is 7 years old with tons of life left and memories to be made. She loves to be the center of attention and for this reason, I’m considering her for new home with less dogs than I have ;o). She is both sweet and spunky. Loves to be pet…loves to cuddle..but also loves to play/retrieve/work! She is a special girl and I’m looking for a special home deserving of her.
Dixie has earned the following titles: HR, JH, 1 pass away from her SH. She is capable of going farther if someone wants to do competitions with her! |