FAQ's
How do I reserve a puppy and how does the process work?
Reserving your place within our program is designed to be a simple and seamless process.
Under the Puppy section of our website, you will find clear step-by-step instructions to submit your reservation using PayPal or credit card. A $500 non-refundable reservation fee secures your place for a puppy within one of our upcoming litters. If space is not available within the immediate upcoming litters, your reservation will be thoughtfully moved to the next available litter in chronological order. Because we are working with nature, we are unable to guarantee litter size, timing, or gender. For this reason, flexibility is an important part of the process, and we guide each family accordingly as plans unfold. Your reservation confirms your commitment to our program and allows us to begin planning for your future puppy with intention and care.
Can I come and visit your dogs and puppies?
We are pleased to welcome our committed families to meet our pack and puppies by pre-scheduled appointment. In order to uphold the highest standards of health and safety, our homestead remains closed to outside visitors during the first six weeks of each litter’s life. Once you have been personally contacted and thoughtfully assigned to your litter, you will be invited to attend your selection visit at the six-week mark. This is a special, intentional experience where you will have the opportunity to meet, connect with, and select your forever companion. Each visit is carefully scheduled as a one-hour, private session. This ensures that every family receives equal time and attention, while also allowing the puppies to remain well-rested, happy, and fully present for each interaction. Please understand that while these puppies are in our care, they are deeply cherished and ultimately belong to the families who will be welcoming them home. It is our responsibility—and our highest priority—to safeguard their health and well-being during this critical stage of development. Out of an abundance of caution, should there be any concerns regarding illness, viruses, parasites, or broader biosecurity risks, in-person visits may be postponed or canceled. In such cases, we will seamlessly transition to guided virtual selection appointments to ensure the process remains both safe and meaningful.
Do you ever have puppies available for adoption immediately?
We do not have puppies available for immediate adoption. Each breeding is thoughtfully planned in advance, ensuring that every puppy is welcomed into a carefully screened, loving home that is already eagerly awaiting their arrival. Most of our litters are fully reserved approximately six months in advance. This reflects the intentional nature of our program, as well as the strong relationships and trusted community we have been fortunate to build over time. Because of this, we recommend reserving your place well ahead of your desired timeframe. On occasion, when a litter is larger than anticipated, families on our waitlist may be offered the opportunity to move forward sooner. Similarly, life circumstances may lead a family to shift their timeline, which can open an unexpected placement. We always encourage families to keep an eye on our website for these rare opportunities. While the wait may feel significant, it is an incredibly valuable part of the journey. This time allows us to get to know you more personally, and for you to thoughtfully prepare, learn, and anticipate the arrival of your puppy. In the end, it makes the experience all the more meaningful—and well worth it.
How are puppies assigned and how does your puppy selection work?
Guiding families to their perfect puppy is one of the most meaningful parts of what we do. This process is a thoughtful collaboration—combining your insight into your lifestyle and desires with my deep, daily understanding of each puppy. Once a litter is born and I have confirmed the number of puppies available, families on the reservation list are contacted in order of their original commitment date and deposit. At that time, you will have the option to move forward with that specific litter or remain in place for a future one. Your placement within the litter is determined by the date your reservation was secured. While this order is generally consistent, it may shift slightly if another family chooses to defer—occasionally creating an opportunity to move forward sooner. From the very beginning, we begin an ongoing dialogue. I take the time to truly understand your lifestyle, preferences, and vision for your future companion. At the same time, I am closely observing each puppy—tracking temperament, energy, confidence, and patterns in behavior as they naturally develop. By the time selections approach, I know these puppies intimately. That said, while I know the puppies exceptionally well, you know your life best. For that reason, I believe the final decision should always remain with you. At your six-week visit, I will thoughtfully pre-select two to three puppies that I feel are the best potential matches for your family. With guidance and open conversation, you will then have the opportunity to connect with each and make your final selection. My intention is that this shared approach ensures every family feels supported, understood, and genuinely excited—confident that the puppy they choose is truly the right fit. By the end of your visit, you will know exactly which puppy is meant to become your forever companion.
Can I request a certain gender of pup?
We do not accept gender-specific reservations. It is both our belief and our responsibility to thoughtfully match each puppy with the family they are best suited for—based on temperament, energy, and overall compatibility, rather than gender or physical traits. This approach allows you to be considered for the very best match within the entire litter, rather than being limited to one gender. In our experience, this creates the strongest long-term success for both our puppies and their families—and is truly a benefit, not a limitation. That said, you are always welcome to share a gender preference. We will absolutely take this into consideration and do our best to honor your hopes whenever possible. However, as with all aspects of breeding, we are guided by nature. We cannot guarantee litter size, gender distribution, or how each puppy’s personality will develop. When pre-selecting potential matches for your family, our focus remains on finding the puppy that will thrive most beautifully within your home.
What all is included in the adoption of one of your pups?
Everything outlined on our puppy page is included, along with lifetime breeder support-you will always have guidance and resources available to you.
Are deposits refundable?
Puppy deposits are non-refundable, reflecting the depth of intention, expertise, and investment behind each carefully planned litter. Long before a puppy is ever conceived, years of dedication are poured into the foundation of our program—extensive health testing, pedigree research, structural and temperament evaluations, and close collaboration with veterinarians, specialists, and esteemed breeding partners. Every pairing is approached with precision and purpose, with no detail overlooked in the pursuit of producing exceptional, well-balanced companions.
Equal care is given to the families we welcome. I take pride in building meaningful connections with each family, ensuring a seamless, highly personalized experience and a truly aligned match for every puppy. As each reservation represents a mutual commitment, deposits are not refundable. However, should your timing evolve, your deposit may be transferred to a future litter and will remain valid for up to two years.
I kindly ask that you feel fully confident and prepared when placing your reservation, so that every puppy is received into a home that reflects the same level of care, intention, and lifelong devotion.
Do you ship puppies?
We do not ship our puppies, as we believe each one deserves a safe, calm, and personally guided transition into their new home.
You are always welcome to fly in and pick up your puppy in person. Many of our families have had great success flying home with their puppy comfortably in-cabin. If travel isn’t ideal, we also offer a trusted puppy nanny service. A member of our team will personally accompany your puppy to you, ensuring a smooth and well-cared-for journey. A delivery fee applies for this service.
Can I buy a pup from you if I live in Canada?
Yes, absolutely—you are more than welcome to adopt one of our pups if you live in Canada. We will ensure you have all the proper documentation in place for a smooth and stress-free border crossing. Your puppy will go home with a completed veterinary exam report, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip identification, and a detailed invoice—everything fully prepared so you and your new pup can travel back into Canada with ease.
Do you ever have older dogs available for adoption?
Yes, from time to time we do have older puppies and adult dogs available for adoption. On occasion, families may need to return a dog to us due to unforeseen life circumstances, and we are always here to welcome them back and ensure they are placed in a loving, well-suited home.
Additionally, as part of our program, I thoughtfully retire my breeding girls once they have completed their time with us. These dogs are incredibly special—well-socialized, deeply loved, and accustomed to family life. If you feel that an older puppy or adult dog may be the right fit for your home, I would be happy to connect with you. I keep a dedicated interest list for these placements, as availability is quite limited and homes are often matched very quickly—sometimes almost immediately upon their return.
Will I get updates and photos of my puppy as it grows up?
Yes, absolutely—you will receive regular updates and photos as your pup grows. I share a weekly blog on my website that includes photos, updates, and all the latest happenings here. This covers everything from heat cycles and breedings to pregnancy progress, births, and puppy development. If you subscribe to the mailing list at the bottom of my website’s homepage, those updates will be delivered to your inbox so you can follow along every step of the way. Once you are officially matched with a litter, you’ll receive more personalized weekly updates specific to your puppy. These include detailed notes on development, helpful educational resources, and plenty of photos so you can stay closely connected throughout the journey. I also share frequent updates on my social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook, where you can see additional photos and day-to-day moments with our current pups.
What kind of training will my puppy come with?
Your puppy will come home with a strong and thoughtful foundation already in place. Individual crate training is gently introduced early on and well established by the time your pup joins your family. Daily potty training is also underway and progressing nicely, along with the development of patience, contentment, and confidence. We incorporate enrichment activities such as search-and-find games and early water introduction, helping to build curiosity and resilience. In addition, your puppy will have daily exposure to a variety of sights, sounds, and experiences, along with gentle desensitization work to support a well-rounded, adaptable temperament. With your continued consistency and follow-through using the methods we’ve started here, you’ll be well set up for a smooth transition and long-term success in your training journey.
How big will the puppies be?
All our puppies go out the door around the 10-12 lb. range. They will fill out and continue to grow for 2 full yrs. Males will end up being around 70-75lbs and females around 65 lbs.
How many puppies are usually in a litter?
On average our litter sizes are 7-12 pups.
What Brand of dog/puppy food/supplements do you recommend?
We recommend feeding all of our puppies and adult dogs Purina Pro Plan Salmon & Rice Adult Dog Food and Purina Pro Plan Lamb & Rice Puppy Food. These formulas have been a consistent, high-quality choice in our program and have supported excellent health, growth, and overall condition. Both options are readily available through most local feed stores, pet retailers, and online through Amazon. We ask that you have a bag of the appropriate food on hand before your puppy comes home to ensure a smooth and stress-free transition. In addition to nutrition, we supplement all of our dogs and litters with NuVet Plus products, including their daily supplement and joint support formula. We have seen tremendous benefits in digestion, immune support, and overall well-being, and it has become an essential part of our program. For this reason, we do require that a bottle of the supplement be purchased for your puppy prior to going home. Continuing this routine helps ease the transition into a new environment and supports your puppy’s health during this important stage of development.
Here is my Breeder link for this product. www.nuvet.com/521409
Can I contact you if I have questions along the way?
During this journey, and continuing after you have gone home, I welcome and encourage communication. I am always available to support you with any questions, guidance, and updates you may need as your puppy settles into their new environment. Please feel free to call, text, or email me at any time—I make it a priority to respond promptly and ensure you feel supported, informed, and confident throughout your puppy’s transition and beyond.
or
hoekemahomesteadgoldens@gmail.com