How Our Puppies Are Raised

Our puppies are born and raised in our home, in a dedicated ‘puppy room’ which is a quiet place where mom can tend to their needs without disturbance. The puppy room is equipped with it’s own heating and cooling system to ensure a steady temperature. It also hosts a ‘spy cam’ – a video camera that allows us to keep a constant eyes on the youngsters, although they are rarely without human supervision for the first several weeks.

Getting each puppy off to the right start is incredibly important. From day one, each puppy is  handled by humans. We start out by assisting with birth, followed by a close inspection,  individual identification (ribbon collar) and recording the birth weight of each puppy. Each day, new weights are recorded as every puppy is individually handled.  Eromit puppies undergo Early  Neurological  Stimulation – this is a daily regime of specific handling exercises that promotes brain development and helps to increase the learning capacity of the brood. We also try to post photos and videos of the puppies several times a week on our facebook page so that new owners can follow their progress.

As the puppies senses develop, we begin their socialization. Different lighting conditions, sounds, and smells are presented. At three weeks, puppies are provided with a litterbox as the first step in house-training. At around four weeks, puppies begin to spend a bit of time each day away from their litter mates during individual play time.  They will begin to spend some time outdoors in nice weather, and will be presented with an enriched environment. We allow them to explore walking on different surfaces (carpet, lino, grass, gravel, dirt); they are introduced to different toys  (toys that squeak, rattle, are furry or bouncy) and we add new objects into their area (tunnels, tippy boards, kiddie pools, jungle gym, etc). They will experience gunfire and birds, spend time around children, cats, older dogs and will learn about  being bathed and groomed.  Each puppy will be  introduced to crate training as well. Depending on the weather, puppies may be allowed  to swim (see below for swimming intro video) or play in snow and ice. Also at around 4-5 weeks, puppies move out of the whelping box into our ‘puppy house’ which allows them to go in and out as they please- further developing their instincts to stay clean and potty outdoors.

By six weeks of age, puppies are completely weaned and eating a diet of balanced raw food -although sometimes mom insists this happens sooner! All pups are vaccinated  and vet checked at 6 weeks.  They will also be dewormed (as they were at 2 and 4  weeks).   We also tattoo each puppy as a form of permanent ID at this stage. Our puppies are confidently exploring the world, interacting with dogs and people, retrieving a number of different items including birds, and are well started with life skills before they even leave for their forever homes.

At around 7 weeks of age, we will begin the process of evaluating puppies for matching with their new families. This process may last until their 8th week. Puppies are evaluated in terms of their temperament, structure, drive,  and their reactions to all the new things they have experienced.  Because we have spent so much time with the little ones, we will have a good idea of what sort of personality each has developed. And because we are so familiar with our line of Labs, we will be able to choose the perfect  puppy to meet your needs, based on your sex and color preference, your future goals, and any specific traits you are looking for in a dog.  In this sense, everyone gets a ‘first pick’ puppy!  Puppies are ready to go to their new homes no sooner than 8 weeks of age.

Reserving a Puppy

There can be a lot of excitement involved with acquiring a Lab puppy and we try to announce our litter plans as far in advance as we can, which gives new owners the time to plan (and puppy proof their houses!) It also gives us the chance to meet you and get to know what you are looking for in a puppy.   Current Litters and Future Litters are both listed on our website. Often we are also planning well in advanced for litters not yet posted.

If you see a planned breeding that you are interested in, or are looking far into the future,  please call or email us and tell us a little about what you are looking for in a puppy. You can also fill out our reservation form that includes our initial questions (form is found on this page HERE). Litters are often sold out prior to being born, so when you have decided that an Eromit puppy is what you are looking for, we encourage you to contact us early to get the process started. Once we have received your reservation from and talked to you  about the possibility of a puppy,  exchanged references,   and cleared up any additional questions you may have (or that we may have for you), we will request a $250 deposit to confirm your puppy reservation.  We will keep you informed with litter updates as we approach the breeding date and due date, and will confirm things like puppy pickup dates and arrangements, as well as answering your questions along the way.

Once the puppies are born, we will send each family on the reservation list a detailed message about how the whelping process went and what to expect next, including an electronic copy of our “Puppy Owner’s Manual”.  We then  begin posting regular photo updates on our facebook page. As the puppies grow, you will be able to come and visit them – the age of visitation may vary depending on how  eager  the dam is to allow visitors but is typically at 3 weeks of age or later- or if you are from out of town, watch the website for frequent photo and video updates.

Purchasing a Puppy

Puppies cost $2500 to $3000 and pricing details will be posted on the  individual litter page.  Price does not vary based on color or sex – all puppies in a litter are priced the same as they take the same amount of time, resources, and skill to raise! Your deposit applies towards the total cost and the balance of the purchase price plus tax  is due at the time of puppy  pickup.  PLEASE NOTE: as of January 1st 2013, we will no longer be shipping puppies as unaccompanied cargo. Plan to pick up your puppy at Eromit Acres or we may be able to meet you at either the Quesnel or Prince George regional airport. 

What is included in  the price:

• Canadian Kennel Club Registration (on a non-breeding contract unless otherwise agreed in writing at the time of reservation – don’t wait until you pick up your puppy to discuss breeding -that is too late!)
• Our “Puppy Prep Course” which helps you learn about puppy care, training, and socializing in advance of taking your puppy home. 
• Parent’s Pedigree and Health Documentation
• Purchase Contract & Health Warranty
• Trial Health Insurance Policy (Pet Secure and/or Trupanion, dependent on availability)
• Puppy’s Individual Health records 
• A week’s worth of  quality raw puppy food to get you started
• Puppy sized collar, leash & harness
• Permanent Identification (tattoo)
• Something that smells like momma dog – blanket or toy
• Vet Checkup,  First Vaccinations & Deworming up to date

What is Not Included:

• Taxes (5% GST and 7% PST)
• Travel carrier, if requested 
•  Additional health certifications required for travel
•  Care or training beyond 9 weeks of age

Within 6 months of purchase, your puppy’s CKC registration papers will be forwarded to you (excluding delays in issuing paperwork caused by the CKC themselves).  And as always, we are available any time to answer any questions you may have. We provide breeder support  for life!

We also have a lifetime return policy – if you cannot keep your Eromit dog, he or she is always welcome here.  We are committed to the well being of each puppy produced, for it’s entire life. In fact, returning your puppy to us if you can not keep it at any time during it’s life is a REQUIREMENT of our purchase contract.

PLEASE NOTE: We do not sell puppies to Puppy Mills, Brokers, or Pet Stores. We do not sell puppies as breeding to any breeder intentionally breeding mismarked Labs.  We do not sell puppies to those planning to train and resell the dog. We are looking for forever homes that are the best possible match for each puppy and this is in the best interest of the puppies, the new owners, and our breeding program. We reserve the right to refuse sale to anyone for any reason and may cancel a reservation at any time. We reserve the right to keep any puppy from one of our litters and to hold back any puppy for an extended care period if required before releasing to it’s new home.

See our upcoming Litter Plans HERE

& more details about the puppy reservation process HERE