Frequently Asked Questions

Your puppy goes home with a comprehensive package, including:

• Current vaccinations (first 2 shots & Bordatella).
• Multiple rounds of deworming.
• Microchip (with registration information).
• Vet check and official health report.
• AKC registration application (limited registration, unless full registration is discussed).
• Health Guarantee (vet check period, multi-year genetic guarantee, and possible medication reimbursement). You can read through the guarantee further on the “More Info” page of each of our puppies
• Paperwork and care instructions.
• Dewclaws removed and tails docked (if standard for the breed).

Once you’re part of our Hidden View Farms Family we’ll always be there to support you in any situation we can.

We recommend maintaining the current diet for at least a few weeks after adoption.

• Adult Dogs/Puppies: Purina Pro Plan formulas (Puppies get the Toy Breed dry food and Pro Plan canned food).
  • We start the puppies out on wet food at a young age and it helps to motivate them to eat a proper amount.
• Adult Cats/Kittens: Royal Canin Mother and Baby Cat Formula.
• Recommended Supplement: Puppies and kittens receive NuVet Plus. Continuing this supplement extends your health guarantee.

Yes, we provide a strong foundation for both puppies and kittens:

• Puppies:
  • Start with pee pads at a young age.
  • Transition to supervised play in yards covered with artificial turf grass (to simulate real grass) after their first vaccine.
    • Artificial turf pieces available for purchase.
  • Consistency from the new owner is the key to full training.
• Kittens:
  • Start on litter box training at about 4-6 weeks.
  • Fully litter box trained by the time they go home.
  • We use World’s Best Cat Litter (corn-based). If you plan to switch to clay, we provide a starter baggie to ease the transition.

Yes. We introduce crates early in their development. They are raised in large playpen enclosures that contain crates, which the puppies use as their “bedroom” for resting, winding down, and sleeping with littermates or a Snuggle Puppy.

Socialization starts early to promote well-adjusted pets:

• Daily handling and the Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) program starting at 3 days old.
• Exposure to a variety of flooring surfaces, toys, sounds, heights, and openings as they grow.
• Constant positive interaction with caretakers to build confidence and trust.

The first week is an adjustment period. We recommend keeping things consistent (food, routine, crate comfort) to minimize stress.

• Puppies:
  • Watch for major warning signs: sudden low activity, refusal to eat or drink, or unhealthy stool.
  • Keep their environment similar to their original home (e.g., a blanket with litter scent).
• Kittens:
  • The adjustment period is typically 2-5 days.
  • Start them in a small, quiet room away from foot traffic (e.g., laundry room or spare room).
  • Ensure they know the location of their food, water, and litter box immediately.
  • Allow them to explore at their own pace; they may not want cuddling right away.

Limited AKC registration means you are buying the puppy as a pet only. This registration:

• Disqualifies the dog from AKC shows or events.
• Prevents any offspring produced by the dog from being eligible for AKC registration.
  (Full registration, which allows breeding/showing, may be available for an additional price.)

Yes, in almost all cases. We maintain our own parent dogs and cats on-site to monitor their health and behavior.

• Exception: Our Mini Goldendoodles and Mini Bernedoodles are raised by a partner breeder and typically arrive at our facility for visits once they are 8 weeks old.

Yes, we use a multi-faceted approach to health screening:

• Tracking: Long-standing (unofficial) tracking of past generations.
• Physical Exams: Annual exams for males and exams for females between each litter.
• Genetic DNA Testing:
  • Dogs are tested using Embark.
  • Cats are tested using Optimal Selection.
• OFA Certification (for dogs over 2 years old): Tests for healthy eyes, hearts, hips, elbows, patellas, and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (as applicable to the breed).

Yes! We offer several flexible options to ensure your new pet arrives safely, regardless of your location:

• Preferred Method (Long Distance): Pet Nanny Service
  • The Experience: A professional meets us at the Columbus, OH airport and flies in-cabin with your pet to your nearest major airport.
  • Why it’s best: This is the least stressful method because your pet is 100% accompanied. While they must be in a soft sided carrier for takeoff and landing, the Nanny can have them on their lap snuggling for the rest of the journey.
  • Cost: Approximately $650–$950 in addition to the pet’s price.
• Other Options:
  • We offer door-to-door service or ground transport for closer locations. These are discussed on a case-by-case basis to find the most cost-effective solution for you.

• Payment Forms Accepted: Cash and all major credit cards.
  • Note: All card payments incur a 3% convenience fee.
  • Personal checks are NOT accepted.
• Financing: We offer a financing option through Terrace Finance for those who qualify (apply via a link on our Available Puppies page or click here).

Once you’ve found the perfect addition to your family, here is how the process works:

1. Ask Questions First: Contact us via call, text, or email. We want to make sure all your questions are answered before you commit!
2. Secure Your Pet: We cannot hold a pet without a non-refundable deposit. You can use the “Adopt Me Now” button on our website or contact us to arrange it.
3. Choose Your Method: You can pick your pet by photo/video, or schedule an appointment to meet them in person first.
4. Plan for Pickup: Once your deposit is placed, the pet is yours! You must schedule a pickup appointment by the time a puppy turns 8 weeks or a kitten turns 12 weeks.

A Note on Visits:

• All visits are by appointment only so we can dedicate time to you.
• If there is a long wait before your pet is ready to go home, we do allow visits!
• To respect our staff’s time, we ask that visits be limited to no more than bi-weekly and that you please arrive on time.

• If the pet is NOT ready to go: You must schedule your pick-up before its “ready to go” date and pick up within one week past that date.
• If the pet IS ready to go: Your deposit holds the pet for up to 1 week. (Contact us if you need to make other arrangements; boarding fees may apply.)

We take great pride in our standards and the thousands of happy families we’ve served since 2000. Here is what sets us apart:

• 20+ Years of Experience: We have been committed to this profession for over two decades, giving us a deep understanding of breeding and animal care.
• Family Owned & Operated: This isn’t just a job; it’s our family’s passion. We are personally involved in every aspect of our farm.
• Top-of-the-Line Facilities: Our environment is modern, meticulously maintained, and utilizes the latest technology to ensure our animals are comfortable and happy.
• Continuous Education: We stay at the forefront of the industry by attending seminars and webinars on genetics, health testing, and animal welfare.
• Reinvesting in Care: While this is our livelihood, the majority of our profit goes directly back into our facilities and the superior care of our dogs and cats.
• Constant Improvement: We work closely with other industry professionals to refine our processes and ensure we are always doing what is best for the physical and emotional health of our pets.

No, absolutely not. We are the complete opposite. While “puppy mills” prioritize profit over animal welfare, everything we do is designed with the health and happiness of our dogs and cats as the top priority!

Here is how we ensure a high quality of life for our animals:

• Premium Living Spaces: Our custom-built enclosures feature indoor/outdoor access, plenty of toys, and climate-controlled comfort.
• Room to Run: Our dogs enjoy over an acre of fenced-in ground where they can run, play, and socialize every single day.
• Weekly Vet Oversight: We have a 20-year partnership with our veterinarian, who visits our farm weekly to conduct physical exams and monitor our strict Program of Veterinary Care. We also travel to their office as often as needed for specialized care!
• Nutrition & Enrichment: We feed a premium diet supplemented with NuVet Plus and, of course, daily treats! Our animals receive constant human interaction and socialization from our dedicated caretakers.
• Health Testing: We use DNA panels (Embark/Optimal Selection) and OFA certifications to ensure we are only breeding the healthiest adults.
• Responsible Retirement: Our “mamas and papas” only breed for a portion of their lives. Once retired, they are spayed/neutered and placed into loving forever homes to spend the rest of their lives being pampered.

According to most experts, the pet’s sex is not a major factor in choosing.

• The first choice should be a breed that matches your family lifestyle and activity level.
• Most behavioral differences are hormonal and typically disappear once the pet is spayed or neutered.

Yes. We place our retired adult males and females for adoption. A benefit is that you skip the baby stages, and most adults are already laid-back and ready to be a perfect companion. They are spayed or neutered before going to their new homes.

Socialize early and often! The first few months are the most critical for shaping your pet’s personality. A well-socialized pet is a confident pet; a fearful pet is a stressed pet.

1. Exposure (The Sights & Sounds) Get your pet used to the “weird” stuff now so they aren’t afraid of it later:

• People wearing hats, sunglasses, or masks.
• Children, strollers, and various floor surfaces.
• Noises like city traffic, vacuums, or blow dryers.

2. Physical Handling (The Vet & Groomer Prep) Your vet and groomer will thank you if you practice these at home:

• Touch everything: Regularly handle their paws, nails, ears, and tail.
• The “Vibration” Test: Turn on hair clippers near them so they get used to the sound and feel of the vibration.
• Grooming basics: Practice brushing and combing early on.

3. Safety & Comfort

The Travel Carrier: Make the carrier a “happy place” with treats and bedding. This makes trips to the vet much less stressful and keeps them safe during car rides!

IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) is a condition affecting the discs that cushion the spine. CDDY refers to the genetic trait for shorter legs and longer bodies, which is common in many of the breeds we love.

The Reality of the Genetics:

• It’s very common: In breeds like Dachshunds, Shih Tzus, Poodles,Cavaliers, and Frenchies, roughly 90% of dogs carry this gene.
• It’s a low-risk factor: Statistics show that carrying the gene only increases the risk of a spinal “event” by about 5%.
• Responsible Breeding: Because this gene is so widespread, removing it overnight would cause other health issues within the breeds. We are working to reduce this risk responsibly over future generations.

The Most Important Factor: The Environment: While genetics play a small role, environment is the #1 cause of back issues. You can protect your puppy by following these steps:

• Watch their Weight: Keep your dog lean! Extra weight puts immense strain on a long back.
• Build Muscle: Active play helps develop the muscle tone needed to support the spine.
• Limit Jumping: Avoid repetitive high-impact movements. Use ramps or “pet stairs” instead of letting your dog jump off high furniture or steep steps.
• Smart Setup: Being aware of these factors from Day 1 allows you to set up your home to protect your puppy’s back for life.

Summary: Understanding your puppy’s genetics isn’t about fear, it’s about being a prepared and proactive owner!