Frequently Asked Questions
We are so excited to work with you and help you find your perfect Retriever Puppy match. We hope this page answers a lot of your questions, and that you’ll contact us if have more!
Application & Waitlist
Getting started — how applications, approvals, and deposits work.
How do I apply for an Aspen Ridge Retrievers puppy?
Fill out our Puppy Application from the Forms menu. We use it to learn about your home, lifestyle, and the kind of puppy that would fit best — it's not a gate. Every application gets a personal reply, usually within 1–2 business days.
How do I get on the waitlist?
Once your application is approved, we'll invite you to place a $500 non-refundable deposit. That deposit reserves your spot in line for the litter of your choice. Pick order is set by deposit date.
How much is the deposit and is it refundable?
The deposit is $500 and is non-refundable, but it can be transferred to a future litter if your timing or preferences change. It also applies toward the total purchase price of your puppy.
Pricing & Payments
Transparent pricing — every dog is exceptional and our pricing reflects the care that goes into each litter.
How much does a puppy cost?
Our puppies are $2,500, which includes everything that makes them family-ready. If you'd like full breeding rights, your puppy is $3,500. A $500 non-refundable deposit reserves your spot in line and applies toward the total.
When is the final payment due?
Final payment is due at the time of pick up.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Venmo, Zelle, and cash for the final balance. Deposits are typically sent through Venmo.
Selecting Your Puppy
How the matching process works between 5–6 weeks of age, and why personality is the priority.
When do I get to pick my puppy?
Puppy selection happens between 5 and 6 weeks of age. At this stage each puppy's personality, temperament, and overall disposition begin to develop, allowing us to make the best matches with future families.
How does the matching process work?
Selections are made in the order deposits were received. When it's your turn, we'll guide you through the available puppies and help identify the best fit based on your lifestyle, preferences, and each puppy's individual traits. Our priority is placing each puppy in a home where they'll thrive — not just choosing on appearance.
Which puppy traits are inborn and which can be shaped?
Energy level, confidence, independence vs. "velcro" personality, sensitivity to stress, play style, and drive (food/toy/work) are largely inborn — they stay relatively consistent as your puppy grows. Behaviors like potty training, crate training, leash walking, basic obedience, jumping, nipping, chewing, and manners can be shaped through consistency, training, and patience.
Health Testing & Vet Care
Genetic clearances on every parent and a clear vaccination roadmap for your puppy.
What health testing do you do on your parents?
Every momma and stud is fully Embark genetic-panel tested.
What is the puppy vaccination schedule?
Your puppy goes home with their first round of DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) already complete at 6–7 weeks. From there: a 2nd booster around 9–10 weeks, 3rd around 12–13 weeks, and a final booster at 15–16 weeks. Your puppy is considered fully vaccinated after the final booster takes effect.
When should I schedule my puppy's first vet visit?
Within 3 business days of go-home day.
Do you offer a health guarantee?
Yes — every puppy is covered by our 2-year health guarantee against life-threatening hereditary defects. Full terms are on the Health Guarantee page.
Parvo & Early Socialization
What every new puppy family needs to know about the most dangerous early weeks.
What is Parvo and why is it serious?
Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that primarily affects dogs. Untreated cases are often fatal, and treatment usually requires hospitalization. It spreads through infected feces and is incredibly hardy — surviving on shoes, paws, grass, and surfaces for a long time. A puppy can pick it up simply by walking through a contaminated area and licking their paws.
How do I protect my puppy from Parvo?
Three core rules: keep all four paws off the floor in public spaces until fully vaccinated (carry them in pet stores, parks, sidewalks); complete all four vaccine boosters spaced ~3 weeks apart through 16 weeks of age; and watch the shoes — don't let your puppy lick, mouth, or chew on shoes, and consider a shoes-off policy at home.
Can I socialize my puppy before they're fully vaccinated?
Yes — and you should! Weeks 8–16 are a critical socialization window. Keep your puppy moving and exposed to new sights and sounds from a stroller, carrier bag, or your arms. Friends' homes with fully vaccinated dogs you know are also safe, as are reputable puppy classes that require proof of vaccinations.
Where can my puppy safely play before being fully vaccinated?
Your own (clean) yard, friends' homes where dogs are fully vaccinated, carried trips to expose them to new sights/sounds/people, and puppy classes that require vaccine records. Avoid public parks, sidewalks, and pet stores until the final booster takes effect.
Go-Home Day & Your First Week
Everything that comes home with your puppy, and how to make the first week a calm one.
When do puppies go home?
Puppies go home at 8 weeks old, after their vet well checks and once all health requirements are confirmed.
What comes home with my puppy?
Your puppy comes home with everything you need to help them settle in: a collar, a leash, a cozy blanket, and a bag of food to keep their meals consistent through the transition.
What food do you feed your puppies?
We feed Purina Pro Plan Salmon & Rice All Ages. A small starter bag comes home with your puppy. We recommend continuing the same food for at least the first few weeks to keep digestion stable, and transitioning slowly if you choose a different brand later.
What supplies should I have ready before go-home day?
A crate sized for your puppy's adult weight (with a divider for the puppy stage), a folded blanket or towel for crate bedding, a soft collar + harness + lightweight leash, an enzymatic cleaner for accidents, stainless food and water bowls, a few chew-safe toys and small training treats, and basic grooming tools (slicker brush, nail clippers, gentle puppy shampoo).
What should the first week at home look like?
Day 1: quiet arrival, limit new visitors, let your puppy explore one room at a time. Day 2: begin crate routine and keep meals consistent with what we feed. Day 3: first short outings, begin name recognition and basic potty rhythm. Days 4–7: first vet visit, continue crate and leash intro, and short socialization windows. Less is more in the first week.
Travel & Nationwide Delivery
We work with families across the country — three ways to bring your puppy home.
Do you ship puppies?
We offer flight-nanny delivery anywhere in the continental U.S. — never cargo. Many families pick up in Ogden, Utah, fly into SLC International to meet us at the airport, or have a flight nanny bring their puppy to their nearest airport.
What delivery options are available?
Three options: (1) Airport Pickup — fly to SLC and we'll meet you there with your puppy. (2) Ground Transportation — we'll arrange a vetted ground transporter. (3) Airport Delivery — we'll arrange a flight nanny to bring your puppy in-cabin to your nearest airport. Travel costs are quoted separately.
Are puppies safe to travel?
Yes — with proper care and preparation. We take every step to make sure your puppy's journey home is safe, calm, and comfortable.
Coat
Are your puppies hypoallergenic?
No — our Retrievers are not a hypoallergenic breed. They carry that beautiful double coat, which does shed, so they aren't the best fit for families with serious allergies.
What size will my puppy be as an adult?
Adult size depends on the pairing — we publish expected weight ranges on each litter listing.
What colors do you produce?
Cream.
How much do your Retrievers shed, and how do I keep the coat looking its best?
Our Retrievers carry that gorgeous double coat, which means they do shed — moderately year-round and a little more heavily during the spring and fall "coat blow." The good news is that with a simple routine, it's wonderfully easy to manage and keep looking beautiful. A quick brush 2–3 times a week (daily during the seasonal sheds) with a slicker brush and undercoat rake keeps loose hair under control, prevents mats, and keeps that signature coat soft and glossy. Add a bath every 6–8 weeks, along with routine nail trims, ear checks, and teeth brushing, and your Retriever will look and feel their absolute best all year long.
Guardian Home Program
Place a future momma or stud in your home as a permanent family pet — a premium puppy at low cost.
What is the Guardian Home Program?
We place breeding-prospect dogs and puppies in local families at a small upfront cost while we retain breeding rights on that specific dog for a defined period. After the agreement is fulfilled, the dog is fully released to the Guardian Family. It's for families who want a high-quality puppy at low cost and don't intend to breed themselves.
What are the requirements to be a Guardian Home?
Live within a reasonable radius of Rigby, Idaho; provide a loving indoor home; cover regular pet-parent costs (food, grooming, routine vet care, etc.); maintain open, friendly communication with us; and have any other dogs in the home spayed/neutered. See the Guardian Program page for the full agreement and application.
Can I purchase the dog from the Guardian Program?
No — guardian dogs are hand-selected for genetics, color, and structure to advance our breeding program, so they can't be purchased out of it. If you're interested, please be confident in your commitment to the guardian agreement.
We’d love to hear from you.
Every question is a good one — and we answer each message personally. Send us a note and we’ll get back to you within 1–2 business days.