Kennel Owners: David & Kristen Crawford
Cassville, Missouri~~417-846-0869
Frequently Asked Questions
Many of your questions can be answered here. After reading, if you find that you still have concerns, please feel free to email us. We are happy to help in any way we can to allow you to feel confident in adopting a puppy from us.
How does my puppy get to me? Once a puppy has been paid for in full, including shipping fees, we will prepare your puppy for transport. All puppies must be seen by the vet within 7 days of his or her departure. If the veterinarian feels that all is in order and finds no reason that puppy should not travel, he will issue and sign a Missouri State Health Certificate. At this same time, we will make a reservation for your puppy via airline or truck transport. We ship puppies via air on Fridays and Saturdays with same day arrival or via specialized pet transport on Mondays with arrival between Monday evening through Wednesday evening depending on where you live. If you are picking puppy up at an airport you will need to call American Airlines Cargo to ask exactly where to pick your baby up. Some airports require you pick up at baggage, others the ticket desk and others at the air cargo area. Their number is: 800-227-4622. You must have two valid forms of ID (Driver's License and CC) and the waybill number which I will give you. We use two local companies to take your puppy to the departure airport. They give us a tentative reservation not long after we request it but then will confirm 24 to 48 hours prior to departure. If you are receiving your puppy via ground transport, we take them to the "station" on a Monday. They leave the station at 3 pm Monday. That evening, the secretary will call to give you a window of time to expect your baby. When he/she is closer to your address, the driver will call you directly with a tighter window and make arrangements for a meeting. You may have to drive 30 minutes to 2 hours to meet the driver usually at Wal-Mart, Lowe's Home Depot...etc...so you can feel comfortable about meeting someone you don't know. If you receive your puppy via Airline Travel, be sure to take a wet washcloth and a dry towel with you. Puppy may have an "accident" in the crate and may need a micro-bath.
How do I know that the puppy I am receiving is mine? Your puppy will have a "neckband" with his or her microchip number, your full name and mailing address, your telephone number and an abbreviated description of the puppy. All paperwork has the same information on it. Be sure to read the neckband carefully before accepting your puppy.
How does a microchip work? We purchase microchips from our Veterinarian or a Licensed AKC Chip Distributor. Each microchip is in a an individually sterilized package. Each chip has its own number and is readable by nearly all Law Enforcement, Shelters, ASPCA, etc..scanners. The information on the chip, aside from its alpha-numeric code, is "blank". We include a brochure with your puppy pack explaining how to go online or mail in your information to register the chip, thus registering the puppy, to you. There is a one-time fee paid to the manufacturer for registration. Should your puppy become lost or stolen...as long as you have registered your chip....law enforcement or shelters can scan your puppy/dog, for the number, call the manufacturer and acquire the information needed to contact you.
Do I have to microchip my puppy? No. If you would rather we not chip your puppy, please let us know this when you send your deposit or adoption fees. We do however, strongly urge you to allow us to chip your puppy. There is no discount in your puppy's adoption for not placing a chip.
What is the best food for my puppy? We take into consideration what is best for the development of the puppy as well as their taste buds. We get finicky eaters from time to time and will try other foods to encourage good eating. Generally speaking though, we recommend the following brands: NutriSource Super Premium Puppy Lamb and Rice Formula, ProPac Small Breed Puppy Premium, NutroMax Premium Small Breed Puppy, Diamond Premium Small Breed, Royal Canin Small Breed Puppy and Eukanuba Small Breed Puppy Kibble. It is always good to have a few containers of Cesar or Mighty Dog soft puppy food. I only encourage using this if your puppy will not eat within the first 6 hours, Add a tablespoon to the kibble and mix well....then taper off the use over the next few feedings. Too much soft food is not good for their developing teeth and adds unnecessary calories.
How do I housebreak or "potty train" my puppy? Puppies learn through consistent repetition and positive reinforcement. Stick to a routine. Upon rising, take puppy outside..saying "outside?" or "potty?" as you do. Take or lead him to the area you want him to use and say "go potty". They will likely come to your feet so sometimes walking in circles in the area get's things "moving" so to speak. Give it several minutes. Once they have done their business, praise them and reinforce the positive behavior with affection, an encouraging voice and a treat. We always suggest Cheerios. They are low fat and whole grain and won't affect the puppy's regular bowel movements. If baby piddles or poos in the house a "shaming" voice is best. A firm "No!No!" to start. Talk to them..."that's a bad thing....bad baby..." etc. in a shaming voice will allow them to understand by voice alone that you are unhappy with them. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT "rub their nose in it". This is 'old school' training and actually does more harm than good. You will create a dog that will fear your hand, pee on themselves at your approach and you can even do permanent damage to the delicate membranes of their nose. Do not punish behavior unless you've seen it happen. Like toddlers, they forget quickly and will have no idea what they're being punished for. This will be a "trying time" but will be over pretty quickly if you are consistent. Find a routine that works best for your schedule and stick to it. Restrict food to AM and PM feedings and take them outside immediately after eating. Allow them water throughout the day.
Why don't you start housebreaking the puppy? We do not housebreak puppies for the simple reason that "outside" at your house is a different door than "outside" at my house. You want them to understand your voice and your schedule....not mine.
Why is there a "Paypal fee" on my invoice? Paypal charges us 3.29% on every transaction. They deduct these funds from the paid invoice before they deposit it into our account. Where some companies figure this transaction fee into the price of whatever item it is they are selling....we do not. Rather than increase the price of the puppy to cover "unknown" fees...we simply add the exact fee to the invoice. You will always know this amount up front and can print a copy of your itemized invoice. You will find that the fee is far less than Western Union and comparable MoneyGram (Wal-Mart).
Thank you again for visiting us today! ~~David & Kristen Crawford
You may make your non-refundable deposit using any major credit card. Please call 417-846-0869 for instructions on receiving a Paypal Secure Invoice.
Kristen's Cell: 417-846-5509
The Strawberry Patch (c) 2004,2005,2006,2007,2008, 2009, 2010 The Strawberry Patch Kennels (c) 2011
