Visitation Policy Explained

Visitation At Legend Golden Retrievers

We raise our puppies inside our home because we strongly believe that home raised puppies are both ethically the right thing to do, as well as producing the most well-adjusted puppies.

The downside to this is we do not have an office or kennel outside of our home that people can visit, Just to Visit.

       There is a very high demand for a puppy from us due to our good reputation, dedication, and the above and beyond efforts to rear puppies in the most advantageous way possible. ​

           We get approximately 6 - 12 calls and email inquiries a day.  Many of those want to visit, and spend a few hours with us, and play with the puppies. Most say “We might want a puppy years in the future and are interviewing breeders now”, or “We think we might want a particular breed but have never actually met one”, or "We are trying to see which breed is right for us", or “We want to make sure we are not allergic before committing,” so they want to come visit our dogs to decide if they really like our Golden Retriever Puppies.

Just Visiting Explained

        There are a  number of “What to do when buying a puppy” websites that are outdated and advocate for visiting the breeder and meeting the puppy’s parents first.

       The major flaw with these sites is that their priority is the buyer, and NOT the health and safety of the puppies and the breeders.

​       Many folks don't realize there are countless things to consider as a breeder of home raised puppies. The dangers of exposing young puppies to communicable disease is very serious and can be detrimental to a breeding program and the welfare of our dogs.

       Visitors can (of course unknowingly) bring diseases onto the property on their feet, hands, etc.

Health of the Litter

      Young and newborn puppies don’t have fully developed immune systems and are susceptible to life threatening illnesses, including Parvovirus, Canine Influenza, Pneumonia, Canine Herpes Virus, Kennel Cough, etc. They will have maternal antibodies built up as they grow and get stronger.  Therefore, precautions must be taken to ensure their safety. They are not old enough to vaccinate as it interferes with their maternal antibodies building and their own immune system coming on board and hurts more than it helps when administered too young.

      When diseases like Parvo strike, they can kill a whole litter in a matter of hours and can stay in the carpet and soil for years which would be devastating to our breeding program and property for many years to come. Disease can be carried on people’s clothing, hands, shoes, etc. and can live for years in the soil, pet stores, carpet, dog parks, training facilities, kennels, vet offices, rest stops, etc. (anywhere dogs go) and unknowingly be tracked in.