Frequently Asked Questions about Sundance Retrievers
Do you sell puppies?
Due to high demand for our trained dogs, we no longer offer untrained puppies for sale. We accept a few deposits for Head Start puppies from each future litter. Head Start puppies go home at approximately four months of age, crate trained and introduced to obedience. Head Start Puppies are $5,750.
Where are we located?
We are located on a 200 acre private hunting preserve in Cranesville, Pennsylvania.
Recommended Reading Materials
The New Knowledge of Dog Behavior ~ By Clarence Pfaffenberger
Genetics and the Social Behavior of the Dog ~ By John Paul Scott and John L Fuller
The Dog’s Mind ~ By Bruce Fogle
K-9 Complete Care: A manual for physically and mentally healthy working dogs. ~ By Resi Gerritsen and Rudd Haak
Animals In Translation~ Temple Grandin
What It’s Like To Be a Dog and Other Adventures in Animal Neuroscience – Gregory Berns
The Culture Clash By Jean Donaldson
The Ethical Dog Trainer by Jim Barry
Don’t Shoot the Dog! The New Art of Teaching and Training By Karen Pryor
Hear Them Speak ~ by Babette De Jongh
Training Retrievers to Handle ~ by DL and Ann Walters
Retriever Training for the Duck Hunter ~ By Robert Milner
* The books listed below are older. Some of the training techniques practiced /discussed and language in these books are not condoned or used and may be found offensive. Like all books/discussions, there is fascinating, valuable, and interesting information to learn, even if you don’t agree with the whole book.*
The Koehler Method of Dog Training ~ By Koehler
Retriever Hunt Test ~ By James Spencer
Training Retrievers: The Cotten Pershall Method~ By Bobby N. George Jr.
Dog breaking, The most expeditious, certain, and easy method, whether great excellence or only mediocrity be required, with odds and ends for those who love the dog and gun. By Hutchinson, W. N. written in 1848
Cynegeticus: On Hunting With Dogs By Xenophon, written in 470 BC
Is your website up to date? What is the price for a head start puppy, companion or gun dog?
Yes, the dogs and Head Start puppies that are available on the website are the ones that we have for sale.
We also try to list our upcoming breedings at least six months in advance.
The prices are listed below the litter or dog that is for sale.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, we accept check, cash, credit cards , rare jewels and Spanish Doubloons. No Bit Coin.
How often do you give updates of the dog's training process? What about pictures and videos?
Head Starts , Companions and Gun dogs in training each have their own private training journal.
Pictures and videos are posted on our Facebook page. You have the option of requesting photo shoots through the journal, if you want something other then a twice monthly training picture.
What are your visiting hours?
Pick ups or visits are by appointment only. Our pick up times are, firmly Monday through Friday 1-3Pm and Saturdays 9Am-12Pm. We are closed on Sunday and Holidays.
Are there hotels or motels near by ?
Yes, The Green Roof Inn , Courtyard Erie Bayfront, and Edinboro Lake Resort are local, pet friendly places to stay.
Do you recommend transport services to bring my dog home?
Yes, we do. We prefer driving services over flights. Here is the contact information for transport companies we have used and recommend.
Please get in touch with them directly for quotes or if you have any questions about the services they provide.
* Sundance Transport: In-house transport and training upon delivery. Please call Sheryl at 814-790-2643.
* Executive Pet Transport : (678) 975-2518
*Royal Rides : Kassie Wilson, owner 1-806-759-8452, Braydon Wilson, manager 1-806-789-5341
*Blue Ridge Transport: 703-403-1398
*Lyons Pet Transport ( International) +1 (905) 320-0558
*Astrapi Pet Transport ( International) : 438-969-9111
Vaccination and Health Certificate Requirements for : Visiting Dogs, Breeding Dogs or Dogs coming in for training
Vaccination and Health Certificate Requirements
The above paperwork must be emailed one week before your dog arrives.
Dogs that arrive without the needed paperwork will not be permitted to stay. There are no exceptions.
What do you feed your dogs?
We feed our dogs and puppies Nutri Source : Adult Chicken and Rice and Large Breed Puppy. You can locate a dealer near you by checking out the “Where to Buy” on their website. You can also order the food from Tractor Supply ( online) Amazon and Chewy.com
What do you need to have at home, prior to picking up your dog?
*A appropriately sized dog crate. Usually a Medium to Large Ruff Land Crate ( Please see our Recommendations page )
*17 inch ID collar , with six foot clip on leash
*22-24 inch training collar
*17-20 inch martingale
*Six foot slip lead
*Regular store bought ” training clicker” ( we prefer the ones with the wrist strap)
*A dog bed / mat / hammock
*Acme 211.5 dog whistle ( Amazon)
*Toys: Durable Kong toys , Nyla Bones, Antlers, or Soft toys for supervised play
*Treats: any variety ( biscuits, Pupperoni, Chicken bites, etc
Appropriate food for your dogs age. See the question above
Can the client visit their dog?
Yes, you are encouraged to come often.
Why are our dogs so expensive?
Tests, tests, and more tests. We do extensive testing on our breeding females /males to ensure the genetic quality of the pups we would like to have born. We also import frozen semen from other countries … all these things combined make for an exceptionally healthy, well-bred puppy.
The price breakdown is:
$3,000 for the puppy
$750 for yearly vaccinations, monthly prevention medications ( flea, tick, heartworm, etc)
$1,000 per month, for training (this includes food /board),
Do we have any older or retired dogs for sale?
Not normally. Most of our puppies are pre-sold as trained dogs. This ensures that the new owners get their pick of the litter as well as allowing us to tailor the training to exactly what they would want.
Can anyone host a breeding female?
Breeding females are normally placed with past clients, friends or family; because we would like to know the family , before placing our females with them.
Do we like what we do?
No, we love it. It is amazing to work and train with high quality animals that you took part in creating. The process of taking a female through her testing, training , hoping you find a genetic match; and raising/training those puppies is very rewarding.
Want to know more? Feel free to call 814-790-2643.
Best Wishes,
Sheryl and Scott Sundean
