What is Pine Hill's visitor's policy?

This section of the website is long overdue.  It never fails, pleasant day for a drive, and the phone rings
with families wanting to stop by, drop-in, maybe see if a German Shepherd is the right dog for them,
they just happen to be in the "neighborhood", or they are considering a puppy and have heard they
should go and "visit breeders".  

No. Actually, it's tempting to blurt out "Oh, hell no!", especially when they are dropping in on
other dog owners (more on that below!).

Pine Hill is dedicated to keeping healthy dogs and when there is a litter, to raising the healthiest
puppies possible. For this reason, I have necessary policies in place for visitors and
want-to-be visitors.

Pine Hill is also not a commercial kennel or retail business open to the public. This is my home.

"Pine Hill" is actually an AKC (dog's) name prefix.

I will extend visitation privileges by appointment only to families who have placed a deposit on and are

picking up their puppy in person. Here's why; Parvo is an opportunistic and fatal disease that can infect a
puppy in a matter of 24 hrs. It is shed by infected dogs and can live for months on hard surfaces and
grass. It is not a disease that affects humans, therefore it would be difficult to know whether a member
of one of our visiting families was a carrier from visiting kennels, dog parks, etc.

Two strains of the canine flu are epidemic.  Many of our dogs in the US have not been exposed and
therefore have no immunity. It can be fatal in very young dogs (puppies) or older veterans with a
compromised immune system. The flu vaccines are somewhat effective, but not 100% and have, to
date, not been tested to be safe on gals to be bred. The high fever that accompanies the flu can/will
cause a bitch who is bred to lose her litter or result in puppies born with birth defects. If I am contemplating

a litter and simultaneously want to show a dog, the dog being shown stays with their handler.

 

Kennel cough is highly contagious and presents problems similar to the canine flu. 

Affected puppies can develop bacterial pneumonia.

Puppies would not have full immunity until their immunization schedule is

completed during their first 4 months and then maintained as their veterinarian deems appropriate.

A variety of parasites can plague adult dogs and puppies. 

These are all risks I will not take with my dogs, puppies, or with your puppy-to-be, and
for these reasons, I will no longer allow any visitors who do not have a vested interest in a litter.
Thank you for your understanding.

I do understand people who have not lived with a German Shepherd Dog wanting to meet one in
person. Please call to see if I will be attending a dog show locally or visit the AKC's site for up-to-date
event listings to view the breed and speak with breeders and owners.

I also understand puppy buyers are sometimes advised to meet a puppy's parents. It would be unusual
to meet both parents. Yes, you will meet the mother eventually, but the best male for her may be many
states away or even deceased. Serious breeders, when planning for the very best combinations have
the option to use chilled or frozen semen.

If you have reserved a puppy and are visiting after 6+ weeks (once the puppies have been vet
checked and have received their first immunizations, not before), or are picking up at 8 weeks or
later, I would like to share my guidelines for visits.

Visits are scheduled on weekends or in some cases late afternoon/early evening for weeknights.  At
6+ weeks,  puppies are playful for only 20-30 minutes and not after they have eaten, so I try to arrange
visit times and feed accordingly.

Puppies are underfoot.  They can unintentionally be stepped on and hurt.

Before arriving, please discuss with children that they are not to hold a puppy unless they are sitting
still with their little bottom on the floor. Puppies are wiggly things, and yes, if dropped they can break.
Please, no stops at other kennels or Petco, etc. before arriving at my home.  You would think this
would be obvious but on numerous occasions over the years, families have stopped for puppy food or
a last-minute item. Be ready to remove your shoes. This may seem extreme but doggie-day-cares,
boarding facilities, and dog parks have been routinely closed due to Parvo and respiratory diseases.
You could stop for gas, or at a rest stop/restaurant, and track through a spot where an affected dog
has either urinated or defecated and thus expose my dogs.
Puppies are not immune until they have ALL their shots.

Please don't bring another pet with you. Any older, apparently healthy dog, can be carrying and
shedding something that they may have had when they were younger and are now carriers, or be
shedding worms/parasites and show no symptoms. This can also happen with Brucellosis, a disease  
which you can't vaccinate for which is transmitted by urine, either fresh or dried, and can easily be
picked up at dog classes, rest areas or dog parks.  

I am keenly aware that a new puppy is exciting but let's limit the number of people you bring with you.
Your friends, neighbors, extended family, and all of the neighborhood children will have plenty of time to
visit YOUR puppy when you take it home. When you ask to bring a crowd, it is NOT just your puppy, but
the entire litter you potentially put at risk since your puppy will be going back with their littermates after
your visit. If you've read this far, you understand the risk is multiplied. I know the other new owners will
likewise appreciate this rule being in place for the safety and well-being of their puppy too,
many have been waiting for over a year for their puppy.

I'd also suggest you follow some of the same cautious procedures as your puppy completes his or her
immunizations; limiting exposure to dog parks, doggy daycare, other pets in the neighborhood pet stores, etc., and only allowing them to meet other pets you know are healthy and receive routine vet care.

I do understand that you want to be a part of your new puppy's life, so I share updated pictures
frequently and you'll have pictures of parents. Puppies are fragile for such a short time, I promise the
weeks will fly by. Let's all work together to keep them healthy and minimize
risk until they are fully immunized.

During the covid pandemic I will follow the AKC best practices as they are updated. This has included

meeting outdoors, limiting visits and limiting exposure to mom as well as puppies not under consideration.


Questions?
Kathy Salvucci

  610-796-1718 (weeknights after 7 PM preferred)
or e-mail Ksalvucci@aol.com