Why We Raise Our Goldendoodle Puppies in Our Home
By Pat & Sonny Heino, Bittersweet Goldendoodles, Newport NH
Everyone at Bittersweet Farm lives in the house: Pat, Sonny and our dogs. It is how we have raised puppies for 20 years, and we would not do it any other way. Here is why it matters.
Puppies need people
The first weeks of a puppy’s life shape the dog it will become. In our home, puppies are held, talked to and played with every day. They hear the television, the dishwasher and the front door.
By the time they leave, they are used to the sights and sounds of a real home. That makes the move to your house a lot less scary.
A 100-acre farm
Our farm in Newport, New Hampshire sits on 100 acres of rolling hills. We have Irish Dexter cattle, Haflinger horses and plenty of room for dogs to run.
Puppies meet different animals, smells and surfaces as they grow. That experience builds confident, curious dogs.
Our dogs are family
Our adult dogs live in the house with us, not in kennels. They are part of the family, and they teach the puppies how to behave.
Watching a puppy learn from a calm, friendly adult is one of our favorite things. It shows in how the puppies play and settle.
Health and cleanliness
Raising puppies in the house makes it easy to keep an eye on them. We notice every sneeze, every missed meal and every change in energy.
Puppies are kept in a clean, comfortable space and get vet care, deworming and age-appropriate vaccines. Each goes home with a state Certified Health Certificate and a vaccine record.
Early socialization
Handling starts at birth. We gently touch paws, ears and mouths so puppies get used to being groomed and examined. We introduce them to new people, including visitors who come by appointment.
Early socialization is one reason our puppies make good family pets, companions and service dogs.
Time and attention
Raising puppies at home takes time. We are here every day, feeding, cleaning, playing and watching. That is how we get to know each puppy’s personality.
When you visit, we can tell you what we have noticed about each one, and help you choose the best match.
Support after you take your puppy home
We stay in touch after pickup. Families call us with questions about feeding, training and settling in, and we are glad to help.
After 20 years, many families come back for a second or third dog. Their trust means the world to us, and you can read what they say in our Google reviews.
Come see for yourself
The best way to understand how we raise puppies is to visit. Call 603-543-7012 and we will set up a time for you to meet our dogs and see where the puppies live.
Bring your family and your questions. We would love to meet you.
What a typical day looks like
Our days start early. We feed the dogs, let them out and clean the puppy area, then spend time playing and handling each puppy. Throughout the day there are naps, snacks and cuddles, along with visits from family and friends.
Evenings are for quiet time. The puppies curl up with us on the couch while the adult dogs settle nearby. It is a simple life, and the puppies thrive on it.
Why we limit how many litters we raise
Raising puppies in the home takes time and attention, so we keep our numbers small. That allows us to know each puppy and to give every one the care it needs.
It also means our puppies are available when they are ready. When you call, we will tell you honestly what is coming up and when.
What families notice when they visit
Families often tell us the first thing they notice is how relaxed the dogs are. The puppies come over to say hello, and the adult dogs are friendly and calm.
They also notice the space. The puppy area is clean and comfortable, and there is plenty of room to play. We think that is what a puppy’s first home should be like.
What this means for you
For you, it means a puppy that arrives used to people, noise and a busy house. It means vet-checked health paperwork, a one-year genetic health warranty and a breeder you can call at any time. Raising puppies this way takes more of our time, and we think it is worth every minute.
Why we think home-raised matters
We have seen the difference for 20 years. Puppies raised in a busy home are relaxed with strangers, comfortable with noise and quick to bond with their new families. They are used to being handled and used to being clean and cared for.
We would never claim there is only one way to raise a good dog. But when families ask what we believe in, this is it: love, time, a house full of people and a farm to grow up on.
Questions to ask any breeder
Where are the puppies born and raised? Who looks after them each day? What health care do they get before going home? Can I visit? What support is there after I take my puppy home?
You should get clear answers. At Bittersweet, our answers are: in our home, Pat and Sonny, a vet exam and health certificate, by appointment, and always, by phone.
Ready to meet a puppy?
See our available mini Goldendoodle puppies, read the 100 most common Goldendoodle questions, or visit our contact page for directions to the farm. The quickest way to reach us is to call 603-543-7012.