~ About Trinity ~

We normally have a couple of litters a year and believe that a retriever can have it all … wonderful temperament, intelligence, retrieving instincts, good health, beauty and a will to please. We breed only when we want to keep a puppy for ourselves and every litter is carefully and thoughtfully planned. Puppies do not leave until they are 8 weeks of age, at which time they have been temperament tested and evaluated on structure so that we can determine which puppy or puppies will stay here as show prospects. There is not usually a clear distinction of which of our puppies are the “show puppies”. The differences in the pups we keep and the ones placed as pets are very small and not usually even noticeable to the untrained eye. We sometimes keep more than one puppy from a litter for a few months so that we can see how they grow and determine which one will stay as our next show prospect. We therefore have older puppies or young adults available on occasion.

Our puppies are sold on AKC Limited Registration, not for breeding or show purposes..
 

~ About Our Puppies ~

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Health & Temperament:

Health and temperament are paramount to us. To help us breed sound dogs, all of the dogs we breed have had x-rays and determined to be free of dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). We also have their eyes certified annually to be free of inheritable eye disorders by a board certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist (ACVO).

We believe that temperament has a very large genetic component and therefore we only breed dogs that exhibit a wonderful temperament, conformation, retrieving instincts and intelligence.

 

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We make our best effort to ensure that our puppies are free of common congenital disorders. However, most congenital disorders have a polygenic mode of inheritance, meaning there is multiple gene involvement, making it impossible to determine with certainty that any puppy will be completely free from any disorder. Nutrition, exercise and other conditions will play a role in determining whether the puppy will develop certain disorders as well as help puppies grow into happy, healthy adults.

All of our puppies are examined by a board-certified veterinarian to ensure that the puppy is in good health before it goes to its new home. We also encourage every puppy buyer to have their new puppy examined by their veterinarian within 72 hours from the date of purchase. If it is determined that the puppy is not in good general health, with a written veterinarian statement and the puppies’ return, the entire purchase price will be refunded.

 

~ About Puppy Socialization ~

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The socialization of puppies comes from two sources, human and canine. The first acts of socialization come from the interaction between mother and litter mates. A mother teaches her puppies what is acceptable behavior. The mother-to-puppy and littermate-to-puppy socialization is invaluable and cannot be simulated in any way, which is why we do not allow any puppies to leave until they are 8 weeks of age.

Once the mother’s work is well underway, it is our turn to assist in the process. Exposure to as many different noises, sights, smells and experiences is vital to producing a stable, well-tempered puppy. Car rides, collars, walking on leash, other breeds of dogs, children, high pitched voices and crates all are seemingly simple, everyday stimuli that we expect our dogs to respond favorably to. We often take for granted that these are all new and therefore potentially threatening experiences for a puppy. When someone they have learned to trust exposes them to the new experience, it reduces the stress and can be quickly viewed in a favorable light. 
Puppy socialization does not stop with the breeder. It is important that a new owner continue to reinforce positive new experiences. Puppy kindergarten is a wonderful chance for puppies to meet other young dogs of different breeds in a new and different environment. We would be happy to give you a list of books on training your puppy.

A well socialized puppy is one that is happy, confident and ready to encounter his journey through life. With our love and understanding a puppy will develop to its full potential.

 

 
~ Puppy Placement Policy ~

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By the time our puppies are eight week old we know each of them very well and have done a temperament test to confirm what we know about each of them. We try very hard to learn as much as possible about each potential family so that we can carefully decide which puppy is the best ‘fit’ for each family. Please do not be surprised that you are not allowed to pick your own puppy. To see some comments from our extended Trinity families go see Loved By Others.

 

~ Available Older Puppies/Adults ~

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The show pups we keep are occasionally placed as older pups or adults for a variety of reasons. For example, a pup may be missing an adult tooth, the tail set may drop slightly, the eye color may be a shade too light or too dark, etc. None of the reasons we allow a puppy to leave usually impact their ability to be an outstanding family companion. They are socialized and have some basic obedience. And there are some advantages of getting an older puppy or adult. For a family that wants a new family companion but does not want to go through the “puppy stages” an older puppy or adult would be perfect.

 

Here are some of the reasons people want an older puppy/adult -

1. Older puppies are not teething puppies and usually won’t chew on things they shouldn’t.
2. Older puppies can focus better and have matured enough to learn quickly because their attention span is better.
3. Older puppies have learned what “no” means.
4. Older puppies settle in easily, because they’ve learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack.
5. Older puppies have some basic training like leash training, crate training and basic manners.
6. Older puppies have already gone through a lot of the changes and have grown into the shape and personality they are going to have for the rest of their lives. Sometimes a cute, sweet puppy doesn’t turn out like you expected.
7. Older puppies are instant companions — ready for hiking, car trips, and other things you like to do.
8. Older puppies do not require your time and constant attention like a baby puppy does.
9. Older puppies let you get a good night’s sleep because they’re accustomed to human schedules and don’t generally need nighttime feedings, comforting, or bathroom breaks.

 

We do not always post these older puppy/adults on our website.

If you have any questions about what is available, please contact us.