How We Approach This
Thoughtful Placement, Every Time
We don't place puppies on a first-come, first-served basis. Every family we work with is reviewed individually, and every puppy is matched with intention.
What We're Looking For
A Genuine Fit
We want to know about your home, your lifestyle, your experience with dogs, and what kind of companion you're hoping to find. There's no scoring system — we're just looking for honesty and alignment.
How We Communicate
Regular & Personal
Once you're on the list, we stay in touch. We share photos and updates as pups develop — milestone moments, personality notes, weight progress. You'll feel connected before pickup day ever arrives.
How We Match
Personality Over Appearance
Jo Ann is with these puppies every single day. She knows which one climbs everything, which one is calm and cuddly, which one needs an active home. We match on temperament first — coat color is secondary.
After Pickup
We're Still Here
Our relationship doesn't end at the door. We're available for questions — about behavior, feeding, health, anything — for the life of your dog. River Dachs families become part of our extended community.
Step by Step
From First Contact to Pickup Day
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1
Browse, Then Reach Out
Start by exploring our available puppies and planned litters. Each listing tells you about the pairing, expected coat types and color possibilities, and estimated timing. When you're ready, use the contact form or application to introduce yourself. No obligation — just a conversation.
Browse puppies.html or contact us -
2
Submit Your Application
Our application asks about your home, your household, your experience with dogs, and what you're hoping for in a companion. It's not a test — it's a conversation starter. We review every application personally, and we read what you write. Share as much as you'd like.
Action: Puppy Application -
3
We Follow Up
We'll reply within a few days of receiving your application. We may ask a few follow-up questions or schedule a brief call. If we're a good fit, we'll discuss litters that may align with your preferences — timing, coat, color, and sex — and set honest expectations about availability.
We reach out to you -
4
Waitlist Deposit & Deposit Agreement
Once approved, a deposit secures your spot. This is applied toward your final adoption fee — it's not an extra charge. Your place in the waitlist is set by deposit date, which determines your pick order when a litter arrives. A signed deposit agreement accompanies every deposit.
You may pass on any litter and stay on the list with your spot intact. If we genuinely can't find a match for you, deposits are returned.
Action: Deposit + Deposit Agreement -
5
Litter Updates & Puppy Photos
From birth onward, we stay in touch. You'll receive photos and updates as pups grow — milestone moments, weight checks, personality notes as they begin to emerge. We share these with waiting families personally. We do not do scheduled live video calls, but we share as much as we can through photos and occasional video.
When your turn comes in waitlist order, we'll contact you directly with your selection options before going public with any availability.
We send updates throughout -
6
Purchase Contract
Once you've selected your puppy, we'll send a purchase contract. This document covers the adoption terms, the health guarantee, and any applicable agreements — a spay/neuter agreement for pet homes, or a breeding ethics agreement for Full AKC placements. We walk through it with you and answer any questions before signing.
Action: Purchase Contract -
7
Pickup Day at 8 Weeks
Puppies go home no earlier than 8 weeks of age. Pickup is at our home in Georgia — we prefer this so you can see where your puppy was raised and meet our dogs. Your puppy leaves with complete vet records, a starter packet (food sample, feeding schedule, care notes), and your signed health guarantee.
The remaining balance of your adoption fee is due at or before pickup. See our Pricing Guidelines for the full fee breakdown.
Ground transport or flight nanny arrangements may be possible for out-of-area families — ask us. We do not ship puppies as unaccompanied air cargo.
Remaining balance due · Pickup at 8 weeks -
8
We Stay in Touch
Our door stays open. Reach out with questions about behavior, feeding, health, training, or just to share an update. We love hearing how our puppies are doing. River Dachs families are part of our community for the life of their dog.
Lifetime support — always
Documents
What You'll Sign Along the Way
Step 4
Deposit Agreement
Covers the terms of your deposit — how it applies to your adoption fee, what happens if a match isn't found, and the waitlist policy.
View Agreement →Step 6
Purchase Contract
Documents your puppy's adoption fee, the health guarantee terms, and any applicable agreements — spay/neuter for pet homes or breeding ethics for Full AKC placements.
View Contract →Ready to start the conversation?
Submit your application — it's the first step. No commitment required until you're ready.
Apply Now View Pricing