Contract And Health Guarantee
VMH GERMAN SHEPHERDS
484-634-0439
PUPPY AGREEMENT/GUARANTEE
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PUPPY PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This agreement contains our health guarantee and other useful information. We cannot urge you strongly enough to keep in touch with us regarding the growth and development of your new puppy. While Veterinarians are useful in many areas of a dogs life, the Breeder has the experience with the growth, health, and development issues specific to the German Shepherd Dog. The German Shepherd Dog is unique, and as such, has unique growth patterns and health issues that many vets are not familiar with. Because of this, we have certain vets that we recommend who are familiar with the German Shepherds Dogs and their growth.
The buyer may choose any AKC registration name they wish. AKC litter papers will be given to the buyer upon pickup of the puppy. If for any reason the AKC papers have not arrived prior to the pups leaving, the breeder will send them a copy in a text and mail the originals.
If Von Moyer Haus decides to keep a puppy from the litter, they will have first choice. All picks will be done in the order of deposits after Von Moyer Haus picks their puppy at 5 weeks of age. NO EXCEPTIONS. IF THE PUPPY/DOG CANNOT BE KEPT FOR ANY REASON, THE PUPPY/DOG WILL BE RETURNED TO THE BREEDER. All deposits are nonrefundable but transferable to another litter.
Health Guarantee
We guarantee 100% against life threatening genetic health defects. It is recommended that the buyer have the puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian within 2 business days of the purchase date. The puppy will be due for the second shot 4 weeks after the first shot is given. Should the puppy be found to have a serious genetic health defect, the breeder is to be contacted within 8 hours of diagnosis, so arrangements can be made for return of the said puppy within 7 days if the buyer would like to return the puppy. Upon return of the defective puppy, along with written diagnosis signed by a licensed vet. The buyer can request a replacement puppy of equal value. The breeder is not responsible for the vet bill. Puppies that become sick or die due to an accident or buyers negligence (chewing electrical cords, hung by collar, exposing the puppy to strange dogs not living in the home before fully vaccinated, etc.) will not be replaced or refunded.
We only breed 1-3 litters per year – a replacement puppy may not be immediately available.
Buyer agrees to maintain the puppy’s health with regular veterinary care, vaccinations and worming, heartworm preventative, and to provide a caring home and adequate shelter. We require once a year a vet record on the puppy throughout its life. If something comes up with the puppy health wise, the owner needs to give the vet permission to speak with us regarding findings or anything dealing with the condition of the pup/dog throughout its life.
The puppy is not to be tied, chained or otherwise tethered; nor allowed to roam free, except while on a leash or under the direct supervision and control of the owner. If the puppy is ever discovered living in such manner, the breeder will repossess the dog. NO REFUND WILL BE GIVEN!!!!!!!
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Male Puppies
If a male puppy does not have both his testicles on delivery, the puppy will be sold as a PET.
Because all dogs mature at different rates, it is impossible to determine if a puppy has both testicles, or if both testicles will “Drop” as the puppy matures. We make every effort to ensure the genetic “Soundness” of our dogs. However, no genetic issue is exact. VMH Shepherds cannot guarantee that a puppy whose testicles have not “Dropped” by the time of delivery will have both testicles. VMH Shepherds assumes no responsibility or liability in this matter, making it the sole responsibility of the buyer. Puppies can also pull testicles back up upon examination due to stress and if it does not come back down before the canal closes it most likely won't. No refund will be given. If sold as a breeding dog that does not drop both testicles, a replacement puppy will be given when available once proof of neuter is provided. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Spay/Neutering
Attached to this contract will be a copy of the early spay/neuter contract. If any dog is spayed or neutered before the age of 1.5 years, this contract is voided. There will be no refunds or replacements of puppies. Puppies need their testosterone and estrogen to fully develop. Vets will recommend doing this around 6 months old. DO NOT LET THEM TALK YOU INTO IT…. If a puppy is spayed or neutered before the age of 15 months, we require you to get a copy of the certificate and forward it to us.
Shots & Worming
Your puppy has been started on a parasite and worming program from the time it was 3 weeks old, and on a shot regimen between 7-8 weeks old. You will be provided a list of shots your puppy has received along with a list of shots your puppy needs. You will also be given a list of the dates and type of worming your puppy has already had with the schedule of future worming.VMH Shepherds do our own wormings and shots to help avoid putting any of our puppies in any danger in picking up diseases at a vets office. VMH Shepherds is not liable for any pups that pick up intestinal parasites after the leave the premises. Puppies can pick up round worms, Coxcidia, or Girardia at any point after they leave.
Ear Management
Immediately contact the breeder if the puppy’s ears are not fully standing at the age of 6 months. It is the buyer’s responsibility to have the puppy’s ears taped or glued by a licensed veterinarian. In addition to taping or gluing, the breeder can also provide you with other suggestions which are proven to assist with the standing of the ears. VMH Shepherds can also help with placing ears up if needed and the buyer to bring to VMH Shepherds or can meet somewhere to do this. We have not had ear issues with our pups and if an ear does not come up it could be a result of playing rough with other dogs. Playing with their ears can damage them as well. We recommend just leave their ears alone.
Hip Dysplasia
Although it is impossible to guarantee a puppy will not get hip dysplasia, we make every effort to avoid such an occurrence by using stock that has been x-rayed. Our policy on replacement is stated below.
The guarantee below is good for the life of the dog against crippling hip dysplasia. In the event that a bitch conceives a litter or a male sires a litter before 18 months of age, this guarantee becomes null and void. Dogs which are obviously neglected, mistreated or abused WILL NOT BE REPLACED.
Hip Dysplasia is a congenital malformation of the ball and socket joint of the hip. A dog may or may not become lame because of the disease and depending upon its severity. In the event that one of our puppies does become dysplasitc, we will do the following
We will replace the puppy with another puppy of equal or greater value if the puppy is found to have severe hip dysplasia in which the disease is crippling. The X-ray and a copy of the OFA letter of diagnosis must be given to the breeder. If the breeder so chooses, they have the right to have the X-ray’s re-done by their own veterinarian and submitted to OFA for a second opinion. (many poor hip readings are inaccurate due to improper positioning by veterinarians and/or their staff) Contact us for a information on the veterinarian that we use for all xrays. There will be no refunds but a replacement puppy will be given when available and proof of spay or neuter is provided to the breeder. NO EXCEPTIONS.
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list of qualified veterinarians in your area who have the experience in hip x-rays for OFA purposes as correct diagnosing is a specialized field. If the buyer chooses to keep the puppy, a certification of sterilization must be given before any replacement will be made by the breeder. Replacement only no refund. Hips dysplasia is 80% environmental and 20% genetic. Diet, exercise, slippery floors. Walking/running pups, Running down stairs, Jumping off beds or furniture can also affect the hip outcome.
We require all pups to be in Sure grow bone and joint development supplements at least until 15 months old or until finished growing.
Key Benefits of Sure Grow :
Contains calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A and vitamin D3 to promote healthy growth for puppies of all breeds.
Helps improve connective tissue and muscle strength for your growing puppy.
Vitamin D3 helps your pup absorb calcium and phosphorus more easily.
May assist in providing older dogs with some relief from pain and stiffness.
Comes in a convenient, easy-to-administer chewable tablet.
Pano
Pano is a temporary and painful limping condition which unfortunately can occur in German Shepherd puppies that grow too quickly. Pano usually strikes between the ages of 4 - 12 months and can occur on and off for up to 2 years. Since Pano is a temporary condition and relatively easy to manage, we do not replace puppies affected by Pano. Following the diet recommendations can help prevent or reduce the severity of Pano.
Soft Pasterns
Soft Pasterns occur when your puppies front legs at his wrists are bent inward and it looks like the puppy is walking on his feet and wrists at the same time. In certain bloodlines there is a period, usually during the teething stage that your puppies ears and pasterns might temporarily soften. With the proper diet, they will return to full strength after the teething is completed. Soft Pasterns is a temporary affliction that is self-resolving, lasting several weeks to several months depending on severity.
Diet Recommendation
We feed all of our dogs and puppies quality premium dog foods. Currently we are having excellent results Wholesomes Lamb for sensitive skin and stomach, and 4 Health from Tractor Supply are excellent foods which we highly recommend and are commercially available). We recommend feeding a no corn, wheat or soy. The primary ingredient in premium food is meat or salmon based ( Beef, Turkey, Lamb etc). Premium food promotes good health, strong teeth, shiny coats, and firm stools. Most importantly, studies done specifically on German Shepherd puppies has shown that raising GSD puppies on Adult formulas or those which are for “large breeds” helps reduce the incidence of Pano, weak pasterns, and pancreatic insufficiency. This has been practices by GSD breeders for many years without any negative effects on growth or size at maturity. WE NOW HAVE STARTED ALL OF OUR DOGS ON NUVET VITAMINS AND SURE GROW SUPPLEMENTS AND YOU CONTINUE YOUR NEW PUPPY ON THEM AS WELL. YOU CAN ORDER THE VITAMINS WITH THIS LINK (http://www.nuvet.com/17107) AS IT CAN ONLY BE ORDERED WITH A BREEDER ID NUMBER. THESE VITAMINS ARE NOW PART OF OUR GUARANTEES. IF A PUPPY DOES NOT STAY ON THESE UNTIL THEY ARE AT LEAST 5 YEARS OF AGE, THE CONTRACT IS VOIDED. SURE GROW CAN BE ORDERED OFF OF CHEWY.COM
Socialization
Our puppies are raised underfoot, socialized with other dogs, extensively handled, and exposed to variety of conditions. To ensure your puppy’s temperament remains as sound as the day it leaves our home, once your puppy is fully vaccinated, take it places as often as possible. Allow a variety of people of pet your puppy (children, elderly, men, women, different ethnicities). Introduce your puppy to other FRIENDLY dogs of various breeds. Be VERY careful to protect your puppy form unpleasant or traumatic experiences, such as taunting by children or being assaulted by an unfriendly dog. These can have a lasting negative effects which can be difficult to overcome.
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Training
German Shepherds are very intelligent dogs with low, medium, and high drives. Responsible owners channel this intelligence and drive in the proper direction with adequate love, attention, and training. Bored, lonely, and/or neglected GSD’s can become highly destructive and/or aggressive. We recommend that you enroll your puppy into an obedience class by 6 months of age.
Deposit
We take a $400-600 deposit depending on the litter to ensure your pick in each litter. DEPOSIT IS NON-REFUNDABALE BUT TRANSFERABLE TO ANOTHER VON MOYER HAUS LITTER (THIS MEANS EVEN IF THE FEMALE DOES NOT CONCEIVE AND OR DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH MALES/FEMALES). THIS ENSURES THAT YOU HAVE A COMMITMENT WITH VMH SHEPHERDS AND WILL BE FAITHFUL WITH GETTING A PUPPY FROM US.. WE WILL ONLY ACCEPT CASH, CASH APP, AND PAY PAL, VENMO FOR DEPOSITS. THE BALANCE DUE ON YOUR PUPPY MUST BE MADE PRIOR TO, OR ON DELIVERY. WE CANNOT ACCEPT PERSONAL CHECKS!!! If, for any reason, you decide the puppy you picked is unacceptable, you may either choose another puppy (if any are available, they rarely are) or transfer your deposit to another litter. (NO REFUND WILL BE GIVEN)
Return Policy
If for any reason you cannot keep the puppy/dog, they are to be returned to us with the AKC Paperwork, and the shot and wormings packet. If the AKC papers have been filled out and sent in, you must sign off the back and return so we can transfer the papers when the puppy/dog is returned.. There will be no refunds upon return of the puppy/dog. If you have the puppy for a few days, a refund can be given after the puppy is resold and for the price they are sold at. This maybe different than what you have paid since some puppies may not be sold right away that can change the price. Deposits are not refundable but can be transferred to another VMH Litter. No Exceptions will be given.
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BUYER AGREES TO NEVER GIVE, TRANSFER, OR SELL THE SAID PUPPY OR ITS OFFSPRING (IF BRED) TO ANY PET SHOP, PET BROKER, HUMANE SOCIETY, OR LABORATORY. IF THE BUYER DISPOSES OF THE DOG IN VIOLATION OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE BUYER WILL BE FINED $1,000.00 FOR EACH OCCURRENCE, PLUS ATTORNEY AND COURT FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE COLLECTION OF SAID FINE.
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We wish you and your puppy the very best. Give the love, care, and attention your puppy deserves and you will be rewarded with a loyal, devoted, and beautiful companion for many years! Please drop us a note and photo of your puppy every few months. I am concerned and enjoy knowing how puppies from our breedings are developing. Feel free to call me with any questions or concerns that arise regarding your puppy @ 484-634-0439 or e-mail to vonmoyerhaus@gmail.com (A quick call to your breeder can sometimes save you unnecessary vet expenses!)
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Signature of Buyer
Rhonda Moyer
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Signature of Breeder (Von Moyer Haus German Shepherds)
Early Spay-Neuter Considerations
for the Canine Athlete
One Veterinarian's Opinion
© 2005 Chris Zink DVM, PhD, DACVP
Those of us with responsibility for the health of canine athletes need to continually read and evaluate new scientific studies to ensure that we are taking the most appropriate care of our performance dogs. This article provides evidence through a number of recent studies to suggest that veterinarians and owners working with canine athletes should revisit the standard protocol in which all dogs that are not intended for breeding are spayed and neutered at or before 6 months of age.
Orthopedic Considerations
A study by Salmeri et al in 1991 found that bitches spayed at 7 weeks grew significantly taller than those spayed at 7 months, who were taller than those not spayed (or presumably spayed after the growth plates had closed).(1) A study of 1444 Golden Retrievers performed in 1998 and 1999 also found bitches and dogs spayed and neutered at less than a year of age were significantly taller than those spayed or neutered at more than a year of age.(2) The sex hormones, by communicating with a number of other growth-related hormones, promote the closure of the growth plates at puberty (3), so the bones of dogs or bitches neutered or spayed before puberty continue to grow. Dogs that have been spayed or neutered well before puberty can frequently be identified by their longer limbs, lighter bone structure, narrow chests and narrow skulls. This abnormal growth frequently results in significant alterations in body proportions and particularly the lengths (and therefore weights) of certain bones relative to others. For example, if the femur has achieved its genetically determined normal length at 8 months when a dog gets spayed or neutered, but the tibia, which normally stops growing at 12 to 14 months of age continues to grow, then an abnormal angle may develop at the stifle. In addition, with the extra growth, the lower leg below the stifle likely becomes heavier (because it is longer), and may cause increased stresses on the cranial cruciate ligament. In addition, sex hormones are critical for achieving peak bone density.(4) These structural and physiological alterations may be the reason why at least one recent study showed that spayed and neutered dogs had a higher incidence of CCL rupture.(5) Another recent study showed that dogs spayed or neutered before 5 1/2 months had a significantly higher incidence of hip dysplasia than those spayed or neutered after 5 1/2 months of age, although it should be noted that in this study there were no standard criteria for the diagnosis of hip dysplasia.(6) Nonetheless, breeders of purebred dogs should be cognizant of these studies and should consider whether or not pups they bred were spayed or neutered when considering breeding decisions.
Cancer Considerations
A retrospective study of cardiac tumors in dogs showed that there was a 5 times greater risk of hemangiosarcoma, one of the three most common cancers in dogs, in spayed bitches than intact bitches and a 2.4 times greater risk of hemangiosarcoma in neutered dogs as compared to intact males.(7) A study of 3218 dogs demonstrated that dogs that were neutered before a year of age had a significantly increased chance of developing bone cancer.(8) A separate study showed that neutered dogs had a two-fold higher risk of developing bone cancer.(9) Despite the common belief that neutering dogs helps prevent prostate cancer, at least one study suggests that neutering provides no benefit.(10) There certainly is evidence of a slightly increased risk of mammary cancer in female dogs after one heat cycle, and for increased risk with each subsequent heat. While about 30 % of mammary cancers are malignant, as in humans, when caught and surgically removed early the prognosis is very good.(12) Luckily, canine athletes are handled frequently and generally receive prompt veterinary care.
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Behavioral Considerations
The study that identified a higher incidence of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in spayed or neutered dogs also identified an increased incidence of sexual behaviors in males and females that were neutered early.(5) Further, the study that identified a higher incidence of hip dysplasia in dogs neutered or spayed before 5 1/2 months also showed that early age gonadectomy was associated with an increased incidence of noise phobias and undesirable sexual behaviors.(6) A recent report of the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation reported significantly more behavioral problems in spayed and neutered bitches and dogs. The most commonly observed behavioral problem in spayed females was fearful behavior and the most common problem in males was aggression.(12)
Other Health Considerations
A number of studies have shown that there is an increase in the incidence of female urinary incontinence in dogs spayed early (13), although this finding has not been universal. Certainly there is evidence that ovarian hormones are critical for maintenance of genital tissue structure and contractility.(14, 15) Neutering also has been associated with an increased likelihood of urethral sphincter incontinence in males.(16) This problem is an inconvenience, and not usually life-threatening, but nonetheless one that requires the dog to be medicated for life. A health survey of several thousand Golden Retrievers showed that spayed or neutered dogs were more likely to develop hypothyroidism.(2) This study is consistent with the results of another study in which neutering and spaying was determined to be the most significant gender-associated risk factor for development of hypothyroidism.(17) Infectious diseases were more common in dogs that were spayed or neutered at 24 weeks or less as opposed to those undergoing gonadectomy at more than 24 weeks.(18) Finally, the AKC-CHF report demonstrated a higher incidence of adverse reactions to vaccines in neutered dogs as compared to intact.(12)
I have gathered these studies to show that our practice of routinely spaying or neutering every dog at or before the age of 6 months is not a black-and-white issue. Clearly more studies need to be done to evaluate the effects of prepubertal spaying and neutering, particularly in canine athletes.
Currently, I have significant concerns with spaying or neutering canine athletes before puberty. But of course, there is the pet overpopulation problem. How can we prevent the production of unwanted dogs while still leaving the gonads to produce the hormones that are so important to canine growth and development? One answer would be to perform vasectomies in males and tubal ligation in females, to be followed after maturity by ovariohysterectomy in females to prevent mammary cancer and pyometra. One possible disadvantage is that vasectomy does not prevent some unwanted behaviors associated with males such as marking and humping. On the other hand, females and neutered males frequently participate in these behaviors too. Really, training is the best solution for these issues. Another possible disadvantage is finding a veterinarian who is experienced in performing these procedures. Nonetheless, some do, and if the procedures were in greater demand, more veterinarians would learn them.
I believe it is important that we assess each situation individually. For canine athletes, I currently recommend that dogs and bitches be spayed or neutered after 14 months of age.