PUPPY CARE
At Shadowcrest Kennels, our puppies are our babies! Experience the highest quality nutrition, care, socialization, and early training with our dedicated Puppy Nanny.
u
Premium Care Experience
At Shadowcrest Kennels in Albany, Georgia, raising our German Shepherd and Siberian Husky puppies is about more than getting them to go-home day. We focus on giving each puppy a thoughtful start through hands-on care, socialization, early learning, and exposure to everyday life.
Our puppies are introduced to Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), crate foundations, children, other animals, household noises, new experiences, and temperament evaluation as they develop.
Puppies are eligible to leave Shadowcrest beginning at 8 weeks of age. Families may pick up their puppy in Georgia, or contact us to discuss available ground transportation or flight nanny services and associated costs.
2 Year Health Guarantee
Every Shadowcrest puppy is placed under our written Health Guarantee and Puppy Contract.
Our breeding program places an emphasis on informed breeding decisions and health testing. For our breeding dogs, our testing standards include OFA hips, elbows, heart, eyes, and thyroid.
Online Puppy Training Course
Bringing home a puppy is exciting, but the first weeks also require consistency, patience, and realistic expectations.
Shadowcrest families receive guidance to help prepare for puppy ownership, including information about crate training, routines, socialization, nutrition, house-training, and helping your puppy adjust to life at home.
What is included with your puppy:
Your Shadowcrest puppy goes home with important records, information, and continued breeder support to help make the transition easier:
*Applicable registration information
*Vaccination and deworming records
*Microchip information
*Puppy care and transition information
*Guidance for feeding, training, and everyday care
*Information regarding your puppy contract and health guarantee
*Lifetime breeder support
Our relationship with our families doesn't end at pickup. A Shadowcrest dog will always be part of the Shadowcrest family.
Flying Your Puppy Home Option:
Shadowcrest puppies may go home beginning at 8 weeks old.
Families are welcome to discuss the option that works best for their location. We offer:
*Pickup arrangements
*Ground transportation
*Flight nanny service
Transportation availability, logistics, and additional costs are discussed individually.
Call or text Laura at Shadowcrest Kennels at 912-207-9301 to discuss transportation arrangements.
Driving your puppy home:
If you're driving home with your new puppy, keep the trip simple and comfortable.
We recommend bringing a secure travel crate, washable towel or blanket, water and travel bowl, paper towels or wipes, safe chew toy, collar, and identification tag.
Plan appropriate potty and water breaks based on the length of your trip, and remember that your puppy has just experienced a major change. A quiet, patient ride home can help make that first transition easier.
Flying your puppy home:
If air travel is part of your puppy's journey, transportation details should be discussed with Shadowcrest in advance.
Depending on the travel arrangement, appropriate supplies may include:
*Airline-approved travel carrier
*Required veterinary/travel documentation
*Puppy pads
*Water/travel bowl
*Safe chew toy
*Puppy food for the trip
If you're using our flight nanny service, we'll discuss the itinerary, arrangements, and costs with you individually.
Preparing for Go Home Day:
A little preparation can make your puppy's first days home much smoother.
We recommend having these essentials ready:
*Quality puppy food
*Food and water bowls
*Appropriately sized crate
*Washable crate bedding or towels
*Collar and identification tag
*Leash
*Safe chew toys
*Training treats
*Puppy-safe cleaning supplies
Nutrition:
We currently recommend Purina Pro Plan as part of our puppy nutrition program.
Keeping your puppy's diet consistent during the transition home may help make those first days easier. We'll provide feeding information before go-home so you know what your puppy has been eating and how to continue their routine.
The First Few Days at Home:
Give Your Puppy Time to Adjust
Your new puppy is leaving everything familiar—littermates, routines, smells, sounds, and surroundings. Some puppies settle in quickly, while others need a little more time.
Keep the first few days calm, consistent, and predictable.
Establish regular routines for meals, potty breaks, crate time, play, training, and rest. Your puppy may whine at night or need additional potty breaks as it learns the new routine.
Continue the food your puppy is accustomed to initially rather than making an abrupt dietary change.
Most importantly, remember that your puppy is still a baby. Patience, structure, positive experiences, and consistency matter.
And if you have questions after bringing your puppy home, reach out.
Our commitment doesn't end when your puppy leaves Shadowcrest.
A Shadowcrest dog will always be part of the Shadowcrest family.
Shadowcrest Kennels
German Shepherds & Siberian Huskies
Albany, Georgia
Trusted Bloodlines. Timeless Bonds.
© Copyright 2026. Laura Rodriguez. All Rights Reserved.