Hickory Ridge Kennels

     Hickory Ridge Kennels is dedicated to breeding healthy, well socialized, superb quality, Bloodhounds and Pugs. Our dogs are members of our family first and foremost. The love of animals and their care is taught to our sons at a young age. We believe children develop into better adults if they are responsible for learning to love and care for other people and creatures at an early age. We pride ourselves in maintaining clean humane kennels, and making sure the animals are constantly loved on and taken care of.

 

     Our puppies are constantly monitored and handled. They are exposed to our family and our friends from the moment of birth until they leave our home to their new families. Our children homeschool, and during lunch breaks, before school and afterwards the puppies are doted on. Our puppies recieve a regular schedule of vaccinations, wormings, and veterinary visits. Our puppies do not leave for their new homes until the vet says they are ready! We strive to ensure that our puppies leave with a complete veterinary record. Our puppies are weaned from their moms slowly, as not to stress the pup or the mom. We ensure the puppies are fully weaned and emotionally ready before the mom is removed from the puppy yard. The puppies spend a few weeks learning appropriate canine behavior a.k.a. dog social skills from each other. This time of pack "kindergarten" is crucial for a dog's mental well being. They learn not to play too rough, nipping hurts,and also the role of the human alpha figure. Many backyard breeders and other ill-informed breeders cheat the puppy of this all too valuable development stage. A puppy never leaves our kennel before the age of eight weeks.

 

     We believe and strive to ensure our dogs have these basic rights: All animals have the right to fresh food and clean water. Our dogs are fed and watered twice a day. They are not on automatic water and food systems. They enjoy the social interaction of their human friends at every meal time. We believe all animals have the right to fresh air and sunshine. Our kennels are built into the beautiful wooded hill country in Oklahoma. Our dogs have birds, squirrels, and wildlife to entertain them. We believe the mental stimulation is good for them to view and enjoy the world around them. We believe animals have the right to freely exercise and play. Each dog has a yard much larger than the average city yard. They also have a total of twenty acres on which we walk them regularly.

 

     All animals have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Our animals are trained with positive reinforcement methods only. No negative training or physical discipline occurs in our kennels. Dogs want to love, learn and please their owners. All animals have the right to love and to have human companionship. Our dogs are played with daily. They take turns enjoying time inside our home. All of our dogs are cherished for their unique personalities. We believe animals should have a purpose - either to be a companion and friend or to be a working partner. We believe animals are a commitment, and the purchase of a pet should not be on a whim.Our animals are given regular veterinary check ups and shots. Every puppy who leaves our kennels will have had a minimum of the first puppy shots. As long as a dog is in our care, veterinary care is continued and maintained. We do not give our own shots, nor do we cut our own dewclaws. We leave veterinary medicine to the qualified.