Cherrywood's requirements for owners include:
- a large, safely enclosed yard where you and your Leo will be
able to spend time together outdoors. A Leo needs room to
run straight out, in order for his body and mind to mature
correctly. This breed needs space, and won't do well in a tiny
yard. A daily walk isn't enough for a Leo. A 4-6' secure fence,
is a necessity. Leos will wander if allowed to do so and some
are escape artists.
- enrollment in a behavior/obedience group class with a qualified
instructor within 2 months of purchase, continuing
intermittently with classes until the dog is a year and a half
old. You need to learn to control a 100 lb., 7 mo. old puppy
with distractions around you! Private lessons won't do that.
- coming to Ohio to pick up your pup. If you're flying, you'll need
to check with your airline to be sure the pup may ride home in
the cabin with you. I will not ship pups in cargo. We want to
meet the people who will be getting our puppies.
- consistent socialization off of your property for the first year
or so. Leonbergers have watchdog instincts, and you want your
adult to understand what is "normal" in his world. That requires
introducing him to many new and unique situations as a puppy.
Your Leo needs to meet other dog breeds, new people and
constantly changing situations before he is 20 weeks old, in
order to mature into a steady adult.
- registering your puppy with the AKC, even if you never plan to
show or breed him. You are also strongly encouraged to
become a member of the Leonberger Club of America (LCA).
(The LCA is a wealth of information on all aspects of the
Leonberger, and will be a good support system for you over
the life of your Leo.)
- neutering your Leonberger after the growth plates close,
unless we both agree at that point that he may be bred. All
Leos going to companion homes are sold on limited
registration . They can be shown in AKC performance events
aside from conformation. That may be changed, after he has
completed his health tests at age 2, if warrented.
- showing any Leonberger you are considering breeding, and
breeding only according to the Member Practice Requirements
of the LCA. I will be happy to help and mentor any of our
buyers who are seriously and conscientiously interested in
learning to show or breed.
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