Do you have puppies available? Puppies are not always available. Usually, the females will come in heat together and thus you find our litters are usually born around the same time.  The best way to find out if we have puppies available is to click on the puppy’s available page.   I try to up date that page as often as possible. Our females are just reaching breeding age or soon will reach breeding age.    Do you have a waiting list to have one of your puppies? On some litters there are waiting lists a mile long and others not so many. Depending on the color and sex of the puppy you are looking for will determine where on the list you will be placed.   If you would like to be put on a waiting list all you have to do is email me.  Describe what color you are looking for and what sex.  Please also tell me a little about you and your life style as well as phone number with the best time to call you. If you put a deposit down to hold a puppy out of a litter and the litter does not produce that exact color or sex you have choices.   You have a choice to pick out another puppy out of that litter or wait for another litter of equal quality - breeder has right to choose what puppy as it will not be one that I am keeping for myself. Or you can wait till the last puppy in the litter is sold and receive a refund for your deposit.      What colors of puppies will you have?  Depending on which Female is bred to which Male I will half a rough idea of what is to be expected from that breeding.   I usually am on target with what colors I am expecting from two bred cockers.   Where are you located?  We are located on a farm. A small knit community of a couple thousand people.  A school where you know all your classmates by name.  A town centered on academic and sports just like the movie Friday Night Lights.  A farming community where you will see Corn and Bean fields as far as you can see in all directions. Cows and Horses grazing in a pasture. In this part of the country there is not house on top of house here. The County Fair is where everyone is at during the summer with all their prize winning animals, the smell of freshly made baked goods and country music playing in the background.  Going to Town is going to the Gas Station and chatting with the locals. The freedom of being by yourself and hearing you breathe instead of hearing the busy noises of city life.   Are your dogs healthy? I try my best to produce healthy happy puppies as possible.  I provide my dogs with Eukanuba dog food that is one of the best dog foods that I know is out there.  As vet care goes I provide medical attention on all dogs and puppies no matter what the cost and if I have to go without something I will.  Since most of my dogs are shipped there is a Health Certificate done on the puppies and that provides both parties that the puppy is healthy at the time of sale or transfer of the puppy.  My dogs are like my children they are first in line. Seeing health problems at the first sign is very important to me.  Learning what health problems are allows me to better my dogs in the long run.  The puppies that we have here do occasionally have ear problems such as ear mites and ear infections only because at this young of age the puppies tend to get puppy food everywhere on their body.  Even with constant washing the puppies and wiping out their ears they still tend to get dirty. We go a step further and cut the hair near their ear so the puppies can have proper ear ventilation. Most ear cleaner say you can use on puppies but NOT under 16 weeks of age.  Because the puppies are under 16 weeks of age we do not use ear cleaners as recommended. We do ask you to continue to wipe out the ears, keep the hair near the ear kept cut back.  Start using ear cleaning products as soon as they are 16 weeks of age.   Breeding dogs is not like a factory and everyone is not perfect and without defects.  Humans have flaws and we have no guarantees that any of us will be healthy for our entire life and die of a ripe old age.  We do not have a crystal ball that we will know the out come.  We have children that are born that look fine one day and are deadly ill the next. Humans rarely do genetic testing to make sure they are a match before they produce.  As a breeder I do some genetic testing and I pick and choose who I believe should be bred to whom.  Just like humans there are no guarantees that the dog you choose will die of old age.  No crystal ball.  All living creatures are subject to the laws of nature! No matter what type of breed of dog they are at risk for some type of defects.   I got my papers but I can't find them? People do loose AKC papers just like anything else you put it down and then will return later.  The dog might of got a hold of it, the children might of drawn on it or you might of thrown it away.   I can replace your papers for you, by requesting a duplicate copy of your paper through AKC.  It will take about 7 -10 days after they receive my request to do anything with the request.  It does take some time.  If you need new AKC papers the fee for that is $20.00 through AKC which needs to be sent to me and then I will send it off to AKC with my written request and proper paperwork.  I also on top of that charge a $30.00 handling fee to process your request. Total cost is $50.00 replacement fee.    Why are your puppies more expensive? My puppies are more expensive than those that you might find in the local newspaper because the cost is more. I am trying to produce pet quality puppies and some show puppies.  The cost of having a litter of puppies is much greater when you put a lot of work into a litter, as well as insuring proper care of the puppy with the best products out there. The pedigree's behind our puppies are very nice as well. I spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars just for my males and females.  I am not just putting two dogs together and getting my kicks from them having a litter of puppies.    Our Right to Refuse I had bought a dog or puppy but you decided not to sell the puppy to me after placing a deposit or full payment. We have the right to refuse sale to any puppies/dogs or provide services to any person at any time for any reason even if you have placed a deposit on a puppy/dog or payment in full. Some of the reasons for this are to include but not limited to. Puppy didn't clear health certificate, do not think puppy is ready to go, health issues, attachment issues, finding information that was not disclosed prior to the sale or during the sale process, like you say you have two dogs and you have 10, ect... For any reason we decided to not sell you a puppy or dog your deposit or payment in full will be returned to you. If you bought a puppy once the litter of puppies has been sold. If you purchased an adult the money will be returned to you with in 12 weeks.     Why cant I come and see the puppies instead of meeting you? Because virus are extremely contagious, lives a long, long time, and puts other animals at great risk, do not expect a breeding facility to let you wander through their barns or dog’s living quarters, as exposure from the public is dangerous to the health of their animals.  Puppies at a breeder’s home or kennel should be viewed from a distance and not handled.  A person could easily handle dogs, puppies or be exposed to a virus at another location without knowing it, and then bring this deadly virus to a breeder’s facility. Our dogs are not inexpensive dogs that you can get in your local papers.  We have paid over $3,500 per dog in some cases and that is not cheap by no means.  Imagine loosing 3 or 4 high priced dogs from a virus over a person wanting a puppy.   For instance, you go to “Mr. Smith’s” house who has puppies in the paper, boy they are cute and you pet them or even pull up in there driveway and you leave.  No big deal.  Did not see any sick puppies but week later they find out they have a virus of something.  In the mean time you go to someone else’s house and you see there puppies the virus spreads with out knowing.  Viruses are not fun.  Please don't ask to come here because I do not want to put my puppies or dogs at risk.  That is why I try to show as many photos as I can of the parents, the puppies and where our dogs live.   I got a puppy and took it to the vet and found something wrong with it after you gave me a Health Certificate? If for some reason after you get your puppy home and you take it to the vet you find something wrong with it. First I would ask you to take your puppy/dog to the local vet to make sure the puppy/dog gets treatment. I will go back on the Puppy Purchase Agreement and agreements on my website as they are posted about everywhere.  Stating the puppy is sold "As Is". Because I did everything in my power to make sure that puppy was healthy before leaving by taking the puppy to the vet to get checked and supplying a Health Certificate.     Something happened, now what? If you put a non refundable deposit down or a payment in full and something happens to the puppy prior to shipping or meeting the money will not refunded. There is no refund on the purchase price!  This is a replacement guarantee only.  The breeder reserves the right to a possible waiting times of 1 year of more to make the replacement, as puppies are not always available.  The replacement puppy will be of the same quality, sex and color originally purchased unless agreed otherwise.  The replacement puppy will be selected by the breeder from the next available litter.   What if I can't take care of my puppy/dog at a later date? I do know that problems do arise in everyday life.  Someone might die, might get divorced, loose a job whatever the case might be, run into a problem and no longer be able to keep the dog/puppy.  I will not buy your pet back from you but I will take back the pet no matter how old the dog is.  When I take a pet back I like to have the papers, records and any information that you have about your pet to better understand the pet and get acquainted with him/her again. I would never want one of my puppies that I produced go to a shelter or be abandoned because of a problem in them keeping their pet.  What if I have questions? People who buy puppies or dogs from me will most likely get to know me before I sell you one on my babies.  100% of the time I talk to you over the phone and through e-mail’s before you buy a puppy/dog from me.  I do talk to people on a constant basis when they buy puppies/dogs.  I do like to know a little about you and how your living situation is before I feel comfortable in just handing over one of my babies. Just because you bought a puppy/dog from me does not mean that you are through with me yet.  I do find it that I do make friends when I sell puppies/dogs.  After receiving a puppy if you have any questions I am here to help you.  You can pretty much ask me anything and if I don't know the answer to your question I will try to find someone that will.     Can I make a deal? Breeding Cockers is very costly when you add it all up. Between medical bills and services, supplies, food and papers it is very rarely you come out ahead.  I do not breed to try to make a living off of my dogs but I do like some kind of compensation for the expenses I have made while breeding and adding to the welfare of my dogs. I do believe the price is fair and you can take your chances on the local newspapers if you would like, but know that I have been breeding for healthy puppy.   Are your dogs good with kids? Yes, I think cockers are great around children.  Our cockers are socialized around our children from birth.  I do believe that the more they are with them the better both the puppy and child will act. Nathan my seven year old counts the puppies when they are born and even tries to name them by color.  When they are old enough to play with them, he is with them constantly.  Having them chase him around the house and petting them.  I do believe when you first get a puppy and you bring the puppy into your home there should be some time just for the puppy away from the child to get adjusted and relax. Puppies in particular need a lot of rest just like a growing child.  Limit puppy-children play sessions to 15-30 minute periods 2-3 times a day. Esp. since there are new noises, new sounds, new smells and new people and maybe even new pets.  Temperament is a major focus in my breeding program.    I do not breed adult dogs with temperament issues.  Since I am with the puppies from birth until they are of age to leave, I constantly evaluate each puppy’s personality mentally and try to place that puppy with the most fit home possible.    Males and Females SPEAKING VERY GENERALLY...   Male dogs tend to be "lovable slobs" and "good ol' boys." Male dogs tend to be more outgoing, more vigorously affectionate, more "in your face." Male dogs tend to be more stable and reliable in mood, less prone to emotional swings. Male dogs tend to be clumsy and silly and prone to acting like over sized kids. Male dogs mean well and are easy to love.   Female dogs tend to be more subtle than males. They're affectionate on their own terms. They'll request or demand petting, then reassert their independence by walking away when they've had enough. Female dogs tend to be quicker to learn and are not as easily distracted during training sessions. Female dogs are less likely to be openly defiant or to engage in blunt power struggles or dominance challenges   When you get an adult dog from me. You open the cage and now you are expecting this loving dog to jump in your arms like nothing has happened. WRONG!!! Adult dogs have been use to a routine and schedule as well as his/her living arrangements and the people they have been around. You have to realize that dog went from a loving home, to a crate to an airplane to a new home, new people and doesn't know what is going on. The dog at this point will be scared.  Some times so frightened that he/she will growl and even bite to try to fend for themselves. They do not know that you are good people and you will not hurt them. Please understand in most cases they will turn around. You need to give them a lot of time to adjust.   We are talking weeks or even months. They need to learn were to go the bathroom, your names, your sounds, your smells, all the rooms in the house, ect. Especially, that you are good people and you are not going to hurt them. Just because they are acting this way does not mean they are mean by no means they are just scared and do not know what to do. Give them time and positive reinforcement. Here is a link below that I found interesting and helpful when getting an adult dog.   ADULT DOG ADJUSTMENTS   Payment Arrangements how does that work? I do know that any type of purchase can be strenuous to the pocket book so I try to make it a little easier. By paying a non refundable deposit of half down to hold the puppy half of the puppy price you are able to have me hold your puppy of your choosing. This has seemed to work better for a lot of people who can not pay that amount all up front.  This also allows you to have time on many cases to come up with the rest of the money.  Some people get paid weekly, bi weekly and monthly. This I believe makes it a little easier.  Once the non refundable deposit is placed down to hold the puppy the rest of the purchase price of the puppy is to be paid.  I try to have the purchase price to be paid between 7-8 weeks.  But in some cases I do understand that might not get paid for a week later or have other issues and I will on some cases wait a week. Note:  by placing a non refundable deposit down or a payment in full you also agree to all terms about deposits, and also agree to all terms of the puppy contract agreement located on the policies page.     I sent you an email.... Spam, most heard of it in one way shape or form. Well, some e-mail’s go into my spam folder provided by AOL's server.  I do not read e-mail’s that go into that folder because 90% of them usually are either junk or fraudulent practices.  If I have not contacted you back in a timely manor check your spam folder and please contact me by phone, as your email might have gone into that folder. 712-301-8003   Limited or Full Registration: Limited registration is determined by the breeder.  No off spring of this dog will be able to be registered!  Limited registration will not change regardless of change of ownership. AKC has finally put stops to people changing litter applications by adding a code in the limited box.  If it is shaded in, cut out or darkened in any way you will not be able to undo the box and find out what the code is in therefore not be able to change the dog which should be Limited to Full registration.  We actually cut out the limited box numbers as well as the pin number so you are unable to register the dog online nor able to put in full registration instead of Limited registration. Dogs that do have Limited registrations do have restriction in showing as well.  Please see www.akc.org  for more information on Limited registration. Since most of our Cockers go on Limited Registration, we actually cut out the code since there is no need for it.   Full registration is also determined by the breeder.  It allows off spring of this dog to be registered.  With Full registration you are eligible to be entered in a breed competition in a licensed or member dog show. Please see AKC.org for information about Full registrations. Most breeders do mark there puppies with Limited registrations because it helps breeders protect their breeding programs. If breeders do not want puppies used for breeding purposes, they can request the Limited registration option for those puppies.    So, you want to have full registration but you claim you are not a breeder. AKC registration papers come with each puppy in less agreed upon.  Limited Registration papers are offered on all our puppies, no if's and or butts!    AKC full registration papers are available only to qualified show homes/responsible breeders with proof available on request.   Please note we do not guarantee the puppy will breed or is showable.  Please see our contract with further details.  If you are asking for Full AKC papers for show I would like to know what dogs you have shown in the past.    Did they finish in the ring?  Who handled the dogs for you if you used a handler for showing. Do you have a Website?  What is your show name or kennel name?    If you are asking for Full AKC registration papers for breeding: I would like to know do you have a kennel name, do you have a website? If you are asking for FULL registration for breeding purposes. I require proof that you have breed Cocker Spaniels for at least two years minimum.  Type of proof excepted is a Litter Record by AKC date no earlier than 2 years prior and one at 1 year prior. With a copy of the AKC certificate so I know indeed that the dogs listed are your dogs that bred, with your name on the dogs. I will not except any other paperwork from any other registries as proof.   I require, pictures and pedigrees to whom you would be breeding the puppy that you are buying from me to. How long you have been breeding.  How many litters you have produced? Why did you choose a cocker and any other information about your breeding program?   I want to breed my female with one of your males? We usually do not breed outside, but if you have something that I find of interest I might. A brucellosis test is needed, to explain it is like getting a std test for humans but for dogs.  That needs to be done no earlier than 3 days prior to the female shipped, meeting or AI's. This test is preformed by a licensed vet and should cost around 15-25 dollars depending on where you live in the US. I also ask for copies of the females AKC papers and all information about the female. For further information about what I need please email me for details and pricing. If you are interested in this service please contact me and ask for a Stud Dog Contract. Our Rights! We reserve the right to sell or refuse to sell puppies/dog, products and provide services to any person for any reason at any time, even if you have put a deposit down, with no questions asked.    Naming your puppy  All puppies' names will begin with Aj's and then the name that you provide.  All AKC papers will have Aj's on them when they are provided for you.  The buyer agrees that he/she will not alter Aj's on the papers.  The new owner is allowed to pick the rest of the name if they have reserved the puppy prior to us registering them.  If you purchased a Merle from me, you will need to have the word Merle in the name as well.   Because it is hard to tell the difference at times when they are older, this way it prevents any confusion.     Aj Kennels, what does it stand for? My name is Aimee and my middle name starts with a J.   In high school one of my nicknames was Aj.  Some of my closest friends called me Aj.  Since I figured that I would meet a lot of people and come friends with other breeders and possibly friends with people that buy the puppies from me Aj had to be it... Most breeders didn't have just one word for there name so I was like what can I put after Aj.  I did not want to put Cockers since a lot have that plus whatever name in front of or behind the word Cockers.  So, I decided to put Kennels after the name.  Really no reason for the word Kennels it just went with the dog theme.  I actually do not like the name, but since the beginning it was there.  I feel like Kennels is kind of like the word INC. like a large company and I am not a large breeder. That is one reason I do not like the word Kennels.  Since it is www.ajkennels.net  for my website and if changed it might cause people not to know where I am located on the web and they might have a hard time finding me again I have to keep it. The only reason I needed to come up with a name is because I wanted to have a website.  Then as time went by other breeders would say, you are from who? So, Aj Kennels it is. Aj Kennels or Aj's is my kennel name for registry record keeping purposes so I can keep track of my Cockers bloodline in pedigree's. It IS NOT a Doing Business As (DBA) name. I am strictly an individual with a passion and love for Cocker Spaniels and a Hobby/Show breeder (not a company, business, or commercial pet interprise) and I own and compete with purebred AKC registered Cocker Spaniels as a hobby only. I breed Cockers for the show ring and some times for pets as both are equally important. Our Cockers are not always here, but out with our handlers traveling throughout the USA and in confirmation competitions. I try to keep a Cocker puppy out of most litters so I can put them in the ring at a later date or park genes with friends. I only sell the littermates to help pay for all the cost of confirmation competitions, professional handlers, equipment, Cocker health including adults and puppies, dog food, cleaning supplies, grooming supplies, registration fees, and so much more. On most years I loose money, so I am only doing this as a hobby as a love of the breed. If you'd meet me in person you'd see how much love I have for animals. Not only for Cockers but animals in general.