2019 Wrap-Up
Success
Overall, the year could not have been much better for Steel City Puppies. We raised some of the most perfect pups, rehomed them into amazing families, and added new pups to be future moms and dads.
For the FIrst Time Ever, we had Zero puppies pass away, whether being stillborn or just getting sick early in life, while also we had the most puppies birthed in our history. I contribute it to whelping experience, great nutrition, amazing Dog Mommies, the best Vet care, and I am sure some luck!
We were also able to host charity events, host two doodle Romps, and volunteer Puppy Playtime at several organizations!
Retired Parents in 2019
Reba- My first ever goldendoodle. My wife gets jealous because of how much I love her. :)
Annie- The most affectionate dog and puppy mommy you could ask for.
Teddy- The stud himself. He probably has over 400 children running around.
Minnie- Her career ended early, but she has some of the smartest, loving babies!
2020 Vision
Goal
Simply, to be Remarkable. To have the cutest pups, raised in the best way, to the point where people feel the need to tell others/Remark 😉 about us.
Social Media
Instagram- We discovered IG stories in 2019 and are not looking back. You can see daily how our pups are raised and loved. There are no outside kennels or runs, instead, you get to see your pup playing on blankets inside with family, being carried around by Claire, and watch your baby get a little bigger every day. Be warned, only IG message me if you can tolerate Sarcasm and Sass. It is the most informal way to communicate with SCP. :)
Facebook- It is the tried and true way to get important announcements. We have broken over 6,000 likes, which is Amazing! I have implemented an auto-reply on Facebook messaging. I get asked on average 10 times a day about pricing or availability, so this feature has greatly helped answer those questions.
Breeds
In general, for 2020 we are focusing more towards smaller (30 lbs and under) breedings.
Standard Goldendoodles: Unfortunately between the commercial breeders, backyard breeders, and others, the market is becoming over-saturated, so I feel it is time to move on. Being undercut by lower quality breeders with much lower prices has hurt the St Goldendoodle Breedings in general. We currently have no planned Standard Goldendoodle breedings.
Labradoodles: Lower quality breedings of labradoodles with thin whispy hair has also hurt their popularity. We are planning a standard labradoodle litter in Jan 2020, mini labradoodle litter in Fall 2020, and then the last litter of labradoodles from SCP in Spring 2021.
Standard Poodles: Now for good news! It has been a long time, but we are having AKC standard poodles in 2020! Ryder and Rosie are a perfect pair and will have the most beautiful babies. If you wanted a standard goldendoodle from us, this is your best alternative.
Bernedoodles: Last year I opened up voting to the community, and the bernedoodle was the most requested doodle. Our girls will be ready in 2020! Pippa will give us petites (10-15 lbs) and Stella will give us larger minis (35-45 lbs).
Surprise: There will be a new breed coming to SCP in 2020, but you will just have to wait and see!
Facilities/ The Move
In 2019, we were able to purchase 6 acres of land near the Chelsea, AL area. It will be a much more convenient area for our Birmingham families to drive to. We are meeting with Contractors and Designers, and are hopeful to start construction this year.
First Level of Proposed New SCP
Featuring:
A 700+ sq ft State-of-the-Art Puppy Nursery. Heated tile flooring, individual whelping areas, indoors connected to an outdoor turf play yard, the best air filtration and ventilation, lots of natural light, puppy incubator for struggling pups, and a comfy sofa bed for me to sleep on when we have new pups are a few of the features.
A 700+ sq ft Luxurious Boarding and Training Area. Including: Non-slip tile flooring, comfy couch and recliners, TV with all the animal movies you could want, grooming area, large outside fenced area with some turf, private rooms, and of course a king-size bed with some of the softest pillows for our VIPs (Very Important Pups).
A 2000 sq ft Living Area (mostly on the 2nd floor) for the humans that run SCP. Featuring kitchen, bedrooms, and other boring stuff compared to the Puppy Areas. Lol.
*Close to 90% of 2020 Profits will be going towards building this Puppy Paradise. To those that purchase a puppy, training, board their pups with us, buy pawTree dog food, or just tell others about us, we Thank You for your support and the Vision of SCP.
Pricing
Puppy prices, in general, will stay about the same with most litters being between $2500 and $3500. Higher cost litters are typically more for several reasons like more expensive stud fees, Transcervical Insemination, smaller litter size, etc. For the quality of puppy we are raising, in the most enriching environment, we know the prices are fair.
Our Training Programs are increasing in cost. Since the beginning, we have had them way under market value, but now with more experience and the programs fully developed, it is time to match what other breeders of similar quality are charging.
Crate Training Foundations has grown in popularity to where in several litters 100% of the families have opted-in. The price is now $450. Included in the price, along with the training, is an appropriately sized wire crate, snuggle puppy, bag of treats, pawPairings, and a snail chew toy.
Therapy Dog Foundations has also grown in such popularity to where I have had to turn down several interested families because all spots are taken. The majority of our testimonials come from families that have our Trained Pups, so I know the program is effective in creating that well-rounded pup. The price is now $2500. Crate Training Foundations included in the price.
***If you placed a deposit in 2019, you get 2019 Training Prices.
Genetic Health Testing
As technology advances in Canine Health so will we! We are now capable of testing our puppy parents for over 225 inheritable diseases. Rest easy knowing that everything is being done at SCP to give you the healthiest pup possible!
Club SCP
Club SCP is the new name for Boarding with us. Camp SCP seems more practical, but remember that new fancy boarding facility that is being built? Club is to accentuate that luxurious environment your pup will enjoy!
Club SCP/Boarding will still only be available to our past Puppies and any doggies in their family.
Rates are the same at $40/day.
The only change is a slight increase in bath and blow-dry for large dogs (over 30 lbs) , which is now $35.
Client Software
We are currently testing out software to streamline messaging, payments, files, photos, and more. All of the communication and information shared between SCP and the Puppy Family available in one online portal.
Steel City Puppies Doodle Romp
The best day of the year! The time for all the pups to get back together, run, and play! I am tentatively setting the date as:
Sunday, May 3rd 2-4 PM
You bring the doodles and I bring the Tacos, what do you say???
Thank You
I do not say it near as much as I should, but Thank You. Thank You for letting me live my dream and bless others with the sweetest pups. Even if it is just a like or share of a post, or you told a friend about us, or you may even have one of our pups, Thank You for the Support!