Health & Raising
Health Testing & Puppy Raising
My program dogs are Embark-tested clear of breed specific conditions. All results go to the OFA. I won't breed a dog that I have not vetted, it's not fair to the puppies or our clients.
Health testing
My program dogs are Embark-tested clear of breed specific conditions. All results go to the OFA. I won't breed a dog that I have not vetted, it's not fair to the puppies or our clients.
We do Embark Genetic/Trait testing on all of our program dogs and provide 4 generations of pedigree. When you buy a puppy from us, you can be confident that your puppy is genetically healthy, and we provide a summary of their genetics to you upon request, along with where they come from. That is real peace of mind!
Our health guarantee
Every puppy comes with a 2 year genetic health guarantee, lifetime breeder support and a promise to take any dog back, for any reason, within the first 2 years.
At Irish Rose Acres, we carefully select and health-test our breeding dogs to help ensure healthy, well-tempered puppies.
We guarantee our puppies against life-threatening hereditary and congenital genetic defects for two years from their date of birth. If a licensed veterinarian diagnoses a covered genetic condition within this period, we will review the documentation and work with the buyer to reach an appropriate resolution, which may include assistance with related veterinary expenses.
This guarantee does not cover injuries, accidents, neglect, infectious diseases, routine veterinary care, or conditions caused by improper nutrition, obesity, or environmental factors.
To maintain this guarantee, buyers agree to provide regular veterinary care and follow recommended health and care guidelines for Miniature Dachshunds.
Our commitment to our puppies doesn't end when they go home. We are always available to provide guidance and support throughout your dog's life.
The first eight weeks
At Irish Rose Acres, our puppies are raised in our home in Archer, Florida, where they are loved and handled daily from birth. We believe that early experiences help shape a puppy's confidence, temperament, and ability to adapt to family life.
Birth to 2 weeks
Our puppies spend their first days safely nestled with their mother in a clean, comfortable whelping area. During this critical stage, we closely monitor their growth and well-being while providing gentle daily handling to help them become accustomed to human touch from the very beginning.
2 to 4 weeks
As their eyes and ears open, puppies begin discovering the world around them. They are gradually introduced to everyday household sights and sounds, such as conversations, televisions, kitchen activity, and other normal family routines, helping them develop confidence and adaptability.
4 to 6 weeks
This is a key socialization period. Puppies spend more time interacting with their littermates and people, learning important social skills, appropriate play behaviors, and early confidence-building experiences. They are introduced to a variety of toys, textures, and environments that encourage curiosity and exploration.
6 to 8 weeks
As puppies become more independent, we continue focusing on socialization and positive experiences. They are exposed to different sounds, surfaces, and daily activities while developing routines that help prepare them for family life. During this time, they also receive age-appropriate veterinary care, deworming, vaccinations, and microchipping.
By the time an Irish Rose Acres puppy is ready to go home, they have been raised as part of our family, surrounded by love, daily interaction, and early socialization. This strong foundation helps them transition confidently into their forever homes as happy, well-adjusted companions.
By go-home day
Before leaving, each puppy receives:
- Veterinary health examination
- Health certificate
- Age-appropriate vaccinations
- Deworming
- Microchip
- AKC registration paperwork (if applicable)
- Puppy starter packet with care information
From an early age
Our puppies are:
- Handled daily by people to build trust and confidence.
- Exposed to common household noises such as televisions, vacuum cleaners, kitchen sounds, and conversations.
- Introduced to a variety of toys, textures, surfaces, and environments.
- Encouraged to interact with their littermates, helping them learn appropriate play and canine communication skills.
- Started on basic routines and positive experiences that prepare them for their future homes.
- Introduced to gentle crate familiarity and designated potty areas.
Our goal is to provide each puppy with a strong foundation through early socialization, confidence-building, and positive experiences. By the time they leave for their forever homes, they are accustomed to family life, comfortable being handled, and better prepared to adapt to new people, environments, and routines.