Why Us
When you’re searching for a trusted, ethical goldendoodle or bernedoodle breeder in Missouri, you want more than pretty pictures — you want someone who truly cares about the dogs, the process, and the families they go to. That’s exactly what we’re known for here at Sac River Goldendoodles & Bernedoodles LLC.
We raise Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles, and Bernese Mountain Dogs with a focus on health, temperament, and real-life socialization. Our program is built on years of experience, intentional breeding decisions, and genuine connection with our dogs and our families.
Every puppy is raised in our home using proven methods like Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), Early Scent Introduction (ESI), structured puppy curriculum, early crate exposure, and outdoor potty routines. These aren’t just buzzwords — this is what helps create confident, human-focused dogs who adjust well in their new homes.
Why People Choose Us
We also take health extremely seriously. Every parent dog completes full genetic testing, OFAs and/or PennHIP before entering our program. Healthy parents create healthy puppies, and that’s something we never compromise on.
People choose us because we’re hands-on, communicative, and real. We walk you through the entire process — from application to puppy pick-day to go-home — and we stay in touch long after. Our families know we’re here if they ever need support, training help, or just want to share updates.
If you’re looking for a reputable Missouri breeder who raises puppies with purpose, structure, love, and a whole lot of intention…you’re in the right place.
Sac River Goldendoodles & Bernedoodles LLC — where every dog has a purpose.
The First Three Weeks: Nurturing and Early Development
The initial three weeks of our puppies’ lives are focused on nurturing their bond with Mom. Yet, we recognize the importance of connecting with them and introducing short, manageable stressors to foster resiliency and healthier immune systems. By incorporating Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), Early Scent Introduction (ESI), and the 10-Step Handling Exercise into our daily routine with these newborn puppies, we can create lasting change that significantly benefits their lives.
At this early age, the introduction of the 10-Step Handling Exercise brings a gentle massage that gradually increases in pressure each week, shaping a dog that is comfortable with different types of touch. This technique, developed by Jeanette Forrey of 4EKennels and the creator of the Empowered Breeder program, serves as the cornerstone of our breeding philosophy.
As we reach three weeks, we embrace a more advanced curriculum through the Empowered Breeder Program, introducing diverse textures, sounds, and environments weekly—always in alignment with their developmental milestones. Every step we take contributes to their journey ahead shaping them to be the best version of who they are!
ENS
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), developed by the visionary Dr. Carmen Battaglia, involves tactile and thermal stimulation that exposes puppies to mild stressors, enhancing their stress responses and fortifying their futures.
ESI
Early Scent Introduction (ESI) enriches each puppy’s experience by exposing them to a variety of scents, fostering nose awareness and confidence essential for future working roles, including diabetic alert, law enforcement, and hunting. This important exercise was created by Dr. Gayle Watkins, an accomplished Golden Retriever breeder and scientist.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reserve a puppy?
To reserve a puppy, you will need to place a reservation fee of $500.00, which contributes to the cost of your new companion and is non-refundable. Remember, this fee is a commitment to your future family member and it isn’t reimbursed simply because you didn’t select the puppy you envisioned during pick time. Your reservation fee is always valid; if you’re not quite ready, you can hold onto it and use it later to bring home the puppy that best fits your needs.
How do pick orders work?
How much do your puppies cost?
Standard Goldendoodles $3,000 Pet Price
Mini/Moyen Goldendoodles $3,200 Pet Price
Micro/Petite Goldendoodles $3,500 Pet Price
Bernedoodles $3,000 Pet Price
Mini Bernedoodles $3,2oo Pet Price
Bernese Mountain Dogs $3,200 Pet Price
Thank you for supporting ethical, responsible breeding.
Every dog has a purpose.
********Taxes: As a licensed Missouri breeder we are required to charge a 6.4750% sales tax on every puppy sold to stay compliant********
How do I groom my doodle?
Doodles require regular grooming to maintain their coat health and appearance. It’s essential to comb them out at home consistently, rather than relying solely on groomer visits. Neglecting grooming can result in matting, which often leads to the dog being shaved down, a process that can be distressing for the animal. Groomers may also find matted coats challenging to manage, making the experience unpleasant for both the dog and the groomer.
For new puppies, it is advisable to schedule their first grooming appointment around 12 to 16 weeks of age, once they have been fully vaccinated. After the initial visit, puppies should be groomed every 4 to 6 weeks to help them develop a positive relationship with the groomer and become accustomed to the salon environment. Young puppies may benefit from a “puppy bath” every four weeks, helping them acclimate to grooming.
The grooming schedule can be adjusted based on how long you want to maintain your doodles coat. For longer hair,more frequent grooming—around every 6 to 8 weeks—will be necessary, and owners should be prepared for increased at-home maintenance. The most well-groomed doodles often follow a two-week grooming schedule, alternating between simple baths and brushing and full grooming sessions.
It is generally not recommended to wash your Doodle at home unless you have access to a velocity dryer and ensure the coat is fully combed out before and after the bath. Washing a Doodle is a thorough process that requires proper preparation and attention to detail, especially if you want to avoid matting.
What happens during the 8 weeks before puppy goes home?
During the initial 3 weeks, we focus on minimal handling of the puppies to ensure they remain with their mother in a calm and comfortable environment. At this stage, the puppies mainly eat and sleep. Throughout this period, we provide regular updates with pictures and videos highlighting their growth and development. At the three-week mark, we introduce a designated potty area and begin a structured puppy curriculum within the whelping box, marking the start of more engaging activities as the puppies become more active. We also introduce puppy mush during this phase.
At 4 weeks, we transition the puppies from the whelping box to a toddler area equipped with a doggy door. This setup allows the puppies to begin learning how to go outside for potty training, with a turf area provided, as they are still too small for grass. We enhance their daily routine with additional curriculum elements designed to meet their developmental milestones, focusing on empowerment and building trust.
From the 4th week onward, you can expect to receive more videos showcasing the puppies’ personalities as they emerge. By the 6th week, we will share crucial information to help you prepare for your new puppy. The 6-week Go Home Package will include guidance on continuing socialization and handling, dietary specifics, and other important information. At this point, we will also reach out to discuss puppy pick-up or transport arrangements.
At 7 weeks, the puppies will visit the veterinarian for a comprehensive health check, fecal exam, and their first vaccinations. At 7.5 weeks, we conduct temperament testing, recording each puppy’s evaluation. Once the videos and scorecards are reviewed by each family, the process for selecting puppies will begin based on the order in which deposits were received. I will inform everyone on the list once the selection process starts.
After all families have chosen their puppies, I will grant access to our online puppy portal where you can review your invoice and sign the contract.
On Go Home Day, you will receive your puppy along with a Go Home Bag. This bag contains a folder with a complete Go Home Report, birth certificate, microchip information, and medical records from a licensed veterinarian. Additionally, it includes a small bag of food and a blanket with our scent, aiding in your puppy’s transition to their new home.
Can we arrange a visit to your home to see the puppies?
Visitor Policy –
For the safety of our family, dogs, and puppies, we do not permit visitors to our home. While we truly understand the desire to meet our puppies in person, we have implemented measures to ensure transparency and provide peace of mind:
🐾 Veterinary References – You are welcome to reach out to our veterinarians to verify the health care provided to our dogs and puppies.
🐾 Health Guarantee – Each puppy comes with a comprehensive health guarantee.
🐾 Reviews & Testimonials – Explore our ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reviews on Google and Facebook from our puppy families!
🐾Additionally, we offer scheduled FaceTime sessions to those who have put down a reservation fee, so you can see the puppies and their mama as they develop.
Families are welcome to come to our home only on Pickup Day to take their puppy home. We do not offer in-home visits outside of Puppy Pickup.
We appreciate your understanding and hope you view this as a reflection of our commitment to being a responsible, reputable breeder!