Border Collie Breeder · Development Breeder · Border Collie Puppies · NZ
Policies & Information
Policies & Information
We are committed to raising healthy, well-balanced Border Collies and placing them in loving, responsible homes. Please review our policies below.
Pine Tree Hill Puppy Curriculum™
Every puppy raised at Pine Tree Hill Farms participates in our structured early development program known as the Pine Tree Hill Puppy Curriculum™.
This program guides puppies through the critical neurological, social and learning stages of early development, combining recognised early development practices with our experience raising and training Border Collies.
Our aim is to raise puppies who are physically healthy, emotionally stable and responsive to human guidance, giving them the best possible start before transitioning to their new homes.
Developmental Stages
Neurological Foundations (Days 3–16)
During this early stage puppies participate in gentle handling exercises including Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI). These activities support neurological development, resilience and early sensory awareness.
Sensory Awakening (Weeks 3–5)
As puppies begin to explore their environment they are gradually introduced to new surfaces, objects and safe environmental experiences. This stage focuses on building curiosity, confidence and adaptability.
Social Intelligence (Weeks 5–7)
During this critical developmental window puppies begin learning how to interact with humans and their environment. Cooperative handling, grooming exposure and structured interaction help puppies develop trust, emotional regulation and engagement with people.
Learning Foundations (Weeks 7–8)
Before leaving for their new homes, puppies are introduced to early communication skills and household routines including:
• Crate introduction and calm settling
• Early recall conditioning
• Sit for food and polite food manners
• Name recognition
• Handling for grooming and veterinary care
• Exposure to normal household environments
These early foundations help puppies transition more smoothly into their new homes.
Optional Head Start Training Program
Some families may choose to have their puppy remain at Pine Tree Hill Farms beyond eight weeks of age to participate in our optional Head Start Training Program, which forms part of the Pine Tree Hill Puppy Curriculum™.
During this extended developmental period puppies continue to build upon the foundations introduced in the curriculum. Training may include:
• Place command and calm settling
• Loose leash introduction
• Down command introduction
• Recall reinforcement
• Early impulse control exercises
• Calm crate independence
• Structured engagement with their handler
Availability for extended training is limited as the program requires significant one-on-one interaction.
Developmental Variability
Puppies participating in the Pine Tree Hill Puppy Curriculum™ and Head Start Training Program are introduced to age-appropriate training foundations designed to support early learning and communication.
However, puppies are still in an important developmental stage and individual learning progress may vary. The behaviours introduced during this time are intended as foundational skills rather than fully proofed commands.
Ongoing training and consistency in the puppy’s new home environment are essential for these foundations to develop into reliable behaviours.
Extended Stay & Head Start Training – Payment & Care Policy
Families who choose to have their puppy remain at Pine Tree Hill Farms beyond eight weeks of age for the Head Start Training Program must complete full payment for the puppy no later than three business days prior to the puppy reaching eight weeks of age.
Once the puppy reaches eight weeks of age and payment has been completed, ownership transfers to the purchaser, even if the puppy remains in the care of Pine Tree Hill Farms for continued training.
Extended training stays are offered for a pre-arranged period only. If a puppy remains beyond the agreed collection date, additional boarding and training fees will apply and availability cannot be guaranteed.
Standard boarding outside the Head Start Training Program is available at $25 per day.
Insurance Responsibility
Buyers are strongly encouraged to activate their puppy’s pet insurance policy from eight weeks of age, even if the puppy remains with Pine Tree Hill Farms for training.
This ensures the puppy is covered for illness or injury during the extended stay period.
Veterinary Care During Extended Stay
Puppies remaining beyond eight weeks will reach the age where their second vaccination is due (typically between 10–12 weeks of age).
The cost of this vaccination, along with any additional veterinary care required after the puppy reaches eight weeks of age, is the responsibility of the purchaser.
Where possible, Pine Tree Hill Farms can assist in arranging veterinary appointments with our local clinic and will provide receipts for reimbursement if applicable.
Continued Care During Extended Stay
While the puppy remains at Pine Tree Hill Farms for training, they will continue to receive:
• daily care and supervision
• structured training sessions
• age-appropriate enrichment
• ongoing developmental guidance
Every reasonable effort will be made to ensure the health and safety of puppies during the extended stay period.
Interest List / Client Database
Information on current and upcoming litters is available on our website under the Puppies tab.
Submitting an application does not guarantee a puppy.
We do not operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Our matching system ensures each puppy is placed in the most suitable home based on temperament, lifestyle and suitability.
Communication
We value reliable and transparent communication.
If your circumstances change, or you choose to purchase a puppy elsewhere, please let us know so we can update our database accordingly.
Maintaining accurate client information is essential for responsible litter planning and placement.
Our No-Deposit Policy
To help keep families safe from online scams, we do not accept deposits or hold funds.
Payment is only accepted once puppies:
• are 8 weeks old
• have completed temperament testing
• have had their veterinary wellness examination
If a litter is not produced or does not meet your preferences, your application automatically rolls over to the next litter.
Puppy Updates, Evaluations & Matching
Birth Announcements & Early Updates
When a litter arrives, a birth announcement is sent to our email database.
From 1 week of age, families receive weekly photo and video updates to follow the puppies’ development.
6-Week Meet-and-Greet
Approved applicants are invited to meet the puppies in person at 6 weeks of age.
For families unable to travel, video calls can be arranged.
7-Week Temperament Evaluations
Each puppy completes a recorded temperament assessment.
All waitlist families receive links to the evaluations so they can better understand each puppy’s personality.
7-Week Veterinary Wellness Exam
All puppies attend a comprehensive veterinary examination with VetPlus Taupō which includes:
• full physical examination
• first vaccination
• microchipping
Puppy Matching Process
Following temperament evaluations and veterinary checks, puppies are thoughtfully matched to families based on temperament, lifestyle and suitability.
Our priority is ensuring each puppy is placed in the environment where they will thrive.
Payment
Full payment is due three business days prior to collection at 8 weeks.
Payments are non-refundable except where outlined in the Health Guarantee.
Visitations
To protect our puppies:
• Visits occur only at 6 weeks for approved applicants
• Please avoid pet stores, shelters and dog parks beforehand
• Shoes must be removed or disinfected
• Hands must be sanitised on arrival
We are a small family-run breeder and our home is not set up for general tours. We appreciate your understanding.
Refund Policy
Payments are non-refundable.
Buyers have three days after collection to have the puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian.
If a life-threatening condition proven to originate from the breeder is identified within this timeframe, the puppy may be returned for a full refund.
Transport costs are non-refundable.
Delivery Options
If collection in person is not possible, we can assist with:
• arranging pet transport services
• assisting with flight arrangements
• delivering the puppy to your nearest airport (transport fee applies)
Transport providers operate under their own policies and fees.
2-Year Health Guarantee
We stand behind the quality of our breeding program.
This guarantee covers life-threatening congenital defects diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian within two years of the puppy’s collection date.
Examples may include severe heart defects, congenital neurological conditions, gastrointestinal defects, severe cleft palate or structural abnormalities that significantly impact the dog’s ability to thrive.
Activation of Guarantee
To activate the guarantee:
• the puppy must be examined by a veterinarian within 3 days of collection
• proof of this examination must be provided to the breeder
Failure to complete this step voids the guarantee.
What Is Covered
A full refund of the purchase price will be provided if:
• a qualifying congenital defect is diagnosed within two years
• the initial 3-day veterinary examination was completed
The puppy does not need to be returned unless mutually agreed.
What Is Not Covered
This guarantee does not cover:
• cosmetic or non-life-threatening conditions
• illness or injury due to environment or accident
• veterinary treatment costs
• preventable illnesses
• conditions not linked to hereditary congenital defects
Examples include allergies, infections, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, epilepsy, pancreatitis, orthopaedic conditions and other non-congenital illnesses.
Buyer Responsibilities
To maintain this guarantee, buyers must:
• provide routine veterinary care
• maintain appropriate diet and exercise
• avoid excessive forced exercise during puppy growth
• seek veterinary care promptly when needed
Failure to maintain reasonable care may void the guarantee.
Dewclaws
We keep our puppies’ dewclaws intact.
They assist with grip, balance, climbing and joint stability. Removal can cause unnecessary pain and may contribute to long-term joint issues.
Boarding
Optional boarding after collection day is available at $25 per day.
Returns — Must Return Policy
If your puppy can no longer remain with you, we will always take them back.
Refunds are not offered.
Breeding Rights
All puppies are sold under a strict non-breeding agreement.
Spay & Neuter Policy
Puppies must not be desexed before 24 months of age.
Early desexing voids the Health Guarantee.
Privacy Policy
We take your privacy seriously.
Information collected may include:
• contact details
• family circumstances
• employment information
• information provided in your application
Information may be shared internally or with trusted partners such as PD Pet Insurance, Purina or Pet Direct for administrative purposes only.
Intellectual Property
The Pine Tree Hill Puppy Curriculum™ is a proprietary early development framework created by Pine Tree Hill Farms.
The name, structure and materials associated with this program form part of our intellectual property and may not be reproduced or represented by other breeding programs without permission.
Pine Tree Hill Farms is a brand of Pacific Milk Limited, a proudly New Zealand-owned, GST-registered business.
By submitting a puppy application, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.
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