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August 2023 by Cynthia D.
The take great care in raising heathy, happy and GSDs with a good temperament. This breeder is extremely experienced and trains future owner to know their dogs to give both the best start to a happy relationship going forward.
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March 2023 by Craig Fender
We have two Chinook Valley Farm German Shepherds. Sky will be 7 this year and Leo will be 5. They are both happy healthy loving dogs. We were impressed by Tina's concern for the health and happiness of each and every puppy and also by how clean the areas were where the puppies were raised.They are both long haired dogs and gorgeous - our only complaint, at 120 lbs Leo takes up a lot of bed space, but keeps me warm while he's at it. Nita & Craig
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October 2022 by Roxanne Perkins
We purchased our female German Shepherd pup from Tina in June 2021. She's 14 months old now and we just absolutely adore her. I rarely write reviews, but selecting a reputable dog breeder is hard without lots of critical feedback. In the spirit of that, here is my candid review.Temperament:I've owned lots of different breeds of dogs. Our dog from Tina is by far the most good natured and emotionally balanced dog I've ever owned. Like most GSDs, with the right training she learns and adapts quickly. It took about a week before she was solidly potty trained and literally 1 day to teach her to ring a bell to go outside. While I know much of this is attributed to the breed's intelligence, I also know that our dog's all around wonderful nature is the result of Tina's many years of selecting dogs with good and even keeled temperaments. We live in a rather active neighborhood. Since the day we brought our dog home, we've yet to see her flinch (or bark) at the sound of a car honk or fire engine pass. She is wonderful with our kids, was rarely mouthy as a pup, and plays gently with our 6lb chihuahua. In short, she doesn't show any anxious or neurotic tendencies as is often seen in pure bred dogs.Health:Overall our pup is very healthy. Two things of note. 1) GSDs are notorious for sensitive stomachs or at least food sensitivities. Ours is no different. Honestly if you want a dog that can eat whatever cheetoes or cupcakes you drop on the ground then you might want to try another breed. We tried for months to exactly follow the kibble and raw meat/egg diet that Tina was adamant about but, frankly it just didn't work for our pup. It took us some time to dial in to a quality food that both agreed with her tummy and didn't break the bank. A year later she's kept a healthy weight, ultra clean teeth (and breath) and her coat feels like the softest fluffiest teddy bear dreams. 2) Upon pick up we were advised that our pup did have a small umbilical hernia which may or may not resolve itself in time. Were I seriously considering breeding her I would consider this mildly problematic. To date, it has not been an issue and one of those things that isn't noticed unless I actively feel for it nor has it gotten worse. We won't be spaying her until next year, but I did have the cost to correct the hernia quoted. It's a simple procedure that when done at the same time as a spay/neuter surgery it will cost us approximately $200 more to correct. Should you find yourself in a similar situation with any GSD breeder I'd suggest asking that question in advance. In retrospect I would have negotiated that additional cost in the sale of the pup but I was too caught up in the excitement of the day.Transaction/Experience:Ok, there's no diplomatic way to put this so I'll just be blunt. Tina is a dog person, not a people person. Our first interaction on the phone had me bristled as f@ck. I've owned lots of dogs, know what I want and what it takes. I went into the first phone call prepared to ask a lot of questions and instead felt like a kid who just got interrogated. We had a handful of conversations from first greeting to scheduling pick up and frankly, she's not the easiest person to navigate.That said, Tina truly cares about her dogs. The pups are chipped before you pick them up. When registering contact info on the chips Tina does place herself as a 2nd contact should you be unavailable.In closing, German Shepherds make great family pets, but they're also a working breed. They are not going to have a good life (nor will you) if you're calling Tina because your kid can't live without having their very own Chase from Paw Patrol. Be prepared to give them the training and care they need. While I was miffed at not receiving the "customer service" I expected, the truth is, her obligation is to her puppies first in ensuring they go to a good home with owners that know what they're getting into. In the end, that matters a hell of a lot more t
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October 2022 by Dessi Armstrong
I interviewed Tina on Nov. 20, 2021 about possibly purchasing a puppy from her. Having had a very bad experience with another local breeder who sold me a puppy who was diagnosed with multiple hereditary health problems by his 1st birthday, and having spent tens of thousands of dollars on medical bills throughout his short, painful life, my dog only lived for 8 years, the last year being paralyzed from the waist down due to hip dysplasia. And yes, he too came from champion blood lines, etc, the sales talk that you hear all the time about the quality of breeding, hips, etc. So, naturally, I was asking Tina about the possible scenario, of what would happen, what would she do if I got a puppy with heart murmur, or puppy is diagnosed with hip dysplasia at 6 months, and other serious, hereditary illnesses-believe me, they happen more often than you wish. Her answer was: "You are asking very odd questions." So, I explained that having gone through so much emotional and financial pain, I want to ensure that the breeder stands behind the pups they offer. Her answer was:"Oh, I don't want to talk about this; it makes me very uncomfortable". I asked 4-5 times, and she wouldn't give me a straight answer. So, the question I am posing is why does she find it odd to discuss any possible negative outcomes in health? Why would she feel uncomfortable addressing issues that are happening way too often in the dog breeding industry? She isn't uncomfortable asking you to pay $3,000 for a puppy, but feels uncomfortable discussing a plan of action if something is wrong with the puppy? I am not advising you whether to buy from her or not. Her contract says that she warrants the pups against genetic diseases, but it is very vague - there is nothing in the contract that ties her to any responsibility. She has left herself a way out by having such vague contract. I've been through that circus, and they do hide behind their vague contracts. But beware of a shifty breeder who can't bring herself to guarantee the puppy verbally, let alone in writing. Always check the contract in detail, as they will hide behind it when the time comes. If you expect honor and responsibility, good luck. This is a money-making business for them, and a member of the family for you. And the emotional pain of watching your dog waste away, when all the money in the world are not enough, and the best vets are still not being able to help him is too great to bear. At the end of the call, Tina said that she has spent enough time talking, and if I am interested, I can place a non-refundable deposit for a puppy. No, thank you.
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August 2022 by Google user
We purchased our female German Shepherd pup from Tina in June 2021. She's 14 months old now and we just absolutely adore her. I rarely write reviews, but selecting a reputable dog breeder is hard without lots of critical feedback. In the spirit of that, here is my candid review. Temperament: I've owned lots of different breeds of dogs. Our dog from Tina is by far the most good natured and emotionally balanced dog I've ever owned. Like most GSDs, with the right training she learns and adapts quickly. It took about a week before she was solidly potty trained and literally 1 day to teach her to ring a bell to go outside. While I know much of this is attributed to the breed's intelligence, I also know that our dog's all around wonderful nature is the result of Tina's many years of selecting dogs with good and even keeled temperaments. We live in a rather active neighborhood. Since the day we brought our dog home, we've yet to see her flinch (or bark) at the sound of a car honk or fire engine pass. She is wonderful with our kids, was rarely mouthy as a pup, and plays gently with our 6lb chihuahua. In short, she doesn't show any anxious or neurotic tendencies as is often seen in pure bred dogs. Health: Overall our pup is very healthy. Two things of note. 1) GSDs are notorious for sensitive stomachs or at least food sensitivities. Ours is no different. Honestly if you want a dog that can eat whatever cheetoes or cupcakes you drop on the ground then you might want to try another breed. We tried for months to exactly follow the kibble and raw meat/egg diet that Tina was adamant about but, frankly it just didn't work for our pup. It took us some time to dial in to a quality food that both agreed with her tummy and didn't break the bank. A year later she's kept a healthy weight, ultra clean teeth (and breath) and her coat feels like the softest fluffiest teddy bear dreams. 2) Upon pick up we were advised that our pup did have a small umbilical hernia which may or may not resolve itself in time. Were I seriously considering breeding her I would consider this mildly problematic. To date, it has not been an issue and one of those things that isn't noticed unless I actively feel for it nor has it gotten worse. We won't be spaying her until next year, but I did have the cost to correct the hernia quoted. It's a simple procedure that when done at the same time as a spay/neuter surgery it will cost us approximately $200 more to correct. Should you find yourself in a similar situation with any GSD breeder I'd suggest asking that question in advance. In retrospect I would have negotiated that additional cost in the sale of the pup but I was too caught up in the excitement of the day. Transaction/Experience: Ok, there's no diplomatic way to put this so I'll just be blunt. Tina is a dog person, not a people person. Our first interaction on the phone had me bristled as f@ck. I've owned lots of dogs, know what I want and what it takes. I went into the first phone call prepared to ask a lot of questions and instead felt like a kid who just got interrogated. We had a handful of conversations from first greeting to scheduling pick up and frankly, she's not the easiest person to navigate. That said, Tina truly cares about her dogs. The pups are chipped before you pick them up. When registering contact info on the chips Tina does place herself as a 2nd contact should you be unavailable. In closing, German Shepherds make great family pets, but they're also a working breed. They are not going to have a good life (nor will you) if you're calling Tina because your kid can't live without having their very own Chase from Paw Patrol. Be prepared to give them the training and care they need. While I was miffed at not receiving the \"customer service\" I expected, the truth is, her obligation is to her puppies first in ensuring they go to a good home with owners that know what they're getting into. In
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September 2021 by Brandi Keightley
I do not recommended CVF for obedience training. My experience was traumatizing with how I had to treat my dog. I came to Tina to help with obedience and the way she spoke to me, about our “parenting” skills and my dog, and the things she said about my dog was absolutely unprofessional and inappropriate. The first few moments she said we had no hope, my dog looks like she wants to attack me and that she’s a very unhappy dog. I asked to talk to my other half about continuing training and she said the money was due now. I was more than willing to pay for that single session. I was pressured in to paying for the four sessions rather than just the single session I thought I was there for. I paid the money. I took a week to train my dog on my own with some techniques Tina taught me (so I do appreciate that) but way less aggressively than she showed me, and my dog has responded greatly. In that week thinking about her words and how I was forced to pay for training and handle my dog, I knew this wasn’t the correct place or situation for my dog. I am out the money, and that’s just what it is, but I would not want to take my dog back and put her in that situation again. I wish I had told her exactly how I felt when I said we weren’t returning rather than making excuses such as being too busy, but that’s why I’m writing this review. She told me in an email when I said we weren’t returning that if I don’t continue to use the prong collar that my dog “will revert back to her evil self again” and this just confirmed I made the right decision to not return. I hope others have better luck with CVF than we did, but I would not recommend family or friends to this place.
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December 2020 by Tom Rafoth
Great GSD and Tina is wonderful as well.
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August 2020 by Sunil Gaba
Tina seems like a person with minimal patience. She is very hesitant to answer questions about puppy or guarantees. For instance when tried to clarify what is your health guarantee policy; as in website it says “lifetime guarantee “ but in actual contract there is no mention of lifetime; her reply was: “ Go somewhere else I cannot help you”. I am glad I did not do any business with her. Will strongly recommend not to deal with her. Not worth it.
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August 2020 by
Sky is now 4 years old. Her Vet says she is the most overly friendly German shepherd ever. Leo is now 2. They are both awesome animals ...they alert us at any unfamiliar noise, are very people friendly and gorgeous. I know they would protect me if needed. Tina has always been there for us. She cares deeply about her pups and horses.
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July 2020 by Debora Wirth-Mead
We picked up our boy last Monday and LOVE him! Tina and Larry were so gracious when we were there. We spent 2 days with them and their dogs, showing us their beautiful farm and answering the million questions we had on this new puppy. Thank you Tina and Larry, you are very special and kind and truly love what you're doing. We had a great time with you and McKinley is doing wonderful!
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July 2020 by
I have owned German Shepherd dogs for most of my adult life. When or last dog passed away at 14 years of age we knew exactly what we were looking for in a replacement puppy. Our dogs are family companions that live and travel with us and must be of sound temperament and accepting of a variety of situations and people of all ages. Being fairly new to Washington State we commenced a search with the assistance of our former breeder who is east coast based. After screening many kennels and visiting a few we were very happy to find Tina and Larry of Echowood Kennel at Chinook Valley Farm. While other breeders showed us some of their dogs, Tina not only showed us all of her dogs but allowed us to interact with them. We spent several hours with her and she patiently answered all of our questions. We decided to deposit on a puppy and Tina said that we were third in line and would likely be able to have a puppy from the next litter. She honored her word and we got our beautiful boy in January. Our boy is now eight months old and he is doing great. He is crate trained, and sleeps quietly through the night waiting patiently until we arise in the morning. His house manners are excellent. He knows his basic commands and is currently in training for his CGC. Having a puppy in the time of Covid has been a bit of a challenge with puppy classes unavailable but Tina has been there with us every step of the way. She invited us back for a beginning lesson with her that was very valuable in getting us off to a good start with training and she has called periodically to follow up on how he is doing. We highly recommend Tina and Larry and their dogs to anyone who is looking for a quality German Shepherd.
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August 2019 by Emma Rachelle
Tina was AMAZING! We contacted her from out of state in search of our new best furry friend. She was quick to reply, and efficient at getting us the information we needed. We decided her dogs, and her own personality, were the best match for what we were looking for. We stopped by Washington to meet Tina, the dogs, and see the new little puppies. We could tell Tina really cares about what she does. We got to meet all her dogs, who were all very friendly and well trained.
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August 2019 by Emma Rachelle
Tina was AMAZING! We contacted her from out of state in search of our new best furry friend. She was quick to reply, and efficient at getting us the information we needed. We decided her dogs, and her own personality, were the best match for what we were looking for. We stopped by Washington to meet Tina, the dogs, and see the new little puppies. We could tell Tina really cares about what she does. We got to meet all her dogs, who were all very friendly and well trained. We
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July 2019 by Cheryl Price
They breed gorgeous German Shepherds. Tina has so much experience with breeding and training. We love our boy.
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July 2019 by Doris Newirk
We met our little girl today and made great new friends. Tina and larry welcomed us inro their home and so did the dogs. Counting the days till she is home with us pn awhidbey Island
