Welcome to Sunshine Acres: A Haven for Doodle Enthusiasts

Welcome to Sunshine Acres: A Haven for Doodle Enthusiasts

Sunshine Acres is tucked away in the peaceful countryside of Wolcott, Indiana—a true hidden gem for dog lovers and future puppy parents alike. This breeder specializes in Goldendoodles, including Irish Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles, and Moyen Poodles. Standard puppies typically weigh between 45 and 65 pounds, while Moyen Poodles are a bit smaller, ranging from 25 to 45 pounds. Coats vary from fleece to curly, and Sunshine Acres is known for their vivid, eye-catching colors—from lush deep red to striking black and white.

Since 2000, this family-run program has produced intelligent, affectionate, and well-socialized doodles and poodles. With a foundation in genetics and a focus on hybrid vigor, founder Michael and his family have created a trusted name for families seeking a lifetime companion. All puppies are born and raised at Sunshine Acres, often coming from multi-generational lines—including their parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents who’ve also been part of the Sunshine Acres family.

Quick Notes About Sunshine Acres

Price Range: $3,000–$3,900 (+ 7% Indiana sales tax)

Deposit: $500 (refundable until puppy selection)

Health Testing & Vaccinations:

• DNA testing and OFA certification for hips, elbows, heart, and eyes
• Vaccines include Neopar, Neovac DA2, Pyrantel/Marquis, and Ivomectrin

Training Initiatives:

• Early neurological stimulation (ENS)
• Crate exposure, leash-walking basics, and socialization through Jan Fennell’s The Dog Listener method
• $200 rebate offered for completing AKC Canine Good Citizen certification

Warranty: 3-year health guarantee for all puppies

The Puppy Adoption Process

Families complete an application and place a refundable $500 deposit to either choose from available Goldendoodle puppies or join the waitlist, which is honored in deposit order. When litters reach 4 to 6 weeks old, families are invited to visit in person to choose their puppy based on temperament and lifestyle match. It’s a heartwarming and memorable step in welcoming the perfect puppy into your life. Once a puppy is selected, the deposit becomes nonrefundable.

With the hope of encouraging good training for their puppies, Sunshine Acres offers a $200 rebate after the puppy has passed the AKC’s basic obedience certification and the Canine Good Citizen test.

More information about their process and policies can be found on their official website and warranty page.

Puppy Pricing & Policies

Puppy Breed:

• F1 Type 1 Goldendoodles: $3,000
• F1 Type 3 Irish Goldendoodles: $3,000
• Moyen Poodles: $3,200
• Irish Golden Bernedoodles: $3,900
• F1B Backcross Goldendoodles: $3,000
• All prices are subject to Indiana’s 7% sales tax.

Puppy Transportation:

• Trusted professional pet travel service: Approximately. $550
• Hand-delivered flight nanny service: Typically $850–$950

Incentive:

• $200 rebate upon earning the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen certification
  

Health Testing, Guarantees, & Veterinary Care

• Health Testing: All breeding dogs are DNA screened and OFA-certified for hips, elbows, heart, and eyes
• Genetic Clarity: Only dogs free of known heritable issues are used in the breeding program

• Warranty: 3-year health guarantee for all puppies
• Veterinary Care: Puppies are microchipped and examined by veterinary professionals before going home

Vaccinations Include:

• Neopar
• Neovac DA2
• Pyrantel/Marquis
• Ivomectrin

Training & Socialization Foundations

Sunshine Acres is more than a breeding program—it’s a lifestyle built around structure, consistency, and family involvement. Because early socialization is at the heart of their philosophy, puppies are raised in a calm, nurturing environment and handled multiple times daily. This ensures early bonding, crate exposure, and leash-walking basics before they ever leave the property.

Sunshine Acres incorporates early neurological stimulation (ENS), grooming and bathing routines, and Jan Fennell’s “The Dog Listener” methods to develop emotionally adaptable and highly trainable dogs. Puppies follow a thoughtfully structured socialization schedule during their first 8 weeks, designed to support healthy development and confidence:

0–3 weeks: Puppies stay close to their mother for care and early learning. Human contact is limited to gentle touches and basic health checks. Early neurological stimulation is introduced to boost brain development.

3–6 weeks: Puppies begin to engage with humans through petting and short play sessions while continuing to learn social behaviors from their mom.

6–8 weeks: Puppies meet new people, especially children, and start exploring different spaces, sounds, and other animals. They also interact with adult dogs to improve confidence.

8–12 weeks: Puppies are ready to go home and start learning basic skills and routines with their new families.

Preparing for Your Puppy

Sunshine Acres ensures that families feel confident and ready by providing helpful guides on care and feeding, tips for crate and potty training, and advice on establishing a smooth daily routine.

They also offer recommendations on what supplies to bring on pickup day to ensure a smooth transition for both the puppy and their new family. For additional information and answers to common questions, families are encouraged to explore their full FAQ section here.

Life After Adoption: Support & Expectations

Support from Sunshine Acres doesn’t stop at pick-up day. Families receive helpful guidance on transitions, including feeding instructions, behavioral tips, and routine advice. Sunshine Acres remains available for follow-up support as the puppy grows, offering reassurance and resources. They also encourage families to work toward AKC Canine Good Citizen certification to build upon the strong foundations their puppies start

Three Closest Cities

Sunshine Acres is one of the few doodle-focused breeders located in Wolcott, Indiana. Here are the three closest major cities:

• Indianapolis, Indiana – 85 miles southeast
• Chicago, Illinois – 85 miles northwest
• Louisville, Kentucky – 190 miles southeast

This location offers convenient access for families travelling from nearby metropolitan areas to meet their puppy and connect with the breeder in person.

Why We Love Sunshine Acres at Happy Pup Manor

We absolutely love welcoming Sunshine Acres pups into our programs at Happy Pup Manor. Their early socialization and quality breeding make for confident, calm, and intelligent puppies—perfectly suited for our luxury board-and-train programs. Whether for therapy, family life, or service training, Sunshine Acres dogs rise to the occasion every time.

Your Next Family Member Awaits at Sunshine Acres

To begin your journey or view available puppies, visit doodlepuppy.com, where you’ll find up-to-date litter announcements, educational resources, and helpful tools to guide you through the adoption process. From deep red Goldendoodles to rare Irish Bernedoodles, Sunshine Acres offers a heartwarming and enriching path to puppy parenthood. 

Breeder Name: Sunshine Acres
Location: Wolcott, Indiana 47995
Phone: (219) 863-3970
Website: https://doodlepuppy.com
Social Media:
Instagram | Facebook

We always recommend reaching out early, as many of the best breeders have waitlists that fill quickly. Whether you’re ready to adopt now or planning for the future, Sunshine Acres is happy to guide you through their process and help you find the perfect pup.