Echowood Kennel at Chinook Valley Farm

Roxanne Perkins

2023-05

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 to me and speaks to her reputation as a good breeder. Would I buy another dog from her? ABSOLUTELY.

Lexus Owner

2021-05

I spent months researching and visiting German Shepherd breeders in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. I was very specific in what I wanted and I found the entire package with Tina and her family at Chinook Valley.Tina has always responded to my emails, texts, and calls within a day and always had an answer for my question. I also found her a very knowledgable and enjoyable person to converse with on a personal level.After speaking to a number breeders, and visiting a few of the most promising, it was obvious Tina and Chinook Valley was the correct choice. Tina has 45 years of breeding experience, has won many competitive championships, has shown dogs all over the world including Madison Square Garden, and has traveled to Germany to purchase her dogs.She also lives in a beautiful part of the state quite a ways out in the country, in a quiet location with plenty of land for the dogs to explore and just get to be dogs. Her kennels were also something that impressed me as much as her location.The kennels were much nicer than I had seen elsewhere, they were plenty big and allowed to dogs be inside or have a run outside. They were also very clean and the puppies had plenty of toys to play with.One of the most impressive things, and something no other breeder could even come close to offering was the temperament of her dogs. They are on a different level, probably due to their incredibly strong German blood lines that are fully documented.Each of the other breeders I visited, had every dog barking as I drove up and got out of my car. Tina's dogs did not bark at me at all when I got out and approached the entrance any of the times I visited. They came out and checked me out and kept a close eye on me, but they didn't bark. It was very impressive. I asked Tina about it, and she said, "it is because they could tell you weren't a threat, that's a good thing". I have no doubt if I made a furtive movement, they would have responded without hesitation as JJ is a serious dog.JJ, her foundation dog is awesome and is more trained, but I felt a special connection with Queen Elsa and Logan, my pup's parents. Elsa, upon entering her kennel, came up almost immediately and gave me a light nudge on the leg, to let me know it is ok to pet her. I knelt down and she came in close without being pushy and I felt like she was giving me a hug, I still remember the smile it generated and looking up at Tina in amazement and awe.I met Logan inside, so he was very calm, but all I can say about him is I didn't want to leave him, his energy was something unexplainable, only describable as magnetic.My puppy, Maggie Mae, is awesome. She is the perfect combination of her mom and dad. She is so loving and kind like her mother and has an energy that makes me never want to be without her. When I'm gone, I can't wait to get back to her.She is learning so quickly. Tina gave me some great training advice that has really proven to be a great way to teach the pup and to bond with her. She is also so easy (relatively, she is a puppy) to deal with. She is calm around other dogs and noises. She sleeps right through the lawnmower and trimmer and doesn't respond much to neighbor dogs. Crate training was a breeze as has been obedience training, she picks up on my commands crazy quickly and wants to please.She loves to play tug and is already retrieving tennis balls. Her food drive is very strong and her protective instincts seem to be exactly where they should be, not too much and not too little.I have no doubt this dog could go into almost any type of training or competitive sport.I genuinely can't thank Tina, Larry, and all those involved enough. My dog brings so much happiness to my life and I look forward to taking her to beaches, mountains, deserts, and everywhere in-between.

Emma Rachelle

2020-05

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 were in contact with Tina from a few states away, and sadly unable to visit after our initial meet-up. She kept us updated and was great with communication when the time came for our new puppy to fly out.Fast-forward to a month into owning our puppy~ She is the most incredible, intelligent, sweet puppy I've ever met. Her temperament has been complimented many times by random strangers we meet, who are so surprised at how calm and well mannered she is at her young age of 3 months. She is very quick and easy to train as well, already an expert at sit, lie down, touch, come, focus, shake with both paws, roll over, spin both directions, wait, leave it, bring it, and drop it. She's also completely crate trained and potty trained! Everything was a breeze! We are even already working on heeling and she's an absolute champ. This pup is everything we wanted and more, and it's all thanks to Tina's expertise with the breed.

Craig Fender

2023-05

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

Jim York

2021-05

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.

Robert Rankin

2017-05

I acquired my Chinook Valley Farm German Shepherd in the summer of 2015. Tina Woodworth guided me through each step of the puppy selection and acquisition process beginning months before my dog was born. Her many years of experience is a great resource. I was also pleased with the training that Tina provides to each of her kennel's puppies before they are released to their new owners. Tina responded promptly to all of my phone calls and emails making the process very easy. I am very pleased with my Chinook Valley Farm German Shepherd. She is my constant companion on my farm.

Mirta Olert

2021-05

We got Atari, a male GSD, on May/2019 from Tina. He was 2 years old, and a month later turned 3. I wrote to Tina for the first time inquiring about him because I was looking for a potential service dog. I was not sure at the moment because only few months earlier I lost my service dog of 12 years of age to illness. We decided to visit Tina and Atari to see if it would be a good fit. We visited her facility with our little dog to see if they would get along well. She showed us Atari’s current training and introduced us to Atari and her training and puppy raising philosophy. Everything she said about Atari was true, he was well taken care of, well trained, and was gentle with our little dog. The facility is beautiful and clean. Tina worked with him to train him and get him various international certifications and the good citizen certification that is needed for a service dog in training. We brought him home the same day all the way to Alaska. After his initial adjustment to his new life we entered him into local dog shows where he got his first major and best of breed. He also earned second place in the herding group. The training that Tina did with him really shows, he has excellent manners and training. I get complements on him constantly, about how well behaved he is, and how beautiful he is. He now serves as a mobility dog, helping me with balance when I need it, picking up and retrieving items when I cannot do it, and PTSD/Anxiety tasks. He learns quickly, is not a barker, is a wonderful family dog and can sense immediately who is part of the family, his temperament is perfect, he is attached to his people and is gentle with everyone. Tina did amazing training with him and it shows. She is also available anytime when we have any questions about his training, the breed, and if we need any pointers or help. If we ever want to get another German Shepherd for our family, I will get one from Tina or from anywhere she recommends.

Steve T

2019-05

I purchased a GSD puppy from Tina at Chinook Valley Farm and highly recommend them if you're looking for a GSD. I did my due diligence in researching breeders and thought Tina to be the best in Washington state. She is very knowledgeable and helpful, responding to any questions you have. She also offers obedience training for you and your pup!

Felicia Jaskuloski

2021-05

I bought an older female German Shepherd puppy last June from Tina & Larry Woodworth. We picked Bondi up in June of 2019 & suddenly in March 2020 she suddenly passed away at the young age of 18 months!! We (my fiance & I) decided to get a necropsy done on her. The preliminary findings were vague, there was bleeding in the Thymus & there were tears on the heart & the cerebral cortex also had damage but there was no definite answer. They said it could be one of three things: rodenticide poisoning, genetic or idiopathic. When I brought up the possibility it was genetic Tina started freaking out on me & claiming that there is nothing wrong with her breeding animals & "her experts" said Bondi was poisoned. So, we went ahead with toxicology testing & the results came back NEGATIVE. Results were forwarded to Tina- no response to my emails but she did unfriend me on Facebook. I texted & called to tell her- no response. I asked if she wanted to do genetic testing but she will not respond & has only claimed her dogs are healthy. Well, healthy dogs don't die at 18 months old. Tina's contracts CLAIM to offer a "Lifetime Guarantee" on pups & a replacement puppy should there be any medical issues or anything happen but that is a lie. She has screwed me over, lied, been very disrespectful & doesn't care for the dogs she is breeding & selling. If I were a breeder I would get the genetic testing done! Any responsible breeder would! I had to share what happenedjust so others know. Sorry it's so long but I wanted to be as detailed as possible.

Dessi Armstrong

2022-05

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.

Ryan Strong

2021-05

We spent 2k on a puppy here. Turns out she has a genetically inherited heart condition called vpc that could kill our sweet puppy. The pup is, quite literally, at risk of sudden death because of her inherited condition. My experience is similar to the other reviewers here. Tina tried to blame her diet for the inherited condition her gsd bloodlines carry.

Doris Newirk

2020-05

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

Dan Dimick Sr

2022-05

See Tina, 5 stars plus. Had not gone there before as I thought she only trained German Shepherds. She specializes in ALL BREEDS. Can't say enough good, very special.

Cathleen Reed

2021-05

I agree with Lexus Owner. I used to show, breed, and train another breed many years ago and it was a pleasure to buy a puppy from a true knowledgeable breeder.

Mike Challis

2019-05

Gorgeous dogs and lovely to be around!