Ready for an Aussie?
Before reading further, I want to make sure you are aware of what to expect from a typical Australian Shepherd. Aussies are some of the most visually striking and beautiful dogs around, and they can also be amazingly athletic and intelligent. Aussies are generally active, higher energy dogs that thrive with regular mental and physical exercise.
You will need to be prepared to train your puppy as soon as you bring them home. During the critical socialization period, 3-12 weeks, your puppy is more receptive to training and conditioning than they will be for the rest of their lives. Yes, you can train an older puppy/dog, but it will look very different later. Training your puppy gets them engaged mentally and will help to develop and strengthen your bond with them. You may have heard that Aussies “need a job”, and it is true. Training regularly is your puppy’s job. Without a job to focus on, Aussies will find something to do. And it will usually not be what you want them to be doing. Most behavior issues can be avoided by early training.
It is important to also understand the grooming needs of your Aussie. They are a double coated breed, and yes, they shed. Regular grooming is necessary for your dog’s health, including brushing, bathing and nail trims. You can learn to groom your puppy yourself, which will save money and time. You can also hire a groomer, but please do try to find one that understands double coated breeds.
How we raise our puppies
I am always happy to talk to you about my puppies and how I raise them. My puppies are born and raised in my home, exposed to the regular daily life of my family. I strongly believe in early socialization, not only with other animals and people, but also with everyday experiences and objects. While I can not possibly expose puppies to every situation they may encounter, my goal is to have them be excited to encounter a new experience with curiosity, rather than fear. It is my expectation that each family will continue to train their puppy to be well socialized and adaptable. I am happy to answer any questions about your puppy/dog’s behavior or needs once you bring your puppy home. I am available for the life of your dog, and always want to be a source of support.
Early Socialization
From the time my dam is pregnant, I actively follow Puppy Culture protocols. Puppy Culture is a program that seeks to enhance the “Critical Socialization Period” from 3-12 weeks, when puppies are most open to learning and experiencing new things. The exercises outlined are done at specific times to help puppies develop a strong behavioral foundation. I post regular updates on both my Instagram page and my FaceBook page as I am implementing various aspects of Puppy Culture. You can also look back at previous litters to see what was done. I STRONGLY recommend every single puppy family read about Puppy Culture as well as joining the Puppy Culture FaceBook group, regardless of whether you get a puppy from me or someone else.
The pRocess to get a dog
In order to be considered for one of my puppies, the first step is to fill out the application and new owner questionnaire. It is best to be as detailed as possible with your answers. This will help to match you with the best puppy for your family. The price for my puppies is $3000, and is the same regardless of color or gender. All puppies have the same training/rearing, health testing and evaluations. Be aware that all of my puppies will have their tails docked, as per breed standard.
It is important to understand how puppies are placed before you decide to apply. When I breed a litter of puppies, the main goal is to produce a puppy or puppies to keep in my program. I breed for health, temperament and to preserve the breed. The sire and dam are both health tested, and have had their hips, elbows and eyes cleared before being bred. I consider the temperaments of both parents, and coat colors and gender of the puppies we get are largely out of human control. I do know if I breed certain dogs, there is the possibility of certain colors, but nothing is guaranteed. For you, the puppy buyer, being flexible and open to either gender and any coat color will increase your chances of getting a puppy sooner, rather than waiting for a preferred color or gender.
Once the puppies are born, I will have some idea of what will be available to go to new owners, but puppies are not placed until after their formal evaluations. These evaluations are done when the puppies are between 7 1/2-8 weeks old. At this time, I ask for an unbiased evaluation from another breeder or breeder judge, usually asking for input from more than just one person. This evaluation is done to help determine which puppies are best suited for show or performance homes, and which are suited for pet homes. Once the evaluations are done, I will let you know which puppy will be going home with you. If you are interested in showing your puppy or participating in other sports/activities, let me know. I will always welcome a discussion on conformation/sport opportunities. Please note, at this time I do not sell puppies to breeding homes.
New owners are pre-screened during the application process to determine the best fit for the puppies. This doesn’t mean that you have to live on an acre of land and be home all day in order to bring home one of my puppies. It simply means that I want to get an idea of how you see your puppy fitting into your life, and to make sure that you’re clear on what it takes to raise a healthy, happy Aussie. An Aussie can be just as happy in an apartment with a family that can make time for exercise and interactions as they can on a farm. With that said, please be as specific in answering the questions on the application as you can. If you are unsure of anything, please ask me.
training your puppy
Actively training your puppy from the beginning will go a long way in helping everyone live happily. I work with puppies from 4 weeks old to expose them to clicker training. This is a reward based training system that I have used successfully since 2004. Please be prepared to discuss how and with whom you will be training your puppy, as this is a critical aspect in integrating your puppy into your family. The early weeks and months can be challenging, but with guidance from a positive reinforcement trainer, you can learn how best to teach your puppy skills that will make life much happier in the long run. I encourage ALL puppy owners to plan to look into AKC Family Dog Program, which can guide you on the various levels to work toward an end goal of a happy, healthy, well-adjusted family dog. With that said, please be as specific in answering the questions on the application as you can. If you are unsure of anything, please ask me.