FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long until the puppies are ready to go?
Puppies will generally be ready to go to new homes once they reach 8 weeks of age. Some breeders will let them go a little sooner but keeping a litter together for at least this long will help them socialize better and learn from momma dog.
Can I come look to pick out a puppy or visit my puppy after I have picked him/her out?
No, we have decided that for the safety of our family and pets that we will not allow anyone to come out to our residence until puppy pick up day. If you feel like you need to see a puppy in person to pick him/her out I understand that, generally your pick can be narrowed down to a couple certain puppies you like. We can take all the pictures and videos that you need us to send in order for you to make a decision for you and your family.
I've decided I want a puppy or want to be on waiting list, what do I do now?
Now you let us know that, that is what you wish to do and you can place a deposit to either be on waiting list or to purchase a puppy that has already been born.
What if I decide I do not want my puppy anymore, can I get my deposit back?
The simple answer to this is no, prior to placing a deposit you understand that you are in agreement to not getting that deposit back once it has been placed. This goes for those on the waiting list and for those who have already picked out a puppy. We are specifically holding that puppy/spot for YOU, therefore nobody else can pick that puppy out. We would be missing out on other potential sales.
I've decided I want a different puppy in the litter can I get them instead?
No, once again that is the puppy YOU have picked out, we would be missing out on other potential sales do to you having that puppy already on hold.
The puppy I want was not born in this litter, can I wait until the next litter?
Yes you may do that, but understand that sometimes there are already people that are lined up for the next litter and you would be placed behind them to pick out a puppy. We will know how many people are in line for the next litter prior to you making your decision though.
In what situation would I get my deposit back?
If something for whatever reason happens to your puppy while in our care (gets sick, accident, ect.) we will offer a full refund of your deposit.
Do you require breeding rights to be purchased, if I am wanting to breed my puppy?
No we do not require any extra fees, I just ask that if you do plan to breed please do so responsibly.
Are miniature aussies a real breed?
No one has ever asked me this but I have seen it come up in some groups I follow, but yes they are. Ask any other breeder that has been doing this a while. Some registries recognize the breed (ckc) as Miniature Australian Shepherd and other registries recognize them as Miniature American Shepherd. Our dogs that are half mini/standard are registered as standards. I personally love the mini aussies because you get the same dog just a little smaller package!
What are dew claws?
Dew claws are the fifth toenail on the side of a dogs paw, they do not touch the ground like their other toenails. Generally dew claws tend to irritate dogs once they become older and can sometimes become infected. Dew claws are removed on the same day as their tails are docked.
Why do you dock tails and do I have to get my puppies tail docked?
Australian Shepherds originally began having their tails docked due to the working on the farm and hearding cattle, it was easier not to get their tail hurt or infected. So they used to be docked off, now it is the standard for breeders to dock aussies tails. If you wish for your aussie to keep their tail we have to know before they are 3 days old. Once they reach 3 days old they have their tails docked and dew claws removed.
What puppy food are they on?
We use purina puppy chow, and they will need to continue on this for 6-12 months until you transition to adult dog food. If you wish to use a different puppy food, transition them slowly by mixing old and new food together so that they do not get sick.
What will we get on puppy pick up day?
You will get a packet that goes over their shot and de-wormer record, along with other info about your aussie that is required if you want to register them. In the packet there is paperwork that can be filled out to register your aussie and it can be mailed in or done online. We also give a small blanket that has mommas sent on it and a sample bag of purina puppy chow just in case you have not got any yet or for those who have made long trips to get their puppy.
Do they shed?
YES, YES AND YES! But brushing their coat will help them not to shed as much.
What kind of temperament do they have?
Personality traits vary from dog to dog but generally speaking, Aussies are known to be one of the smartest dog breeds, especially with training. They are also very high energy, aussies were and still are bred to be working dogs, so do not expect them to be a couch potato! They could play all day long if they really wanted to.
If you are curious if there is a difference in personalities between mini's and standards, there is not. Like I said personalities and temperament all depend on each individual puppy.
What shots do they get?
Puppies will get their 8 week shots, and the package that the shots come in will be included in paperwork. Puppies will then need to go to vet to receive 12 and 16 week shots.
Do puppies come with health certificate?
No generally a certificate is only needed when the puppy is traveling by airplane.
We do provide a health record (shots, dewormer, ect.) but not a certificate.
If you are wanting a health certificate for your your puppy we can take him/her to the vet and get one for an extra fee of $100 which will be added to your total cost
Can I get my puppy registered through other registries?
Yes, our puppies will come CKC registered however most other registries will allow you to register them through them as well once you have proof that the puppy is registered through CKC. If you wish to do this please do research on other registry first to make sure it is something they can do.
How often are pictures uploaded?
I try my absolute best to try and have pictures uploaded weekly, every 7 days sometimes it might be 7-10 days, I am also a nurse so my schedule can be a little unpredictable. I can have around 400 pictures at a time of one litter and I have to choose the best pictures and make my edits to them, so it can be very time consuming so please just be patient. I will always upload pictures to our website first. I do not always upload weekly pics to facebook.
So what kind of aussie pups do you have?
Currently we have half standard/minis. We will have full miniature aussies as well in the future.
Does my pet come with some type of health insurance/guarantee?
Yes once you have registered your puppy with CKC you can activate PETFIRST which is a type of pet insurance that CKC is partnered with which will help cover your puppy for a month (not for check-ups, regular testing and shots). Your puppy DOES NOT come with a HEALTH GUARANTEE, once that puppy is in your care they are YOUR SOLE RESPONSIBILITY. If we feel like a puppy requires some extra attention before pick up day, we will keep them for an extra amount of time.
WHAT DOES PETFIRST COVERAGE INCLUDE?
- $1,000 OF ACCIDENT & ILLNESS COVERAGE WITH A $500 PER-INCIDENT LIMIT
- 100% REIMBURSEMENT AFTER A $50 DEDUCTIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS & ILLNESSES
- USE ANY LICENSED VET, EMERGENCY CLINIC OR SPECIALIST
