Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much are your puppies?
Q2: Do you take deposits?
Q3: How does the waitlist work?
Q4: How long is the wait for a puppy?
Q5: Can I visit before applying for a puppy?
Q6: Will you ship your puppies?
Q7: Can I bring my dog when I come to visit or pick up my puppy?
Q8: Where is the best place to socialize my puppy?
Q9: When can I spay/neuter my puppy?
Q10: Do I need to take my puppy/dog to puppy kindergarten or obedience classes?
Q11: What comes in the puppy pack?
Q12: What does all the health testing mean?
Q13: Can I buy two puppies at once?
Q14: Can I see a copy of your sales contract?
Q15: How are your puppies raised?
Q16: What do you feed your dogs?
Q2: Do you take deposits?
Q3: How does the waitlist work?
Q4: How long is the wait for a puppy?
Q5: Can I visit before applying for a puppy?
Q6: Will you ship your puppies?
Q7: Can I bring my dog when I come to visit or pick up my puppy?
Q8: Where is the best place to socialize my puppy?
Q9: When can I spay/neuter my puppy?
Q10: Do I need to take my puppy/dog to puppy kindergarten or obedience classes?
Q11: What comes in the puppy pack?
Q12: What does all the health testing mean?
Q13: Can I buy two puppies at once?
Q14: Can I see a copy of your sales contract?
Q15: How are your puppies raised?
Q16: What do you feed your dogs?
Q: HOW MUCH ARE YOUR PUPPIES?
Pricing for MAS in Canada seems to range from $2300-$3000 on average, with price varying by region and breeder. Our puppies are competitively priced within this range and may differ from litter to litter depending on our expenses. My price reflects pet only/non-breeding limited registration. Total price includes a $500 holding fee.
The price of Guardian family puppies varies based on individual agreements, but is generally at least 20% less than pet price with incentives upon completion of the agreement.
Pricing for MAS in Canada seems to range from $2300-$3000 on average, with price varying by region and breeder. Our puppies are competitively priced within this range and may differ from litter to litter depending on our expenses. My price reflects pet only/non-breeding limited registration. Total price includes a $500 holding fee.
The price of Guardian family puppies varies based on individual agreements, but is generally at least 20% less than pet price with incentives upon completion of the agreement.
Q: DO YOU TAKE DEPOSITS?
I accept a holding fee to secure a spot on my waitlist at the time of approved application. The holding fee is $500, which is applied to the purchase price when you are matched to a puppy.
I accept a holding fee to secure a spot on my waitlist at the time of approved application. The holding fee is $500, which is applied to the purchase price when you are matched to a puppy.
| Holding Fee Example Contract |
Q: HOW DOES THE WAITLIST WORK?
Joining the Waitlist: Our Process
To ensure our puppies go to dedicated, well-prepared homes, we have a structured waitlist process. Our goal is to match the right puppy with the right family to set everyone up for a lifetime of success.
1. Application & Interview
The first step is to submit our Initial Application Form, followed by a brief phone interview. We want to get to know you and understand what you are looking for in a new companion.
2. Holding Fee & Commitment
Once your application is approved, a $500 holding fee and a signed agreement are required to join our official waitlist.
3. Litter Planning
We plan our breedings based on the needs of our program and the interest from our waitlist.
Finding Your Perfect Match
Flexibility is Key
To help us find your best match, we ask for flexibility regarding colour and sex. While you can indicate a preference for one, we cannot guarantee both in a single puppy.
Temperament First
Our priority is the well-being of our puppies and the happiness of our families. Because temperament is the most important factor for a successful match:
A Note on Selection
As a preservation breeder, we are always looking for our next prospect to continue our program. As such, we reserve the right to the 1st and 2nd pick of every litter.
Joining the Waitlist: Our Process
To ensure our puppies go to dedicated, well-prepared homes, we have a structured waitlist process. Our goal is to match the right puppy with the right family to set everyone up for a lifetime of success.
1. Application & Interview
The first step is to submit our Initial Application Form, followed by a brief phone interview. We want to get to know you and understand what you are looking for in a new companion.
2. Holding Fee & Commitment
Once your application is approved, a $500 holding fee and a signed agreement are required to join our official waitlist.
- Deduction: This fee is applied toward the final price of your puppy.
- Exclusivity: Once joined, you’ll receive an invite to our private Facebook group and regular email updates on litter plans.
- Note: If you aren't ready to commit to a holding fee, you are welcome to join our [General Email List] for occasional news and availability updates or follow us on social media.
3. Litter Planning
We plan our breedings based on the needs of our program and the interest from our waitlist.
- Confirmation: When a female begins her cycle, we will email the waitlist. Please confirm your interest promptly.
- Capacity: We typically only move forward with a breeding once a litter has enough committed homes. If a breeding is postponed, your holding fee simply rolls over to the next planned litter.
Finding Your Perfect Match
Flexibility is Key
To help us find your best match, we ask for flexibility regarding colour and sex. While you can indicate a preference for one, we cannot guarantee both in a single puppy.
Temperament First
Our priority is the well-being of our puppies and the happiness of our families. Because temperament is the most important factor for a successful match:
- We perform puppy assessments between 7–8 weeks of age.
- We will provide suggestions on which puppy (or puppies) best suit your specific lifestyle and home environment.
- If the "right match" for your family isn't available in the current litter, your holding fee will roll over to the next litter so we can try again.
A Note on Selection
As a preservation breeder, we are always looking for our next prospect to continue our program. As such, we reserve the right to the 1st and 2nd pick of every litter.
Q: HOW LONG IS THE WAIT FOR A PUPPY?
Currently (as of January 2026), if you are pretty open to any gender/colour the wait is about 6-10 months. If you have a strong gender or colour preference the wait could be more.
Currently (as of January 2026), if you are pretty open to any gender/colour the wait is about 6-10 months. If you have a strong gender or colour preference the wait could be more.
Q: CAN I VISIT BEFORE APPLYING FOR A PUPPY?
Because this is our private home and not a commercial kennel, we do not host visits prior to an application being approved. This policy helps us maintain a quiet, low-stress environment for our dogs and ensures the health and safety of our litters.
We know how important it is to see how puppies are raised! To give you an inside look at our program, we offer:
Because this is our private home and not a commercial kennel, we do not host visits prior to an application being approved. This policy helps us maintain a quiet, low-stress environment for our dogs and ensures the health and safety of our litters.
We know how important it is to see how puppies are raised! To give you an inside look at our program, we offer:
- Virtual Tours: A temporary invite to our private Facebook group to view videos of past "Puppy Parties."
- Social Media: Regular updates and behind-the-scenes content on our Instagram (link) or Facebook (link).
- In-Person Meetings: We would love to meet you at any Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) event we attend! You can find our upcoming show schedule here.
Q: WILL YOU SHIP YOUR PUPPIES?
Although we much prefer to meet our puppy buyers in person, we will consider shipping puppies via cargo within Canada on direct flights out of Ottawa, or a 2-stop flight with the addition of a comfort stop (in Calgary or Toronto) to break up the trip. We prefer using WestJet. We are also happy to meet you at the Ottawa Airport if you wish to fly in and bring the puppy back with you as carry on. We are NOT willing to ship puppies via cargo on flights with multiple stops in a single day, or outside Canada at this time. Ground transport from Ottawa area to the Eastern provinces (NB, NS & PEI) is possible.
All shipping costs are the responsibility of the buyer.
Shipping related costs buyer is responsible for (prices listed are estimates based on our most recent experience):
Approximate cost range for shipping puppy via cargo: $450-$990
Approximate cost range for flying in and bringing puppy back as carry-on (not including your own ticket): $210-$470
Unfortunately, due to the new CDC changes, we can no longer sell puppies to residents of the USA; puppies now need to be 6 months of age to cross the border and we are not in a position to hold puppies for that length of time. We hope there are exceptions made to this in the future as it threatens Canadian breeders ability to diversify gene pools by working with US breeders, especially in rare breeds.
Although we much prefer to meet our puppy buyers in person, we will consider shipping puppies via cargo within Canada on direct flights out of Ottawa, or a 2-stop flight with the addition of a comfort stop (in Calgary or Toronto) to break up the trip. We prefer using WestJet. We are also happy to meet you at the Ottawa Airport if you wish to fly in and bring the puppy back with you as carry on. We are NOT willing to ship puppies via cargo on flights with multiple stops in a single day, or outside Canada at this time. Ground transport from Ottawa area to the Eastern provinces (NB, NS & PEI) is possible.
All shipping costs are the responsibility of the buyer.
Shipping related costs buyer is responsible for (prices listed are estimates based on our most recent experience):
- Delivery to the Ottawa airport (carry-on or cargo - YOW is a 2.5-3 hour round trip for us) $100
- Crate (cargo flight) $50-$90 or Soft Carrier (in cabin flight) $60-$70
- Shipping fee (if cargo) $300
- Comfort Stop (if required for cargo) $300
- Carry-on fee (if you are flying in to pick up puppy) $50-$100
- Health Certificate certifying puppy is healthy to fly (this only applies if the puppy is flying more than 10 days after their initial vet appointment, as we would have to book a separate vet appointment for another certificate) $100
- Mileage/Service fee (if the puppy requires a separate visit to get a health certificate - as we are rural, our veterinarian is a 2.5 hour round trip) $100
Approximate cost range for shipping puppy via cargo: $450-$990
Approximate cost range for flying in and bringing puppy back as carry-on (not including your own ticket): $210-$470
Unfortunately, due to the new CDC changes, we can no longer sell puppies to residents of the USA; puppies now need to be 6 months of age to cross the border and we are not in a position to hold puppies for that length of time. We hope there are exceptions made to this in the future as it threatens Canadian breeders ability to diversify gene pools by working with US breeders, especially in rare breeds.
Q: CAN I BRING MY DOG WHEN I COME TO VISIT OR PICK UP MY PUPPY?
To protect the health of our litters, we ask that all visiting dogs remain in your vehicle. Because our puppies have developing immune systems, we maintain a "bio-secure" environment on our property. Adult dogs can unknowingly carry germs or illnesses that are dangerous to puppies who haven't finished their full vaccination series. If your dog needs a potty break or a stretch, there is a park just down the street or the local fairgrounds nearby that are perfect for a quick stop!
To protect the health of our litters, we ask that all visiting dogs remain in your vehicle. Because our puppies have developing immune systems, we maintain a "bio-secure" environment on our property. Adult dogs can unknowingly carry germs or illnesses that are dangerous to puppies who haven't finished their full vaccination series. If your dog needs a potty break or a stretch, there is a park just down the street or the local fairgrounds nearby that are perfect for a quick stop!
Q: WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO SOCIALIZE MY PUPPY?
Let's start by saying where NOT to socialize your puppy: the dog park. Your puppy is it a critical age for learning behaviors or making associations. The dog park (though it sounds like a blast) is one of the worst places to socialize your young and impressionable pup. Dog parks are filled with dogs that have no manners, and owners who aren't paying close enough attention to what their dogs are doing.
To start your puppy off right, you're best to set up play dates with similar aged puppies, or well mannered adult dogs you know in the comfort of your or their back yard/home. Puppy Kindergarten classes at reputable training locations are also a great tool. Instructors will teach you what kind of play is appropriate, and when to take "time outs" when play gets too intense. We take all of the puppies we keep to one of these classes, and we find ourselves learning something new every time!
That said, socialization does not equal interaction. The "end goal" is to provide your puppy with positive exposure to different things (i.e. seeing the object/person/dog vs interacting) and being able to achieve focus around these things.
Let's start by saying where NOT to socialize your puppy: the dog park. Your puppy is it a critical age for learning behaviors or making associations. The dog park (though it sounds like a blast) is one of the worst places to socialize your young and impressionable pup. Dog parks are filled with dogs that have no manners, and owners who aren't paying close enough attention to what their dogs are doing.
To start your puppy off right, you're best to set up play dates with similar aged puppies, or well mannered adult dogs you know in the comfort of your or their back yard/home. Puppy Kindergarten classes at reputable training locations are also a great tool. Instructors will teach you what kind of play is appropriate, and when to take "time outs" when play gets too intense. We take all of the puppies we keep to one of these classes, and we find ourselves learning something new every time!
That said, socialization does not equal interaction. The "end goal" is to provide your puppy with positive exposure to different things (i.e. seeing the object/person/dog vs interacting) and being able to achieve focus around these things.
AVIDOG has a good free resource with ideas for things to expose your puppy to - relevant section begins about page 14 of the PDF.
97 Ways To Create Great Puppies
https://shop.avidog.com/collections/supplements/products/97-ways-to-create-great-puppies
97 Ways To Create Great Puppies
https://shop.avidog.com/collections/supplements/products/97-ways-to-create-great-puppies
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Q: WHEN CAN I SPAY/NEUTER MY PUPPY?
Our sales contract requires your puppy to be altered by 14 months old*. We ask that you wait until at least 8 months old, as our dogs tend to grow until this age. Please note: Altering prior to 8 months of age will void the 2 year genetic health guarantee.
*Special consideration to extend this deadline for alteration will only be given to serious performance homes where altering later is ideal*
Our sales contract requires your puppy to be altered by 14 months old*. We ask that you wait until at least 8 months old, as our dogs tend to grow until this age. Please note: Altering prior to 8 months of age will void the 2 year genetic health guarantee.
*Special consideration to extend this deadline for alteration will only be given to serious performance homes where altering later is ideal*
Q: DO I NEED TO TAKE MY PUPPY/DOG TO PUPPY KINDERGARTEN OR OBEDIENCE CLASSES?
While not a contract requirement (except for our Guardian families), we highly recommend professional training. A dog’s temperament is shaped significantly by socialization during their first year.
To set your puppy up for success, we suggest at minimum:
A knowledgeable trainer can offer insights into your dog's unique learning style that you might not notice on your own. We are lifelong learners ourselves—we regularly take our own dogs to agility, barn hunt, handling classes and more because it’s the best way to strengthen the bond and keep our dogs engaged!
While not a contract requirement (except for our Guardian families), we highly recommend professional training. A dog’s temperament is shaped significantly by socialization during their first year.
To set your puppy up for success, we suggest at minimum:
- Puppy Kindergarten: A well-structured class before 16 weeks of age.
- Basic Obedience: A follow-up class between 8–12 months of age.
A knowledgeable trainer can offer insights into your dog's unique learning style that you might not notice on your own. We are lifelong learners ourselves—we regularly take our own dogs to agility, barn hunt, handling classes and more because it’s the best way to strengthen the bond and keep our dogs engaged!
Q: WHAT COMES IN THE PUPPY PACK?
Puppy pack can vary slightly between litters, but the general contents include:
Puppy pack can vary slightly between litters, but the general contents include:
- Blanket/towel that smells like mom/siblings/our home
- Basic collar and training leash
- Enough food for 1 week (TLC Whole Life Puppy)
- Treats
- Toy
- Microchip tag and information
- Vaccination and deworming records
- Copy of Non-Breeding Sales Contract (if not sent digitally)
- Health testing records on Sire/Dam (printed or via email)
- 1 year membership to MASCAN (Miniature American Shepherds of Canada)
- Invite to our private Facebook group where you can share photos, videos, ask questions or plan play dates with others in your area. We also upload helpful info in the file section for your new puppy (available via Google Drive if you don't have Facebook)
- I aim for at least bi-weekly photos from birth to the time puppies go home
- 30 days of pet insurance from go-home date with immediate coverage (you must sign up for this/opt in)
- Us as a resource for the life of your dog
TLC Puppy Food
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Toy in puppy pack varies, but generally one that squeaks or crinkles!
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Blanket that smells like mom/siblings/our home
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Treat brand varies
(Crumps Mini Trainers are our favourite though!) |
Q: WHAT DOES ALL THE HEALTH TESTING MEAN?
Q: CAN I BUY TWO PUPPIES AT ONCE?
While it’s tempting to bring home two furry friends together, we do not place multiple puppies of a similar age in the same household. Our goal is for each puppy to bond deeply with their new human family rather than becoming overly dependent on another dog—a challenge called "Littermate Syndrome."
To ensure your first puppy is well-socialized and confident, we recommend waiting at least one year (ideally two!) before adding a second dog to your home. This allows you to focus entirely on your puppy's training during those important early stages.
While it’s tempting to bring home two furry friends together, we do not place multiple puppies of a similar age in the same household. Our goal is for each puppy to bond deeply with their new human family rather than becoming overly dependent on another dog—a challenge called "Littermate Syndrome."
To ensure your first puppy is well-socialized and confident, we recommend waiting at least one year (ideally two!) before adding a second dog to your home. This allows you to focus entirely on your puppy's training during those important early stages.
Q: CAN I SEE A COPY OF YOUR SALES CONTRACT?
Yes, you may view a copy of my contract here. Current as of October 2025.
Yes, you may view a copy of my contract here. Current as of October 2025.
Q: HOW ARE YOUR PUPPIES RAISED?
WEEKS 1-2
The whelping box is set up in our laundry room a week prior to due date, and mom has this room entirely to herself. The first 2 weeks are quiet time for mom and puppies, no outside visitors are allowed during this period. Puppies are weighed twice per day in the first week to ensure proper weight gain, and daily in week 2. At 3 days of age, we begin ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) until the 16th day.
The benefits of ENS:
By week 2 (sometimes earlier) their nails will need to be trimmed for the first time, thus starts weekly nail trimming. Puppies are wormed with Strongid for the first time at 2 weeks of age.
WEEKS 1-2
The whelping box is set up in our laundry room a week prior to due date, and mom has this room entirely to herself. The first 2 weeks are quiet time for mom and puppies, no outside visitors are allowed during this period. Puppies are weighed twice per day in the first week to ensure proper weight gain, and daily in week 2. At 3 days of age, we begin ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) until the 16th day.
The benefits of ENS:
- Improved cardio vascular performance (heart rate)
- Stronger heart beats
- Stronger adrenal glands
- More tolerance to stress
- Greater resistance to disease
By week 2 (sometimes earlier) their nails will need to be trimmed for the first time, thus starts weekly nail trimming. Puppies are wormed with Strongid for the first time at 2 weeks of age.
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WEEK 3
Puppies are weighed weekly from now on. End of week 2/beginning of week 3 we introduce pee pads/pellets into the whelping box to start potty training. The puppies eyes/ears start to open, and thus the socialization period begins. We work on startle/recovery protocol throughout this week, and different objects and toys will be introduced for puppies to explore and interact with. In the warmer months, puppies may make short trips outside at this age. We start to take puppies individually for short periods of time and rest them on our chest while watching TV.
WEEK 4
Puppies graduate to an x-pen with a little more room - potty area is maintained, with a more definite sleep area (crate with open door, or bedding raised higher than the potty area). Puppies are introduced to different types of toys. This is when we begin spending time with each puppy individually away from mom and litter-mates. This is to help with separation problems, promoting independence and human bonding. This is when we generally introduce some puppy mush (ground up kibble mixed with goat's milk). Puppies are wormed with Strongid for the second time.
WEEK 5
This is when the really good stuff starts! Once puppies are enthusiastic about food/treats, we will try to work on clicker training (sometimes puppies are not ready, so depending on how they do, we may delay for a couple days and re-visit the exercise). This continues into week 6 and forward. Weather permitting, puppies are going outside regularly for short periods by this time. We also introduce an open crate to the puppies in their pen at this time. This week we have our first Puppy Party where deposit holders within driving distance are able to come and meet the litter for the first time.
WEEK 6
This week, if powering up the clicker has progressed, we begin work on The Box Game, Resource Guarding, etc. The puppies natural fearfulness starts to be shaped by their environment - we continue to add more toys and obstacles for the puppies to encounter. Uneven surfaces, toys that make noise etc., anything that will help the puppies with their development. Puppies are wormed with Strongid for the third time.
WEEK 7
We introduce more challenging toys that make noise or move on their own. Puppies will be taken for their first (short) car ride. Weather permitting, they are also enjoying longer times playing outdoors, where they are exposed to grass, sand/dirt, gravel, trees, and the sounds of birds, and chipmunks/squirrels. Winter puppies are generally only out for short periods while we clean their pen - while outside they have shelter to keep them warm if needed for the brief 10-15 minute period they are outside, but they normally get used to the cooler temperatures quickly and are happy to play for those 10-15 minutes. If weather is too cold for them to be out for even 10 minutes, they get free rein of the (puppy proofed) laundry room while we clean! This is also when we will have our second Puppy Party.
WEEK 8
Puppy selections will begin at 8 weeks (or sometimes at 7 weeks after the second puppy party). At or just before 8 weeks, the puppies will get their vet check, first set of vaccinations and microchip. Depending on their DOB, puppies will go home sometime between 8-9 weeks of age. All puppies are bathed, blow dried, and have nails trimmed before going home with their new families.
Puppies are weighed weekly from now on. End of week 2/beginning of week 3 we introduce pee pads/pellets into the whelping box to start potty training. The puppies eyes/ears start to open, and thus the socialization period begins. We work on startle/recovery protocol throughout this week, and different objects and toys will be introduced for puppies to explore and interact with. In the warmer months, puppies may make short trips outside at this age. We start to take puppies individually for short periods of time and rest them on our chest while watching TV.
WEEK 4
Puppies graduate to an x-pen with a little more room - potty area is maintained, with a more definite sleep area (crate with open door, or bedding raised higher than the potty area). Puppies are introduced to different types of toys. This is when we begin spending time with each puppy individually away from mom and litter-mates. This is to help with separation problems, promoting independence and human bonding. This is when we generally introduce some puppy mush (ground up kibble mixed with goat's milk). Puppies are wormed with Strongid for the second time.
WEEK 5
This is when the really good stuff starts! Once puppies are enthusiastic about food/treats, we will try to work on clicker training (sometimes puppies are not ready, so depending on how they do, we may delay for a couple days and re-visit the exercise). This continues into week 6 and forward. Weather permitting, puppies are going outside regularly for short periods by this time. We also introduce an open crate to the puppies in their pen at this time. This week we have our first Puppy Party where deposit holders within driving distance are able to come and meet the litter for the first time.
WEEK 6
This week, if powering up the clicker has progressed, we begin work on The Box Game, Resource Guarding, etc. The puppies natural fearfulness starts to be shaped by their environment - we continue to add more toys and obstacles for the puppies to encounter. Uneven surfaces, toys that make noise etc., anything that will help the puppies with their development. Puppies are wormed with Strongid for the third time.
WEEK 7
We introduce more challenging toys that make noise or move on their own. Puppies will be taken for their first (short) car ride. Weather permitting, they are also enjoying longer times playing outdoors, where they are exposed to grass, sand/dirt, gravel, trees, and the sounds of birds, and chipmunks/squirrels. Winter puppies are generally only out for short periods while we clean their pen - while outside they have shelter to keep them warm if needed for the brief 10-15 minute period they are outside, but they normally get used to the cooler temperatures quickly and are happy to play for those 10-15 minutes. If weather is too cold for them to be out for even 10 minutes, they get free rein of the (puppy proofed) laundry room while we clean! This is also when we will have our second Puppy Party.
WEEK 8
Puppy selections will begin at 8 weeks (or sometimes at 7 weeks after the second puppy party). At or just before 8 weeks, the puppies will get their vet check, first set of vaccinations and microchip. Depending on their DOB, puppies will go home sometime between 8-9 weeks of age. All puppies are bathed, blow dried, and have nails trimmed before going home with their new families.
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Q: WHAT DO YOU FEED YOUR DOGS?
Currently we are feeding TLC Whole Life Dog and Puppy Food. You can save $5 on your first order of TLC by clicking on the photo below (mobile) or to the right (desktop). Other brands we recommend: Oven-Baked Tradition (grain inclusive) Purina Pro Plan Fromm Go! Solutions Open Farm (Ancient Grains formulas) Orijen* Acana* *this brand may be too protein rich for some dogs/puppies and cause loose stools |
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