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?
Our pet puppies are $2,200. All puppies in each litter will be the same price, regardless of colour or gender.
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.
Our pet puppies are $2,200. All puppies in each litter will be the same price, regardless of colour or gender.
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 non-refundable holding fee to secure a spot on my waitlist; either at the time of approved application if you wish, or when the female comes into season, prior to a breeding taking place. The holding fee is $500, which is applied to the purchase price when you are matched to a puppy.
If at 7-8 weeks of age after assessments are completed and there is not a good match* for you, your holding fee will be rolled over to the next litter so we can try again to find the best fit for your family. There is no limit to the number of times you can roll your name over to the next list if it is due to not having a good match available to you.
If we have a good match* for you, but you decide you don't want the puppy, you may roll over your name to the next litter two (2) times only. The third time we have a match for you and you turn down the puppy, you will:
We reserve the right to return a holding fee at any time.
**A "good match" is defined as being a good fit based on your lifestyle, experience, and desired temperament - regardless of gender or colour**
I accept a non-refundable holding fee to secure a spot on my waitlist; either at the time of approved application if you wish, or when the female comes into season, prior to a breeding taking place. The holding fee is $500, which is applied to the purchase price when you are matched to a puppy.
If at 7-8 weeks of age after assessments are completed and there is not a good match* for you, your holding fee will be rolled over to the next litter so we can try again to find the best fit for your family. There is no limit to the number of times you can roll your name over to the next list if it is due to not having a good match available to you.
If we have a good match* for you, but you decide you don't want the puppy, you may roll over your name to the next litter two (2) times only. The third time we have a match for you and you turn down the puppy, you will:
- forfeit your initial holding fee, and will be required to place another holding fee ($500) to retain your current position on the waitlist, or
- Opt not to place another holding fee, and move to the end of the waitlist
We reserve the right to return a holding fee at any time.
**A "good match" is defined as being a good fit based on your lifestyle, experience, and desired temperament - regardless of gender or colour**
Q: HOW DOES THE WAITLIST WORK?
You must submit our initial application form, and subsequent phone interview. If your application is approved you will be given the opportunity to join either the secured waitlist (if there is room) or the general waitlist. Placing the holding fee at the time of approved application will secure your position on the waitlist at that moment in time. Should you choose to wait until prior to a breeding, you may be lower on the waitlist, or have to wait for a future litter if the current waitlist for a planned litter is full.
I will notify the waitlist when the female begins her cycle to confirm interest for the litter – it is very important that you confirm your interest as soon as possible after receiving the notification email. If the waitlist for the potential litter does not reach a certain capacity (based on probable litter size), the breeding may be postponed. If this happens, holding fees will be rolled over to the next planned litter.
As much as each planned breeding is for me in hopes to produce my next breed/show prospect, the majority of my puppies are going to you, the pet owners. As such, I want to ensure all or the majority of each litter I produce has a family waiting for them before I commit to a breeding.
I am now only accepting a gender OR colour preference, not both. If you are looking for "a blue merle female with xyz style merle pattern, blue eyes and large white markings", I am not the breeder for you. Our biggest and most important consideration is finding the best fit for each puppy and family based on your experience, lifestyle, and what you are looking for in your future puppy.
Once we make our selection from a litter (between 7-8 weeks of age), we then provide our assessments of each puppy available to families (in order of the waitlist) and provide our suggestions for which puppy (or puppies) would suit best. Our goal as a breeder is to set our puppy families up for success! If there is no match for you in the litter you are forecasted to be on come 7-8 weeks when assessments are provided, your holding fee will simply roll over to the next litter so we can try again to find the best fit for you.
**We reserve the right to 1st and 2nd pick of every litter**
You must submit our initial application form, and subsequent phone interview. If your application is approved you will be given the opportunity to join either the secured waitlist (if there is room) or the general waitlist. Placing the holding fee at the time of approved application will secure your position on the waitlist at that moment in time. Should you choose to wait until prior to a breeding, you may be lower on the waitlist, or have to wait for a future litter if the current waitlist for a planned litter is full.
- Secured Waitlist:
- Approved puppy application and holding fee of $500 submitted at time of approved application
- First to be offered a spot on upcoming litter waitlists
- Limited number of spots on the secured waitlist per year
- General Waitlist:
- Approved puppy application but no holding fee submitted
- Will be given opportunity to place $500 holding fee for an upcoming litter waitlist after those on secured waitlist if there are spots available
- If spots open up on a litter's waitlist, general waitlist will be offered these spots first before offering availability to new applicants
- Contact/Email List:
- Has not completed an application - has just signed up for email list
- Simply gets litter plan updates or available puppy updates
I will notify the waitlist when the female begins her cycle to confirm interest for the litter – it is very important that you confirm your interest as soon as possible after receiving the notification email. If the waitlist for the potential litter does not reach a certain capacity (based on probable litter size), the breeding may be postponed. If this happens, holding fees will be rolled over to the next planned litter.
As much as each planned breeding is for me in hopes to produce my next breed/show prospect, the majority of my puppies are going to you, the pet owners. As such, I want to ensure all or the majority of each litter I produce has a family waiting for them before I commit to a breeding.
I am now only accepting a gender OR colour preference, not both. If you are looking for "a blue merle female with xyz style merle pattern, blue eyes and large white markings", I am not the breeder for you. Our biggest and most important consideration is finding the best fit for each puppy and family based on your experience, lifestyle, and what you are looking for in your future puppy.
Once we make our selection from a litter (between 7-8 weeks of age), we then provide our assessments of each puppy available to families (in order of the waitlist) and provide our suggestions for which puppy (or puppies) would suit best. Our goal as a breeder is to set our puppy families up for success! If there is no match for you in the litter you are forecasted to be on come 7-8 weeks when assessments are provided, your holding fee will simply roll over to the next litter so we can try again to find the best fit for you.
**We reserve the right to 1st and 2nd pick of every litter**
Q: HOW LONG IS THE WAIT FOR A PUPPY?
Currently (as of Sept. 2024), 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 up to 2+ years.
Currently (as of Sept. 2024), 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 up to 2+ years.
Q: CAN I VISIT BEFORE APPLYING FOR A PUPPY?
Unfortunately no, we do not allow visits prior to submitting an application, and being approved for our waitlist. I hope that you can respect this is our private home, not a retail store with business hours. I also work full-time during the day, so my free time outside of that is reserved for myself and my dogs. When I have a litter, my priority is my puppies/dogs, and my current families who are potentially picking from the current litter. I understand it is important when seeking a responsible breeder to see where the puppies are raised; I am happy to send you a temporary invite into my private Facebook group where all previous videos of our "Puppy Parties" are uploaded. I try to share on Instagram (link) often as well to give others an insight to what we do here. I am also always happy to meet you at any Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) event I attend. I try to keep my schedule up to date (link).
Unfortunately no, we do not allow visits prior to submitting an application, and being approved for our waitlist. I hope that you can respect this is our private home, not a retail store with business hours. I also work full-time during the day, so my free time outside of that is reserved for myself and my dogs. When I have a litter, my priority is my puppies/dogs, and my current families who are potentially picking from the current litter. I understand it is important when seeking a responsible breeder to see where the puppies are raised; I am happy to send you a temporary invite into my private Facebook group where all previous videos of our "Puppy Parties" are uploaded. I try to share on Instagram (link) often as well to give others an insight to what we do here. I am also always happy to meet you at any Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) event I attend. I try to keep my schedule up to date (link).
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?
YES AND NO. If your dog stays in your vehicle, this is fine, but we do not allow outside dogs on our property (i.e. no letting them out to potty or play on our property - there is a park down the street or the local fairgrounds you are welcome to stop at to relieve your dog). This is for the safety of our puppies. Adult dogs can carry illnesses (on their coat, paws etc.) that can harm puppies before they receive age appropriate vaccinations, and we just cannot risk that.
YES AND NO. If your dog stays in your vehicle, this is fine, but we do not allow outside dogs on our property (i.e. no letting them out to potty or play on our property - there is a park down the street or the local fairgrounds you are welcome to stop at to relieve your dog). This is for the safety of our puppies. Adult dogs can carry illnesses (on their coat, paws etc.) that can harm puppies before they receive age appropriate vaccinations, and we just cannot risk that.
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
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?
In our contract we do not require you attend either of these classes (unless you are going to be a Guardian family for us), but we strongly recommend doing so. Temperament is greatly influenced by socialization and training, particularly in the first year of a dogs life. We recommend (at minimum) a well structured Puppy K class prior to 16 weeks of age, as well as an obedience class between 8-12 months of age.
A knowledgable trainer can point out things you may not have realized you were doing (or not doing), and can alter their methods to your dogs learning style. We regularly take classes with our dogs whether it's agility, barn hunt, handling, or whatever! There has never been a time where we don't learn/take something from the class. Participating in these classes tends to strengthen the bond between yourself and your dog as well.
In our contract we do not require you attend either of these classes (unless you are going to be a Guardian family for us), but we strongly recommend doing so. Temperament is greatly influenced by socialization and training, particularly in the first year of a dogs life. We recommend (at minimum) a well structured Puppy K class prior to 16 weeks of age, as well as an obedience class between 8-12 months of age.
A knowledgable trainer can point out things you may not have realized you were doing (or not doing), and can alter their methods to your dogs learning style. We regularly take classes with our dogs whether it's agility, barn hunt, handling, or whatever! There has never been a time where we don't learn/take something from the class. Participating in these classes tends to strengthen the bond between yourself and your dog as well.
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
- AKC Limited Registration Application (no breeding rights - puppies sold as pets only)
- Microchip tag and information
- Vaccination and deworming records
- Copy of Non-Breeding Sales Contract (if not sent digitally)
- Health testing records on all parents available via Google Drive (save the trees!)
- 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)
- At least bi-weekly photos from birth to the time puppies go home (sent via Google Drive or Dropbox)
- 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?
We will not sell multiple puppies (of the same or similar age) to the same household. Please read the following regarding "Littermate Syndrome". I recommend at minimum 1 year between new additions (2 years is even better).
We will not sell multiple puppies (of the same or similar age) to the same household. Please read the following regarding "Littermate Syndrome". I recommend at minimum 1 year between new additions (2 years is even better).
Q: CAN I SEE A COPY OF YOUR SALES CONTRACT?
Yes, you may view a copy of my contract here. Current as of January 2024.
Yes, you may view a copy of my contract here. Current as of January 2024.
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. We start to take puppies individually for short periods of time and rest them on our chest while watching TV. 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. We start to take puppies individually for short periods of time and rest them on our chest while watching TV. 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.
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 work on clicker training 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, after we have worked on powering up the clicker, 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, which is more training based/interactive to introduce new owners to what we have been working on with the puppies.
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.
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 work on clicker training 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, after we have worked on powering up the clicker, 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, which is more training based/interactive to introduce new owners to what we have been working on with the puppies.
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 Oven Baked Tradition Dog Food. We rotate between the chicken and fish formulas. Other brands we recommend: TLC Whole Life Dog and Puppy Food ($5 coupon available - link) Purina Pro Plan Fromm Open Farm (Ancient Grains formulas) Orijen Acana |
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