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How can I get involved with Therapy and Service dogs?
There are many MANY reasorces for getting involved. There are also several levels of involvement, from fostering puppies, and training, to receiving a service companion.
Here are some links for Services we have worked with, donated puppies too, or would reccomend:
Wilderwood Autism and Service Dogs
If a puppy is disqualified for service or therapy work does that mean it is sickly or bad tempered?
These dogs are by no means dysfunctional or unhealthy.
Some of the things that might disqualify a dog/puppy include:
To much interest/distraction in other dogs or cats
Startling at new or loud noises
Shyness
Resistance to leash training
Refusing to "give" the toy back
Food/toy aggression
Aggression toward people or extremely fearful of people
Excessive energy
Over sensitivity to traffic
Overly sensitive to pressure in guide work
Car sickness
Immature and/or irresponsible decision making
Scars that are large enough or severe enough to draw attention or cause comments from the general public
None of these "faults" affect the ability to be loving pets when placed in homes that match there temperament and energy levels.
Feel free to check out our adoptable dogs/puppies here
What is the difference in a Miniature/Toy Australian Shepherd and a standard Australian Shepherd?
The only difference is size. If they are quality mini's, they should look identical to a standard aussie.
What colors are mini aussies?
Standard colors are Blue/Red merles and Black/Red tri's or bi's. See this page for a ton of interesting information about aussie coloring and genetics. Click Here This is an amazing site with TONS of information.
When can you tell a puppies eye color?
I can usually have a pretty good idea at about 4 weeks.
Do they all have blue eyes?
Aussies can have shades of blue, green, brown or even a mixture. Some can have eyes of different colors, some are marbled or split. Example 1 eye might be blue and the other is 1/2 blue and 1/2 green. You can see more info on the page listed above.
How big is a mini aussie? A toy?
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Mini aussies are 14-17 inches. Some registries will accept them up to 18 inches. Toys are 13 inches and smaller. However, some registries consider a toy 14 inches and under. |
Do mini aussies shed alot?
Some have more of a coat than others, so of course, some shed more than others. Aussies have a low dander so they are easier on allergies as well as don't need to be bathed as they have little smell.
Males or females? What makes a better pet?
I know some people live by their beliefs that males are better or females are better. After raising minis and spending alott of time with both sexes I have not noticed any significant behavior differences. Both make wonderful companions.
How do mini aussies get along with children and other pets?
Minis are great with children and are wonderful family pets. I have 3 children they are so good with my kids they love to play and run with then. They will do anything with and for my kids. They are also accepting of other pets. Remember, they are herding dogs and can sometimes herd the cats, dogs or other family members!
Do mini aussies need training?
Yes! All puppies need to be trained with consistency and love. Aussies love to be involved in family activities and do best with families that provide obedience training, socialization and exercise. Aussies are naturally reserved around strangers and need to be properly socialized early in their lives. They are also extremely loyal dogs; wanting to be by their masters side more than anything else on the planet! Aussies are extremely smart and want nothing more than to please their owner. They can very easily be trained to do anything!
Who do you ship with?
My preferred airline carrier is Delta. Its the same as being a passenger. Other airlines are available but prices may vary.
How much is shipping and is it included in the price of the puppy?
All shipping fees are the responsibility of the buyer. HOWEVER, 2 puppies ship for the price of one!
Shipping is around $300. (varies on destination) Price includes airline charges, crate, vet check, health certificate and certificate of acclimation. Some times if we have to ship dash it can be a bit more. I also ship internationally for the price of the ticket.
I'd like to purchase a puppy, what do I do next?
Send a deposit and let me know which one you want! A deposit is required to hold a puppy. I allow one week including weekends for your deposit to arrive. If it does not, I can not keep holding the puppy.
How can I send the deposit?
For deposits I accept checks, money orders or paypal. Deposits are non - refundable and final and are most of the time $250.00. If a deposit is places on a puppy. For the final payment I accept money orders or paypal. Or of course cash if puppy is picked up!
If I decide I don't want a puppy anymore can I get my deposit back? What if I pick one I like better after I have already put a deposit on another puppy?
All money is non-refundable and non-transferable for any reason. The reason for a deposit is for me to hold the puppy for you. If I am holding a specific puppy for you, he can not be sold to anyone else. If I was to transfer the deposit to another puppy, I would be loosing several potential sales while the puppy was marked sold.
Does my puppy come with a health guarantee?
Yes, a 72 hour health guarantee.
I stand behind my dogs, but every situation is different and its impossible to write every possible situation on a contract. If there is ever a problem, it can be dealt with professionally and we can both be happy. I want everyone who gets a puppy from me to be happy! If you are purchasing a breeding or show dog refer to my contract as to the 2 year health guarantee.
When does my puppy have to be paid in full?
Puppies must be paid for in full by 6 weeks. If you pay for the puppy before they are 3 weeks old I take $150.00 off the price of the puppy.
How early can a puppy be picked up?
Puppies can be picked up in person after they have their 8 week shots. Airlines require that puppies are 8 weeks old to ship. Puppies must be picked up or shipped out by 9 weeks. No exceptions.
What do I do when I pick my puppy up?
Be prepared, it was a long day and airplane ride. It is possible he/she may have made a mess in their crate. A towel might be a handy thing to have just in case. There will be food on the crate, but a drink of water would be greatly appreciated by your new arrival!
Lots of hugs and kisses are a great welcome!
Is there anything I should NOT do when I pick up my puppy?
Yes! Do not put your puppy on the ground at the airport to go potty! Hundreds of people a week pick up their new puppies at the airport where you do. A huge percent of them let their puppies run around where you would and your new puppy could get sick by walking around where other, possibly sick puppies have been. You can not be too careful. Wait until you get somewhere your puppy can safely potty where there have not been a bunch of other puppies. Gas stations and other parking lots are not the best choice either.
Can I take my puppy to the park or Pets Mart?
Oh, this is scary. As explained above, this can be dangerous. Parvo, among other things, is very easily transferred and is very contagious. This kills a huge percent of puppies who get it. If you have to take your puppy to pets mart, don't put him down and don't let strangers handle your puppy. Puppies are susceptible to parvo until they've had several sets of shots.
I thought my puppy had shots before it was shipped. Why is it still so dangerous to take him or her out?
Your puppy will be up to date on its shots according to its age when you get it. Parvo, for example, is very dangerous and unfortunately can still be contracted after several sets of shots. You can keep your puppy healthy by making sure its had its full set of shots before you take it to public places!
Can you help me pick a dog compatible for breeding with mine?
Absolutely. I would be more than happy to help you pick a puppy that would work best for you! If you need help getting started, I'd be happy to help you out as much as possible. I know what its like to get started, its hard to learn as you go. No one was there to help get started, so I would be happy to help anyone who is serious about learning more about mini aussies!
Do aussie puppies go through a weird 'teenage' stage?
OH YES! Just like people, some more than others...but sometimes they will go through a stage where they have no hair. They're all legs and ears and you wonder what the heck you bought!? Well take a few pictures and try not to be too disappointed because after 2-3 months of this, all of the sudden one day they will be a different dog! You'll want that picture to laugh at later! Most of you who watch my website have seen some of these guys grow up. From my experience the ugliest ones are just ugly ducklings and they turn into the most beautiful dogs! I should make a before/after page
