how we care and prepare our dogs & puppies

Prioritizing Health and Genetics

  • Rigorous Health Clearances: All prospective parent dogs undergo extensive health screenings. This includes OFA (Orthopedic Foundation of Animals) certifications for hips and elbows, ensuring excellent ratings suitable for breeding. We also conduct annual eye examinations for all breeding dogs and their relatives, addressing common eye issues in Aussies.

  • Comprehensive Genetic Testing: Our dogs are thoroughly tested for a panel of genetic conditions, including MDR1 (Multi-Drug Sensitivity) gene, CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly), CD (Cone Degeneration), HC (Hereditary Cataracts), PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), and DM (Degenerative Myelopathy). This comprehensive genetic panel, costing approximately $800 per dog, is essential for us to breed healthy puppies. When you choose a puppy from us, you can be confident that you're not risking the health of your future companion due to untested parents.

  • Preventing Dysplasia: We believe that without OFA X-rays and full genetic panels, you simply won't know what you're getting. Our commitment to these clearances means we are actively working to prevent issues like hip dysplasia, which can be devastating for a dog and their family.

Optimal Nutrition and Supplementation

  • Premium Dog Food: We feed all our dogs Life's Abundance premium dog food. Unlike many grocery store and feed store brands with questionable ingredients and foreign sourcing, Life's Abundance is made in America, has strict quality regulations, and boasts a 25+ year recall-free history. Its freshness and short shelf life ensure optimal nutrition. We believe that proper nutrition is paramount for your Aussie's quality of life, just as it is for humans.

  • Addressing Hip Dysplasia: It's important to note that an alarming 70% of all hip dysplasia in dogs is attributed to poor diet, vitamin deficiencies, and improper or insufficient exercise at a young age. Our commitment to Life's Abundance is a direct effort to give our puppies the best possible start. For your convenience, Life's Abundance delivers directly to your home, often within 48 hours, and can be set up for auto-ship.

  • Essential Vitamins: To bridge any nutritional gaps, our dogs also receive Nuvet Vitamins or Life's Abundance Wellness Vitamins. Just as humans often struggle to maintain a perfectly balanced diet, dogs can benefit from supplementation. These high-quality vitamins are crucial for the health issues covered by our health guarantee, and their use will be part of your puppy contract. You can easily order these through links on our website.

Nurturing Temperament and Development

  • Exceptional Temperament Selection: Temperament is a cornerstone of our breeding program. We carefully select breeding dogs with loving and stable temperaments.

  • The Puppy Culture Program: To further enhance emotional resilience and stability, we passionately implement the Puppy Culture Program. This acclaimed program helps us raise confident, well-adjusted pups who can handle children, loud noises, and diverse environments. Our puppies are raised in our living room, not in a back room or barn, ensuring constant interaction with us, our other dogs, grandchildren, and teenagers – all contributing to well-rounded socialization.

  • "The Other Piece of the Puzzle": Alongside Puppy Culture, we utilize Pat Hastings' "The Other Piece of the Puzzle" Puppy Development Program. This extensive program covers everything from prenatal development through the neonatal and transitional periods, focusing on awareness, socialization, curiosity, and the impact of fear imprinting. We highly recommend this book for ongoing guidance.

  • Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS): We perform ENS, a practice of exposing very young puppies (days 3-16) to brief, gentle stimuli. This enhances their neurological development and improves their ability to cope with stress later in life.

Comprehensive Puppy Preparation

  • Open Door Policy: Our commitment doesn't end when your puppy goes home. We have an open-door policy, meaning you can always contact us for support and guidance throughout your dog's life.

  • Puppy Package: You'll receive a comprehensive puppy package outlining crucial items for raising a healthy, long-lived, and emotionally balanced dog. Along with a weekly update.

  • Veterinary Care: All our puppies are wormed throughout their 8 weeks as needed. They receive an eye exam by an ophthalmologist at 8 weeks, their first round of vaccinations, and a puppy wellness report from our veterinarian. We also provide research-backed information on the potential risks of over-vaccinating your puppy.

The extensive energy, time, and specialized care we invest in our dogs and puppies lay a remarkable foundation. This dedication not only benefits the dog but can also save you money on potential health issues over their lifetime. The daily conditioning, desensitization, and skilled socialization training inherent in our programs are time-consuming, but we cherish every moment!

Ann & Rob Ellis

raellis2@hotmail.com

541-905-3932