Miniature American Shepherds Deposits

Every litter we produce is carefully planned with the purpose of improving the breed.  The Sire and Dam are carefully selected and fully health tested prior to breeding.  We scrutinize pedigrees, temperament, herding and play drive to match what we are looking for in each litter.  Once the breeding is confirmed and the Dam is getting close to her delivery date, she will be moved into the whelping room where she can become familiar with her surroundings and get comfortable. 

Puppies are born in the whelping room, weighed daily to ensure weight gain and handled regularly.  From day 3 - 16, which is considered to be a critical period of rapid neurological growth and development, we perform exercises as part of the Bio Sensory program to develop early neurological stimulation.  For the first two weeks the puppies spend most of their time just eating and sleeping. 

At around three weeks old, the puppies are moving around the whelping area, beginning to explore and play with their littermates.  Toys and stimulating surfaces are introduced to the puppies and the mother dog starts to leave more frequently to enjoy some time away from the puppies.  Litter boxes are set up with clean wood pellets to promote early potty training.  Puppies like to keep their bed area clean and it is amazing to see them start using the litter at such an early age.  By five weeks all of the puppies should be using the litter boxes regularly. Teething occurs from three to six weeks and they are mouthing every object they can get their little chompers into.!  At four weeks old, food is introduced, starting with some plain yogurt, then finely ground turkey mixed with oatmeal pablum.  Gradually, moist kibble is added and by five weeks the puppies are eating well.  Weaning is normally done by the mother dog who gradually nurses less and less.  We try to allow the mother dogs to naturally wean their puppies.  Between four to six weeks the puppies are also brought out to the play room to explore and venture out to new areas.

Puppies begin to gain some independence and are introduced to other areas of the house and outdoors.  Potty training continues outside during playtime.  Lots of socialization with other dogs in the house and some manners are taught as well.  This is a critical period of development where puppies begin to learn bite inhibition, rules of possession in the pack, discipline from the mother and older dogs and interaction with different members of the human family, friends, and visitors including children.  Puppies are taken for car rides, a visit to the veterinarian for first vaccination and health check up, they are micro chipped and introduced to collar and leash.  Treats are plentiful for puppies who learn to come when called, sit and just have fun playing!  The playroom is full of stimulating toys, tunnels, various surfaces, lots of noise etc

First vaccination and Health Record

Micro Chip and Record (Lifetime)

Copy of our Non Breeding Contract with 3 Year Genetic Health Guarantee

Registration application for CKC

Flash drive with pictures of parents, puppies, pedigrees, health tests of parents and lots of resource material and e-books

Puppy Care Package: dog food, toys, bowl, blanket, collar, leash

We feed all of our dogs a raw food and kibble diet.  You do not have to feed your new puppy a raw diet, but, all of the puppies will go home with some raw food or a 5 day supply of kibble.  I feed BOREAL or Canadian Naturals kibble to my pregnant and nursing mothers and to puppies at around 6 - 7 weeks old so they are used to eating both when they leave here after 8 weeks of age.  Global Pet Foods carries both brands of kibble and Big Country Raw can be ordered online as well as found in many retail pet food stores.