Frequently Asked Questions
1.
How to Pick a Puppy?
To start your puppy search send us an email telling us
about your living situation. What you are looking for in a
puppy or breeding program and any other information that
might help us pair you with the perfect Mini Aussi.
As responsible breeders, one of our most important jobs is
to match the puppies personality to a new home. By telling
us a bit about yourselves and your families wants &
needs, we will be able to help you adopt your new best
friend. Don't let the color or markings of a puppy be your
only guiding factor. Out goal is to have dogs loving their
family and families loving their dog.
Selecting the right personality is very important: Toy
& Mini Aussie's can have several different levels of
temperament in each litter. We classify the puppies into
three different types.
Mild:
We consider these the couch
potato type. These puppies make the best choice for someone
looking for a less herding, less active companion dog. They
are still very intelligent and can be working stock dogs if
you choose. They are just not as apt with stock or play and
herding. Even the mild temperament typed puppies will need
mental stimulation to keep them from being
destructive(chewing on the wrong things) until they have
matured and understand the rules of their new home.
Medium:
These puppies will mature to
be the best of both worlds. They are generally content to
just hang out with you, but are always up for hiking, fetch
and herding. As working dogs, they tend to call off easier
as they aren't so zoned in on the task at hand.
Strong:
They are very busy even at 8
weeks old. They require daily activity of some sort that
includes mental stimulation and physical exercise. Games of
fetch or going for a walk will generally do the trick
however, they need room to run. These dogs tend to make the
best agility dogs. They do settle down with you to watch TV
or just hang out, they just require more exercise than the
mild or medium tempered types. Toy & Mini Aussie
puppies with a strong working personality can be a
challenge for a first time dog owner.
We welcome you to come spend some time with the litter, sit
on floor or grass and play with them. The puppy that
chooses you will be more likely to be responsive and
willing for you. This is the beginning of a bond that will
last 12 to 16 years. If you are unable to get to us, let us
help you by emailing us what you expect from a puppy. We
will gladly match you with the puppy of your dreams!
2. What Gender makes a better pet, Male or Female?
Both, genders
make great pets! If you are looking for a
very
affectionate dog,
I would suggest a male. The male aussies are very loving
and are more consistently affectionate. Female aussies are
affectionate but an unspayed female will have her moods.
Males do tend to have the "frill or collar"; females are
generally less striking as adults. Both Sexes are better
pets when altered.
We love them all!
3. If I currently have a male or female pet dog, should I
get the same or opposite gender?
If both or all
pets are spayed or neutered it doesn't make a difference.
We have some of everything and haven't had any issues.
4. Do Toys/Mini Aussies
get along with children and other pets?
Both Toys &
Mini Aussies are great with children and wonderful family
pets. They are also very accepting of other animals and
pets. Be mindful that they are herding dogs and may
sometimes herd the cats, dogs or other family members.
5. Will my puppy need
training?
Yes, all
puppies need training and guidance. We encourage basic
puppy obedience classes/training. Aussies thrive in
families that provide consistent obedience training,
socializing and exercise.
6. Are Aussies easy to train?
Yes, Aussies of all sizes are very easy to train! They can
do just about anything you train them to do.
7. What registries do
you use?
Our dogs are
registered with American Stock Dog Registry and or National
Stock Dog Registry. All dogs can be "Hardship" with NSDR,
in the case NSDR registration is preferred. They will have
papers with pedigree from ASDR.
8. How do I place a hold on a Puppy?
Simply return
the completed Deposit Agreement with $200 check and the
puppy of your dreams will be held for you. Deposits are
NON-REFUNDABLE and will be deducted from the purchase price
of the puppy. Note that returning a signed Deposit
Agreement requires you to pay remaining balance a week
before delivery, pickup or shipping.
We now accept PAYPAL. Please,
email for details. beginnerstowinners@volcano.net
9. When can my Puppy
come to its forever home?
Puppies will be
ready to go home between 8 and 10 weeks old. Age may vary
depending on individual maturity of puppy.
10. Do you
Deliver?
Yes, depending on where you are located within California.
We may ask you to meet us half way if you are several hours
from us.
11. Where are you
located, so I can pick-up my puppy?
We are located
45 minutes from either Sacramento or Stockton near Jackson
California.
Our address is 4651 Curran Road. Ione CA. 95640
12. How should I
prepare my home for a puppy?
Just as you
would for a small child, keeping small choking hazards up
out of reach. Lock up any and all harmful chemicals and
cleaning products. Don't let your puppy jump down or off of
furniture.
13. How should I
introduce my other pets & Children to my new puppy?
Make sure you
continue your normal routine with your other pets. To help
prevent any jealously give your pets attention just before
introducing them to your new puppy. Always, take this
process slowly and don't leave your pets and puppy together
until your sure they are safe together.
Slowly introduce your children to your new puppy, teaching
them how and where to pet the puppy is an important step.
Don't let small children hold or carry your puppy. Never
leave a small child and your puppy alone.
14. What do I feed my
puppy?
Never feed your
Mini/Toy Aussi puppy food. Puppy food and Puppy Chow
contain growth hormones that cause Mini/Toy Aussies to grow
too big and will cause joint pain and tendon & ligament
complications, even Hip Dysphasia. When choosing a dog food
for your new puppy always read the ingredients. The First
Two to Four ingredients should always be Meat. Grains are
only fillers and should be at least third or lower on the
list. Plus, your dogs food should NEVER include CORN, WHEAT
or WHEAT GLUTEN! Resist the urge to buy "Puppy" and go with
the best quality dog kibble you can find. We proudly feed
Costco's Chicken & Rice to all of our dogs.
Medications: Aussies and other Herding types such as
Collies, Border Collies & Shelties can have certain
drug sensitives. Aussies should never be given any of the
Drugs listed below. Note, Heartguard is on the list
because it can cause seizures in sensitive Aussies. Use
Interceptor instead. Note, not all Vets are familiar with
this list or the MDR1 Mutation.
Ivermectin (antiparasitic agent)
"Heartguard"
Loperamide (Imodium: over-the-counter antidiarrheal agent)
Doxorubicin (anti-cancer agent)
Vincristine (anti-cancer agent)
Vinblastine (anti-cancer agent)
Cyctosporin (immunosuppressive agent)
Digoxin (heart drug)
Acepromazine (tranquilizer)
Butorphanol (pain control)
15. Does my puppy come
with a health guarantee?
Yes, a 48 hour health
guarantee. We also give a three year genetic health
guarantee on All of our puppies.
16. I'm out of state.
Will you ship my puppy?
Yes, we can
ship your puppy!
We will research the best and most direct route for your
new baby and then provide you with a quote that includes a
Health Certificate, Crate & Airfare for addition of the
puppies purchasing price.
*We will try our best to accommodate both yours and our
schedules when shipping puppies.
Southwest Airlines has a new pet policy allowing small pets
and their crates to be counted as a "carry on" bag. Check
out www.Southwest.com for more information on their New Pet
Policy.
17. What if I want to
breed my puppy?
All our puppies
are sold on a Show or Companion Contract. Companion puppies
are sold with ASCA/NSDR limited registration papers and a
sterilization agreement. Companion puppies from RHR Mini
Aussies are NOT the undersirable pups from a litter. They
are simply pups who will not be used for breeding or
showing. They are quite often show quality, and are sold
with the same Guarantee.
Email us at
beginnerstowinners@volcano.net
Angie Peters
4651 Curran Road
Ione, Calif. 95640
