TELLTALE AUSSIES FAQ
How far in advance should I fill out an inquiry & get on the waitlist?
I try and keep my waitlist numbers small and only keep an official list for planned litters. It's okay to fill out an inquiry form a few years in advance, but I may ask you to fill it out again at a later date. 1 year in advance is sufficient timing for filling out a form and getting on my waitlist. I'm always happy to answer questions even if you aren't ready to be on the waitlist. You can join our email list for updates before filling out a full inquiry form.
I'm on the waitlist, now what ?
I usually check in a few months before a planned breeding to make sure you're still interested. After that I will notify you when the breeding takes place, at pregnancy confirmation, and at birth. Once puppies are born and thriving you will be invited to join a group chat with the other puppy owners (optional) to get to know them and continue to share pictures and updates as puppies grow. I share daily updates, pictures, and videos in the chat. You will also be given access to a livestream puppy cam.
What kind of training and socialization do Telltale puppies get before going home ?
Telltale puppies are raised with Puppy Culture & ENS protocols. Puppies are started on housebreaking, crate training, leash walking, clicker training, early scent introduction, and other early socialization & exposure.
Do you sell to pet homes?
Yes! I sell to active pet homes who are willing and able to meet the mental and physical needs of an Aussie. Some of my pet puppies enjoy hanging out at the horse barn, trail riding, ice fishing, canicross, running, hiking, or learning tricks!
Do you take deposits?
Yes, when puppies are a few weeks old and I am confident I will have a puppy for you I ask for a non-refundable deposit. This does not reserve a specific puppy.
Do I need Aussie experience to own a Telltale dog?
No! Feel free to reach out to me with any questions you may have about Aussies or Telltale dogs specifically.
Do you allow potential puppy owners to meet your dogs?
Yes! I encourage local homes to come and meet myself and the dogs. If you've never owned an Aussie before this is a good way to get a feel for the breed and my dogs specifically. I am always happy to share my trial schedule or plan to meet somewhere local so that you can meet my dogs.
Do you allow puppy owners to visit the puppies?
Yes, when puppies are 5+ weeks old I start allowing prospective owners to visit and play with puppies.
Do you allow puppy owners to pick their own puppy?
No, Telltale matches puppies with their new owners. As the breeder I see and interact with the puppies daily from birth to 10 weeks and I feel I have the best assessment of their temperament. Placement decisions are based on your puppy inquiry form and subsequent conversations about your home and lifestyle.
What if I have a color preference?
I feel the right dog is never the wrong color and encourage prospective owners to be flexible when it comes to their dogs' paint job. If color is a nonnegotiable trait you may end up waiting longer for the right puppy.
When do you make puppy placement decisions?
At 7-8 weeks of age I make my placement decisions and let puppy owners know who they'll be taking home. I wait until after vet checks and first eye exams have been done before making final decisions.
What age do your puppies go home?
Telltale puppies go home at 10 weeks of age. In my experience this is a better age for them to transition into their new homes.
Do you ship puppies?
No, at this time I do not ship puppies. Exceptions may be made for repeat buyers.
Why do you require puppy buyers to complete orthopedic health screening?
I sell mostly performance dogs and I feel it is important to make sure they are physically sound enough to do the things we ask of them. Having health testing information on as many relatives as possible is also beneficial data for my breeding program and future puppies.
Why do you require late spay/neuter?
Testosterone in Males and Estrogen in Females are both essential hormones for the physical and mental development of all dogs. Early spay and neuter attributes to delayed closure of the puppy's growth plates, leading to disproportionate natural growth resulting in a non-genetically-determined adult composition of structure and increasing the likelihood of a ruptured/torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), patellar luxation, and hip dysplasia due to the abnormal strain caused by increased length in certain bones. Not only does it affect physical growth patterns, it also has an effect on the dog's mental health, often attributing to insecurity, noise sensitivity, fear reactivity and aggression, among other things. Removing sex hormones lowers the resting metabolic rate, increasing the risk of weight gain and obesity. The incidence of inappropriate behaviors such as mounting were actually increased in males who were neutered at a younger age. I require all puppies to remain intact for their first 24 months for their mental and physical well-being. Please see our links page for more information.
Do you sell dogs with breeding rights?
As of right now (2026) I do not sell puppies on full registration without co-owning. This could change in the future but while my program is still new and growing I'd like to see a few generations mature before allowing them to be used in other programs. Please see my co-owner page for more information on co-owning a Telltale dog.
Do you ever have docked or bobtail puppies?
I may occasionally have natural bobtail puppies available. Telltale puppies keep the tail they are born with regardless of length.
Do you ever have retired adults available?
Our breeding dogs are pets first and foremost and most of them stay here throughout their entire lives. We may occasionally have a young adult available or a dog returned that needs new placement.