First Contact

For a first contact you can start with an introductory email, join our email list, or fill out a puppy inquiry form. Our inquiry form is open ended and detailed and is most useful when filled out 6-12 months before your ideal puppy timeline. Once we have litter plans in place we will reach out to set up a phone interview. We are always happy to tell you about or answer questions about our dogs. 

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Phase One: The Waiting Game

Our girls typically cycle every 8 to 10 months. To ensure our breeding females recover completely and stay in peak physical condition, we skip cycles as needed. Sometimes we need a break from puppy raising to focus on training and trialing our own dogs. Because of this, wait times for a puppy can vary significantly.

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Fertile Window: Once a female goes into heat, she will become fertile sometime within the first 16 days. However, that actual fertile window is brief—lasting only about 72 hours. Sometimes the logistics of getting to a male or shipping semen just don't work in our favor and we have to try again the next cycle. 

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Litter Size Expectations: On average, Aussies typically have litters of 4 to 8 puppies. However, when we utilize advanced reproductive choices—such as frozen semen breedings—the litter size may produce less than average. This natural variation directly affects how quickly we can move through our waitlist.

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Pregnancy Confirmation: After breeding, there is a waiting period. We perform a veterinary ultrasound 28 to 35 days post-ovulation to officially confirm whether or not she is pregnant and give us an early estimate of litter size. 

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Puppy Count X-Ray: To ensure a safe delivery and get a more accurate headcount, we take our girls in for a puppy count X-ray about 1 week prior to their due date. Because puppy skeletons do not ossify (harden) until late in pregnancy, this gives us the most accurate count possible so we know exactly what to expect on whelping day.

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Phase Two: Joining the Telltale Community

Once the puppies arrive safely and are thriving, our community officially kicks into gear!

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Litter Group Chat: You will be invited to join an optional group chat with the other families from your puppy’s litter. This allows you to build relationships with your puppy's extended family and share pictures and brags for years to come.

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Daily Updates: We share daily updates, pictures, and videos directly in the group chat so you never miss a milestone.

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Puppy Cam: All future owners gain access to our private, live-streaming puppy cam to watch the litter play, sleep, and grow in real-time.

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Phase 3: Deposit Contract

Once the puppies are past their most vulnerable early weeks, we begin formalizing commitments with the families on our waitlist. Once we have your deposit you will be given access to our puppy take home guides.

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Timing: We request and accept deposits when the puppies are 4 to 5 weeks old.

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What Your Deposit Guarantees: A deposit does not guarantee a specific puppy. Instead, it guarantees a secure spot on that specific litter's list, providing all puppies pass their final veterinary clearances.

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Deposit Contract: Before any funds change hands, we send out a specific deposit contract along with a sample of our puppy contract outlining all terms clearly. We are always happy to share sample contracts with prospective owners ahead of time upon request.

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Phase 4: Puppy Evaluations & Matches

We use a comprehensive evaluation process to ensure the best match for your lifestyle and the puppy's temperament.

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Puppy Evaluations: At 7 to 8 weeks of age, we make our final placement decisions.

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Vet Clearances: We do not assign puppies to homes until after they have passed their veterinary checks and their first OFA eye exams.

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Puppy Reveal: Once health clearances are complete, we notify each family which specific puppy will be joining their household!