This page covers most of the Frequently Asked Questions we get. Please read it before inquiring. There are questions at the bottom that help us get to know you.
Each Imagineer puppy folder includes:
1) AKC and ASCA registration. Imagineer is a registered ASCA and AKC kennel name and must be included at the beginning of the puppy's registered name. All pups are ASCA and AKC DNA-VP (verified parentage) eligible.
2) Health guarantee plus shot and deworming record. All puppies will receive their first puppy vaccinations (DAP2 + Cv) and will have been dewormed 3X. All puppies are guaranteed against communicable diseases for five days after leaving and guaranteed against hip dysplasia and hereditary eye diseases. Breeding quality pups are guaranteed against infertility. (Sample guarantees available upon request.)
3) Microchip # for AKC Reunite. Puppies are microchipped before leaving and will be registered with AKC Reunite.
4) Pedigree. Five-generation pedigree.
5) Eye exam results. Litter eye checks are done between 6 and 8 weeks of age by an OFA board certified veterinary ophthalmologist.
Each Imagineer puppy folder includes:
1) AKC and ASCA registration. Imagineer is a registered ASCA and AKC kennel name and must be included at the beginning of the puppy's registered name. All pups are ASCA and AKC DNA-VP (verified parentage) eligible.
2) Health guarantee plus shot and deworming record. All puppies will receive their first puppy vaccinations (DAP2 + Cv) and will have been dewormed 3X. All puppies are guaranteed against communicable diseases for five days after leaving and guaranteed against hip dysplasia and hereditary eye diseases. Breeding quality pups are guaranteed against infertility. (Sample guarantees available upon request.)
3) Microchip # for AKC Reunite. Puppies are microchipped before leaving and will be registered with AKC Reunite.
4) Pedigree. Five-generation pedigree.
5) Eye exam results. Litter eye checks are done between 6 and 8 weeks of age by an OFA board certified veterinary ophthalmologist.
Qualified homes:
While priority is give to proven performance homes, we like to work with newcomers, too. We do place puppies in companion homes, but all owners must be willing to take their pups to basic obedience before one year of age, provide proper veterinary care, containment, activity, and socialization. They must keep us updated about their dog's training, health, and temperament and notify us if they are no longer able to keep their dog.
In order to purchase breeding quality pups, previous experience in some competitive venue is a prerequisite. We're always willing to serve as mentors and love getting new folks involved in the breed.
About Aussie behavior:
Aussies are generally good with children, provided they've been exposed to them regularly and are properly trained. Dogs and young children should always be supervised when together.
Aussies can be protective of their homes. When out in public or properly introduced to strangers, Aussies should be accepting of them. Some are very friendly, some more aloof. We do place puppies with owners who live in apartments or condos, provided they can arrange regular physical exercise for their dogs. Many of our dogs belong to runners and hikers. A fenced area for exercise is highly recommended.
For more information on whether an Aussie might be right for you and how to find a breeder, check out Choosing an Aussie on the ASCA website.
While priority is give to proven performance homes, we like to work with newcomers, too. We do place puppies in companion homes, but all owners must be willing to take their pups to basic obedience before one year of age, provide proper veterinary care, containment, activity, and socialization. They must keep us updated about their dog's training, health, and temperament and notify us if they are no longer able to keep their dog.
In order to purchase breeding quality pups, previous experience in some competitive venue is a prerequisite. We're always willing to serve as mentors and love getting new folks involved in the breed.
About Aussie behavior:
Aussies are generally good with children, provided they've been exposed to them regularly and are properly trained. Dogs and young children should always be supervised when together.
Aussies can be protective of their homes. When out in public or properly introduced to strangers, Aussies should be accepting of them. Some are very friendly, some more aloof. We do place puppies with owners who live in apartments or condos, provided they can arrange regular physical exercise for their dogs. Many of our dogs belong to runners and hikers. A fenced area for exercise is highly recommended.
For more information on whether an Aussie might be right for you and how to find a breeder, check out Choosing an Aussie on the ASCA website.
Evaluations:
Unfortunately, we cannot determine placement of pups before 7 to 8 weeks of age, when final evaluations for structure and personality are done. Based on owners’ goals and needs, pups and owners are then matched up beginning at 8 weeks. Rather than going strictly by pick order, we'll discuss with you which puppies might be the best fit for you and then let you pick from those. Sometimes that will be a few puppies, sometimes it's just one. Be aware that it can take time for us to go through the whole litter and correspond with people, then arrange visits and make final decisions. We want you to be a team for life.
Structural evaluations for show or breeding quality pups can't be done before 7 weeks of age due to the simple fact that younger pups haven't developed the musculature or size to be able to observe their movement well.
We observe and interact with all the pups, both as a group and individually, on an ongoing basis. A puppy's personality is not set in stone at 8 weeks, as a dog's temperament depends on three things: genetics, early socialization, and later how you teach them to navigate through stress. While we do our best to breed for sound temperament and provide early socialization, ultimately the environment and training that you provide help shape the pup’s eventual character.
Unfortunately, we cannot determine placement of pups before 7 to 8 weeks of age, when final evaluations for structure and personality are done. Based on owners’ goals and needs, pups and owners are then matched up beginning at 8 weeks. Rather than going strictly by pick order, we'll discuss with you which puppies might be the best fit for you and then let you pick from those. Sometimes that will be a few puppies, sometimes it's just one. Be aware that it can take time for us to go through the whole litter and correspond with people, then arrange visits and make final decisions. We want you to be a team for life.
Structural evaluations for show or breeding quality pups can't be done before 7 weeks of age due to the simple fact that younger pups haven't developed the musculature or size to be able to observe their movement well.
We observe and interact with all the pups, both as a group and individually, on an ongoing basis. A puppy's personality is not set in stone at 8 weeks, as a dog's temperament depends on three things: genetics, early socialization, and later how you teach them to navigate through stress. While we do our best to breed for sound temperament and provide early socialization, ultimately the environment and training that you provide help shape the pup’s eventual character.
Deposits and final selection:
Deposits and price -- Deposits ($200, deductible from the purchase price of $1,500 for limited registration [spay/neuter agreement] or $2000 and up for full registration [breeding quality]) will be accepted after the litter is whelped. Repeat buyers who've purchased an Imagineer Aussie in the past will receive a $200 discount.
Color and sex - If your last three dogs were merles and you'd like a solid this time, that's understandable. Just don’t make color or sex your sole determining factors. If you already have a dog, we recommend selecting a pup of the opposite sex, as they are more likely to get along. Two males also generally do okay. Two females... really depends on the age difference and their personalities.
Puppy Pick-Up - Puppies must be picked up between 8 and 9 weeks of age. After 9 weeks, a boarding fee of $50 per week will be charged, payable in advance, in order to hold the puppy.
Shipping:
We prefer you pick up your puppy in person, but if that's not possible we can ship via air. For air shipping, additional costs will be incurred, including the shipping itself, a crate, and a vet visit for a health certificate. Younger puppies (8-10 weeks) can also accompany you in an under-the-seat carrier on most airlines for about $100 if you want to fly in yourself.
Please note: We will not send puppies via third party (ground) shippers. Also, we will no longer ship puppies or adult dogs abroad unattended. We have listed several European breeders with similar lines on our Links page that we highly recommend.
So you're still interested in a puppy from us? Great! What's the next step?
Deposits and price -- Deposits ($200, deductible from the purchase price of $1,500 for limited registration [spay/neuter agreement] or $2000 and up for full registration [breeding quality]) will be accepted after the litter is whelped. Repeat buyers who've purchased an Imagineer Aussie in the past will receive a $200 discount.
Color and sex - If your last three dogs were merles and you'd like a solid this time, that's understandable. Just don’t make color or sex your sole determining factors. If you already have a dog, we recommend selecting a pup of the opposite sex, as they are more likely to get along. Two males also generally do okay. Two females... really depends on the age difference and their personalities.
Puppy Pick-Up - Puppies must be picked up between 8 and 9 weeks of age. After 9 weeks, a boarding fee of $50 per week will be charged, payable in advance, in order to hold the puppy.
Shipping:
We prefer you pick up your puppy in person, but if that's not possible we can ship via air. For air shipping, additional costs will be incurred, including the shipping itself, a crate, and a vet visit for a health certificate. Younger puppies (8-10 weeks) can also accompany you in an under-the-seat carrier on most airlines for about $100 if you want to fly in yourself.
Please note: We will not send puppies via third party (ground) shippers. Also, we will no longer ship puppies or adult dogs abroad unattended. We have listed several European breeders with similar lines on our Links page that we highly recommend.
So you're still interested in a puppy from us? Great! What's the next step?
- Go to our contact page and e-mail us or message us on FB.
- Tell us about yourself:
- Name and location.
- Family and work situation and living arrangements (kids/no kids, single/married, multi-generational household, work from home/outside the home, apartment/condo vs. homeowner, fenced yard or not).
- Other current pets and past experience with dogs/Aussies.
- Why do you want an Australian Shepherd and what activities do you plan to participate in?
- Where will you be taking your puppy to for training class?
- Any specific preferences as to color, gender, or personality.