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Frequently Asked Questions
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Do Australian Shepherds Shed?Simply put yes Aussies do shed. They are considered moderate to heavy shedders. It truly depends on the dog though, some of our Aussies shed year-round, some only shed mildly and have moderate-heavy shedding in between seasons when they blow their coat.
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What grooming is required with Aussies?It depends on the exact dog but as a good rule of thumb regular brushing is recommended but not needed for most of our puppies as they have an easy to maintain coats. Some trimming is necessary a few times a year but shaving is never recommended as they are double coated dogs and it will damage their coat and make it harder for them to self-regulate their body temperature.
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What kind of food do you feed?We feed a brand of food called Whole Hearted which can be purchased at Petco. The recipe we use is Lamb and Rice. When receiving your new puppy from us we will give you some to get started but we highly recommend you purchase a bag even if you plan to switch to a different food as the switch should be done gradually to not give them upset stomachs. The process of switching is simple but necessary, we recommend starting them with the food mentioned above, giving them a few days to get settled into their new environment. Once settled start by feeding mostly the food with a small quantity of the new, each day add a little bit more of the new and less of the old until you are left with only the new food. This should ideally take 2 weeks but no less than 1 week.
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How does your process work?If you apply to our waiting list: Once your application is approved we will add you to our waiting list. We do not require any deposit to go on our waiting list. During the pregnancy, we will send out updates to let you know how mom and babies are doing and progressing. Once she goes into labor we will send out an announcement and again once they are all born. After they are born we give mom and baby some time to bond over the first few days. Once the puppies are doing well and can be separated for pictures we will begin taking individual puppy photos for everyone to choose from. We go down our waiting list in order so it is important to get on the list early to have the most choices. After you have selected your new puppy, we require a $200 deposit to hold the puppy for you. If you are choosing from a puppy that is already born: Once you have chosen your puppy we require a $200 deposit to hold him or her for you, all deposit is non-refundable and of course do come off your total due at the end. The deposit can be made several ways including PayPal, Apple Pay, check or through our website. After you have chosen your new puppy: We send regular updates including photos and videos throughout the eight weeks until they are ready to be picked up. By the time they are ready to be picked up the puppies will have been to the vet once when they are three days old to be examined as well as have their tails and dewclaws done. Then again they will go to the vet at eight weeks old to have an examination, their first set of shots and receive a health certificate. After they receive their health certificate, they are available to be picked up. When it’s time to pick up your puppy the remaining balance is due in Cash. You will receive a welcome home basket including some essentials, their AKC paperwork, health certificate, and some other important information.
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Do you require a deposit?Yes, we require a $200 standard non-refundable deposit to hold your puppy until they are ready to be picked up.
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Do you dock tails?Yes. Breed standards according to the AKC is for all Australian Shepherd to have docked tails and rear dewclaws removed if they have them. As a reputable breeder we follow AKC standards, how ever times are changing and ultimately it is your dog your decision. Tail docking is done at 3 days old before their pain receptors form in the tail to make sure it is a painless process. If you are looking for a puppy with a fully intact tail please make sure you make you contact us as soon as possible to get on our waiting list as the time frame is very limited after they are born. Please note: If you are requesting a puppy with an intact tail the deposit increases to $600 as we are deviating from breed standards to help ensure your commitment to the puppy.
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Do you have any product recommendations or helpful tips?Yes! Please see our tip and product recommendation page!
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Do you offer breeding rights or full registration?Yes, It is offered on an individual basis after an interview for an additional cost. All prices listed on our website is for Pet Pricing or Limited registration. If you are interested in breeding your Aussie or need full registration, please contact us for more information.
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Do you keep in contact with your past puppies after they leave your care?Yes! We love keeping in contact with our previous puppies and love updates! We even have a Facebook group just for owners of puppies from Copper Top Aussies so they can chat, talk about training and post updates!
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What do you recommend bringing when picking up your new puppy?A towel in cases of accidents or car sickness.
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Do you allow us to bring our pets to meet the new puppy?No, for safety reasons we do not allow any outside animals on the property. We recommend leaving them at home so you can spend the car ride home bonding with your new puppy and building trust.
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Are your puppies vaccinated and dewormed?Yes! Our puppies are dewormed regularly to prevent parasites as well as vaccinated at 8 weeks old. They also receive a Florida Certificate of Health at 8 weeks old from the vet.
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Do you do health testing on your dogs?Yes, Absolutely! All of our parents have been health tested to make sure they are clear from passing down any preventable inheritable diseases or disorders.
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Do you offer shipping or delivery?Yes! We offer delivery and or shipping of our puppies anywhere is the continental US!
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