Here at Boot Top Aussies: Building a puppy starts with the parents.
All of our females come from excellent proven foundation stock. We have done our homework to assure that there is no ancestor in the family trees of any of our females that has any genetic health issues. Our females bloodlines are all proven athletes with a long life spans. All possible testing has been done to assure our first building block is a sturdy one. We feel that this is the key to producing puppies that will continue to live healthy lives for many years. Knowing this information gives us the confidence to know that we have the
first major building block to making puppies that as they turn into old dogs will be able to withstand the aging process and not have to spend their elder years in discomfort and vet visits because they just did not have the genetic make-up to withstand the tests of time.
The females at Boot Top Aussies must not only pass structurally to be entered into the breeding program, but they also must have the correct mind set. Australian Shepherds are herding dogs. Different bloodlines carry different levels of herding instinct. The females at Boot Top Aussies have herding instinct, but they also must be house dogs and have the mental capability to be polite companions and enjoy quiet time. A female that is too nervous, over stimulated, or just too busy is not allowed into our breeding program, no matter how structurally perfect she is. We consider the mind as important as the body. They must be athletes, ready to go when called, but comfortable being a pet as well.
We spare no expense when it comes to finding the correct males for our females. Everything that applies to the females, of course, applies to the males. We search out the perfect cross for each individual female. We do not just breed one male to all females. Finding the perfect cross is an art. We spare no expense or time in pursue of the perfect cross. Our goal at Boot Top Aussies is to always be a key breeder in improving the breed. There are no "chance" breeding's. Each breeding is very methodically thought out and pedigrees are studied intensely before breeding decisions are made.
Here At Boot Top Aussies: good nutrition is a key to healthy puppies
The healthiest puppies come from the healthiest dogs. There is no denying that.
We spare no cost on making sure that our dogs have all of the proper nutrition necessary to build strong bone and muscular structure in our puppies. If a female is lacking a nutrient in her diet, so will the puppy and the building structure of the puppy will be compromised.
We take diet very seriously. The food that we feed uses hormone, antibiotic and pesticide free human grade meats and only the highest quality supplements. Our puppies are born healthy, strong and are nursing within minutes. This is the same diet that the puppies are fed as they start to wean and continue on this high quality diet until the day they go to their new homes. This balance of correct nutrition builds strong bone, muscle, tendons and ligaments; all needed to have a truly health, happy dog. Both physically and mentally.
Here at Boot Top Aussies: the mental state of our pregnant mothers
takes priority
Once a female is bred she goes through several hormone changes. These changes can upset her whole nervous system. As her body is preparing for the pregnancy and these changes are occurring, occasionally they can become anxious, insecure and have special needs. We feel that during these early developmental stages of the embryo that it is important to do all that we can to make sure that the females stay calm and experience as little stress as possible if we see any of these signs. They are never "just dismissed" at Boot Top.
All attention turns towards the pregnant female and her "out of character" needs for the first few weeks after conception until the hormone levels stabilize. A nervous, anxious, mother makes nervous puppies. As the central nervous system starts to develop immediately, we take this extra step to assure good mental health for our puppies.
Here at Boot Top Aussies: we make sure the birthing process is as
stress free for the puppies as possible
Some breeders feel that it is best to let nature take it's course. We do that as much as possible, but with complete supervision so that each puppy has the best start to life. The mothers are never left alone prior to whelping and new litters are checked on often throughout the night for the first few week. We make sure that no one puppy gets less than the rest. The surroundings that we have our females and their new babies in is a safe, stress free environment where they can flourish.
Here at Boot Top Aussies: socialization begins at three days old
There are several stages in a puppy's life where learning and socialization is maximized.
Certain experiences need to happen (or not happen, in some cases) at a particular time, and if not, the "window of opportunity" closes and the potential benefits of those experiences
are missed. We follow a progressive program with each week of development to assure that our puppies are well socialized when they go to their new homes. This is paramount for a good start to bringing a new puppy into your family.
Here at Boot Top Aussies: our puppies grow up in a healthy environment
We clean and sanitize our puppy area three times a day. We begin litter box training and offer them access to "go potty" outside so the house training is well started when they go to their new homes. There is usually a set back with the major change of new caregivers and environment as they adjust to their new families and home, but the beginning stages of
house breaking are well under way when they leave.
Here at Boot Top Aussies: our puppies are dewormed and vaccinated
All of our females are on a strict vaccination, heart worm preventative, and deworming program. Our puppies are vaccinated as soon as of age, and put on a deworming program.
Here at Boot Top Aussies: our puppies eyes are cleared for any breed genetic defects
We take all of our puppies to a certified veterinarian ophthalmologist and have their eyes cleared of any genetic defects. This is an extensive eye exam.
Here at Boot Top Aussies: our puppies go through an extensive evaluation process
We evaluate for type, genetic integrity, good temperament and structural soundness.
Detailed records are kept on each puppy and a copy is available to all new puppy owners.
Here at Boot Top Aussies: all of our Boot Top Babies that are sold as pet/companion puppies are spayed/neutered before going to their new homes.
During our evaluation process many of our puppies are evaluated as show/breeding stock puppies. Our standards here are set very high. Only the "extremely exceptional" puppies will be allowed to enter the mentoring program and remain intact as a show/breeding dog.
The show/breeding stock puppies that are very capable of acquiring show titles if left intact, but not "EXTREMELY" exceptional are spayed/neutered and placed in pet homes as ambassadors for the breed. There is no extra charge for these puppies. We feel that the pet/companion owner is as important as the breeder in representing the breed. The only exception to this is if a male puppy has not yet dropped both testicals before going to his new home. Then we hold the papers on that puppy until a written statement from their vet that the puppy has been neutered has been received, then we release the registration papers. In these cases, we will credit $100.00 to go towards the future neuter. The pet owner is the one that is more so in the public eye introducing new people to our wonderful breed. We have found that at this young age, they bounce back in a day from spay or neuter and are then ready to take on their new families!
Here at Boot Top Aussies: we offer a mentoring program
If you have interest in a show/breeding quality puppy we offer a
which offers you the opportunity for success with guidance and continuing education.
Please contact us or click on the on our home page for more information on our if you are interested in a show/breeding stock puppy.
Here at Boot Top Aussies: we are a very active member of
T.A.S.A.A. (TOY AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD ASSN. OF AMERICA)
We are a very active member of our national breed association and editor of the breed association newsletter. This is a newsletter that is sent out across the United States as well
as into other countries via e-mail. The newsletter is called "TASAA TOY TALK" and is
filled with educational information about our breed. We include information for show/breeding stock owners as well as pet/companion owners. If you are interested in receiving this complementary bi-monthly e-mail newsletter please let me know by sending me an e-mail at: shaykett@bevcomm.net
and send your e-mail to me attention: Cindy Shaykett
Here at Boot Top Aussies: You are a member of our "Fur Family" for the life of your dog
Once you purchase a puppy from Boot Top Aussies you become a member of our extended "Fur Family" and we are always available for questions or continued education. Here at Boot Top you will always find an open door and a listening ear to help make your life with your new family member the best that it can be!
