We do not breed our dogs until they are at least 2 years of age, have passed their health clearances and have proven foundation training in multiple disciplines.  Health clearances include BAER Hearing tests, X-rays for hip & elbow dysplasia and genetic testing for Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Primary Lens Luxation, Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 5/8/12, Myotonia Congenital, Degenerative Myelopathy, Cystinuria and MRD-1.

Puppies are raised in my home using Puppy Culture Protocols which is a socialization and training program specifically developed for puppies from birth through the end of their critical socialization period. 

Food is a very important part of keeping your puppy healthy through all the stages of life.  I feed a high quality kibble from the Canadian manufacturer Inukshuk called “30/25” which is easily available across the country.  Puppies go home with a starter pack of what they are being fed here.  Puppies will also be given our Reel High Value Dog Cookies made right here in my kitchen.  There are five varieties soft treats which are made of various meats and organs with no additives or preservatives.  They are easily cut to the right size for puppy mouths and because there is no glycerin or other additives to keep them soft, they don’t bother puppy tummies.  They are available for purchase in our SHOP. 

Many people confuse puppy play time with socialization.  Socialization is exposing your puppy to all that life can bring them! Every effort is made to socialize the puppies with a varied experience while they are here.  They experience “Puppy Playtopia” which is a puppy jungle gym of all kinds of equipment, surfaces and engagement opportunities.  It’s located outside in fair weather or in our indoor training room in the winter.  I try to get about 100 people of varying ages, genders and ethnicities in for play dates.  We do field trips to shopping centres, horse barns, our herding facility and to fellow breeders establishments. 

Absolutely!  We encourage our puppy families to come and experience puppy life with us!  We usually start welcoming visitors around 3-4 weeks of age to come and help socialize the puppies.  These visits are by pre-arranged appointment.

Every day is temperament testing day at Reel ACDs!  The training and challenges the puppies are exposed to not only helps to shape them into wonderful dogs but gives crucial insights into what is innate to each pup.  Specifically the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test by Canine Development & Testing is performed at 7 weeks.  This independent evaluation supports breeder observations and helps determine the best possible fit for the puppy and new owner.

Potty training & crate training are well underway before your puppy goes home.  They are raised in a very clean environment where play areas, bedding and potty areas are cleaned at least daily with EZ-Clean, a Canadian bioenzymatic cleaner that eliminates odours encouraging puppies to make good decisions.  The concept of a designated potty area is introduced once eyes are open around the 2 week mark and is kept available for the duration of their time here.  They learn about dog doors and pottying outside on waking from naps once they are older. Starting at about 6 weeks old they sleep in separate crates at night so by the time they head to their families they see a crate as a comfortable safe place to be.   For more information see this CKC article about Crate Training 

All puppies have three veterinary visits before they leave on their great adventure of life.  The first is at about 4 days old where they visit with our Osteopathic DVM, Dr Laura Taylor.  She checks over the puppies for any birthing stress that might limit their ability to nurse & thrive.  Dr Taylor will see the pups again right before they leave for one last alignment.  Puppies are also seen by our allopathic veterinarian, Dr Dana Decker, for their vaccinations and health certificate before leaving.  Any health concerns will be noted at that time and discussed with their new families.  The new puppy owner also has an obligation to seek out their own veterinary check within 7 days of receipt.  Any additional health concerns must be brought up at that time with the breeder.

Depending on the age of your puppy it will have at least it’s first set of DAPV vaccinations.  You will receive a detailed vaccination recommendation to share with your veterinarian based on the litter’s specific Nomograph which determines when the maternal antibodies will no longer be active.  It is through this use of titre testing that we vaccinate conservatively with the puppy’s long term best interests in mind.  We also follow a deworming protocol in the weeks before your puppy goes home with a statement of all veterinary & deworming interventions included in your paperwork.

All puppies are permanently identified with CKC Microchips before they leave.  Not only is it required for a few of the health certifications we do but it also links your puppy back to Reel ACDs.  We encourage you to keep your chip information up to date but in the event of an emergency where you cannot be reached, authorities know to contact me.  This microchip is tied to the puppy’s Canadian Kennel Club Registration.

Most puppies will be sold on a spay/neuter contract.  The breeder will remain on the CKC Registration Certificate until this is completed and proof from the vet will be required prior to release.  We strongly encourage that puppies are not altered until they are 2 years old. Hormones play an important role in growth both physically and mentally.  The puppy owner is responsible for altering their puppy and any veterinary care during the life of the pup. 

I consider my puppy owners to be family so I love it when they come to pick up their puppies in person.  When this is not possible due to distance, I strongly recommend using a flight nanny rather than sending a young puppy through flight or ground cargo which can be too stressful on the youngster.  I have a network of trustworthy individuals to recommend so please ask if this scenario might apply for you and I can help you make arrangements.

Most puppies experience a fear period in their 8th week of life so I have found it best to release the puppies to their new environments after 9 weeks of age.  Puppies may be kept past that age if they need some additional time here for some reason.