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

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.

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 an allopathic veterinarian 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.

Food is a very important part of keeping your puppy healthy through all the stages of life.  We feed a high quality kibble from the Canadian manufacturer Inukshuk which is easily available across the country.  Puppies go home with a starter pack of what they are being fed here.

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.

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.

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 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 Crate Training 

Most puppies will be sold on a spay/neuter contract.  The breeder will remain on the papers until this is completed and proof from the vet will be required prior to release.  We strongly encourage that puppies are not altered until the age of two.  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. 

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.  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, and to fellow breeders establishments. 

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

I strive to be a lifelong resource to the families where puppies are placed.  I love to see photos of everyday life as well as the accomplishments, big or small.  Glean the benefits of nearly 30 years of ACD experiences by staying in touch ask reaching out for help when needed.