Meadowlawn Australian Shepherds

Meadowlawn Australian Shepherds is very small breeding kennel. We generally only breed
1-2 litters in a calendar year after many months of planning and only when we are looking
for something to keep for ourselves. Of course, there is almost always more than one
puppy in a litter, therefore we do place puppies in show, performance & companion homes.
When a person/family contacts us, many questions are asked of the prospective buyer.
This is only to ensure that an Aussie is the right breed, which personality/temperament
would be best suited for them and finally that they have planned and are ready to take on
the big responsibility of a pet. An Aussie is a 12-14 year commitment that cannot be
taken lightly.

Any dog we breed is registered with AKC & ASCA, is OFA'd Fair, Good, or Excellent (all are
*normal* ratings), have had their eyes cleared within a year of the breeding, are proven in
conformation and/or performance (boasting titles in AKC & ASCA), and are healthy, quality
specimens of the breed.

We place our puppies with all general guarantees, which include:
-free from Epilepsy (seizures) (show, performance & pet homes)
-free from Hereditary Hip Dysplasia (show, performance & pet homes)
-free from any debilitating eye defect (show, peformance & pet homes)
-free from any disqualifying fault (show homes only)

All of our puppies have their eyes cleared before leaving for their new homes, and have
*begun* their "house-breaking" and "leash-breaking" training. We also introduce clicker
training from the moment their ears open to challenge their minds and instill a connection
with humans.

A little about Clicker Training:
We began this with our Max x Encore litter in 2006 and while I was skeptical at first, I was
blown away with the difference it made. To see a 5 week old puppy figure out "watch me"
is amazing. Rather than a 5 or 6 week old blob, we had 5 and 6 week old thinking
machines. <smiles> The idea is that the "click" is a consistent reinforcer that is clear for
puppies to understand. We started out clicking each time they went to mom to nurse, and
when they went to their bowl to eat. As they got a bit older, I took each puppy
individually ina room, and every time they came to me, I clicked & treated. Then I moved
to clicking & treating when they looked up at me. I never asked for it, just waited for the
behavior to come naturally and then rewarded. I have found that this way of foundation
training makes a proactive dog, rather than a reactive dog. Rather than the dog staring at
you blankly, waiting for a command, they are actively figuring out what you want. I do
eventually wean away from the clicker and use my voice as I always have my voice with
me and not always my clicker. But I will, from now on, use clicker training as a great
foundation tool for all of my puppies.

Puppies are raised on high quality commercial kibble (Fromm brand) and are required to
stay on either Fromm or a comparable quality food we will approve. Puppies will also be
required to receive only minimal vaccinations. We have tons of information if you are new
to that concept. We also have several years of experience in feeding raw and can provide
help and support if you choose that path.

We highly recommend our puppies go to puppy classes, as well, for extra socialization and
helpful training tips for their new owners. Of course, we are always here for additional
support after the puppy goes to it's new home.

All puppies are given maximum socialization right from the start. They are raised "under
foot" and are handled almost constantly every day. When they are old enough, they are
taken to various places, including Sarah's work (Pet Clips in Excelsior, MN) as well as Dog
Works Training Center for extensive socialization. There they become used to
blow dryers, bathes, nail trimming, many other dogs, & numerous adults & kids. We never
raise more than one litter at a time as to ensure that every puppy in a litter has individual
attention and has more than adequate socialization, as well as spending time with, and
answering questions a potential buyer has. This high standard cannot be achieved
with more than one litter at a time.

We do not place any of our puppies into solely "breeding" homes. Any puppy we allow to
be left intact will only go to competitive show and/or performance homes, whose main
goals are training and showing, but are interested in responsible breeding down the road.

Our companion puppies are sold on a limited registration and *must* be spayed/neutered
at sexual maturity.

If you are further interested in a Meadowlawn puppy, please fill out our puppy application.
Please be sure to give us a descriptive background of dogs you have owned, your lifestyle,
why you have chosen to purchase an Australian Shepherd, etc. Giving us as much
information as possible will help us in placing the right puppy with you. This will make for
a happy owner AND and happy dog.