Puppies
Our Pairing Process
Our objective in selecting a pairing is to identify complementary traits in both the parents and their pedigrees. We set specific improvement goals for each pairing, focusing on enhancing the strengths and minimizing the weaknesses of the dam. One thing we heavily focus on is the temperaments of both the dam and the sire. Breeding is an intricate process that involves weighing the advantages and disadvantages of every line of dogs. We strive to avoid crossing lines that share the same negative traits and instead research stud dogs that have traits that balance each other, resulting in a versatile and well-rounded dog for your home.
Raising Puppies
Socialization starts with the breeder. The importance of Early Neurological Stimulation allows the puppy to have a better start in life and become more adaptable to the situations encountered throughout their life. Every puppy we have since the day they are born follows the program based on the AKC’s guidelines. ENS introduces mild stresses in a controlled environment. This is believed and proven to impact the neurological system by kicking it into action earlier than expected. For more information on what we do with the puppies in the first 3 weeks of their life, visit this article.
Although we are not planning a litter until Margaux has reached two to two and half years of age, has undergone and passed all health testing, and we have found a suitable sire for that litter, I would still like to talk about how we plan to raise the bundle of snowballs.
Our puppies will be receiving ample handling from the moment they are born until they are ready to go to their new homes. We follow the AKC’s guidelines, The Monks of New Skete’s guidelines in their book, The Art of Raising a Puppy, and Puppy Culture when it comes to Early Neurological stimulation and general puppy rearing. We will also be including Early Scent Introduction to improve scent detection, enhance cognitive abilities, prepare for specialized roles, and reduce behavioral issues. To create positive associations, we will be exposing our puppies to various sounds. At the same time, they eat along with other household items like clanging pots and pans, vacuum cleaners, door slamming, and doorbells. We will provide our puppies with ample opportunities to explore different parts of our home both inside and outdoors, which greatly enhances their confidence and exposes them to other animals, including chickens, goats, and sheep. In summary, we will take every possible measure to ensure that your puppy gets a strong foundation for a healthy and happy life.
From Our Home, To Yours
Despite everything, these puppies that we plan to produce will always have a special place in my heart. It is my goal to pair every puppy with the home that will suit its temperament best, not only for the pup’s sake but yours as well. Nearing the end of eight weeks of life, we do a series of temperament tests based on the guidelines of the Monks of New Skete’s book, The Art of Raising a Puppy, Puppy Culture, and a few more based on personal preferences. The results of which will be recorded and given to you in a binder upon receiving your puppy.
Along with all of the paperwork, I will also be available to you whenever you so need me. I am more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have!
Contracts & Deposits
All Ivory Arch puppies are subject to a contract that requires each puppy to be spayed or neutered within 18 months of receiving the puppy. No puppies will be registered as a German Shepherd Dog or to be crossbred with a German Shepherd dog. FCPR registration will remain in our possession and UKC will list us as the Sole Signatory with the buyer as the Successor until proof of spay/neuter. Unless I have approved it, no dog sold by Ivory Arches is to be bred at all. Upon completion of our puppy application, we will reach out to you within a reasonable time frame to gather more information. If you are approved, a $500 non-refundable deposit is required after the puppy is born to hold your puppy. The deposit may be transferred to a future litter if we do not have a puppy available that is a good fit for your family.
We choose your puppy based on your puppy application and conversations that we may have about what you are looking for in a puppy and your day-to-day lifestyle. We use a combination of structural evaluations, personal preferences, temperament tests, Embark DNA results, and our own observations to match each puppy to the most suitable home.
Our temperament testing is based off the wonderful books and breeding program from The Monks of New Skete. We highly recommend you read their book, The Art of Raising a Puppy!
All of our puppies are $5,000*. After completion and approval of the puppy application, a deposit of $500 is required to hold your place in the litter. The deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another litter. The remaining amount of the price of the puppy is required to be paid in full on the day the puppy turns eight weeks old.
*Price is subject to change.
Puppy Go-Home Package
Current on all vaccinations and deworming
Physical copy of Puppy Contract
FREE Lifetime access to Mad Cap University With Open Arms and a Level Head: How to bring puppy into your life (You will receive access to these courses to help with the transition of bringing a new puppy home.)
3 FREE Sessions with our trusted trainer, Katie Ashby, who specializes in White Swiss Shepherds
Microchipped
FCPR (FCI) and UKC registration*
Embark Breeder DNA results printed and online access
OFA Certificates for: MDR1 and DM
A small bag of current puppy food
Toy that smells like littermates
Blanket that smells like mom
Roll of poop bags
2 potty pads
Binder including: breed standard, puppy temperament test results and summary, puppy's vaccination records, informational packet, photo pedigree, a list of our favorite puppy essentials, and more!
Ivory Arch tote bag to hold it all
*FCPR registration will remain in our possession and UKC will list us as the Sole Signatory with the buyer as the Successor until proof of spay/neuter.