PUPPIES
RAISING PUPPIES
Socialization starts with the breeder. Although we have not had the miracle of puppies yet, we plan to use Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI) because it helps puppies begin life better prepared and adjust more effectively to future life events. How is this possible? ENS and ESI use mild stressors to kick their fight or flight responses into action weeks earlier than what is developmentally expected. With the consideration that different breeds are affected by these processes differently, our extensive research will hopefully shine through. Below, I have provided a link that will shed some light on these processes.
From our home, to yours we plan to give our puppies diverse experiences with handling, exposure to every day home chores and experiences, and thoughtful encounters with other dogs, cats, and some farm animals. The benefit of these processes allows for these babies to become more confident as they enter your home and experience the world outside of ours.
We plan to utilize sound desensitization during meal time and play time to help our puppies develop confidence in day-to-day situations. Our puppies will undergo controlled exposure to every day household tasks and sounds which include vacuuming, kitchen activities (blenders, coffee machine, banging pots and pans etc.), doorbells, unexpected noises such as doors closing and opening, fireworks, lightning and thunder, and just my crazy self trying to figure out what all else I can do to round out these puppies.
Their entire early development process from day one to the day they leave our home focuses on nurturing them to become stable, curious, well-adjusted dogs. We strive to provide every puppy with an exceptional beginning that establishes a foundation for confidence and processing skills throughout their life.
OUR PAIRING PROCESS
Our breeding program focuses on matching dogs based on their desirable characteristics and data within their pedigrees to ensure compatibility. Each breeding decision follows personal objectives rooted to our specific program and what we want to produce while also highlighting the dam’s strengths and addressing areas in need of improvement. Our selection process focuses on temperament and health by pairing dogs with stable, confident characteristics while also keeping healthy genetics in mind that are suitable for families. It is important to take into consideration that just because we took this time to research and find the best matches, does not mean that these puppies’ temperament and health are absolute. We will always do our best with the information that we have and adjust accordingly to new science findings.
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!
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!
A physical copy of the book: White Shepherd, A Comprehensive Owner’s Guide by Jean Reeves, Diana L. Updike
Ivory Arch tote bag to hold it all
Lifetime support from yours truly
*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.
CONTRACT & AGREEMENTS
SPAY/NEUTER AGREEMENT
All puppies distributed by Ivory Arch Shepherds must be sold through a binding contract which mandates spaying or neutering by the time the dog reaches 24 months old. Exceptions to the spay/neuter requirement will only be permitted if they receive explicit written authorization before the sale is finalized.
Ivory Arch Shepherds prohibit the registration of their puppies as German Shepherd Dogs and forbid their crossing with German Shepherds for breeding purposes.
We will maintain control over FCPR registration until we receive proof of sterilization.
The UKC registration identifies Ivory Arch Shepherds as the Sole Signatory while listing the buyer as the Successor until they present proof of spay/neuter.
Puppies purchased from us cannot be used for breeding unless we have specifically granted prior approval for such an arrangement.
APPLICATION PROCESS & DEPOSITS
We require prospective puppy buyers to fill out our detailed application form. We will reach out to you to discuss your application once we finish reviewing your information. When approval is granted to you this payment structure becomes applicable.
After Birth: The reservation requires a non-refundable $1,000 deposit to be confirmed within 3 days of the puppy’s birth date.
Deposit Transfers: Your deposit will be available for use with a future litter if we decide that none of the available puppies match your household needs, your sex of choice is not available, or if you decide this is not the litter for you.
Please note: Deposits cannot be collected until we have both born the puppies and assessed which ones will be available.
PRICING & PAYMENT TERMS
The cost of each puppy in our program stands at $5,000. *
Initial Deposit: To secure your place in the litter order you must pay a $1,000 non-refundable deposit upon application approval.
Final Payment: Before our care relinquishes a puppy to its new home we require payment of the full remaining balance.
Our commitment at Ivory Arch Shepherds lies in maintaining program integrity while ensuring every puppy finds a home where it can flourish. Our policies which preserve our breed's future and guarantee every puppy's health and happiness require your support and adherence.
*Price is subject to change.
PUPPY MATCHING PROCESS
We prioritize each puppy's placement to find the best fit for both you and your family. Selections are based on a combination of:
— We review your application and lifestyle details before matching you to a puppy.
— Structural evaluations of the puppies
— Observations of each puppy’s individual temperament
— Results from Embark DNA — Reviewing your personal needs and wants.
We will hold personal meetings (phone calls, zoom, facetime, etc.) to discuss your requirements and objectives for your future puppy.
The temperament testing approaches we plan to use are the Volhard’s Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT), AviDog Puppy Evaluation Test (APET), Clothier Animal Response Assessment Tool (CARAT), and a temperament test developed by Katie Ashby specific for service dog work. For more information on these tests and what the process is like, please visit the links below.
