I highly recommend Nutro Natural Choice for large breed puppies (Up to 18 Months) and adult dogs (18+ Months). This brand is thoughtfully formulated to avoid harmful fillers and by-products commonly found in many commercial dog foods. Here’s why Nutro stands out: - Chicken By-Product Meal is commonly used in lower-quality foods, and it’s known to cause digestive issues like upset stomachs and diarrhea. Nutro uses real chicken as the primary source of protein, ensuring a healthier, more digestible option. - Corn is often used as a cheap filler but can be linked to obesity, liver disease, pancreatitis, and diabetes in dogs, especially when consumed in excess. Nutro avoids corn and instead uses higher-quality whole grains like brown rice, which provides fiber and essential nutrients without the health risks. - Wheat can trigger severe gluten allergies in some dogs, causing digestive problems, skin issues, and inflammation. Nutro excludes wheat, offering a more sensitive-friendly formula that works well for dogs with food sensitivities. - Soy has been linked to digestive problems, immune system breakdown, and even an increased risk of certain cancers. Nutro avoids soy, choosing high-quality plant-based ingredients that provide more bioavailable nutrients for your dog’s health. Nutro Natural Choice is made with whole grains, such as brown rice and oatmeal, which provide sustained energy and support digestive health. It’s packed with vital vitamins and minerals to promote a shiny coat, healthy skin, strong bones, and proper joint development, all essential for large breed dogs, especially during their growth stages. Nutro provides detailed feeding guidelines based on your dog's age, weight, and activity level, ensuring that your dog gets the correct amount of food to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being. I have been feeding Nutro Natural Choice since 2021 (when I obtained Koda), and I have had no issues whatsoever with the brand. Based on my experience, it has been a consistent and reliable choice for my dog. Unless a dog requires a specialized diet for health reasons, I will continue to use Nutro Natural Choice for all of my dogs moving forward.

I am in the early stages of establishing myself as a dedicated and ethical dog breeder in Central Wisconsin. My goal is to become a responsible, reputable, and trusted breeder, prioritizing the health, structure, temperament, and overall well-being of every puppy I produce. I currently have one planned pairing and am committed to following all necessary health testing and best breeding practices to ensure that each puppy meets the highest standards.

No, there are no payment requirements to join the waitlist.

I will only accept payments through Good Dog, PayPal, or Cash in person (bills of $50s and $100s will NOT be accepted). If you choose to pay via Good Dog and wish to avoid the $5 fee for their Protection & Support service, you can opt out by clicking the "i" icon before completing your payment. Forms of payment such as checks, money orders, or other payment apps not mentioned (Venmo, Zelle, etc.) will NOT be accepted. Note: Payment Plans Are Available through Good Dog and PayPal!

I would be more than happy to schedule a video call with you. During the call, you can ask any questions you may have, and I will answer them to the best of my ability. Please note that video calls will need to be scheduled at a mutually convenient day and time for both of us.

They will have up to 3 litters before being retired; however, under certain circumstances, a 4th litter may be considered. This decision will be based on the dog's overall health, recovery from previous litters, and ability to safely carry and raise another litter without compromising her well-being. Each breeding will be carefully planned, with the Dam's health as the top priority, ensuring she receives proper veterinary care, nutrition, and recovery time between litters. Once she is retired from breeding, she will continue to live a happy and fulfilling life as a cherished companion.

Bitches will be retired from breeding at 6 years of age to ensure their long-term health and well-being. Studs will retire at 7 years of age, as they typically remain capable of producing healthy litters for a longer period. Retirement ages are set to prioritize the overall health, longevity, and quality of life of each dog, ensuring they are not overbred and can enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life after their breeding career.

Yes, every dog intended for breeding undergoes thorough health testing before being used in any pairing. This ensures they meet the highest standards for health and genetic soundness. All necessary evaluations are conducted to screen for hereditary conditions and overall well-being. You can click HERE to view the specific health tests performed.

Yes, all dogs used in breeding are or will be registered. Shepskies are registered through the Continental Kennel Club (CKC), more so for record keeping, nothing else as the KC itself doesn't mean anything. However, I am also exploring United Kennel Club (UKC) registration for performance events to expand opportunities for competition and potentially titling.

Dogs Under 18 Months: are fed Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy Up To 18 Months, which is specifically formulated to support their growth and development. Dogs 18 months and Older: are transitioned to Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Adult 18+ Months, providing balanced nutrition to maintain their health, muscle strength, and overall well-being.

No, any Bitch or Stud that displays signs of aggression will NOT be used for breeding. However, they will remain in my care and continue to be part of my home unless they are an absolute problem and concern to other pets in the home. Temperament is a key factor in my breeding decisions, and only dogs with stable, sound temperaments will be considered for my program.

As of now, no, but I do plan on them participating in performance events through the UKC in the future, hopefully. The ConKC is currently not holding any shows or events, and there is no confirmed timeline for when they will resume, which was the original intent to registering through them but... all they're good for now is record keeping. Whoops.

No, meeting both parents in person is not possible. There are several reasons for this: - Use of Outside Studs – Not all breedings take place on-site. In many cases, I will utilize an outside stud to ensure genetic diversity and the best possible match for my breeding program. These studs belong to other reputable breeders and may not be available for in-person visits. - Health & Biosecurity – To protect the health of both the breeding dogs and the puppies, I will maintain strict biosecurity measures. Limiting outside exposure helps prevent the risk of infectious diseases, parasites, or other health concerns that could impact the dogs or developing litter. - Environmental Stability – Disrupting a pregnant or nursing bitch with frequent visits from strangers can cause unnecessary stress, which may negatively impact her well-being and the health of the puppies. Maintaining a calm, stable environment is crucial for proper maternal care. - Privacy & Safety – For security reasons, I do not allow general visitors to my home. This is a common practice among responsible breeders to ensure the safety of both the dogs, any other pets, family and themselves. However, I understand the importance of seeing the parents, which is why I provide: - Photos and videos of both parents. - Live video calls for a virtual introduction (May not be able to show the Stud if he is not within my program). - Health test results (and pedigree information if applicable) for transparency.

Yes, each puppy receives proper veterinary care, including vaccinations, deworming, and preventatives to ensure they are healthy and well-protected before going to their new homes. Deworming Schedule: - 2 Weeks - 4 Weeks - 6 Weeks - 8 Weeks Preventatives: - Heartgard Plus (Heartworm Prevention): Administered at 8 Weeks - Wondercide Pest Protection (Natural Flea & Tick Prevention): Applied at 8 Weeks and 9 Weeks (Daily Protection) Vaccination Schedule: - 8 Weeks: Core Puppy Vaccinations (Boosters REQUIRED at 10-12 Weeks and 14-16 Weeks) - 10 Weeks: Additional Vaccinations (if the puppy remains in my care) Each puppy's health is a top priority, and these preventative measures help ensure they get the best start in life.

Yes, all puppies are sold under a Puppy Purchase Agreement Contract, which must be carefully read and signed electronically before taking your puppy home. Contract & Documentation: - The agreement ensures both parties understand their responsibilities regarding the puppy’s care and well-being. - You will receive a copy of the signed contract for your records. Photo Requirement Upon Pickup/Delivery: - When picking up your puppy in person, a photo will be taken of you holding your new puppy as confirmation of the exchange. - If your puppy is being transported to you, the Transporter/Nanny will take a photo upon delivery as proof of receipt. - If you prefer to have the photo taken with your own phone, arrangements can be made. It is preferred that a high-quality camera is used to ensure clear and detailed images. - The photo should be sent to me shortly after it has been taken for documentation purposes. - This process helps ensure proper documentation of each puppy’s placement and provides a keepsake for new owners!

Yes! I offer a 72-Hour Health Guarantee and a 12-Month Genetic Health Guarantee to ensure the health and well-being of your new puppy. 72-Hour Health Guarantee: - This guarantee covers any health issues that may arise within the first 72 hours after you bring your puppy home. - It ensures that the puppy is free from any life-threatening conditions at the time of purchase. The Puppy is REQUIRED to be seen by a licensed veterinarian within 72 hours of you taking it home. This is to ensure the puppy's health and confirm that no issues have arisen since leaving my care. Failure to do so may result in the forfeiture of the 72-Hour Health Guarantee. The health check must be documented by the veterinarian, and I may request a copy of the veterinary examination records to verify that the puppy was seen within the required time frame. This is an essential step to ensure that the puppy's well-being is monitored and that any concerns can be addressed immediately. 12-Month Genetic Health Guarantee: - This guarantees that any genetic health issues that may develop within the first 12 months are covered. - If a genetic health issue is discovered (as long as it's outlined in the agreement as covered), I will work with you to find a suitable resolution, which may include a refund (percentage) or other possible arrangements. Both of these guarantees are included in the Puppy Purchase Agreement Contract, and further details will be outlined in the agreement for full clarity and protection.

Puppies at 3 weeks will begin transitioning to solid food, and they will be fed Nutro Natural Choice, Large Breed, Puppy Up To 18 Months, mixed with water to create a soft, easily digestible consistency. This will help them adjust to eating solid food while still receiving the necessary nutrients for growth and development. At 5 weeks, the puppies will continue to receive Nutro, Large Breed, Puppy Up To 18 Months, now without water mixed in. This helps them further transition to eating kibble while continuing to get the vital nutrients needed to support their developing bodies.

Below is a list of the required items, along with the corresponding age range: Day 1 – 7 1/2 Weeks: Name Selection: A name must be chosen for both male and female puppies (depending on what is available by the time your selection is up). This may seem challenging, but it is necessary for me to have a name chosen by 7 1/2 weeks. This allows time for name recognition training before the puppies leave my property, which helps establish a foundation for their future training. 9 Weeks: Required Items for Pick-Up: Before picking up your puppy, you must have the following items: - Leash - Collar - ID Tag - Travel Carrier These 4 items are necessary for your puppy's safe transportation. It is important that all 4 items be brought with you at the time of pickup. If you are not picking up your puppy in person and are instead using ground transportation, please ensure these items are already prepared at your home.

All puppies will undergo Embark DNA Testing prior to leaving my care. This is included in the price of the puppy and is NOT an additional fee. Age for Testing: Puppies will be Embarked at 2-3 weeks of age. Test Results: As long as the results are received by 7 weeks, we will proceed with the puppy selection process. Selection Timing: Puppy picks will be made at 7 1/2 weeks, once the Embark test results are reviewed, and all other factors (such as temperament testing) are taken into consideration. This helps ensure the health, genetics, and overall suitability of each puppy, giving both you and your puppy the best possible start!

All puppies from my program are required to have my Kennel Prefix (NMP) included in their Registered Name. The Prefix will appear before the main part of the name. This helps highlight the lineage and ensures the puppy's origin is well-documented. I will inform you if the Registered Name you're interested in using for your puppy is already taken. Registration Paperwork: Once the registration is processed, certificates will be mailed directly to your address within 2-4 weeks from when the Puppy leaves my care. Finality of Registered Names: Please note, the Registered Name is final and cannot be changed once the paperwork has been submitted. Once the registration is complete, no alterations should be made to the chosen name. Limited Registration Payment: The Limited Registration Fee will be prepaid as part of the overall cost. No Additional Fee.

Puppies will be kept until they reach 9 weeks of age, ensuring they receive proper socialization, vaccinations, and overall care to give them the best start in life. This allows for adequate time for their growth, development, and necessary training to prepare them for their new homes.

Unfortunately, I will not allow anyone to physically see the puppies for their own safety, as well as mine and the other animals in the home. Early exposure to new people can be overwhelming for the puppies, which can lead to unnecessary stress and disruptions in their development. The presence of unfamiliar people can pose a risk to both the puppies and adult dogs. For these reasons, I prioritize the safety and well-being of the puppies above all else. While you won’t be able to choose any puppy at random, you will be given a select few to choose from, based on how I feel they will fit you, your family, and your lifestyle. This decision will be made after observing their behavior and evaluating them through a Temperament Test at 7 weeks of age. It is crucial to match the puppies with families that best suit their individual needs and characteristics to ensure a lifelong bond and a happy, healthy life for both the puppy and the family. Each puppy is unique, and this method helps to place them in homes where they will thrive and become the perfect companion.

From Day 3, we will begin introducing Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and weeks 3-4 we will begin introducing Early Sensory Introduction (ESI). Each puppy will gradually be exposed to a variety of stimuli to initiate their socialization process. This is a crucial developmental period, as early exposure helps the puppies adapt to different environments and situations, which plays a significant role in shaping their temperament and overall behavior. The puppies' responses to these stimuli will be closely monitored and recorded, ensuring they are adjusting well and allowing for more informed decisions when selecting the best fit for their future homes. (Known) People are introduced at this stage, including children, teenagers, and adults. This helps puppies learn to interact with various human ages and behaviors, which is important for their ability to adjust to a diverse range of families and environments. (Known) Other Dogs/Pets of various sizes—small, medium, and large—are also introduced. This exposure helps the puppies become accustomed to different dog sizes and behaviors, reducing fear or aggression toward other dogs/pets when they encounter them later in life. Toys such as soft toys, squeaky toys, balls, and chew toys are provided for the puppies to interact with. This helps them develop proper play habits, improve their motor skills, and learn to enjoy appropriate chewing. Different Surfaces like sand, grass, rocks, dirt, laminate flooring, and even bathtubs are used to expose the puppies to various textures and environments. This early exposure helps them become confident and adaptable when they encounter unfamiliar surfaces in the future. Sounds play a vital role in a puppy's socialization, so they are introduced to various noises, including traffic, baby crying, dog barking, dog growling, thunderstorms, vacuum cleaners, doorbells, door knocks, hairdryers, fireworks, airplanes, and washing machines. Familiarizing the puppies with a wide array of sounds helps them remain calm and collected when they encounter these noises as adults. By recording each puppy's reactions, I can ensure that each one receives the proper amount of exposure and socialization to develop into a well-rounded and confident dog. This process sets the foundation for their ability to adjust to their new homes and live harmoniously with their future families.

Yes, this is outlined in both the Agreement Contract and the Puppy Application. If, at any point in the pup's life—whether at 5 months, 5 years, or 10 years old—you are no longer able to care for them, you are required to return the pup/dog back to me. You are not permitted to give away, lease, rehome, or sell the pup/dog to family, friends, coworkers, or anyone else. This ensures the safety, well-being, and lifelong care of each dog produced in my program.

Yes, there is a Non-Refundable Puppy Holding Deposit. This deposit secures your chosen Puppy. Along with the holding deposit, there is a Puppy Holding Deposit Agreement Contract that must be read thoroughly before placing a deposit. Once you fully understand the terms and conditions outlined in the agreement, you are required to sign it. The Shepsky Holding Deposit Fee is $500. Please note that this fee is non-refundable and is applied to the total purchase price of your puppy. The remaining balance is due 3 days prior to the pup leaving my care.

Before the puppies are sent to their new families, several essential training steps will be completed to ensure they are well-prepared for their new homes: Obedience Training: - Potty Training: Helping the puppies develop good bathroom habits. - Crate Training: Familiarizing them with their crate to encourage positive behavior and comfort. - Leash Training: Ensuring they are comfortable walking on a leash and learning the basics of walking calmly. - Recall Training: Teaching the puppies to return to their handler when called. - Name Recognition: Associating their name with positive reinforcement to ensure responsiveness. Commands: - "Sit" - "Off" - "Come" - "Drop it" - "Leave it" - "Down" - "Stay/Wait" - "Place"