Getting to Know Mini Aussiedoodles and Mini Bernedoodles

What is the temperament of an aussiedoodle and bernedoodle?

They both tend to be people dogs, eager to please and connect. While both need and enjoy exercise and rest, Aussiedoodles tend to be more athletic, and bernedoodles more prone to napping by your side. Aussiedoodles are generally smart and quick to pick up commands, while bernedoodles can be slightly stubborn at times, more sensitive and very silly.

You mention that they have undergone training since two weeks old. Will my new pup be potty trained and know commands?

Yes and no, or rather no and sort of. The average pup gains bladder control by 12-16 weeks old, and can usually be potty trained with patience and practice by 6 months of age. Success comes earlier with consistency.

Command work is also a process. Our training focuses on desensitizing through ENS, familiarizing them with routine, basic commands and clicker work, and creating the fundamentals of a well-adjusted dog through socializing and stimuli exposure. This work will prepare them for a successful adjustment to a loving home and more advanced training.

Will my pup be hypoallergenic?

No dog is completely hypoallergenic. If you have strong allergies, we advise you consult your doctor before adopting any type of dog. However, for those with mild allergies or sensitivities, an F1b or F2b doodle can be a great choice. They tend to be low or no shedding, though there’s no guarantee. Within the same litter, pups can have curly, wavy or straight hair. The curlier the hair, the more likely the pup will be low to no shedding.

Before Adoption

How are your pups and parents treated?

They’re treated as family members, with extraordinary care and vet consultation. To learn specifics on our program for both Dogwood Pups and Dogwood Mamas, visit How We Raise Our Pups and Care for Our Parents.

Can I meet the pups before Adoption Day?

Yes! If you reserve ahead of time or would like to meet them in consideration of adoption, you may do so once they’ve received their 6-week vaccines.

How do I reserve my pup?

Simple. Click on ‘Apply Now’ at the top of this page or next to each Available Puppy. Once your application is reviewed, we will interview you by zoom and reach out to your references. After a successful interview process, we’ll collect a $300.00 deposit from you. At this point, your preferred pup is reserved.

When do I get to meet my pup?

During their 6th week, the pups will receive their initial vaccines. At this point, you will be able to meet mama and the entire litter, including your pup, at our house.

What if I want to change my selection?

If you want to change your puppy selection at any time, you are welcome to do so at no additional fee provided your desired pup is available.

What if I change my mind and decide not to adopt after having paid a deposit?

Your deposit would be forfeit but no other costs would be owed as long as this is done before Adoption Day.

Pick Up Day

How old do the puppies need to be at adoption?

The puppies need to be at least 8 weeks old before they’ll be ready to leave their mama and littermates to complete the weaning process and allow the puppies to properly mature.

What’s included in the price of my pup?

Included in your pup’s fee is vet’s care and records for the first eight weeks, initial training, and an Adoption Kit. For more details, see Dogwood Pups and Going Home.

What can I expect at pick-up?

We will greet you, introduce you to our mama dog Roxy and our other family dog Elliot, complete the remaining payment, review your adoption kit, and answer any questions you may have. After that, it’s time to meet the litter. There may be some littermates gone already if their pick up time is earlier.

What should I have ready by pick-up day?

This is a great question. We require that you have a vet appointment set up for their next visit before pick as specified in the contract. The remainder of the fee will be due at pick-up. And we recommend having before you pick up your new pup a crate sized to their estimated adult sizing, food and water bowls, leash and several toys to help distract from chewing inappropriate objects. A starter bag of food will be provided to you at pick up as part of your Adoption Kit.

Do you deliver out-of-state?

Yes. We deliver to distant places within the continental U.S. through our nanny flight program. For a fee, a nanny known to the pup would fly your new family member in the flight’s cabin (never the belly of the plane) direct whenever possible, and meet you at an airport within reasonable distance from your location. Prices vary depending on flights. Contact us for more information.

Guardian Program

Is it true that puppies in the Dogwood Guardian Program are free?

Yes. A $300 deposit is required to reserve your pup; however, it’s returned at pick-up. While the puppy fee is waved, there are costs that the guardian families are required to cover and tasks they’re required to fulfill (see below).

What are the requirements for a guardian family?

Since the puppies in our Guardian Program will eventually reproduce (provided it’s safe and possible for them), it’s crucial that they are given high quality vet-approved food such as Purina Pro, make regularly scheduled visits to the vet for testing and required exams, regular visits to Dogwood to maintain a relationship of trust and safety, and allow their dog to stay with Dogwood beginning the last week of pregnancy through the first eight weeks of their litter. After week eight, your dog will be returned to your home.

Who covers the reproduction fees?

Dogwood Family Doodles covers all veterinarian and stud fees related to reproduction, including but not limited to progesterone testing, ultrasounds and xrays. These fees do not include vaccines or other routine examinations typical to all dogs, nor grooming.

How long will my dog be a part of the reproduction program?

Dogwood mamas in the guardian program give birth to up to three litters. It may be less depending on the health of mama, which is paramount. Their first litter may be as early as their second heat cycle, which generally occurs around 18-24 months. For this reason, it’s important for guardian families to carefully track their dog’s heat cycles and are required to keep Dogwood updated in real time. All mamas will have at least one heat cycle between a litter and mating to give their bodies and minds time to rest.

What happens after my dog is determined by Dogwood to be done with the reproduction program?

Your dog is retired from the Dogwood Guardian Program and becomes your family forever dog to live its life with you.

What if I have more questions about what’s like to own an unspayed dog?

Great question. Please call us and we’d be happy to discuss what the experience is like.

Health

Do you offer a health guarantee and contract?

Yes. We offer a one-year health guarantee for any of our pups who have been under the routine care of a vet, have been fed and exercised appropriately, and have not been fed or exposed to any toxins or undue dangerous situations. In the event of death or debilitation from an hereditary disease, Dogwood Family Doodles will allow you to select a new puppy if available or will refund the full fee.

There is a contract that spells out the responsibilities of both Dogwood Family Doodles and the adopting family.

Are the parents and pups health tested?

Yes. All parents are given the PennHIP and genetic testing, as well as undergo routine vet exams. All pups receive minimum two vet exams. Pups adopted into our guardian program will eventually receive PennHIP and DNA testing.