QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

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Before reading further ⬇️

Australian Shepherd Questions ⬇️

Toy Australian Shepherd Questions ⬇️

Aussiedoodle Questions ⬇️

General Puppy Questions ⬇️

Health Questions ⬇️

Applying for a puppy questions ⬇️

General Public Questions ⬇️

Q: Is littermate syndrome a real thing?

A: While you may hear warnings about “littermate syndrome,” this term is often oversimplified and misunderstood. When done with intention, raising two puppies together can be a beautiful and confidence-building experience. We share our thoughtful, experience-based approach here → Raising Two Puppies Together ⬇️ https://godslittleaussies.com/raising-two-puppies-together/

Q: What is the definition of “ethical” in breeding?

A: “Ethical” as defined in breeding has nothing to do with passion, personality, or performance. Visit here ⬇️ https://godslittleaussies.com/what-is-ethical-exactly-in-breeding/

Q: Why Do You Give the 2nd & 3rd Puppy Vaccinations Yourselves?

A: The link below ⬇️ shares exactly why — and how this choice helps protect the puppy you’ll soon love for a lifetime. https://godslittleaussies.com/why-we-give-the-2nd-3rd-puppy-vaccinations-ourselves/

Q: When do we schedule calls or continue text communication?

A: The link below explains why we review applications first, how it protects our time and yours, and how it ensures every family receives meaningful, prepared support rather than casual responses. Click below ⬇️ to read why conversations with us are deliberate, heart-centered, and reserved for committed families. https://godslittleaussies.com/when-we-schedule-calls-or-continue-text-conversations/

Q: Why Do Puppies Sometimes Develop Parasites or Upset Stomachs After Going Home?

A: Learn the real cause — stress, immune development, and normal adjustment — and how caring breeders support new families through it. Visit here⬇️ https://godslittleaussies.com/why-do-puppies-sometimes-develop-parasites-or-upset-stomachs-after-going-home/

Q: Do you require a signed contract?

A: Yes. Visit here⬇️ https://godslittleaussies.com/retainer/

Q: What is special about Toy Aussies?

A: They’re a tiny companion shaped with tenderness, steadiness, and love. Visit here➡️ https://godslittleaussies.com/why-toy-aussies-are-so-special/

Q: Are Toy Australian Shepherds real, or are they just designer dogs?

A: Yes — Toy Australian Shepherds do exist.
They come from the same heritage as Miniature Australian Shepherds. Visit here ➡️ https://godslittleaussies.com/are-toy-australian-shepherds-real-or-are-they-just-designer-dogs/

Q: What is your “Signature Toy Aussie” style?

A: Our Toy Aussies have a petite, whimsical, “storybook” style — visit here ➡️ https://godslittleaussies.com/our-signature-toy-aussie-look/

Q: Can Doobles be bred ethically?

A: Are doodles ethical? Yes—when bred with intention and proper health testing. Explore what ethical doodle breeding really means and how to identify a responsible breeder. Visit here ➡️ https://godslittleaussies.com/can-doodles-be-bred-ethically/

Q: How can I maintain a healthy doodle coat between grooming appointments?

A: Learn the essential brushing and maintenance steps every doodle owner should follow to prevent matting and keep the coat healthy. Visit here ⬇️ https://godslittleaussies.com/how-can-i-maintain-a-healthy-doodle-coat-between-grooming-appointments/

Q: What “responsibly bred” Doodles mean in your program?

A: Our doodles are raised with the same care, ethics, and heart-centered philosophy as our purebred Aussies and Poodles. Visit here⬇️ https://godslittleaussies.com/what-responsibly-bred-doodles-means-in-our-program/

Q: Why do you not sell puppies with breeding rights?

A: At the heart of our program is a simple truth: we raise companions, not breeding dogs. Before anything else is shared on this page, we want families to understand why our puppies are placed in pet-only homes and why this philosophy is such an important part of who we are. It’s not about judgment, and it’s not about controlling others — it’s about honoring the purpose we believe our puppies were born for. Visit here ⬇️ https://godslittleaussies.com/our-philosophy-on-breeding-rights-why-we-choose-pet-only-placement/

Q: Do you have a puppy Curriculum?

A: We raise our puppies using a thoughtful curriculum that introduces positive experiences in their first weeks of life. Visit here ➡️ https://godslittleaussies.com/our-puppy-curriculum/

Q: How do you get to know each puppies temperament?

A: True temperament is shaped by both genetics and experience — it begins with the parents and blossoms through life with their families. Read more here ⬇️

Q: Do you ever decline a puppy placement?

A: Our priority is always the long-term well-being, safety, and emotional health of our puppies. Read our policy here ⬇️ https://godslittleaussies.com/?page_id=13308

Q: What makes a family a great fit for your program?

A: This page outlines what we look for in shared values. ➡️ https://godslittleaussies.com/what-makes-a-great-fit-for-our-puppies/

Q: What makes a perfect fit for your puppies?

A: Families willing to teach with grace and structure are the best fit. Read more ➡️ https://godslittleaussies.com/what-makes-the-perfect-fit-for-our-puppy/

Q: Why do you use the term “Heart-Centered” Breeder?

A: Heart-Centered vs. Ethical: Why We Choose Different Language — Visit here ⬇️

Q: What breed do you specialize in?

A: We adore all sizes of the Aussie breed and their curly counterpart, the Aussiedoodle. Aussies are like potato chips ~ you can’t have just one 🤗 So, we chose to specialize in Toy, Miniature and Standard Australian Shepherds, along with Standard Aussiedoodles.

You can meet our parents here ⬇️ https://godslittleaussies.com/our-girls/

Visit our litters here ⬇️ https://godslittleaussies.com/available-puppies/

Q: Are Australian Shepherds good with kids?

A: Australian Shepherds are loving, loyal, and often wonderful with kids. Learn how temperament, training, and proper supervision help Aussies thrive in family homes. ⬇️ https://godslittleaussies.com/are-australian-shepherds-good-with-kids/

Q: Are Australian Shepherds good for first-time dog owners?

A: Australian Shepherds can be great for first-time dog owners when matched well. Learn about temperament, training needs, and how Aussies thrive in the right homes.⬇️ https://godslittleaussies.com/are-australian-shepherds-good-for-first-time-dog-owners/

Q: Are Australian Shepherds good apartment dogs?

A:Yes—Australian Shepherds can thrive in apartments with the right routine, mental stimulation, and people-focused temperament. Learn what families should know. ⬇️
https://godslittleaussies.com/are-australian-shepherds-good-apartment-dogs/

Q: Do you breed Aussiedoodles and why?

A: Yes, we breed Standard F1, F1b and Reverse F1b Aussiedoodles.

F1 is 50% Poodle and 50% Australian Shepherd

F1b is 75% Poodle and 25% Australian Shepherd

Reverse F1b is 25% Poodle and 75% Australian Shepherd

Q: Are Aussiedoodles good with kids?

A: Aussiedoodles are known for gentle, family-friendly temperaments. Learn what makes them wonderful companions for children. ⬇️ https://godslittleaussies.com/are-aussiedoodles-good-with-kids/

Q: Are your Aussiedoodles hypoallergenic?

A: Allergen levels can vary between individual animals, even within the same breed, which is why we do not claim or guarantee that our Aussiedoodles are hypoallergenic.

No pet is completely 100% allergen free, but some breeds may produce fewer allergens. For this reason, some people may find that doodle coats shed less and can be easier on allergies. We focus on sensible breeding, grooming, environment, and diet to help manage allergen exposure.

We want to support you in making an informed, comfortable decision. If allergies are a primary concern, we always recommend considering a purebred poodle because crossing genetics is an allergen gamble.

Q: Do Mini Aussies Shed? What About Aussiedoodles?

A: Mini Aussies do shed, but Aussiedoodles shed less. Learn what influences shedding and what families can realistically expect from each coat type. Visit here ⬇️ https://godslittleaussies.com/do-mini-aussies-shed-what-about-aussiedoodles/

Q: What should I expect the first weeks home with my new puppy?

A: Learn what to expect the first weeks home with a new puppy — crate adjustment, loose stool, sleep changes, stress behaviors, and when to call your vet. ⬇️ https://godslittleaussies.com/what-to-expect-the-first-weeks-home/

Q: Are your dogs genetic health tested?

A: Yes. All parent dogs are genetic health tested before breeding to assist in pairing decisions. We initially health tested with Canine Healthcheck but later moved to Embark because they add DNA certification with their genetic health testing.

Visit Here ⬇️

Q: Do you have OFA Certifications for your breeding dogs?

A: Visit here ⬇️

Q: Where can I see the results of your health testing?

A: Transparency and peace of mind are very important to us. Copies of our dogs’ health testing are always available upon request, and you can also verify results published publicly, where applicable, through OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals).

Once a $200 retainer fee is placed on a chosen puppy, we will provide any requested health testing results available. The buyer then has 48 hours from receipt to review the information and, if they wish, decline the puppy. In that case, the retainer will be refunded in full.

After 48 hours, the retainer becomes non-refundable.

Please note: Our puppies are placed in pet homes only, never with breeding rights. For that reason, we do not provide private test reports to breeders outside of what is already public. Our focus is transparency for families, not breeder-to-breeder politics.

Q: Are your parent dogs registered?

A: Yes! All of our Aussie parent dogs are registered with ASDR, AKC, and some are registered with ASCA also. Our poodles are AKC registered. (Aussiedoodles are not registerable.)

Q: What sizes are your Mini Aussies?

A: Our Minis tend to fall in the:

✅ 14–17 inch range
✅ 25–35 pound range
✅ balanced, athletic, family-friendly structure

We estimate every litter’s adult size based on parent size, grandparents, and the puppies we’ve produced in previous generations. While no size can be guaranteed, we give families the most accurate, honest estimates possible.
https://godslittleaussies.com/adult-height-estimate/

Q: How do I apply for a puppy?

A: Here on our Website, you can join our waitlist or apply for your puppy at https://godslittleaussies.com/puppy-application/ — We are always available to talk.

Q: Do both partners in the home need to agree before we can reserve a puppy?

A: Yes. We require verbal confirmation from both (or all) adult partners in the household before accepting a deposit. This ensures each puppy is placed in a stable, united home and avoids the stress of last-minute changes. Read our full Household Decision Policy…https://godslittleaussies.com/household-decision-policy/

Q: Can we request photos?

A: Read here… https://godslittleaussies.com/our-puppy-photo-schedule/

Q: Why are some puppies priced differently than others?

Q: Do you offer payment plans?

A: Yes. Payment Options Made Simple ~
Bringing home your Heartmender should feel exciting, not stressful. That’s why we offer payment flexibility through Klarna, available when you reserve your puppy through our Good Dog profile. Klarna allows you to set up a plan that works for your budget — so your puppy can come home when the timing is right for your heart and your family.

Good Dog Profile Link
https://my.gooddog.com/gods-little-aussies-texas

Q: What is a nonrefundable retainer and why is it required?

A: Visit here ⬇️ https://godslittleaussies.com/retainer/

Q: Do you offer a health guarantee?

A: Yes! Every puppy goes home with a one-year genetic health guarantee with regard to parent genetic health testing. https://godslittleaussies.com/health-guarantee/

Q: Do you allow visitors to meet the puppies?

A: For the safety of our puppies and family, we do not offer home visits at this time. We’re happy to share weekly updates, videos, and photos along the way!

Q: Will my puppy be potty trained?

A: While our puppies are still too young to be fully potty trained at the time of pickup, they are litter box trained—a wonderful head start that eases the transition to outdoor potty habits in their new home. https://godslittleaussies.com/potty-training-tips/

Q: Do you offer delivery or transport?

A: For information on delivery options, visit here ➡️ https://godslittleaussies.com/pick-up-delivery-options/

Q: Do you sell puppies outside of the United States?

A: Answer below ⬇️

Q: What do your puppies go home with?

A: Our puppies go home with a full puppy kit, health records, comfort toy, 6lb bag of food, martingale collar and leash, travel items for any clean-up, and a beautiful printed guide — https://godslittleaussies.com/your-puppy-goes-home-with/

Q: Do you Microchip?

A: Our Microchip Policy ⬇️

Q: Boy or Girl?

A: Visit here ⬇️

Q: Do you dock your puppies’ tails?

A: No, we do not ~ Visit here ⬇️

Q: Should I shave my Aussie in the Summer?

A: No, Australian Shepherds are double-coated.

Q: Why do you call your puppies “Heartmenders?”

A: We lovingly refer to our puppies as Homegrown Heartmenders—because that’s what they become. Our puppies are hand-raised for the quiet work of the soul—companionship, comfort, and the kind of loyal presence that heals in ways words never could.

Q: Do you sell show-quality puppies?

A: While our focus is on raising emotionally grounded, healthy puppies meant to be companions, comforters, and lifelong heartmenders, we do produce for quality of structure and soundness.

We will place our puppies with limited registration in a “companion” home desiring to show.