| :: RunAmok Miniature Australian Shepherds :: |
| 208-669-0594 ra_aussies@msn.com |
:: Miniature Australian Shepherd Puppy Placement Information ::
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| A "RunAmok" puppy! |
Many people ask how we choose homes for our little ones here at RunAmok... the very first step is determining if
we even have, or can anticipate, that "special" wee Aussie puppy suited to your individual lifestyle...
First, we want to get to know you! Great time and effort has gone into our breeding program; we care very
much about our puppies so screen potential new owners carefully to insure they will continue to provide the
same love and attention our little ones are accustomed to... Please complete our PUPPY QUESTIONNAIRE,
then we would like to speak with you at length concerning how our puppies are raised, as well as important
issues such as nutrition, vaccinations, training, etc. If everything sounds agreeable, and we feel we may have
the right puppy for your home, then we can discuss specifics such as contract stipulations, pricing, shipping, etc.
If you are already "serious" about owning a RunAmok puppy, then please fill out the questionnaire and return it
via email... but if you just need some preliminary information, you are more than welcome to call and speak with
us in person. Before calling though -- your basic questions may already be answered below ~
NOTE: Most of our puppies will go to homes seeking quality companions, agility prospects, search & rescue
prospects, herding dogs, obedience/show prospects, etc -- but on very rare occasion, we may consider selling a
puppy as a breeding prospect... Regardless of the puppy's "purpose", we intend for each puppy to be a cherished
companion first & foremost. If you are only looking for a "kennel dog" for your breeding program, please do not
contact us...
COMMON QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
HOW DOES OUR BREEDING PROGRAM COMPARE TO THAT OF OTHER BREEDERS?
WELL-SOCIALIZED: You will find our Miniature Australian Shepherd puppies to be extremely well-
socialized, as they are raised inside by our homeschooling family! During the crucial phases of puppy
development, our little ones are not in a barn, shed, garage or kennel, but living right in the midst of our home.
Our little ones are accustomed to common, everyday household sights and sounds and adapt well into different
home environments..
Naturally, Australian Shepherd puppies benefit greatly from our “farm” lifestyle! A variety of animals and family
members broadens their base of experience... You may expect a happy, healthy, confident puppy ready for
adventure! Of course, as with any new puppy, it will be up to you to continue proper socialization and training...
NATURAL REARING BREEDERS: We are very proud to be one of only a few dedicated Natural Rearing
Breeders raising Miniature Australian Shepherds in the entire United States! Please see our K9 HEALTH &
NATURAL REARING pages for more information about Natural Rearing, and how this benefits our puppies, as
well as future generations of our beloved breed...
ENVIRONMENT: We have found that early potty-training on a natural surface, simulating the "outdoors",
helps imprint puppies to eliminate on something other than newspaper, linoleum or expensive "puppy pee
pads". This makes house training much easier when you bring your new puppy home!
EARLY TRAINING: Since we understand that each puppy will be placed in a different home setting, we
expose our little ones to a variety of situations; as they learn to adapt to new experiences, they develop the
confidence to perform whatever tasks will be required of them as they mature. As they get old enough, and
depending upon outside weather, we take the puppies outside to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air daily.
Our outdoor puppy pen is really a miniature "puppy obstacle course", designed to build confidence, coordination
and strength in our growing puppies: While outside playing, they learn to navigate common obstacles that add a
great play experience while teaching the concept of "agility" equipment for future agility stars. For instance, an
open-ended barrel is a fun place to race through, hide, or even roll; Slatted wood provides exercise and teaches
co-ordination; Blocks, large rocks and logs teach early climbing skills and also provide a place to leap down and
attack unsuspecting siblings! <big grin> For summer puppies, a small wading pool familiarizes them with water
and swimming at a very early age...
CRATE-TRAINING: We begin crate-training each puppy by 7 weeks of age. "Your" puppy will be accustomed
to sleeping in his or her personal crate at night-time. This eases stress as the puppy makes its transition from
our home to yours, and aids in house-training your puppy as well. When you must leave your new little one at
home alone, the ability to "crate" your puppy provides a safe environment and gives peace of mind for you...
HOW MUCH SUPPORT DO WE OFFER OUR PUPPY OWNERS?
We are committed to providing extensive support, throughout the entire lifetime of your puppy. We are here to
help if you have training, nutritional, or health questions... or even if you just want to chat!
WHAT DO OUR PUPPIES COST?
We do not charge the same way many breeders do. We feel color is not nearly as important as temperament, so
do not charge "extra" for merles, or blue-eyed puppies. Though our Aussies tend to be quite beautiful, honestly,
it is what's inside that is the greatest prize...
Pricing varies individually, depending upon the quality/purpose of each puppy, as well as the sire X dam combo -
once you contact us with your specific needs, we can be more specific as to pricing - In the meanwhile, this is a
general price break-down:
PET QUALITY: A puppy/dog which, though exhibiting the potential to become a wonderful companion, may
have a trait not desirable for a breeding program; for instance, a “mismark”. Also describes a “pet” puppy/dog
of any quality, sold on a spay/neuter contract. $900 - $1300, though on occasion we may have a puppy that
falls below or above that price range. Once you contact us and we understand exactly "who" you are looking for,
we can be more specific on pricing...
BREEDING QUALITY: A puppy/dog exhibiting the potential to develop into a dog of sufficient merit that,
though it may or may not title, has no serious genetic faults or shortcomings seen at time of sale preventing it
from being considered worthy to be bred to a like or better dog. $1200 and up; usually requires "puppies back".
SHOW QUALITY: A puppy/dog exhibiting the potential to develop into a dog of sufficient merit that, though
it may or may not title, is at the time of purchase, free of serious genetic faults or shortcomings as described in
the UKC breed standard. $1300 and up.
AGILITY PROSPECT: A puppy/dog exhibiting the potential to develop into a dog of sufficient merit that,
though it may or may not title, is at the time of purchase, free of serious genetic faults or shortcomings
preventing it from being considered as a potential agility prospect.
DO WE KNOW WHAT COLOR/SIZING OUR PUPPIES WILL BE AT MATURITY?
COLOR: All of our Australian Shepherds are red factored, so we can expect all colors. Blue merles, red merles,
black tri-colors, red tri-colors, black bi-colors, red bi-colors... even red or blue bi-colored merles!
SIZE: At maturity, the vast majority of our puppies range between 30-40 pounds, however, we have had a few
puppies mature slightly under/over that. Depending upon the pair, it is usually possible to "guess-timate" a size-
range for a given litter and be fairly close, however, we would caution you; both breeders and buyers need to be
realistic with their expectations: The sheer number of DNA combinations makes the question of size impossible
to pinpoint for certain. Regardless of breeding "experience", repeated matings, or measuring puppy heights and
weights, one can never be completely certain of an individual's size until maturity is reached.
DO WE SHIP, AND IF SO, WHAT IS THE COST?
US CUSTOMERS: Yes, we fly our puppies out of Spokane International Airport and will fly to almost any
major US city, as well as a few smaller ones, as long as we are comfortable with the flight schedule. Airline
shipping is a very simple, quick and safe way to transport your puppy long distances. Shipping prices will vary
from as low as $260 to as high as $450, depending upon the size of the crate, the airline used, and the final
destination. Some puppies must be shipped "VIP" (Very Important Puppy) in order to shorten their flights to a
length we feel comfortable with... When contacting us about shipping, please provide specifics as to the closest
major airport.
CANADIAN CUSTOMERS: Yes, we are willing to ship to Canada, depending upon the schedule.
DO WE HAVE A PURCHASE CONTRACT?
Absolutely! We have a two part contract. The first part concerns the puppy deposit, the second is the sales
contract, which covers the puppy's welfare and health guarantees. Everything is sent and previewed and then
further discussed before our customers make a final commitment.
DO WE HAVE A WRITTEN HEALTH GUARANTEE?
Yes. Our guarantee is a bit better than most, and we can discuss it at length in person. For instance, many
places have a "full hip-guarantee", but when you get to the fine print, you would have to return your two year
old pet that you have loved, cared for, trained etc in order to get a "replacement puppy"! Frankly, most puppy
owners would never dream of sending their two year old companion back, regardless of a health issue... so that is
not much of a "guarantee" in our view. In that light, we offer a real health guarantee, one that does not require
the pet coming back to us. More information in the following sections.
DO WE SCREEN OUR BREEDING DOGS FOR HEALTH ISSUES?
You may find more information, and links, concerning Aussie health from our "BASIC INFORMATION" page...
Yes, we do screen for genetic defects, but we may, or may not, have different priorities than those of other
breeders you have spoken with. We can send you copies of all our health information, and would be happy to
discuss with you the specifics for each parent.
WHAT ARE OUR POLICIES REGARDING THE NAMING OF EACH PUPPY?
We require the prefix "RunAmok", but as long as the name is not offensive in content, our customers are allowed
to choose their puppies' names.
ARE RUNAMOK PUPPIES REGISTERED? WHAT REGISTRIES? WHAT ARE THEIR PEDIGREES?
REGISTRATION: Of course! As with most Miniature Aussies, our dogs have varied registrations including,
but not limited to: MASCA, NAMASCUSA, ARBA, IABCA, NSDR, APRI, CKC & FORBS... However, in the effort
to make registrations far less complicated, our dogs are all registered through the UKC! The United Kennel Club
is a reputable and long-standing registry; formed in 1898, they offer wonderful customer service in conjunction
with a wide range of options for showing and competing, including conformation, agility, and obedience trials.
Unlike many registries which tend to focus on the outward appearance alone, the UKC has worked to maintain
the health, function, and integrity of each breed. Though they do not recognize the "miniature" as a size variety,
our dogs are listed as Australian Shepherds. *For those interested, we do offer dual registry as well...
PEDIGREE: Many places offer a 3 or 4 generation pedigree on their Mini Aussie puppies. We can provide a full
6 generation pedigree. Note: All of our dogs can be traced much farther back, and we will be happy to show you
how to do more research if you would like...
Well, we hope this answers some of your questions! You are welcome to call for more information. *The number
below is our cell number -- If we are out of service, please leave a brief message and we will return your call
promptly.
We hope you have a tail-waggin' g'day!
RunAmok Farm: Dan, Jaque & tribe!
208-669-0594
we even have, or can anticipate, that "special" wee Aussie puppy suited to your individual lifestyle...
First, we want to get to know you! Great time and effort has gone into our breeding program; we care very
much about our puppies so screen potential new owners carefully to insure they will continue to provide the
same love and attention our little ones are accustomed to... Please complete our PUPPY QUESTIONNAIRE,
then we would like to speak with you at length concerning how our puppies are raised, as well as important
issues such as nutrition, vaccinations, training, etc. If everything sounds agreeable, and we feel we may have
the right puppy for your home, then we can discuss specifics such as contract stipulations, pricing, shipping, etc.
If you are already "serious" about owning a RunAmok puppy, then please fill out the questionnaire and return it
via email... but if you just need some preliminary information, you are more than welcome to call and speak with
us in person. Before calling though -- your basic questions may already be answered below ~
NOTE: Most of our puppies will go to homes seeking quality companions, agility prospects, search & rescue
prospects, herding dogs, obedience/show prospects, etc -- but on very rare occasion, we may consider selling a
puppy as a breeding prospect... Regardless of the puppy's "purpose", we intend for each puppy to be a cherished
companion first & foremost. If you are only looking for a "kennel dog" for your breeding program, please do not
contact us...
COMMON QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
HOW DOES OUR BREEDING PROGRAM COMPARE TO THAT OF OTHER BREEDERS?
WELL-SOCIALIZED: You will find our Miniature Australian Shepherd puppies to be extremely well-
socialized, as they are raised inside by our homeschooling family! During the crucial phases of puppy
development, our little ones are not in a barn, shed, garage or kennel, but living right in the midst of our home.
Our little ones are accustomed to common, everyday household sights and sounds and adapt well into different
home environments..
Naturally, Australian Shepherd puppies benefit greatly from our “farm” lifestyle! A variety of animals and family
members broadens their base of experience... You may expect a happy, healthy, confident puppy ready for
adventure! Of course, as with any new puppy, it will be up to you to continue proper socialization and training...
NATURAL REARING BREEDERS: We are very proud to be one of only a few dedicated Natural Rearing
Breeders raising Miniature Australian Shepherds in the entire United States! Please see our K9 HEALTH &
NATURAL REARING pages for more information about Natural Rearing, and how this benefits our puppies, as
well as future generations of our beloved breed...
ENVIRONMENT: We have found that early potty-training on a natural surface, simulating the "outdoors",
helps imprint puppies to eliminate on something other than newspaper, linoleum or expensive "puppy pee
pads". This makes house training much easier when you bring your new puppy home!
EARLY TRAINING: Since we understand that each puppy will be placed in a different home setting, we
expose our little ones to a variety of situations; as they learn to adapt to new experiences, they develop the
confidence to perform whatever tasks will be required of them as they mature. As they get old enough, and
depending upon outside weather, we take the puppies outside to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air daily.
Our outdoor puppy pen is really a miniature "puppy obstacle course", designed to build confidence, coordination
and strength in our growing puppies: While outside playing, they learn to navigate common obstacles that add a
great play experience while teaching the concept of "agility" equipment for future agility stars. For instance, an
open-ended barrel is a fun place to race through, hide, or even roll; Slatted wood provides exercise and teaches
co-ordination; Blocks, large rocks and logs teach early climbing skills and also provide a place to leap down and
attack unsuspecting siblings! <big grin> For summer puppies, a small wading pool familiarizes them with water
and swimming at a very early age...
CRATE-TRAINING: We begin crate-training each puppy by 7 weeks of age. "Your" puppy will be accustomed
to sleeping in his or her personal crate at night-time. This eases stress as the puppy makes its transition from
our home to yours, and aids in house-training your puppy as well. When you must leave your new little one at
home alone, the ability to "crate" your puppy provides a safe environment and gives peace of mind for you...
HOW MUCH SUPPORT DO WE OFFER OUR PUPPY OWNERS?
We are committed to providing extensive support, throughout the entire lifetime of your puppy. We are here to
help if you have training, nutritional, or health questions... or even if you just want to chat!
WHAT DO OUR PUPPIES COST?
We do not charge the same way many breeders do. We feel color is not nearly as important as temperament, so
do not charge "extra" for merles, or blue-eyed puppies. Though our Aussies tend to be quite beautiful, honestly,
it is what's inside that is the greatest prize...
Pricing varies individually, depending upon the quality/purpose of each puppy, as well as the sire X dam combo -
once you contact us with your specific needs, we can be more specific as to pricing - In the meanwhile, this is a
general price break-down:
PET QUALITY: A puppy/dog which, though exhibiting the potential to become a wonderful companion, may
have a trait not desirable for a breeding program; for instance, a “mismark”. Also describes a “pet” puppy/dog
of any quality, sold on a spay/neuter contract. $900 - $1300, though on occasion we may have a puppy that
falls below or above that price range. Once you contact us and we understand exactly "who" you are looking for,
we can be more specific on pricing...
BREEDING QUALITY: A puppy/dog exhibiting the potential to develop into a dog of sufficient merit that,
though it may or may not title, has no serious genetic faults or shortcomings seen at time of sale preventing it
from being considered worthy to be bred to a like or better dog. $1200 and up; usually requires "puppies back".
SHOW QUALITY: A puppy/dog exhibiting the potential to develop into a dog of sufficient merit that, though
it may or may not title, is at the time of purchase, free of serious genetic faults or shortcomings as described in
the UKC breed standard. $1300 and up.
AGILITY PROSPECT: A puppy/dog exhibiting the potential to develop into a dog of sufficient merit that,
though it may or may not title, is at the time of purchase, free of serious genetic faults or shortcomings
preventing it from being considered as a potential agility prospect.
DO WE KNOW WHAT COLOR/SIZING OUR PUPPIES WILL BE AT MATURITY?
COLOR: All of our Australian Shepherds are red factored, so we can expect all colors. Blue merles, red merles,
black tri-colors, red tri-colors, black bi-colors, red bi-colors... even red or blue bi-colored merles!
SIZE: At maturity, the vast majority of our puppies range between 30-40 pounds, however, we have had a few
puppies mature slightly under/over that. Depending upon the pair, it is usually possible to "guess-timate" a size-
range for a given litter and be fairly close, however, we would caution you; both breeders and buyers need to be
realistic with their expectations: The sheer number of DNA combinations makes the question of size impossible
to pinpoint for certain. Regardless of breeding "experience", repeated matings, or measuring puppy heights and
weights, one can never be completely certain of an individual's size until maturity is reached.
DO WE SHIP, AND IF SO, WHAT IS THE COST?
US CUSTOMERS: Yes, we fly our puppies out of Spokane International Airport and will fly to almost any
major US city, as well as a few smaller ones, as long as we are comfortable with the flight schedule. Airline
shipping is a very simple, quick and safe way to transport your puppy long distances. Shipping prices will vary
from as low as $260 to as high as $450, depending upon the size of the crate, the airline used, and the final
destination. Some puppies must be shipped "VIP" (Very Important Puppy) in order to shorten their flights to a
length we feel comfortable with... When contacting us about shipping, please provide specifics as to the closest
major airport.
CANADIAN CUSTOMERS: Yes, we are willing to ship to Canada, depending upon the schedule.
DO WE HAVE A PURCHASE CONTRACT?
Absolutely! We have a two part contract. The first part concerns the puppy deposit, the second is the sales
contract, which covers the puppy's welfare and health guarantees. Everything is sent and previewed and then
further discussed before our customers make a final commitment.
DO WE HAVE A WRITTEN HEALTH GUARANTEE?
Yes. Our guarantee is a bit better than most, and we can discuss it at length in person. For instance, many
places have a "full hip-guarantee", but when you get to the fine print, you would have to return your two year
old pet that you have loved, cared for, trained etc in order to get a "replacement puppy"! Frankly, most puppy
owners would never dream of sending their two year old companion back, regardless of a health issue... so that is
not much of a "guarantee" in our view. In that light, we offer a real health guarantee, one that does not require
the pet coming back to us. More information in the following sections.
DO WE SCREEN OUR BREEDING DOGS FOR HEALTH ISSUES?
You may find more information, and links, concerning Aussie health from our "BASIC INFORMATION" page...
Yes, we do screen for genetic defects, but we may, or may not, have different priorities than those of other
breeders you have spoken with. We can send you copies of all our health information, and would be happy to
discuss with you the specifics for each parent.
WHAT ARE OUR POLICIES REGARDING THE NAMING OF EACH PUPPY?
We require the prefix "RunAmok", but as long as the name is not offensive in content, our customers are allowed
to choose their puppies' names.
ARE RUNAMOK PUPPIES REGISTERED? WHAT REGISTRIES? WHAT ARE THEIR PEDIGREES?
REGISTRATION: Of course! As with most Miniature Aussies, our dogs have varied registrations including,
but not limited to: MASCA, NAMASCUSA, ARBA, IABCA, NSDR, APRI, CKC & FORBS... However, in the effort
to make registrations far less complicated, our dogs are all registered through the UKC! The United Kennel Club
is a reputable and long-standing registry; formed in 1898, they offer wonderful customer service in conjunction
with a wide range of options for showing and competing, including conformation, agility, and obedience trials.
Unlike many registries which tend to focus on the outward appearance alone, the UKC has worked to maintain
the health, function, and integrity of each breed. Though they do not recognize the "miniature" as a size variety,
our dogs are listed as Australian Shepherds. *For those interested, we do offer dual registry as well...
PEDIGREE: Many places offer a 3 or 4 generation pedigree on their Mini Aussie puppies. We can provide a full
6 generation pedigree. Note: All of our dogs can be traced much farther back, and we will be happy to show you
how to do more research if you would like...
Well, we hope this answers some of your questions! You are welcome to call for more information. *The number
below is our cell number -- If we are out of service, please leave a brief message and we will return your call
promptly.
We hope you have a tail-waggin' g'day!
RunAmok Farm: Dan, Jaque & tribe!
208-669-0594
| NEW! Beautiful, naturally-reared, Champion-sired Miniature Australian Shepherd puppies, winter litters planned, pups ready this spring! More information: LIL' RUSTLERS |