Puppy Info
Puppy Information
Every puppy we produce is health-tested, temperament-matched, and raised using proven developmental protocols from day 3. Here is everything you need to know before you apply.
How We Raise Our Puppies
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) & Early Scent Introduction (ESI)
Starting on day 3, we perform brief, structured neurological stimulation exercises with each puppy. These protocols build stress tolerance, resilience, and confidence from the earliest stages of development. We also introduce new scents daily from days 3–16 using the Avidog ESI methodology — a protocol shown to improve performance across tracking, nosework, search and rescue, and service work. Pet puppies benefit equally through improved confidence and stability.
Learn more about ESI at Avidog.comVolhard Puppy Aptitude Test — 7 Weeks
Every puppy is temperament tested at exactly 7 weeks of age using the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test. At 7 weeks a puppy's neurological development most closely mirrors an adult dog — making this the ideal window for accurate assessment. Each puppy is scored across 10 exercises including social attraction, following, restraint, retrieving, and sensory sensitivity. Results inform which puppy we match to which home. You do not pick your puppy — we do, based on these results combined with your application.
Vaccinations & Preventative Care
Yes — we strongly recommend vaccinations. Preventative care is the best care. It is essential to protect our dogs with every chance we get. There is some risk — your dog may feel under the weather afterward because their immune system is responding — but the protection is worth it.
Yes — we recommend flea and heartworm treatments. No medication is completely without risk for every individual. Some dogs have allergies or genetics that affect how they process medications, and there is a risk for seizures in rare cases. We recommend observing your dog for a minimum of 3 hours after any new medication.
Our primary vet is Shamrock Veterinary in Eustis, Florida. They can attest to the temperament, stability, and care standards of our dogs.
Health Guarantee
We guarantee the health of our dogs for one full year — provided the dog is fed an approved raw diet and maintained on an appropriate exercise regimen. See our Food Education page for the approved brand list.
If a health issue arises, notify us. We will ask for veterinary testing proof. If a second opinion is required, it must be performed before we supply a replacement. We will take back the dog and replace them with a puppy of our choosing.
Full refunds are available within 72 hours of the puppy going home, if a health issue arises in that window.
Pricing
We can keep a puppy up to 12 weeks if requested. Full payment is due at 8 weeks of age. Any additional training or boarding is due at the time of pickup. Payment methods: Zelle, cash, check, or invoice.
Registration & Breeding Rights
All of our puppies are sold on limited AKC registration, which means you do not have the right to breed your dog. No dog can be bred until they have our approval — at which point full AKC registration will be granted at no additional cost.
Any puppies produced without our approval can be legally confiscated per the purchase contract and are not registerable for an AKC pedigree.
To be eligible for full breeding rights a dog must meet all of the following requirements:
- Full Embark genetic panel — 250+ diseases tested
- OFA Hip Evaluation
- OFA Elbow Evaluation
- OFA Thyroid — blood testing
- OFA Patella
- OFA Basic Cardiac Exam
- OFA Eye Exam
- Working title minimum (IGP1, PSA, or approved equivalent)
This process typically takes 2–3 years. Yes, it seems like a lot — but this is what is required to not produce puppies with preventable genetic issues and to maintain the highest standards for future breeding stock.
To be considered breeding quality, a dog must be completely solid genetically, structurally, and environmentally — with a sound mind and the workability expected of a working breed.
Spay & Neuter Policy
Most of our puppies are sent home with a spay or neuter contract to be completed by the age of 2 years.
Minimum age for altering: 18 months. Preferred age: 2 years — when the dog is fully developed into an adult.
Pediatric neutering prevents proper physical maturation and creates many long-term health problems. The health guarantee is voided if a dog is spayed or neutered too early.
Once a working title is achieved and health testing is completed, full AKC registration can be considered on an approved basis only.
Visiting the Puppies
We do allow visits by appointment. We ask that you put on booties, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then use hand sanitizer. If you have dogs at home with fleas, cough, or diarrhea, please refrain from visiting until those issues are resolved. The health and safety of the litter comes first.
Naming Your Puppy
You can absolutely name your own puppy. We only require that the kennel name "Emery Ranch" be included behind the name you choose — this preserves our bloodlines and allows future breeders to trace the dog's lineage back to our program. For example: Rex Emery Ranch.
Ready to Apply?
The First Step Is the Application
Fill it out completely and honestly — the more we know about your lifestyle and goals, the better the match we can make.