Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does the waiting
list work?
The first step to join the waiting list is to complete the form. This allows us to better understand your lifestyle, knowledge, and experience, helping us determine if the planned litter would be a good match for you.
We have different bloodlines, some focused on "working" traits and others more suited for conformation shows, so it's essential to select the puppy whose temperament will best align with your lifestyle for their well-being.
Afterward, we reach out to individuals whose profiles match the traits we're looking for in the litter and begin discussions to get to know each other better (via video conference or in person). There is no "first come, first served" rule; the selection is always based on the puppies' temperaments. Our goal is to find the most suitable family for the puppy, not just to sell a puppy. 🙂
What are the steps to adopt a puppy?
Once we’ve been in contact, had a discussion, and determined that there’s a good fit between the type of litter and your lifestyle, and a litter is planned, we request a deposit of $500 to reserve your future puppy (accompanied by a contract). At the same time, we’ll send you a copy of the contract you’ll sign when it’s time to pick up your puppy. This initial contract doesn’t need to be signed immediately; it’s simply for you to review before committing to us, as the final contract will include the puppy’s details (microchip number).
You’ll then be kept up to date on all developments via a private Facebook page dedicated to the litter and its adoptive families. This includes every stage of the puppies’ lives, photos, videos, and updates.
When the puppies have had their first vaccination (usually at six weeks), we’ll organize visits at the breeding facility so you can meet them.
Around seven weeks, the puppies are evaluated by a dog trainer who has never met them before. This evaluation helps confirm or refine our observations and ensures we match each puppy with the right family. Matches are based on the puppy’s temperament, the family’s lifestyle, their expectations (e.g., if they plan to practice a specific sport, have particular needs, have children, live in a city, etc.).
It’s only at this point that you’ll know which puppy is officially yours!
Some puppies may leave after eight weeks, but in some cases, a puppy benefits from staying longer with the adults here for their development. Puppies don’t all develop at the same pace, and we respect that.
What does socialization look like at the
breeder's home?
Where to start...
Oh yes, right from their very first days of life! :) Puppies are handled and introduced to human interaction from the moment they’re born. We practice what’s called ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation), which essentially involves applying gentle pressure on the puppy to help them understand and adapt to it, making them more resilient later in life. You can find a study on the topic here.
Why? Because in our human world, dogs encounter many situations that can be stressful or overwhelming (vet visits, being handled by a stranger, nail trimming, etc.). If we raise puppies in a “glass bubble,” they won’t develop the skills or tools needed to cope with these pressures effectively.
New objects are introduced into their environment so they can experience unfamiliar scents beyond those of their "den." Even in the early days, when puppies cannot yet see or hear, their sense of smell is already active.
Once their hearing develops, we play recordings of various sounds in their living area to accustom them to noisier environments, such as fireworks, children playing, babies crying, or car horns. They are exposed to different textures, confined spaces, agility tunnels, and more. They also meet a variety of people (men, women, children), other dogs of different breeds, and even the household cat. They get used to the vacuum cleaner, common household noises, nail trimming with a Dremel, baths, car rides, forest walks, and exploring diverse environments. Around seven weeks, we introduce crate training, eye contact, “sit,” and the beginnings of self-control.
We incorporate practices from Puppy Culture, Avidog, and our own personal experience.
All the work we do with the puppies is aimed at making your life easier and preparing them for the world, but it’s essential that you continue this work in the coming months when your puppy joins your home. Just because I can trim their nails effortlessly doesn’t mean you’ll have the same experience right away :) I’ve been part of their lives since their very first second of existence, and they trust me as much as they trust their mother.
We’ve shared some videos of their daily lives on our Facebook page and Vimeo because listing everything we do would take days!
Do the puppies come with a health guarantee?
In our contract, we offer a 3-year guarantee against hereditary and congenital diseases that could significantly affect the puppy's quality of life. Unfortunately, life is unpredictable, and despite our best efforts, we cannot foresee everything.
The terms of this guarantee include either a refund of the puppy's purchase price or a replacement with another puppy from a future litter. You can visit our dedicated health page for Dobermans to learn more about common health issues in the breed.
Are the puppies registered?
Yes, all our puppies are registered with the Canadian Kennel Club. They come with a certificate issued by the Canadian Kennel Club as proof of registration.