The following questionnaire will help me find the best puppy / DOG (hereinafter “the DOG) for you.  Please fill out the answers as completely as possible.

1. What made you decide on an Australian Shepherd?

2. Have you done any research on the breed, if so what?

3. Do you know anyone else with Aussies?

4. What if any is your experience with Aussies?

5. Have you had any experiences with other breeds of DOGs?  What breeds?

6. If you previously owned DOGs, what breeds were they, and the length of time you had them and what happened to them?

7. Have you ever had to return a DOG to the breeder?  If so why?

8. Are you aware that Aussies are active and intelligent DOGs and require a great deal of training, activity and socialization.

9. What, if any, DOG training experiences do you have?  Are you planning to attend a training class with this DOG (especially puppy kindergarten)?

10. Do you have a fenced yard or kennel?  A five or 6 foot fence or kennel is best.  If not how will handle toilet training/exercise?

11. Are you aware that Aussies are a double coated breed and shed several times a year.  They are ranked as “moderate” shedders.

12. Are you prepared to make a 10 to 15 year commitment to DOG ownership?

13. Are all household members agreeable to acquiring this puppy?

14. Who will be the primary caregiver for this DOG?

15. Are you interested in any of the following:

Conformation showing _____     

Obedience trials  _____

Agility trials  _____   

Herding trials  _____

Tracking  _____                                                               

Therapy  _____

Other  __________________________________________________

16. Do you have a preference for a male or a female?  Preference for color?  Describe why you chose the color and sex.

17. Do you presently have any other pets?  If so what kind and how many.  Describe them.

18. How many are in your family?  Children / ages?

19. Are you aware that Aussies are herding DOGs and may possibly try to “herd” you or your children, chase them and nip at their heels?

20. How many hours per day will the DOG be alone during the week? _____  On the weekend?  _____

21. Where will this DOG spend its days?  In a crate inside _____  Loose inside _____  Tied up _____  Loose in a fenced yard _____ In a kennel run (size) _____  Loose outside without a fence _____  Basement or garage _____       Other (describe) _________________________________________________________________________________________

22. Where will the DOG spend it’s evenings?  In a crate inside _____  Loose inside _____  Tied up _____  Loose in a fenced yard _____ In a kennel run (size) _____  Loose outside without a fence _____  Basement or garage _____       Other (describe) _________________________________________________________________________________________

23. Where will this DOG sleep?  In a crate inside _____  Loose inside _____  Tied up _____  Loose in a fenced yard _____ In a kennel run (size) _____  Loose outside without a fence _____  Basement or garage _____       Other (describe) _________________________________________________________________________________________

24. Many living situations can change in the future, a move, a divorce/marriage, new baby, new job illness, etc.  Have you thought about how this may affect your commitment this DOG. If any of these affect your situation, what arrangements would be made for this DOG?  Remember that I will take ANY DOG back if you need to find another home for the DOG.

25. If you were to go on vacation, what arrangements would be made for the DOG?  Travel with you _____  Boarded at a vet/boarding facility _____  Pet sitter’s home _____ Friend/relative home _____ Home with someone checking on him _____  Other (describe)  ___________________________________

26. Do you currently have a vet, or are able to get a recommendation for one?

27. If this DOG is being purchased as a “companion” (not for showing or breeding), do you have a problem with having the DOG spayed or neutered?

28. How do you feel about crate training?  If you are not familiar with “crate training” will you be willing to learn and use it?

29. Do you believe in a quality-feeding program?  If you have other DOGs what food do you use?

30. Please describe the temperament or personality type of Aussie you prefer (less active, very active, attentive, a glue DOG, lap lizard, snuggler, ball dog, etc.

31. Would you have a problem returning the DOG to me should you be unable to keep the DOG?  Would having to return the DOG cause you embarrassment?

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by e-mail, phone or fax.  I am ALWAYS here to answer questions or add to your education of the breed.

Name:  ____________________________________________________________________

Address:  __________________________________________________________________

City:  __________________________________    

State:  ______________    Zip:  ________

E-mail:  ___________________________________________________________________

Phone (home):  _____________________________________________________________

Phone (work):   ______________________________________________________________

Please remember if you CAN’T keep the DOG for ANY reason, call me first.  I MUST approve of all changes of ownership.  This is because I LOVE THE DOG and am concerned about its care for a lifetime, not just for a few years.  If you feel you have to place the DOG in a new home, REMEMBER that I will have the same concern in re-homing the DOG as I had when I placed this DOG in your home.

The very best home for the DOG was when I placed this DOG with you.  I will take the utmost care when I re-home your (our) DOG if that horrible time comes that you can’t keep the DOG.  PLEASE THINK OF THE DOG AND CALL ME!