FAQ | Salt Coast Aussies

Welcome to our FAQ's where we try to answer some common questions.

What is ENS? How/why do you do it? What are the benefits?

ENS stands for early neurological stimulation. ENS is a series of exercises performed once daily with each puppy days 3 through 16 (which is be a period of rapid neurological growth). It is believed that performing ENS during the specified period promotes growth and connectivity of neural pathways leading to improved cognitive abilities and learning capacity; develops adaptive coping mechanisms, making them more resilient to stress throughout their lives; increases adaptability helping them become more comfortable in new environments and situations and improves their socialization skills. More specific info can be found here:

https://youtu.be/ja6E4xa-6Hs?si=22meeTR90CP5V-tK

Should we crate train our puppy? Why? What are the benefits?

Yes, we believe you should definitely crate train your puppy. However, the decision to crate train or not is ultimately yours and yours alone.

Crate training a puppy offers several benefits that can enhance their well-being and your experience as a pet owner. It provides your puppy with a safe space to retreat when they feel tired, nervous, or stressed. Additionally, crate training can speed up house training, as dogs instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area. It also helps prevent destructive behavior when you can't supervise them, making it easier to manage their environment. Furthermore, crate training fosters a sense of security, easing your puppy's transition into new surroundings and travel situations.

I would like to adopt a puppy but can't decide if a male or female would be better...

Key differences are:

* Size: Adult males generally run between 20-23 inches at the withers and weigh 50-65 pounds. Adult females generally run 18-21 inches at the withers and weigh 40-55 pounds,

* Coat: Both males and females have thick coats, will shed (a lot) and have 2 distinct coat blow outs per year (right before summer and right before winter). However, males have a longer "lions' mane" around their head and neck.

* Trainability: Aussies are smart. Very smart. Many say that females are easier to train than males.

* Affection: Both male and female Aussies are affectionate. However, it appears that some believe males to be more so than females.

* Independence: Both male and females can be independent (usually they like to be where their people are) it is believed females are more independent than males.

* Aussies have a lot of energy and excel in active environments.

The above being said much of what is mentioned depends a lot on the individual dog, their person and the environment they live in; but hope that helps a little?

Do you dock tails? Why? What are the benefits?

Yes, we do have our puppies' tails docked for a number of reasons. Although some Aussies carry a gene for a natural bob tail most will be born with a full tail that results in a long fluffy tail at maturity. In following the tradition of Aussie's as working dogs; tails were (and still are) docked to prevent injury (like being stepped on and caught in brush or fences while working livestock): so, health and safety is the first reason. The other is to adhere to the breed standards set forth by the AKC and others. Further, a short tail is one of the identifying factors for Aussies and one of the things that make them desirable.

I would like to adopt one of your puppies but prefer a natural tail; is that possible?

Absolutely. However, it takes a bit more planning and commitment on your part. Tails are generally docked at 3 days old. In order for it to work you would have to get on a waiting list, know the color and sex of the puppy you are hoping for and be able to commit fully (i.e. pay full purchase price) when the puppy is just a few days old. If this is something you would like to do, please reach out so we can keep you updated on future litters.

What is MDR1?

MDR1 is fairly common in a dozen or so breeds and it is estimated that 50% of Aussies (70% of Collies, 65% of Long-haired Whippets, 50% of Miniature American Shepherds and 30% of Silken Windhounds) carry this mutation.

MDR1 stands for Multi-Drug Resistance 1, a gene whose mutation leads to increased sensitivity to certain drugs - Ivermectin (used for heartworm prevention), Acepromazine (a sedative /tranquilizer), Loperamide (Imodium) (used for diarrhea) and Vincristine and Vinblastine (chemotherapy drugs). This mutation creates a transport defect, allowing drugs to enter the brain but preventing their removal, leading to toxic buildup and serious neurological issues, including seizures and potential death.

Dogs with 2 copies of the MDR1 gene mutation should NEVER be given the above-refenced drugs and, thankfully, there are alternatives to each. Further, although carriers may be unaffected and it may be considered "safe" to give them to a dog that carries only 1 gene mutation, it is likely best to avoid them all together; especially since alternatives are readily available.

How do I know if my dog has or carries MDR1?

Purchasing your puppy from a reputable breeder is the first step. Reputable breeders have tested their dogs and know the health status of each of their breeding dogs. Ask them, most will be willing to share the genetic testing results with you. However, if you find a puppy you absolutely must have, and genetic testing results are not available or no testing has been done the only real way to know would be to have testing done yourself through Embark or another reputable company.

Example of Basic Genetics:

X= clear gene and M=MDR1 gene for this example (remember each dog carries 2 genes and each pass 1 gene to their offspring)

* XX bred to XX would result in each puppy being 100% clear

* XX bred to XM would result in each puppy having a 25% chance of being affected

* XX bred to MM would result in each puppy having a 50% chance of being affected (likewise with XM to XM)

* XM bred to MM would result in each puppy having a 75% chance of being affected

* MM bred to MM would result in all puppies (100%) being affected.

I want to adopt a puppy what are my payment options?

A non-refundable deposit of 20% of the adoption fee is required at the time you reserve your puppy and applied to the total cost. The balance is due at or before pick-up. We accept Venmo, CashApp and ApplePay for the initial deposit. The final balance is payable by Venmo, CashApp, ApplePay or cash at pick-up. We can only accept a check for the final balance if it is presented enough in advance (usually 10 days) so that it clears our account prior to pick-up.

I want to adopt a puppy; but I live in a different state. What are my options?

If you live in another state or are otherwise unable to visit us to pick up, we can assist you in deciding which way is best for you to receive your puppy. Sometimes the easiest/best option is to meet at New Orleans Airport (airport code MSY) to receive your puppy. Other options include flight nanny service or ground transport. We are happy to discuss these options with you.