STILL NOT SURE?

Frequently Asked Questions

We are passionate about building long-term relationships with our clients on a foundation of trust and care! When you join our program, you become part of the Third Sun Family.

Question 1: Is there a waiting list?

Yes. Because we are a boutique breeder focusing on quality over volume, our litters are often reserved in advance. We recommend placing a deposit early to secure a spot on our reservation list. If a litter does not produce the specific match you are looking for, your deposit can be moved to the next available litter. We believe these puppies are well worth the wait! 

Question 2: Why is registration (AKC, ASDR, ASCA) important?

It is vital to know exactly what you are paying for. Our parents are AKC registered, and our Sire also holds ASDR and ASCA registrations. This ensures you are receiving a purebred Australian Shepherd with a documented lineage. Proper registration means the breeder must comply with specific standards—giving you confidence that your puppy comes from a verified and responsible background. 

Question 3: Do your puppies cost more than others?

We price our puppies competitively with other high-quality, health-tested Australian Shepherds. While you may find "backyard breeders" selling puppies for less, remember that you get what you pay for. Our price reflects the "behind the scenes" investment: professional temperament testing, premium nutrition, and extensive genetic clearances. We aren't just selling a pet; we are providing a superior companion bred for beauty, brains, and biddability. 

Question 4: What do you recommend for nutrition?

We exclusively feed and recommend 4Health Shreds Puppy Formula. It is nutritionally complete and highly digestible, which is crucial for the proper growth and joint development of an active breed like the Australian Shepherd. By feeding high-quality, concentrated nutrition, your dog produces less waste and maintains a healthier coat and immune system, and ensures our puppies have every advantage from the start. 

Question 5: How do you socialize your puppies?

Socialization starts at birth. We use a hands-on, purpose-driven approach including Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI). Our puppies are raised in our home and on our farm, exposed to real-world rhythms—different surfaces, sounds, and environments. This is not a kennel environment; your puppy is guided through curated experiences so they arrive at your home steady, confident, and ready for life's adventures. 

Question 6: What health testing do you do?

Health and integrity are at the forefront of our program. Both parents are health tested and genetically clear. We prioritize testing for MDR1 and other common Aussie health concerns to ensure our puppies are genetically clear from birth. Furthermore, we advocate for high standards in orthopedic testing, favoring predictive evaluations like PennHIP to ensure sound structure and longevity in our dogs. 

Question 7: How do you match puppies?

This is what sets us apart. We don't distinguish based on a photo. At 6-7 weeks, we work with a professional trainer with over 30 years of experience to perform temperament evaluations. This allows us to match the right puppy's personality and energy level to your specific home and purpose—whether that is a service dog prospect, an active hiking partner, or a devoted family pet.

Question 8: Do you ship your puppies?

For the safety and well-being of our puppies, we do not ship via cargo. We prefer that puppy parents fly into our local airport to pick up their puppy in-cabin or drive to our farm in Baraboo, Wisconsin. If you cannot travel, we can discuss the possibility of a flight nanny who will personally escort your puppy in the cabin of the plane to ensure a stress-free and safe arrival. 

Question 9: Why Third Sun?

1. Purpose-Bred: Focus on beauty, brains, and biddability. 2. Health First: Genetically clear for MDR1 and common concerns. 3. Professional Evaluations: 30+ years of training expertise. 4. Hands-On Raising: Puppy Culture, ENS, and ESI. 5. Family Environment: Home and farm-raised. 6. Lifetime Support: Open invitation for questions for the life of the dog. 7. Complete Go-Home Pack: Vaccinations, deworming, vet certs, and microchips. 8. Integrity: Doing what is right for you and your puppy. 

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