Nutrition for your new fur-friend
Puppy Culture -the key to a well socialized fur friend
Are you ready to join the M4 Doodle Ranch Family? Adoption application
M4 Doodle Ranch Guardian Program and application
M4 Doodle Ranch specializes in breeding & selling hypoallergenic, well socialized, organically fed and raised boutique miniature aussiedoodle puppies. We take great pride in breeding and fur-ever homing our amazingly intelligent and beautiful mini aussiedoodle puppies.
4M Doodle Ranch believes all dogs should be loving members of a family. We are not a puppy mill nor do we believe in kenneling any of our 4M Doodle Ranch fur friends.
The Mini Aussiedoodle is the cross between two of America's most intelligent and popular dog breeds- the Miniature Australian Sheppard and a Moyen Poodle. Mini Aussiedoodles are lean, agile. They make a wonderful family dog because of their fun loving personalities, high intelligence and amazing dispositions. Mini Aussiedoodles are very devoted to their families and are wonderful with children and other animals! They do not like to be kept alone and are happiest when they are spending time with their family. Mini Aussiedoodles are very attentive and love to please, which makes them very easy to train.
A Mini Aussiedoodle’s coat can vary from light wavy curls to tight curls. They are also very low to non shedding depending on their coat type, which makes them good for people with mild allergies. People with more moderate allergies would do better with a F1b Mini Aussiedoodle. They do require regular grooming and brushing of their coat to make sure it stays free from matting which can be painful for the dog. Our Mini Aussiedoodles vary in color from Blue Merle, red Merle, white/cream, black and white, black, red with white, red, apricot, and apricot with white. M4 Doodle Ranch Mini Aussiedoodles are expected to mature between 20-35 lbs.
F1 Mini Aussiedoodles= First Generation, Miniature Australian Shepard x Moyen Poodle
F1b Mini Aussiedoodles= F1 Mini Aussiedoodle x Moyen Poodle
*M4 Doodle Ranch offers only F1 and F1b at this time.
We have enjoyed getting to know all the families we have met along this journey and are proud to say we have provided them with healthy, well socialized companions!
We look forward to meeting you as well.
The Miniature Australian Breed
The miniature Australian Shepherd is sometimes referred to as a toy dog, but its official title is miniature. This adorable and very darling dog is just a smaller version of the already very popular and beloved Australian Shepherd, and it makes it a very desirable breed to call your own. The miniature Australian Shepherd has a number of features that make it such a popular dog, including the fact that it is great with kids, loves affection and is not a dog that generally causes many issues in the house. Like any dog breed, though, we always recommend that you first do your research to find out of a particular breed is right for you. That’s why we’re providing you with the most important information regarding the miniature Australian Shepherd so you can learn what to expect, what this dog might bring to the table, and even a little bit about from where he hails.
Personality and Temperament
The miniature Australian Shepherd is a fun dog. This is a dog breed that loves to play, loves to have a good time and loves to interact with the family. It is an easygoing breed with a big personality and a sweet temperament. It wants to spend a great deal of time with children, and the more active the children the better in the miniature Australian Shepherd’s mind. If you have a child that is a bit rambunctious and full of life and you worry that he or she might have a bit too much energy for a dog, this is the dog breed for your child by and far. The miniature Australian Shepherd is an amazing child’s dog, and he is a very loyal dog. Despite being so small, this is a breed that is very protective, very loyal and very attentive. It’s been said that the breed can anticipate what his or her people want before they are able to vocalize it, and it makes them exceptionally well-behaved dogs.
Breed History
It was 1968 when someone decided that the regularly sized Australian Shepherd needed to be shrunk and turned into a miniature Australian Shepherd, and so a club was started and this was a breeding process that took effect. The miniature Australian Shepherd was originally bred using small dogs from the regular breed and perfected using the offspring of these dogs. It did take a while to work the way that breeders wanted, but it was as successful venture and everyone is happy with it. Over the years, the popularity of this breed has become even more prevalent, especially with the overwhelming desire so many dog owners have to have a small dog in their homes. The miniature Australian Shepherd is one of the most beautiful and most popular little dogs in the country right now, and for good reason.
About the Moyen Poodle Breed
Moyen means medium in French, and it is the word used to refer to the fourth size of Poodles, the Moyen Poodles. This popular dog breed is also known as Klein Poodle or just Klein in other European countries. The name Klein comes from the German word “Klein” which means small or mini. Contrary to what many people believe, Moyen Poodles are not the result of a cross between a Miniature and Standard Poodle. Instead, they are a widely recognized independent size of the Poodle breed.
Moyen Poodles are 15 to 20 inches tall. Their size makes them ideal companion dogs and quite common in the United States and other countries.
Moyen Poodle Breed History
More than one country claims to be the place of origin of the Poodle breed. The American Kennel Club (AKC) states that Poodles originated in Germany. However, many other sources that give this credit to the French. The Poodle breed was initially a water retrieving dog, known as “Pudelhund” in Germany —a name derived from the words “Pudel” and “Hund,” meaning “to splash” and dog, respectively.
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) states that Poodles originated from a cross between the French Barbet dog and the Hungarian water dog. Later, the breed was standardized in France, where it functioned as a water retriever. Nowadays, in France, Poodles are referred to as “Caniches,” a name that comes from the name of the female duck which Poodles hunted.
Poodles are known as France’s national breed thanks to their popularity in this country. Poodles of all sizes have been noble companions to the societal elite. Poodles were the favorite dog breed of several French aristocrats, including Louis XVI who had a pampered toy Poodle. Numerous paintings of the Spanish artist Francisco Goya, show that Caniches were also a common pet on the late 18th century in Spain.
In 188, Poodles were officially recognized as a dog breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Poodles genes have contributed to many other dog breeds, including the Miniature and Standard Schnauzers and Bichon. Throughout the history, Poodles have been used as guide dogs, guard dogs, military service dogs, and circus performers.
Moyen Poodle Appearance
Moyen Poodles weight 20 to 30 pounds (9 to 13 kg) on average. They are 15 to 20 inches tall. The main difference between a Moyen Poodle and a standard or miniature Poodle is their size; otherwise, they are all similar in appearance. Poodles may have a curly or corded hair coat. The curly hair coat has a naturally harsh texture with an even density, while the corded hair version is characterized by hanging even cords of varying length.
The coat of Moyen Poodles can be black, blue, silver, gray, cream, apricot, red, white, brown, cafe-au-lait, and parti-colored.
Personality and Training
Moyen Poodles are known for their sweet and loving temperament. They are intelligent, loyal, and mischievous dogs. Their intelligence makes them easy to train dogs.
These affectionate dogs, love to be part of family activities. They are playful, active, alert. Poodles are often said to have a human-like personality and intelligence.
Poodles are known for being protective of their families. They make excellent watchdogs. If a stranger approaches the house of a Moyen Poodle, he/she will quickly warn his/her owners. Moyen Poodles are highly affectionate with their families. However, they need a little time to get to know new people.
Training Moyen Poodles correctly and in a timely fashion will prevent behavioral issues. Poodles need to get a proper amount of exercise to avoid destructive behaviors.
We here at M4 Doodle Ranch have come to believe SO strongly in Life's Abundance , that we have chosen to include it in our health guarantee. We feel very strongly about keeping your puppy as healthy as possible and we feel that providing this premium, holistically formulated dog food will ensure your dog’s nutritional health and long-life! So many dogs and cats are acquiring serious life-threatening health issues through poor diet and vitamin deficiency. Life's Abundance provides the optimum nutritional benefits for all life-stages ensuring good health and longevity for your M4 Doodle Ranch puppy, which is why we are willing to stand behind our health guarantee when you feed this specific line of holistically-formulated dog food only.
I am often asked, “What should I feed my puppy? What do you recommend?” We have always researched the dog food and looked at the first few ingredients and the guaranteed analysis. Throughout the years we have also used several different brands of dog food and most recently, Victor. We have made the decision to feed our puppies and dogs Life's Abundance for now on because we end up feeding 2-3 times as much of these other brands and do you know what happens when you feed more? Yep! They P**P more! And, it does end up costing a lot more too!
Have you all seen all the dog food recalls recently? That's when we initially became concerned about keeping up with the news and recalls. While researching, we were disgusted with the fact that too often the commercial brands were outsourcing and cheapening their ingredients (especially the types of protein) to increase the bottom line. We have to worry about fillers, GMO’s, and animal by-products. And then of course there are new recalls and reports of contamination on an almost daily basis now! We were recently introduced to Life's Abundance, a premium holistically-formulated dog food for ALL life stages and I'm excited to tell you that not only do our puppies and dogs love it, but it's so much healthier than any kibble we've fed our pets int he past.
We were so impressed by the quality and high standards of this dog food and the amazing testimonials from the customers and field representatives of this company that we only recommend Life's Abundance products now. Our mission at M4 Doodle Ranch is to improve the quality of the breed and offer our customers beautiful, healthy, and sweet-tempered puppies that they can enjoy for years to come.
Life's Abundance contains NO by-products, NO corn, wheat, NO soy, NO artificial colors/flavors, NO artificial preservatives. Feeding this healthy food will help give your pet a long and healthy life! And if that isn't enough, it costs LESS per serving than other premium dog foods & will be shipped right to your door! We love it and more importantly, our DOGS all love it!
Life's Abundance also contains important GUARANTEED LIVE probiotics and prebiotics that aid in your dog’s overall gut health and digestion. These key ingredients, including several other needed vitamins, also support your dog’s overall immune system. We’ve been privileged to personally speak with the company President and CEO, and most importantly, its formulator, Dr. Jane Bicks, DVM, and continue to have direct access to them to ask them questions.
This line of products was formulated by Dr. Jane Bicks, DVM. She has been a holistic vet for over 20 years. She has served as President of the American Veterinarian Association of New York City, earned three Presidential Citations, appointed by Mayor Rudolph Guliano to help establish one of the largest animal shelters in the world, the author of three books on responsible care and treatment of pets, and has appeared on 48 Hours, Good Morning America, CNN, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, and more. She has also created a non-profit foundation where a percent of her product line is contributed toward rescue and care for pets.
There has NEVER been a recall of this holistically-formulated food and it is produced in limited runs on a weekly basis, minimizing periods of storage and helping to deliver the freshest-possible product. While leading brands stockpile tons of food for months on end, Life's Abundance is made weekly in small batches. Fresher food is more nutrient-rich! You can be assured that your new Idaho Jewels puppy will benefit from their strict inventory controls and product safety considerations that are second-to-none. This is why Life's Abundance cannot be found at your local store!
While this dog food might “seem” more expensive up front, the cost is about $1.88 a day for a 70 pound adult dog!! Americans spend more than that on their Starbuck's coffee every morning!!! Higher calories per cup means you'll feed LESS dog food, but they receive MORE nutrition! They are able to digest and utilize the dog food more due to their special cooking process.
Plus, you are ensuring a long and healthy life for your fur-baby when you feed them quality nutrition!
Isn't your precious M4 Doodle Ranch puppy worth it?
Our breeding program at M4 Doodle Ranch follows a world renowned socialization program called Puppy Culture. Puppy Culture is a curriculum for both dog breeders and puppy owners alike, dedicated to raising stable, mentally sound dogs. Our current puppies, and future litters, will be raised using Puppy Culture's protocols such as manding, resource guarding prevention, and biosensory exercises.
We highly encourage our puppy owners, present and future, to learn more about Puppy Culture and the benefits of positive reinforcement training.
Are you a new puppy owner, ready to take the Puppy Culture journey? 30 lessons, 2 hours and 34 minutes.
Instant wisdom - just add puppies.
We’ve been raising, training, rescuing, and breeding dogs for 33 years and we have good news for you. It’s much simpler and easier than you think to raise a puppy, if you do just the right thing at just the right time. But you need the wisdom to know what those things are, and when to do them. That’s why we made Puppy Culture - it’s your mentor-in-a-box!
Introduction to Socialization
“I’m kind of busy this week...Can’t we just do this next week?”
We’re going to say no.
Dogs will naturally mistrust anything new. If you don’t properly socialize your dog as a puppy, he may express that mistrust with aggression or fear to the point that you can’t take him anywhere with you. And its best to hustle when it comes to socialization - there’s a very short window when you have that magic touch to make a big difference with very little effort.
In this section, Dr. Meghan Herron, DVM walks you through what socialization really means, when it needs to take place, and what you can do if you missed the critical socialization window.
It’s a cultural understanding, not a cocktail party
While exposure to new things is great for puppies, it’s only one of seven key components to a well socialized dog. In this section, you’ll learn about these seven areas you need to cover in a good socialization program.
The Communication Trinity
What do puppies, human infants, and some autistic children have in common? Hint: They’d tell us if they could talk to us.
Did you know that the ability to communicate and control outcomes has been proven to reduce frustration, aggression, and improve mental function in animals and in humans?
In this fascinating first step of your new life with your puppy, you’ll learn how to give your puppy a voice by using “doggy sign language.” Once you see your puppy “talking” to you, you’ll never feel the same way about puppies and dogs again!
Potty Training
It’s easy, we promise.
Puppies will naturally potty train themselves, if you just have a tiny bit of patience and persistence. Learn how to plan, manage, and get out of the way so your puppy can house train himself!
Little Monsters - Problem Prevention and Solving
Ouch! What is WRONG with this puppy?
Nothing. Your biting, growling, barkin’, jumpin’ fool of a puppy is totally normal. But a “normal” puppy is not pre-programmed to behave the way we would like, so we have some work to do.
Biting
Love hurts. But you don’t have to stand in the line of fire.
We’ve been raising puppies for almost 35 years and we can make you two iron-clad promises:
1. Your puppy is not biting you or your children because he’s dominant. He’s biting you because that’s what puppies do. Every one of them, since the beginning of time.
2. If you follow our simple instructions, you and your kids won’t get hurt and the puppy will grow out of the biting. Really, hand to our hearts, we swear.
Resource Guarding
My little angel would never growl at me...would he?
Yes, I’m afraid he would. Resource guarding often does not emerge until the puppy is closer to 18 months old. The sad thing is that resource guarding is virtually 100% preventable with some ridiculously easy early interventions, but owners don’t do them because their puppy is “so sweet.”
You need to do these super easy and quick protocols NOW with your cute bundle of fur, while he’s still little and cute.
Choices
Wouldn’t my puppy learn faster if I tell him when he’s wrong?
Oddly enough, the research says no. Dr. Meghan Herron, DVM, tells us about the results of her research into the use of reinforcement vs confrontational training methods and the results may surprise you!
8-9 Weeks Old
I can’t wait for everyone to meet my new puppy!
In this section you’ll receive our four part essential socialization plan for new puppy owners.
8-9 weeks of age can be an extra sensitive time for puppies - something we call a fear imprint period. We demonstrate how to deal with your puppy’s natural fear periods and give you Puppy Culture guidelines to keep your puppy comfortable and safe!
Practical Skills Training
Time for some social graces...
In order for you to be able to get your puppy out and enjoy a rich socialization experience, you’re going to need a few handy behaviors:
Recall
How to become a puppy magnet
Crate Training
Be kind to your dog and keep your sanity
Advanced Manding
Ask and ye shall receive. And everyone’s happier
Leash Walking
Because it’s fun to go places with your dog
10-12 Weeks Old
Does this really all have to happen now?
In this section, we give you a plan for these very important last two weeks in the critical socialization period. You’ll learn how to set up good socialization sessions with outside dogs, make sure you’re covering all the bases with your socialization program, balance exercise and rest for calmer puppies, and finally, how to take all the skills on the road and do cross-training trips!
But what if your got your puppy after 12 weeks old?
No worries, you can still do all the same things with your puppy it just may take more exposures to get the same result, and you may have to do more training. But you can still use our socialization and enrichment program for your puppy!
Vaccinations vs Socialization
The danger may not lie where you think it does
Is it safe to take your puppy out to be socialized before he receives all his shots? Drs Kenneth Leal, DVM, and Meghan Herron, DVM explain in simple terms how vaccines work. You learn what the real risks and benefits are of taking your puppy out in the world to be socialized before he’s finished with his puppy shots, and how and when you can socialize your puppy safely.
Puppy K
Does it really matter where I take my puppy for puppy class?
Yes, it matters so much that we wish every person who is even thinking of a puppy would watch this section before they get a puppy, so they have time to shop for a suitable puppy class.
A good puppy class is the cornerstone of your puppy’s socialization, but a bad puppy class can scar your puppy for life. In this Dr. Terri Bright, Director of Behavioral Services at the MSPCA Boston gives you a 12 point checklist that you can use to find a good puppy class for your puppy.
What if I can’t find a good class near me?
No worries, just say “no” to bad puppy classes and do it yourself! Dr. Bright tells you how to select appropriate playmates for your puppy and set up your own puppy play and learn sessions.
Guarantees
Can you guarantee my puppy will grow up to the dog I dreamed of?
In this closing section, we explore how early socialization ties in to the road ahead and what you can expect in the coming years.
To Do Lists
How can you expect me to remember all of this?
We present a lot of material in Puppy Culture and all those cute little puppies can be very distracting, so we give you a fourth “Recap” disc that outlines lists and even more detailed explanations for everything you should be doing on a week by week basis.
The Puppy Culture Proposition - Frequently Asked Questions
JANE MESSINEO LINDQUIST KILLION·THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2015
We get so many people with older puppies asking us if Puppy Culture can help them, that we compiled an "Puppy Culture Essentials" play list for puppy buyers, together with these FAQs:
"My puppy is only 8 weeks old (or younger) - is Puppy Culture for me?"
Not only is Puppy Culture for you, there’s a special advantage to starting early with puppies. You’ll see in the film that many of the lessons are demonstrated by puppies as young as 4 weeks old, because puppies learn certain things fastest and most easily in the first 12 weeks of life.
"My puppy is older than 12 weeks - is Puppy Culture for me?"
The science based training and protocols in Puppy Culture puppy owner’s playlist are perfect for puppies of all ages, and it’s never too late to get off on the right foot!
"Why are some of the lessons demonstrated by 4 week old puppies - are these lessons are only for small puppies?"
The exercises in your playlist are for puppies of all ages. The reason you see very small puppies demonstrating things is that, as breeders, we introduce things much earlier than you have an opportunity to. But the process is the same, whether your puppy is 4 weeks old or 6 months old.
"How long is the Puppy Culture Essentials Playlist?"
The Puppy Culture Essentials playlist is 30 lessons, for a total run time of 2 hours and 34 minutes. In addition, we’ve provided a fourth “recap” disc, that gives you an approximately 45 minute summary of the lessons in a list format, with additional details and instructions.
"I notice that there’s an additional hour of material in the film that’s not in the Essentials Playlist. Can I just buy the Essentials?"
Puppy Culture is presented in a unique “teachumentary” format. We filmed one litter as we raised and trained them, and then followed up with those puppies over the next three years so you could see the incredible long-term results. Rather than creating two entirely separate films of the same process - one for puppy owners and one for breeders, we released one film in context, and priced it inexpensively so that it would be a great value for puppy owners.
You can choose to watch or not to watch the additional chapters that are not included in the Essentials Playlist - either way it’s a superb value!
The only complaint that we’ve gotten from puppy owners is that they like the entire film so much that they “binge-watch” it and can’t stop!
"Are there other breeders/rescue fosters who raise puppies with the Puppy Culture program?"
Yes! If you have the good fortune to be buying or rescuing a puppy from a Puppy Culture breeder or rescue/foster home, you’re in luck. A great foundation has already been laid in for your puppy, and now you just have to follow through with what he’s already learned. We’re going to be developing a list of Puppy Culture breeders but, in the meantime, email us privately for suggestions for Puppy Culture breeders or foster homes -
"But what if my puppy wasn’t raised by a Puppy Culture breeder/rescue foster? Can I still use Puppy Culture to raise my puppy?"
Even if your puppy did not come from such a luxuriously advantaged background, you’re still in luck. The research shows that puppies can still enjoy huge neurological and emotional benefits from the protocols in the Puppy Culture program, even into adulthood.
If you are ready to take the next step toward adopting a new fur family member with M4 Doodle Ranch please complete the M4 Doodle Ranch Adoption Application .
We have decided to add a guardian program to our breeding program because we want all of our fur babies to be loved and raised in a family environment. We do not believe in kenneling at M4 Doodle Ranch. Families who qualify for the program will receive a puppy/dog (pick of the litter in most cases) at a guardian rate of $500 while we retain breeding rights for a certain contracted period of time. This allows us to expand our program while also ensuring each of our breeding dogs are getting all of the love and attention that they deserve and need.
What Are The Requirements to Become A Guardian Home?
It is imperative and our #1 requirement that your M4 Doodle Ranch guardian puppy/dog become a member of your family and not a backyard dog. We are looking for happy, well adjusted mothers and fathers who will pass on their good traits and happy lives to their puppies.
To be considered as a Guardian Home for one of our breeding dogs, you must reside within a 1 hr drive of Fort Worth , TX and be willing to do all the transporting of the dog to and from the breeders home.
No anticipated job transfers, etc that would remove the dog beyond this drive from Fort Worth while the Guardian Agreement in effect.
You must own your own home.
It is necessary that you have physical fencing to provide a safe and secure environment for the Guardian dog/puppy.
All dogs and pups placed in Guardian Families must be indoor dogs, and never be left outside unattended.
Willingness to feed a high-quality pet food product of my approval.
No intact male dogs (not neutered) should be residing on the premises to increase a risk of an unwanted mating (for females only).
A willingness to provide regular exercise and socialization.
A willingness to enforce basic obedience either though formal class training or qualified experience.
You must have a willingness to accept and follow breeders recommendations for the dogs basic health care and veterinarian care, such as vaccine schedules, the use of certain medications, flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention etc.
The primary care giver must have a schedule that will allow for your dog to not be left alone for extended periods of time.
Most importantly… all the love and care and attention possible!!
Grooming is an important part, whether you decide to clip her/him yourself or take it to a groomer, it should be consistent and she/he should be free from mats and debris in her/his coat, as much as possible.
Any “breeding related” medical costs for the Guardian Dog are the expense of M4 Doodle Ranch. Our Guardian Homes are responsible for routine maintenance and medical care just as they would if they had their own dog. Female Puppies placed in Guardian Homes would have a maximum of 4 litters. We realize guardian families have a tremendous sacrifice to make, given the female breeding dog must be returned to us to be bred, deliver and wean her babies before being returned back to the guardians (approx. 5-6 weeks). Almost all of our dogs/pups available for our Guardian Program will be females, but occasionally we will have a male available. When the Guardian dog is in season, the Guardian Family is required to contact us immediately. An intact female usually has a heat cycle that will last between 14 and 21 days. During this time, we will need access to her for breeding related appointments. Once she has been bred, she will remain with her Guardian Family until 5 days before her due date. At that time, the Guardian dog will come back to stay with us throughout the remaining of her pregnancy, and will be returned once her pups are fully weaned approximately 5-6 weeks later. You would be notified when she was in labor so you could be here with her when she is delivering her babies, if you like.
If you are receiving a Guardian Home Puppy, we ask for monthly photos and updates during the first year so that we can watch him/her develop, and update our website. We also will require a visit to our Guardian Family’s home every few months during the first year to assess the Guardian Puppy, as well as build a relationship with her for the future. Occasionally, we will ask our Guardian Families to bring the puppy to us for a visit so that she can get comfortable with our home for when she will be here with us in the future having babies :-).
If you are interested in being considered for our Guardian Home Program, please complete the following M4 Doodle Ranch Guardian Home Application
and I will be in touch with you. Please know that not all applicants will be fulfilled as we only home a few Guardian Home puppies a year. Thank you!!