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Our Policies

Welcome to the Policies page for Aus der Asche German Shepherds. At our kennel, we are dedicated to breeding exceptional German Shepherds with a focus on health, temperament, and quality. We believe in transparency, open communication, and providing the best possible experience for our puppies and their future families. The policies outlined below reflect our commitment to ensuring every puppy thrives in a loving, well-matched home and that you, as a valued client, are fully informed at every step.

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This page details our approach to key aspects of our breeding program and business practices, including:

  • Pricing: Transparent pricing for our puppies and trained dogs, reflecting the care and quality we invest.

  • Deposit and Waitlist: How to reserve a puppy and secure your place on our waitlist.

  • Puppy Selection: Our process for matching puppies with families to ensure the best fit.

  • Puppy Care: The nurturing environment and health protocols we provide to give our puppies the best start.

  • Health Guarantees: Our assurances against genetic disorders and hip dysplasia, with clear buyer responsibilities.

  • Naming: How we name our puppies to honor their lineage and maintain kennel records.

  • Spay and Neuter: Research-based recommendations to promote your dog’s long-term health.

  • Training: The importance of mental and physical stimulation for German Shepherds, with resources to support you.

  • Privacy and Cookies: How we protect your personal information and use cookies to enhance your website experience.

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Each policy is crafted to provide clarity, set expectations, and support the well-being of our puppies and their families. We encourage you to review these policies carefully and reach out with any questions. Contact us — we’re here to guide you through the process of welcoming an Aus der Asche German Shepherd into your home!

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Ready to join our waitlist? Visit our Planned Litters page!

Pricing Policy

At Aus der Asche German Shepherds, we take pride in raising exceptional German Shepherd puppies and dogs with a focus on health, temperament, and quality. Our pricing reflects the dedication and care invested in each dog. Below is a detailed overview of our pricing structure:
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Base Price for Puppies:  
All young puppies (typically 8–12 weeks old) without formal training are priced at **$2,500**. This includes:  

  • Initial veterinary care (vaccinations, deworming, and health checks)  

  • Microchipping and registration  

  • A puppy care package to ease their transition to your home  

  • Lifetime support from us as your breeder  

 
Older Puppies and Trained Dogs:  
Prices for older puppies (over 12 weeks) or adult dogs increase based on:  

  •  Age: Extended care, socialization, and basic training add value as puppies mature.  

  • Training Level: Dogs with formal training—such as obedience, protection, or specialized skills (e.g., service or therapy work)—are priced higher to reflect the expertise and time invested. We’ll provide a clear list of skills each dog has mastered.  

  • Additional Factors: Exceptional lineage (e.g., champion bloodlines) or advanced health clearances (e.g., OFA-certified hips and elbows) may also influence pricing.  

 
Our Commitment to Transparency:  
We believe you should know exactly what you’re paying for. For every puppy or dog available, we provide:  

  • The base price  

  • Any additional costs for age, training, or special traits  

  • A detailed explanation of what’s included  

 
Whether you’re bringing home a young puppy or a fully trained companion, you can trust that every Aus der Asche German Shepherd represents our commitment to excellence.  


For current pricing on available puppies or dogs, visit our Planned Litters page or reach out to us. We’re here to help you find the perfect German Shepherd for your family!

Deposits and Waitlist

At Aus der Asche German Shepherds, we aim to make reserving your puppy a seamless and fair process. Below are the details of our deposit and waitlist policy.

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Deposit Details

  • Amount: A $500 deposit reserves your puppy and is applied to the total purchase price.

  • Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable: Deposits are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another buyer.

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Waitlist Process

  • Joining the Waitlist: Once your deposit is received, your name is added to the waitlist in the order it was placed.

  • Deposits for Expected Litters: For upcoming litters, you may pay in two installments:

    • $150: Secures your spot on the waitlist.

    • $350: Due once the litter is born.

  • Selection Order: Puppies are offered based on the order of deposits received. We reserve the right to select the first pick male and female from each litter.

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If You Can’t Take Your Puppy

  • Unforeseen Circumstances: If you’re unable to take your puppy, your deposit can be held for up to one year to apply to a future litter.

  • Waitlist Status: Your name becomes inactive until you’re ready. When reactivated, your name moves to the bottom of the waitlist.

  • Passing on a Puppy: You may pass on a puppy and retain your deposit for the next litter, keeping your current waitlist position.

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If We Can’t Provide a Puppy

  • Our Commitment: If we’re unable to provide a puppy (e.g., due to litter size or health issues), you’ll receive a full refund or can apply the deposit to another litter.

    • Note: This does not apply if a suitable match isn’t available from the current litter (e.g., specific gender preferences). You may wait for the next litter instead.

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Key Notes

  • Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable to ensure fairness.

  • We prioritize waitlist order but retain first pick rights for breeding purposes.

  • Contact us with any questions.

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We’re excited to help you find your perfect German Shepherd companion!

Puppy Selection

Our mission is to ensure every puppy and family we work with is matched for a lifetime of happiness. We prioritize compatibility above all else, carefully pairing each puppy with a home that suits their needs and those of their new family. Here’s how our puppy selection process works:

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Selection Timing and Process

  • When: We begin the selection process at approximately 7 weeks of age, when the puppies’ drives, temperaments, and personalities become more evident.

  • How: We evaluate each puppy’s unique characteristics and match them to families based on:

    • The family’s lifestyle, experience, and expectations

    • The puppy’s temperament, energy level, and needs

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Matching Priorities

  • Compatibility First: The most important factor is finding the right fit for both the puppy and the family.

  • Deposit Order: Priority is given in the order deposits are received, though final placement depends on suitability.

  • Preferences: We take gender and color preferences into account whenever possible, but these are secondary to achieving a successful match.

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Our Commitment

  • No Forced Matches: We will not place a puppy in a home we believe isn’t a good fit, even if it means waiting for a better opportunity.

  • Why It Matters: A mismatch can lead to dissatisfaction and challenges for both the family and the puppy. Our goal is to prevent this by ensuring every placement is thoughtful and appropriate.

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What This Means for You

  • We’ll collaborate with you to understand your needs and preferences.

  • If a suitable match isn’t available in the current litter, we’ll explore options for future litters.

  • You can trust us to be transparent and supportive throughout the process.

 

Thank you for choosing us to help you find your perfect companion. For questions or to learn more, please reach out to us.

Puppy Care

We are committed to providing our puppies with the best possible start in life. Our puppies are raised in the heart of our home, where they are cherished as family members. By incorporating Puppy Culture and Avidog protocols, we ensure a thoughtful and structured approach to their early development.

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Our Commitment to Puppy Development

  • Home-Raised Environment: Our puppies grow up in a warm, loving home setting, surrounded by care and attention.

  • Proven Protocols: We follow Puppy Culture and Avidog methods to promote socialization, confidence, and well-rounded growth.

  • Enriching Experiences: Through love, play, and exposure to a variety of sights, sounds, and activities, we nurture puppies into healthy, confident, and joyful companions.

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Health and Care Standards

We prioritize the health and well-being of our puppies with the following measures:

  • De-worming: Puppies are de-wormed multiple times in line with standard veterinary care protocols.

  • Vaccinations: Each puppy receives their initial vaccinations before joining their new family.

  • Microchipping: All puppies are microchipped for safety and identification.

  • Veterinary Check: A thorough examination by our veterinarian ensures every puppy is in excellent health before leaving our care.

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Ready for Their Forever Homes

Our puppies are ready to go to their new homes at 8 weeks of age. By this time, they have been lovingly prepared with the socialization, health care, and attention needed for a smooth and happy transition.

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We take immense pride in the dedication we invest in every puppy, ensuring they are well-equipped to bring love and happiness to their new families.

Health Guarantees

At Aus der Asche German Shepherds, we are dedicated to breeding healthy, high-quality German Shepherds. We stand behind our puppies with the following health guarantees to provide you with confidence and peace of mind.

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Genetic Disorders Guarantee

Our puppies are guaranteed to be free of debilitating genetic disorders. If your puppy is diagnosed with a genetic condition that severely affects their quality of life, we will provide a replacement puppy from the next available litter.

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Hip Dysplasia Guarantee

We guarantee that our puppies’ hips are free of dysplasia, subject to the following conditions:

  • The buyer must have the puppy/dog x-rayed and certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) by an orthopedic veterinarian at two years of age.

  • The dog must not be spayed or neutered before two years of age.

  • The dog must be maintained at a healthy weight.

  • OFA certification must be completed by 26 months of age.

Failure to meet any of these conditions will nullify the hip dysplasia guarantee.

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OFA Certification

OFA certification is a critical step in verifying your dog’s hip health. It must be conducted by an orthopedic veterinarian and submitted to the OFA by the time your dog reaches 26 months of age. This official evaluation is required to maintain the validity of the hip dysplasia guarantee.

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Recommendations

We highly recommend, particularly for families intending to use their dog in sports or other demanding activities, that preliminary hip evaluations (“pre-lims”) be performed by an orthopedic veterinarian by 12 months of age. This early check can help detect potential issues and guide proactive care.

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Refund or Replacement Process

If a hip dysplasia issue is identified within the specified time frame and all conditions have been met, you must submit written OFA verification to us. Upon receiving this documentation, we will replace your dog with a puppy from the first available litter. Please note that this guarantee applies only to genetic hip dysplasia and does not cover issues resulting from improper care, accidents, or unrelated health conditions.

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For additional information or clarification, please reach out to us.

Names

At Aus der Asche German Shepherds, we pour our hearts into thoughtfully planning our breedings and raising exceptional puppies. Each dog we produce reflects our commitment to quality, health, and temperament. To honor this dedication and ensure our dogs are recognized as part of our kennel, we have established the following naming policy.

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Kennel Name Suffix

  • Every puppy bred by us carries the suffix “Aus der Asche” in their registered name (e.g., [Puppy Name] Aus der Asche).

  • This suffix identifies your dog as a member of our esteemed lineage, reflecting our pride in their heritage and our ongoing support for you and your companion.

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Litter-Based Naming System

  • Each litter is assigned a unique letter (e.g., “A” for the first litter, “B” for the second, and so on).

  • The first name of each puppy in the litter will begin with the designated letter (e.g., “Apollo” or “Aria” for an “A” litter).

  • This system streamlines record-keeping and helps us track our puppies’ development and lineage.

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Your Input

  • We welcome your recommendations for your puppy’s first name, provided it starts with the assigned litter letter.

  • While we strive to incorporate your suggestions, the final name must align with our kennel’s standards and naming conventions.

  • If you don’t provide a preference, we’ll select a suitable name that complements the litter theme, your puppy, and our kennel’s vision.

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Why This Matters

Our naming policy ensures that every Aus der Asche German Shepherd is easily identifiable as part of our carefully planned breeding program. It celebrates the individuality of each puppy while maintaining a cohesive connection to our kennel’s legacy. This approach also simplifies communication and record-keeping for both our kennel and your family.

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For questions about our naming policy or to share your name suggestions, please contact us. We’re excited to work with you to name your new family member!

Spay & Neuter Policy

At Aus der Asche German Shepherds, we prioritize the long-term health and well-being of our puppies. Our spay and neuter policy is informed by the latest research and our commitment to ensuring your German Shepherd thrives. This policy outlines our recommendations and the potential risks associated with early spaying or neutering, particularly for a large, active breed like the German Shepherd.

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Our Recommendation

We strongly recommend delaying spaying or neutering your German Shepherd until at least two years of age. This allows your dog’s growth plates to fully close, supporting proper joint, bone, and ligament development. Waiting until maturity helps mitigate health and behavioral risks that research has linked to early spaying or neutering, especially in large-breed dogs like German Shepherds.

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Risks of Early Spaying or Neutering

Recent studies highlight several potential health and behavioral risks associated with spaying or neutering German Shepherds before they reach physical maturity. These risks include:

  • Joint and Orthopedic Issues: Early spaying or neutering can increase the risk of hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears, and other joint disorders. Delaying the procedure allows for proper skeletal development, reducing these risks.

  • Cancer Risks: Early neutering may elevate the risk of certain cancers, such as hemangiosarcoma and lymphosarcoma, in German Shepherds.

  • Other Health Concerns: Research indicates early spaying or neutering can contribute to:

    • Hypothyroidism

    • Diabetes

    • Obesity

    • Urinary incontinence in females

  • Behavioral Impacts: Neutering, particularly when done early, may increase aggression, fear, anxiety, and excitability. The earlier the procedure, the more pronounced these behavioral effects may be.

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These findings underscore the importance of waiting until your German Shepherd is at least two years old before considering spaying or neutering, as this timing supports healthier physical and behavioral outcomes.

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Supporting Your Decision

We understand that spaying or neutering is a personal decision influenced by factors such as lifestyle, local regulations, and veterinary advice. Our goal is to provide you with research-based information to make an informed choice. Below are resources for further reading:

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Policy Details

  • Health Guarantee Connection: As noted in our Health Guarantees Policy, spaying or neutering your German Shepherd before two years of age will nullify the hip dysplasia portion of our health guarantee. This is because early spaying or neutering can increase the risk of joint issues, which may be mistaken for genetic conditions.

  • Veterinary Consultation: We encourage you to discuss spaying or neutering with your veterinarian, sharing the provided research to ensure decisions align with your dog’s specific needs.

  • Support and Resources: If you have questions about timing, risks, or alternatives to spaying or neutering, we’re here to help. Contact us at guidance or to connect with resources in your area.

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Our Commitment

Our puppies are raised with exceptional care, as outlined in our Puppy Care Policy, and we want to set them up for a lifetime of health and happiness. By recommending a delay in spaying or neutering, we aim to support your German Shepherd’s physical development and behavioral well-being, ensuring they thrive as your loyal companion. For sport dog families or those with active lifestyles, this approach is especially critical to maintain joint health, as emphasized in our Joint Health Guide.

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For more information or to discuss your plans, please reach out to us. We’re here to support you and your Aus der Asche German Shepherd every step of the way!

Training

At Aus der Asche German Shepherds, we believe that training is essential for unlocking the full potential of our intelligent and energetic German Shepherds. Our puppies are bred for versatility, health, and temperament, making them exceptional partners in a wide range of activities. This training policy outlines our philosophy and support for ensuring you and your dog thrive together.

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The Importance of Training for German Shepherds

German Shepherds are highly intelligent, active dogs that require regular mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Training provides:

  • Mental Engagement: Challenges their sharp minds, preventing boredom and undesirable behaviors.

  • Physical Activity: Supports their energetic nature and promotes overall well-being, as highlighted in our Joint Health Guide.

  • Bonding: Strengthens the relationship between you and your dog through shared experiences.

 

Whether you’re interested in advanced disciplines or simple daily routines, training is a rewarding way to nurture your German Shepherd’s capabilities and deepen your connection.

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Training Opportunities

Our German Shepherds excel in a variety of training venues, allowing you to choose activities that suit your lifestyle and goals. Options include:

  • Advanced Disciplines:

    • Schutzhund (protection, obedience, and tracking)

    • Search and Rescue

    • Personal Protection

  • Sport and Performance:

    • Agility

    • Nosework

    • Barn Hunt

    • Competitive Obedience

    • Tracking

  • Everyday Training:

    • Basic obedience (e.g., sit, stay, come)

    • Daily walks or play sessions

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No matter the complexity, training enhances your dog’s confidence and enriches their life. We encourage all owners to engage in some form of training to meet their German Shepherd’s needs.

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Our Support for Your Training Journey

We understand that finding the right training resources can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time German Shepherd owners. At Aus der Asche German Shepherds, we’re here to help:

  • Personalized Guidance: We’ll work with you to identify training activities that match your interests, experience, and your dog’s temperament.

  • Local Resources: We’re happy to connect you with reputable trainers, clubs, or facilities in your area that specialize in German Shepherds or your chosen training discipline.

  • Ongoing Support: As part of our commitment to our puppies and their families, we’re available to answer questions and provide recommendations throughout your training journey.

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Getting Started

Training can begin as soon as your puppy comes home at 8 weeks, with gentle socialization and basic commands, as noted in our Puppy Care Guide. Early training sets the foundation for a well-adjusted adult dog. For advanced disciplines like Schutzhund or agility, we recommend starting with a qualified trainer once your puppy is old enough, typically around 6–12 months, to protect their developing joints (per our Joint Health Guide).

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For help finding the perfect training fit or to discuss your goals, contact us. We’re excited to support you and your Aus der Asche German Shepherd in building a strong, rewarding partnership!

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