See how our Australian Shepherd puppies are raised with care, enrichment, and strong foundations for success.
December 3, 2025
How We Raise Our Puppies at Queen City Farm
Welcoming new life is one of the greatest joys on our farm. Every Australian Shepherd puppy born at Queen City Farm is raised right here in our home — close to the rhythms of family, nature, and everyday life. We don’t believe in shortcuts or mass production. Instead, we focus on intentional, ethical development from the very first breath. Wondering what makes a responsible Australian Shepherd breeder. Check out our blog post on it!
Our guiding belief is simple:
Healthy puppies with confident minds and loving temperaments grow into incredible lifelong companions.
The earliest days of life are tender, full of learning, and require attentive care. Our mama dogs whelp in a quiet, temperature-controlled nursery where we can be present around the clock. We support mom as she learns or continues her mothering duties — ensuring puppies are nursing well, gaining steadily, and staying warm and content.
Because puppies are raised in the heart of our home, they grow accustomed to normal household life from the beginning. The clink of dishes and the hum of the dryer become familiar, safe sounds — not scary surprises later in life.
During days 3 through 16, we introduce Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI). These brief, gentle exercises help support stronger nervous-system development and more adaptable behavior as adults.
This stage may seem subtle — tiny paws stretching and sniffing new scents — but it lays a powerful foundation for stress recovery, problem-solving, and confidence in new situations.
As puppies grow, so does their world. Their space expands from a cozy whelping nest to a thoughtfully designed enrichment area filled with:
• New textures under their feet
• Age-appropriate toys that encourage exploration
• Sounds like gentle music, nature audio, and eventually real-life noise
We rotate experiences daily to stimulate curiosity and prevent fear-based reactions. When a puppy encounters something unexpected — a new toy, a wobble board, a crinkle mat — they learn that unknown things aren’t dangerous. They’re opportunities.
We like to say:
We raise thinkers — puppies who observe, adapt, and approach the world with confidence.
True socialization is not about overwhelming puppies with novelty — it’s about creating positive associations. Each week holds new interactions that build trust and comfort:
When they feel safe in our arms, they learn the world is a safe place too.
Between weeks 5 and 8, we begin to guide puppies through simple, empowering learning moments. We introduce:
These small steps work wonders in helping families continue good habits once their puppy joins them at home. Instead of starting from scratch, new owners get a puppy who already understands structure, trust, and communication.
Life on a farm brings a world of natural stimulation:
We firmly believe puppies benefit from experiencing life beyond four walls. Queen City Farm provides that experience organically.
Every puppy receives thorough veterinary care and monitoring throughout their time with us. We follow recommended vaccination schedules, introduce parasite prevention, and ensure microchipping before go-home day.
Behind every puppy are parents who have passed:
Ethical breeding protects the future of the breed, not just the current litter. This is what we pride ourselves in, and you can learn more about here.
Each puppy is carefully evaluated for temperament and structure, helping us pair them with families whose lifestyle and goals truly match their personality. We want every placement to feel like it was meant to be — because it is.
Whether the dream is hiking adventures, agility sports, or simply sharing life with a loyal companion, we help families choose their perfect fit.
If you are interested in getting a puppy from us, you can submit an application here.
When you bring home a Queen City Farm puppy, you become part of our extended family. We remain available for guidance long after puppyhood — celebrating milestones, answering questions, and cheering you on through training, trials, and triumphs.
This isn’t a transaction.
It’s a partnership — one that lasts a lifetime.
How early can I apply for a puppy?
We welcome applications at any time — even before a litter is born. Approved families can join our waitlist and will be considered for future placements. You can find the application here.
Do you allow visits? When can we meet the puppies?
Sometimes! Once puppies have completed early immune milestones and are developmentally ready for visitors, depending on the circumstances, we will schedule meet and greets. This typically begins after 5–6 weeks. We balance socialization with biosecurity to protect our litters.
How old are puppies when they go home?
Puppies are ready between 8–10 weeks, depending on their individual development and go-home needs. We make decisions based on behavioral readiness — not a date on the calendar.
How do you match puppies to families?
We evaluate each puppy’s temperament, confidence, structure, and activity level. During the application process, we learn about your home, lifestyle, goals, and experience. Matches are carefully made to ensure long-term success and happiness on both sides.
Can we pick based on color or markings?
While preferences are welcome, temperament and suitability always come first. We want you to love your puppy for who they are — not just how they look.
What registration do puppies come with?
All puppies are eligible for AKC/UKC registration from fully health-tested parents. Performance and show placements may come with different registration terms depending on goals.
