Our Puppy Process
At Element Shilohs, we are committed to improving and preserving the health, temperament, and conformation of the Shiloh Shepherd breed. We accomplish this through extensive pedigree and genetic research, consultation with experienced mentor breeders when planning each pairing, and openly sharing known health and temperament information on our dogs, their ancestors, siblings, and progeny.
Finding the right home for each puppy is just as important as the planning that goes into the litter. Below is an overview of our practices, expectations, and what you can expect as you journey toward bringing an Element Shiloh into your home.
1
Application & Waiting List
Your journey begins with our Puppy Application. We review each application and connect with prospective families to ensure our program is a good fit for their lifestyle, goals, and expectations. Approved families are added to our waiting list.
Puppies are not guaranteed until a litter arrives. At two weeks, once the puppies are thriving, we assess availability by sex and contact waiting families with contracts. Preference may be given to families willing to keep a dog intact for potential future use in our breeding program.
2
Deposits, Contracts & Visits
A $500 deposit is required to reserve your spot on a specific litter list once contracts are issued. All deposits are fully refundable if your plans or circumstances change.
The remaining balance is due during the week of or at puppy pickup.
Families are invited to join our private Element Puppy Owners Facebook Group for regular photos and videos as the puppies grow. Home visits are also welcome once the puppies are old enough to safely accommodate visitors and protect their developing immune systems.
3
Early Development
Our litters are raised using Puppy Culture protocols, with an emphasis on early learning, confidence, and adaptability. During their first eight weeks, puppies receive age-appropriate neurological stimulation, enrichment, and exercises that encourage emotional resilience.
We also introduce new sights, sounds, surfaces, and experiences while beginning crate and potty conditioning. These early experiences help establish a strong foundation for continued learning as each puppy transitions to their new home.
4
Evaluation & Puppy Matching
We do not place puppies on a first-come, first-served basis or match them based solely on color or markings. Between six and eight weeks, each litter receives a formal Litter Evaluation and Rating (LER), which assesses temperament and structure through a standardized evaluation conducted by a qualified evaluator.
We combine these results with our daily observations of each puppy's development, personality, energy level, and natural drive. This helps us thoughtfully match each puppy with a family whose lifestyle and goals are suited to that individual dog.
5
Going Home & Lifelong Support
Puppies go home at eight weeks with age-appropriate vaccinations and deworming, microchip identification, a veterinary health certificate, LER paperwork, TSSR registration documentation, and one month of Trupanion pet insurance. We also provide health and pedigree documentation.
Our support continues long after pickup. As professional dog trainers, we offer training guidance throughout your dog's life and can help out-of-town families find a qualified local trainer. We also require a routine 24-hour Holter monitor test to screen for IVA and support the health of future generations.
Ready to take the next step?
If you've explored our program and feel an Element Shilohs may be the right fit for your family, we invite you to complete our Puppy Application. This helps us learn more about your home, lifestyle, and goals so we can determine whether our program is a good match.
Submitting an application is the first step in the process and does not guarantee a puppy or a place on a waiting list.
Have questions before applying? We'd be happy to hear from you.
