MountainAsh Australian Shepherds is located on beautiful Salt Spring Island in British Columbia, Canada.
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My love for Australian Shepherds and the breeds incredible versatility started as a child but only came to fruition in 2006 with the addition of Jazz to our family. We take great pride in training and competing with our dogs. First and foremost our dogs live with us in the home as loyal companions. We have been blessed with many amazing Aussies, including:

• Canada's #1 Australian Shepherd in 2018
• Best in Show and Best Bred By Exhibitor in Show winners
  
• Best Puppy in Show and Best Baby Puppy in Show winners
  
• Herding group winners and group placing dogs
  
• multiple conformation Champions and Grand Champions
• multiple dogs titled in obedience, rally, agility, and tricks
• versatile dogs that excel in multiple performance venues and as active companions

Our family was active in the local 4H Club with projects in sheep, poultry, horse, and horticulture. We proudly raised purebred CLRC registered Suffolk sheep under the farm name “Cerdinen Livestock”. Our experiences included travelling throughout BC to Fall Fairs, Exhibitions, and sponsored events. Many of our achievements were recognized with ribbons and trophies. These experiences encouraged the development of public speaking skills, various animal husbandry techniques, flock management skills, breeding practices, as well as judging, showmanship and leadership skills. These valuable skills have been an asset to my involvement in the dog world. It only seems appropriate that we would add a herding breed like the Australian Shepherd to our family.

We advocate for the health and longevity of our Australian Shepherds through careful breeding practices and healthy lifestyle choices:

• mental enrichment from training (e.g. obedience, rally, agility, tricks, games, etc)
• an active lifestyle with age-appropriate exercise while avoiding injury and obesity
• excellent nutrition from a balanced raw food diet
• vaccination protocol with antibody titer testing as per Dr Jean Dodds DVM - this schedule maximizes disease protection, prevents over vaccination, while minimizing vaccine related health risks
• holistic approach to health care and limited exposure to flea/tick pesticides
• spay/neuter no earlier than 18 months of age to ensure proper physical and mental development, while reducing the risk of musculoskeletal issues, autoimmune diseases, cancers, and more

I'm a proud member of the following clubs...

Canadian Kennel Club (CKC)
Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA)
Canadian National Australian Shepherd Association (CNASA)
Australian Shepherd Club of British Columbia (ASCBC)

MountainAsh is a permanent registered kennel name with ASCA. “Mountain Ash”, commonly called Sorbus aucuparia or Rowan, is a species of deciduous tree or shrub in the rose family that produces white flowers and red berries.

I'm beyond grateful to my mentors and trainers. I have been fortunate to attend many workshops, clinics, seminars and classes with some of the best in their fields.

• obedience seminars with Monique Anstee and Sylvia Bishop
• neonate puppy care with Myra Savant-Harris
• puppy culture program - age appropriate socialization and training specifically developed for puppies
• early neurological stimulation (ENS) by Dr Carmen L. Battaglia
• canine nutrition and reproduction seminars with multiple specialists
• Structure in Action (puppy puzzle, structure and gait) seminar with Pat Hastings
• puppy training A,B,C's for competition obedience with Janice Gunn
• dog behaviour seminar with specialist Jean Donaldson
• grooming seminars with mentors and ASCA breeder judges
• conformation handling and conditioning workshops with Joy Henderson
• herding clinics and lessons with Lynn Leach, Kristin Thomson, and Marti Parrish

I've always had a passion for photography and MountainAsh Aussies are regular subjects of interest. I share many images through this website. Find us on Instagram @MountainAshAussies for even more photos!

If you've had an Australian Shepherd in your life you already know that these dogs create a special place in our hearts. My life wouldn't be complete without an Aussie to share it with. Feel free to contact me with questions or comments.

Kylarra

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