Healthy • Family Raised • Joyful

Our story with Bernedoodles began in 2022, the year our family fell in love with the gentle, loyal, heart-melting personality of Bernedoodles. The more time we spent with our Bernedoodle and learned more about the breed, the more amazed we became at their calm companionship, intelligence, and ability to fit so naturally into family life. It didn’t take long for us to realize:
we wanted to share this joy with other families.

Our mission is simple but meaningful — to raise puppies who bring joy, connection, and lasting companionship to the families who welcome them home.

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Our Breeding Philosophy

We believe that raising exceptional puppies begins long before they are born.

At Shaffer Acres, our parent dogs are not just breeders — they’re beloved family pets who live enriched, low-stress lives. Research consistently shows that dogs who experience stable, loving environments have lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and higher oxytocin levels (the bonding and comfort hormone). This combination supports healthier pregnancies, better milk production, and puppies who start life with stronger emotional foundations.

Because we live on a large ranch and homeschool our children, our dogs enjoy constant interaction, hands-on care, and plenty of time outdoors. Sunshine, fresh air, and freedom to run are part of their daily life — and those early environmental advantages create confident, well-balanced puppies.

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Raised on Our Family Ranch

Shaffer Acres is a quiet countryside property nestled in the hills of Santa Paula, California, surrounded by goats, cows, egg-laying chickens, and a community of homeschool families. Puppies grow up:

• on our ranch

• alongside their mother

• with our family of four

• and our two indoor dogs

This means every puppy is immersed in real family life: laughter, daily routines, gentle handling, and the natural rhythms of ranch living.

Yes — our children help socialize every litter, and for families who want a head start on training, the kids also offer structured early lessons for an additional fee.

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Early Training & Socialization

We want every puppy to leave our home prepared to thrive in yours.
Our puppies experience:

• crate introduction

• sound desensitization (household noises, nature sounds, etc.)

• outdoor play and exploration

• gentle beginning steps toward confidence and independence

This early shaping results in puppies who transition more easily into their new homes and bond quickly with their families.

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Health & Veterinary Care

Every Shaffer Acres puppy receives:

• A vet check

• Initial vaccinations

• Age-appropriate deworming

• Daily monitoring and hands-on care

Our parent dogs receive genetic and health screening to support long-term health in their litters.

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Our Promise to You

When you adopt a puppy from Shaffer Acres, we want you to feel:

• Excited

• At peace

• Confident that your puppy was raised with intention, care, and love

We are here to support you throughout the adoption process and beyond — whether that’s answering questions, sharing training tips, or simply celebrating milestones with you. (This is often called “lifetime breeder support,” meaning you can reach out anytime with questions or guidance as your puppy grows. If you'd like, I can add this officially.)

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Our Puppies

We currently raise Standard Bernedoodles — intelligent, affectionate, loyal companions with excellent temperaments for families, ranch life, adventure, and therapy potential.

Each litter is intentionally raised to be:
healthy, family raised, and joyful — the heart of Shaffer Acres.