I'm the breeder behind Midnitestar Aussies and Training located in Burt, MI. After 30 years of raising Aussies, I am proud of where we are today. Our dogs have great structure, a lot of confidence, great temperaments, and are very smart. We start training from the time they can eat hard kibble which is usually around 4 or 5 weeks old.
About Mary Jo
I have been raising Aussies for 30 years and I have been training dogs for 40 years. I compete in agility, frisbee, dog dance, tracking, and scent work. I am absolutely in love with this breed, even though I love all animals. They are such a joy to be around and make my life so much better. I do work full time, so sometimes it can be a challenge, but in the end, it is all worth it.
What makes Mary Jo’s program special
My dogs are what makes my program special, along with a commitment to each of my pups and their new owners. I offer a lifetime of training help when needed and will always provide support for my puppies' families. I can provide extensive knowledge and guidance for any family looking to bring home one of these wonderful dogs. I love what I do and truly want the very best for my puppies and their forever families.
Mary Jo is a member of 2 clubs
Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA), Mid Michigan K 9 Events
Summer
Female • Went Home Apr. 21, 2023
Miniature Australian Shepherd
Aspen
Female • Went Home Apr. 21, 2023
Miniature Australian Shepherd
Blue merle, Bunny
Female • Went Home Apr. 21, 2023
Miniature Australian Shepherd
Lance
Male • Went Home Apr. 21, 2023
Miniature Australian Shepherd
Bandit (male) BTM
Female • Went Home Nov. 27, 2021
Miniature Australian Shepherd
Sweet Pea (female) BMF
Male • Went Home Nov. 27, 2021
Miniature Australian Shepherd
Bella (female) RBF
Male • Went Home Nov. 27, 2021
Miniature Australian Shepherd
Gracie (female) RBF
Male • Went Home Nov. 27, 2021
Miniature Australian Shepherd
Tank (male) RBM
Female • Went Home Nov. 27, 2021
Miniature Australian Shepherd
Elliot (male) BMM
Female • Went Home Nov. 27, 2021
Miniature Australian Shepherd
Mary Jo has been certified by Good Dog's screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you're ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies. You'll also have the chance to share a bit about yourself and what you're looking for in a new companion. Together, you'll choose the puppy that's right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Puppy prices range from $800 - $1,500 and include a refundable deposit of $400.
“I have a pet price and a breeding price. I also sometimes keep a pup to train and sell once it is trained.”
Mary Jo may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Mary Jo offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to Mary Jo directly.
Our puppy training starts when they can eat hard kibble. They are around other farm animals and dogs, and different people. They do NOT have any food aggression. We work on confidence-building and teach them to love learning. I utilize the following enrichment methods: Potty Training, Crate Training, "No" Biting or Chewing, Clicker Training, Sit Command, Socialized with Other Animals, Socialized with Adult Dogs, Grooming Desensitization, Household Desensitization, Touch Desensitization, Toys, e.g. Ball, and Structures, e.g. Climbing.
All puppies go to the vet for an overall wellness check and are vaccinated and dewormed 3 times prior to rehoming. This usually takes place when puppies are 10 weeks old.
We send our puppies home with AKC Registration, Microchip, Bone, Food Starter Bag, Blanket with Littermates' and Mom's scents, and Vaccinations.
Mary Jo offers options to help you easily get your new puppy home.
If you’re nearby, you can visit in person to pick up your pup. If you’re far away, you can travel by car or plane.
“We will fly young puppies, or we can meet at a spot in between if it isn't to far away. Pick up is also allowed”
Work with a trusted transporter to get your puppy comfortably dropped off at an airport or meeting point close to home.
Why Mary Jo started breeding
I am not a big breeder; I will have a litter or two every year or every other year. But my reason for breeding is so others can experience the same joy I have found in raising these wonderful dogs. So much joy is found in competing with them and simply enjoying day-to-day life.
Mary Jo has been a member of Good Dog for almost 4 years
Mary Jo was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
Mary Jo’s program has one size
Mary Jo’s Miniature Australian Shepherd puppies are miniature size. Sizes will vary by litter based on the parent dogs.
Mary Jo’s links
Midnitestar Aussies and Training meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
All breeds
Australian Shepherd
Miniature Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherd
About Abbey
Abbey is a male Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Mary Jo decided to make him part of their program. Mary Jo has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Miniature Australian Shepherd
About Abby
Abby is a female Miniature Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Mary Jo decided to make her part of their program. Mary Jo has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Miniature Australian Shepherd
Good level
Midnitestar Aussies and Training reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Miniature Australian Shepherds.
Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDR1), PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd), Hereditary (Juvenile) Cataracts (HC; JC), Animal Genetics Panel
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).