Vaccinations, Holistic Values, and Thoughtful Decisions in Our Breeding Program

If you have met us, you already know that our approach to life—and to dogs—is deeply holistic. On our farm, we honor organic practices, slow-growing vegetables and fruits, grass-fed animals, and time-tested principles passed down through generations. We make as much as we can from scratch, follow old recipes when possible, and approach both human and animal care with intention rather than convenience. That philosophy extends into everything we do, including our full line of dry and eczema-prone skin care—and it also shapes how we think about vaccinations.

Vaccinations are a complex and often emotional topic. As parents, we educate ourselves thoroughly before making vaccination decisions for our children. As breeders, we carry the same responsibility for our dogs and puppies. We believe that informed decisions—rooted in science, ethics, and individual context—matter.

Our Position on Vaccinations

We do vaccinate our dogs. We also strictly follow state requirements and legal obligations. However, we do not vaccinate early, and we do not vaccinate reflexively or excessively.

Early vaccination in puppies has been associated in multiple studies and clinical observations with increased risk of adverse reactions, including immune stress and, in some cases, seizure activity. Puppies are born with maternal antibodies that provide early protection, and vaccinating too soon can interfere with both immune development and vaccine effectiveness.

For this reason, our program follows the Canine Vaccination Protocol recommended by W. Jean Dodds, DVM, a respected veterinarian and researcher who has spent decades studying canine immunology and vaccine response.

Why We Follow the Dodds Protocol

Dr. Dodds’ vaccination recommendations are not arbitrary. They are based on multiple, carefully evaluated factors, including:

• The presence and duration of maternal immunity

• Regional prevalence of infectious diseases

• How specific diseases are transmitted

• Environmental exposure risks

• Lifestyle and activity level of the dog

Her protocol reflects a minimal, targeted vaccination philosophy, designed to protect dogs while avoiding unnecessary immune overload.

It’s important to note that Dr. Dodds considers several vaccines to be regional or situational, rather than universally necessary. These include:

• Infectious canine hepatitis (adenovirus-1)

• Canine adenovirus-2

• Bordetella (kennel cough)

• Canine influenza

• Canine coronavirus

• Leptospirosis

• Lyme disease

We strongly encourage owners to research the prevalence of these diseases in their specific geographic area and to discuss risks and benefits with a veterinarian who understands both local conditions and your dog’s lifestyle.

Our Vaccination Schedule (Minimal Core Protocol)

The following protocol is offered for dogs where minimal vaccination is advisable or desired. This reflects Dr. Dodds’ recommendations and should not be interpreted as invalidating other veterinary approaches. Vaccination decisions are ultimately a matter of professional judgment and individual circumstance.

9–10 weeks:

• Distemper + Parvovirus (MLV)

14–16 weeks:

• Distemper + Parvovirus (MLV)

20 weeks or older (if allowable by law):

• Rabies

1 year:

• Distemper + Parvovirus (MLV)(optional: antibody titer instead of booster)

1 year after initial rabies:

• Rabies, killed 3-year product(administered 3–4 weeks apart from distemper/parvovirus)

After this point, we recommend antibody titers for distemper and parvovirus every three years, or more frequently if desired. Rabies vaccination should always follow legal requirements, unless a medical exemption is warranted and supported by a veterinarian. In such cases, rabies titers may be used alongside a written waiver request.

Education, Not Pressure

This post is not written to convince, shame, or pressure anyone. Vaccination decisions are deeply personal and should always be made with proper education and professional guidance. Our goal is simply to share what we do, why we do it, and how we approach responsibility in our breeding program.

Healthy dogs are not created by vaccines alone. They are the result of genetics, nutrition, environment, stress management, thoughtful care, and informed decisions made over time. Vaccination is just one piece of a much larger picture.

If you choose a different approach, we respect that. What matters most to us is that decisions are made consciously, not automatically.

In Closing

We care deeply about the dogs we raise and the families who welcome them. That care shows up in how we feed, how we breed, how we raise, and how we protect their long-term health. This journal exists so that those who want to learn more can do so openly and honestly.

As always, we encourage ongoing learning, respectful dialogue, and partnership with veterinarians who understand both science and the individual dog in front of them.