We are Tom and Nichole Cauwels and, along with our 4 children, are the owners of Nito Ranch Kennels. We live on a 70-acre ranch near Brandon, SD. We also raise cattle and pigs and the kids have been active in 4-H showing goats and chickens.
Dogs have been a passion of ours since we were kids, and Nichole worked in a pet store during her college years. I pride myself in being very knowledgable about the different breeds and being able to help match families to a puppy that will enhance their lives.
When we decided to begin raising puppies in 2012, we knew we wanted to do it right. We start by properly socializing and training our puppies that will eventually grow up to be Dams and Sires. We also have our dogs genetically tested for all the common genetic diseases for their breed type. Once old enough we also have them either OFA or PennHip certified. This way we can ensure the puppies health before we even chose the mating. Our dogs come in the house, go for car rides, visit the vet and go to the groomer regularly. The dogs also have 70 acres to roam, chase four wheelers and mingle with the kitties, chickens and other barn yard animals.
We have implemented a rule of 6 (there are 6 of us) we use with the puppies to help make sure they have the best temprament and easiest transition to their forever homes
* The puppies interact with 6 different people
* They eat and drink from 6 different bowls
*They ride in the car at least 6 miles
* They spend time in 6 different spaces
* They are introduced to 6 different type of toys
* They spend at least 6 days without their mom
*They are introduced to at least 6 different noises
We also litter train the puppies and introduce them to a crate. This should make the transition to staying in a crate when you can't be watching them easier. We use wood chips in their litter pan so if you wanted to have them use a certain part of the yard for their potty you could place a small pile of woodchips in that area to teach them where the bathroom is at your house.
When we send them home with you they will have had their dew claws removed, have been wormed, had their first shot, microchipped and registered. We also like to send you home with water, a slip lead and training videos.
About Us