Talisman & Totem SportDogs

I started this post two months ago and have been thinking about this A LOT!!!  Mindset: it affects everything we do, including how we train our dogs. How we perceive, regard others and approach life, is our attitude and belief system at work. Do unto others and golden rule and all that, or not.  With a move to a new area, I find myself re-evaluating my core beliefs in many ways, and for the purposes of this blog-in training dogs. In some ways I feel like I have stepped back in time, watching how some people are so harsh and corrective with their dogs, and shock collars-OI!!!! Some of whom were barely born when Clicker Training and R+ became the advent and light for cognitive and kind training for dogs. This reverse mindset has caught me off-guard. I see so much stress and avoidance in some dogs, while the human half seems oblivious. Two steps forward and ten back, for the dogs. We can all do better! I don't claim to be purely positive and definitely not a push-over, in what I ...

 It's a New Year!! Lots of new in 2022 and loss too, but hard as it can be-life goes on. Looking forward to this year by focusing on the positive. Kicked it off with agility (UKI), frisbee (UpDog) and herding (training for now).  Have some exciting plans for new endeavours & directions and for pups later in the year, but for now focusing on training and starting to compete with the younguns, to see how they handle the world at large and who they are, as they mature. Puppy Pren just turned one and LOVES frisbee! She has also shown some really nice interest on sheep-so that is our focus.  Older dogs still getting their training and out and abouts and hikes. Teg is happy to be back at training and will be helping out with new critters, as our new little farm takes shape.  Happy New Year!

Changing zip codes and have a couple of young dogs available. Health tested, terms can be discussed. PLACED! Female pup out of my Imp Glencregg Teg-looking for someone to bring her along. Showing keen interest on sheep, lots of interest in toys & good little retriever, strong swimmer already and Very cute! Housetrained, crate trained, rides well in the car, good with cats. Will be on the smaller to medium size when grown.  Serious inquiries only please. Email for more info: TalismanFarm7@gmail.com

Behind every well bred pup is a breeder who spent countless hours planning, raising and loving them.  Behind every well bred pup is a breeder who spent countless hours of their time talking to and screening potential new homes, that will love the pup as much as they do.  Behind every well bred pup is a breeder who feeds them the best food, has DNA tested and OFA screened parents, offers a health guarantee and commitment to future support for that pup- regardless of how old they are.  Behind every well bred pup, there is endless pedigree research-hoping to pinpoint genetic risks that can not be tested for, time and money spent proving a dog(s), and countless hours of effort-to make a breeding happen, training and socializing pups. That time and effort is part of what "makes" a well bred puppy.  Behind every well bred pup, is the person who held them on their first breath and  will love each of them forever.  Behind every well bred pup is years of experi...

PSA: YOU HAVE TIME TO GET YOUR PUP READY FOR JULY 4th! And summer thunderstorms, before they become an issue for your pup. I hate Fireworks! This July 4th might be your puppy's first time hearing major displays, depending upon where you live. First off, NEVER take them to a 4th of July display, like NEVER! Thinking ahead what can you do to help prepare them for the loudest day of the year? Do you wait until the day of and let them freak out? and potentially have them generalize scary noises later or become sound phobic? Or will you be pro-active and try to help lessen their experience? BC pups are often one trial learners both good and bad-if you can avoid them having BIG negative experiences while they are puppies (& as adults), or help them have a different CER (conditioned emotional response) to something that can be scary (like me playing games with baby pups of banging on things and tossing metal bowls for them daily while growing up here) they are more likely to get thro...

Yesterday started out like any day. It was suddenly freezing again after a milder spell, but off we went on a long drive to work sheep. Just Maven & I, focusing on her for the day. As we headed south, the frozen icy tundra of NH gave way to brown grass and a weak sun, trying to peak through greyness. Still bone chilling cold.  I admit I was nervous. A new to me trainer, recommended by a friend. The last few dogs I have started with other trainers, it has not always been pretty and definitely not always positive in training. I didn't know what to expect, but as we drove, in my cold-chilled bones I was excited about starting her and felt like it would be a good experience for both Maven and me. I had no doubt about her instinct and ability, but have waited with her, as I wanted that chance in hell of her working with me, not in spite of me. She is a strong minded, but cool headed and friendly pup-I am so glad I stuck by her to build our relationship.  So back to the day...