About us...
`tal-iz-men'
`an object that is imbued with magical properties to act as a charm to avert evil and bring good fortune;
`an object or amulet marked with magic signs, believed to confer upon it's bearer magical. protective powers.
Border Collies The Littles Future Plans Raising K9
So who are we? Dog lovers & enthusiasts!!!!
WE have moved to Southeastern NC and loving it!!! Talisman and Totem Sportdogs is a small hobby farm with some critters and dogs. Dogs are our Passion!!! Growing up in dogs, showing and training- dogs have always been an integral part of my life. I have competed in many venues for over 25 years- love engaging my dog's brains in work and the activities they love.
For many years I was involved with promoting R+ dog training, specializing in behavior work. First as a trainer/behavior evaluator for a National
Welfare Organization based in NYC and then privately, while also teaching agility for 10+ years. Fostering for rescues, have helped rehab and
place, dozens of dogs over the years. I saw the value of early learning, good nutrition and exposure in pups, or lack thereof in many dogs over the years. After 10+ years of
working in behavioral training, in 2000 I felt I had the knowledge
and skills to become a breeder. The first litters raised
prior to that, were rescue fosters who needed a safe place to grow.
Have always had Aussies and Border Collies concurrently, but have been focusing on the BC's more these days. I miss having an Aussie, losing my beloved Reve in 2014 and her sweetest ever grand daughter, Maze this past year. The main focus with each dog is training and competing, in venues they show they love. We love the outdoors, so our dogs also go with us to hike, swim, explore and kayak. They all have work or things to do! When we have a litter, it is with the thought that that pup, may be our next prospect. Each pup we produce, is a special soul brought onto earth-our responsibility to choose to bring new life into the world and to that pup, never ends. We do not produce lots of pups, intentionally. We are also super careful in how we place pups. At this point we will consider new homes that come on referral from a trusted source or that we know.
Genetics, Philosophy, Methodology & Love....
Lots of stuff is important in selecting a cross and in raising pups as the thought is it is my next prospect, based on a long list of criteria. Considering a cross is far more than a passing OFA or DNA panel or a Title. I spend hours and hours researching pedigrees, obsessing, assessing and re-assessing what I have produced, or hope to produce. For example...an OFA excellent dog that has or produces awful temperaments, or health issues- is not a "good" breeding choice IMHO. Temperament is equal parts of inherited genetics and experiences/socialization-trying to breed for an all around, stable dog is the goal.
My philosophy is simple, I try to choose wisely in genetics,
temperament, ability and health. Dogs are raised with a holistic approach on a natural diet and modified vaccine protocol.
Training is built upon having a positive bond with each dog-knowing them thoroughly in personality and ability. Training and getting each dog out and about also helps to see the "whole dog" as they show how they cope with change in environment and new experiences.
And, while I may have a certain way of doing things that I also look for in new pup homes, I trust people to do their best with their pup, without mandates.
Our dogs live in our home, so we know them thoroughly. They do not spend 24/7 confined or crated, but unlike the new trend of "anti-crating", we do support teaching a pup to be calm while confined which also builds self confidence and self reliance. Vet and boarding stays are made easier for a pup with crate training also.
Pups are raised underfoot with a socialization program we developed many years ago and call our own-engaging all 5 senses to help them develop their brains & bodies fully, as they grow. This early handling and opportunity for exposure to new things, is always balanced with quiet and calm days, to process and not oversaturate a growing pup's nervous system.
`an object that is imbued with magical properties to act as a charm to avert evil and bring good fortune;
`an object or amulet marked with magic signs, believed to confer upon it's bearer magical. protective powers.
Border Collies The Littles Future Plans Raising K9
So who are we? Dog lovers & enthusiasts!!!!
WE have moved to Southeastern NC and loving it!!! Talisman and Totem Sportdogs is a small hobby farm with some critters and dogs. Dogs are our Passion!!! Growing up in dogs, showing and training- dogs have always been an integral part of my life. I have competed in many venues for over 25 years- love engaging my dog's brains in work and the activities they love.
For many years I was involved with promoting R+ dog training, specializing in behavior work. First as a trainer/behavior evaluator for a National
Welfare Organization based in NYC and then privately, while also teaching agility for 10+ years. Fostering for rescues, have helped rehab and
place, dozens of dogs over the years. I saw the value of early learning, good nutrition and exposure in pups, or lack thereof in many dogs over the years. After 10+ years of
working in behavioral training, in 2000 I felt I had the knowledge
and skills to become a breeder. The first litters raised
prior to that, were rescue fosters who needed a safe place to grow.Have always had Aussies and Border Collies concurrently, but have been focusing on the BC's more these days. I miss having an Aussie, losing my beloved Reve in 2014 and her sweetest ever grand daughter, Maze this past year. The main focus with each dog is training and competing, in venues they show they love. We love the outdoors, so our dogs also go with us to hike, swim, explore and kayak. They all have work or things to do! When we have a litter, it is with the thought that that pup, may be our next prospect. Each pup we produce, is a special soul brought onto earth-our responsibility to choose to bring new life into the world and to that pup, never ends. We do not produce lots of pups, intentionally. We are also super careful in how we place pups. At this point we will consider new homes that come on referral from a trusted source or that we know.
Genetics, Philosophy, Methodology & Love....
Lots of stuff is important in selecting a cross and in raising pups as the thought is it is my next prospect, based on a long list of criteria. Considering a cross is far more than a passing OFA or DNA panel or a Title. I spend hours and hours researching pedigrees, obsessing, assessing and re-assessing what I have produced, or hope to produce. For example...an OFA excellent dog that has or produces awful temperaments, or health issues- is not a "good" breeding choice IMHO. Temperament is equal parts of inherited genetics and experiences/socialization-trying to breed for an all around, stable dog is the goal.
And, while I may have a certain way of doing things that I also look for in new pup homes, I trust people to do their best with their pup, without mandates.
Our dogs live in our home, so we know them thoroughly. They do not spend 24/7 confined or crated, but unlike the new trend of "anti-crating", we do support teaching a pup to be calm while confined which also builds self confidence and self reliance. Vet and boarding stays are made easier for a pup with crate training also.
Pups are raised underfoot with a socialization program we developed many years ago and call our own-engaging all 5 senses to help them develop their brains & bodies fully, as they grow. This early handling and opportunity for exposure to new things, is always balanced with quiet and calm days, to process and not oversaturate a growing pup's nervous system.
Lots
of visitors come to help socialize pups to all shapes and sizes
of people, as well as we take field trips to get the pups used to the car, new places and see how they handle new experiences. Early handling is only a tiny part of a pup's
beginning. We add scents, textures and social and
environmental variety, to help "grow" their
brains and skills. Our pups are raised and weaned naturally, with the help of our "village" of dogs. The principles we have always used
to raise pups, help to build "thinkers" who
are stable, with hit the ground running type of personalities.
Lifetime member of the American Border Collie Association and past member of NEBCA (NE Border Collie Assoc). Focus on working lines in our dogs-believing that maintaining stock sense and ability, is what a herding dog should be. Not all dogs, even with stellar pedigrees may "work", but breeding away from stock sense is a travesty, to breeds defined by their ability. Our dogs are also able to be versatile and we also love dog-sports like agility and disc. We are also a registered permanent ASCA Kennel name and a previous member of Granite State Disc Dogs, HOWL and Beantown Blitz Flyball.
Most herding breeds can be quirky, I prefer a dog who is social, also
easy to live with and easy to take anywhere, without major
sound sensitivity, phobias or issues. The goal is to produce thinking
dogs, who are biddable and resilient, able to handle and work in new
environments, as they are socialized and mature. While we don't have lots of litter, I do spend a ton of time considering a cross before it is done. I am committed to
what we produce and will unconditionally take back a pup, or dog at
any time, for any reason.
Lifetime member of the American Border Collie Association and past member of NEBCA (NE Border Collie Assoc). Focus on working lines in our dogs-believing that maintaining stock sense and ability, is what a herding dog should be. Not all dogs, even with stellar pedigrees may "work", but breeding away from stock sense is a travesty, to breeds defined by their ability. Our dogs are also able to be versatile and we also love dog-sports like agility and disc. We are also a registered permanent ASCA Kennel name and a previous member of Granite State Disc Dogs, HOWL and Beantown Blitz Flyball.
