Raising K9
`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.
Genetics, Philosophy, Methodology & Love....
Lots of stuff is important in selecting a cross and in raising pups, they are our responsibility. Considering a cross is far more than a passing OFA or DNA panel or a Title.
We spend hours and hours researching pedigrees, assessing and re-assessing genetics and ability and what we have produced, or hope to produce. For example...an OFA excellent dog that has or produces awful temperaments, or health issues, or pups with no working ability- is not always a "good" breeding choice IMHO. Color or coat type is never a consideration in our choices-while we all have a visual picture we may prefer, temperament and ability come first.
Weighing the good and possible "bad" that may come through in a cross, is part of being a responsible breeder. For this reason we are happy to help mentor new breeders and share what we know of pedigrees, but for our own pups they are generally on a limited/spay/neuter agreement to protect our work and our line. This can be discussed on a case by case basis, but there are so many just breeding...so many litters.
`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.
Lots of stuff is important in selecting a cross and in raising pups, they are our responsibility. Considering a cross is far more than a passing OFA or DNA panel or a Title.
We spend hours and hours researching pedigrees, assessing and re-assessing genetics and ability and what we have produced, or hope to produce. For example...an OFA excellent dog that has or produces awful temperaments, or health issues, or pups with no working ability- is not always a "good" breeding choice IMHO. Color or coat type is never a consideration in our choices-while we all have a visual picture we may prefer, temperament and ability come first.
Weighing the good and possible "bad" that may come through in a cross, is part of being a responsible breeder. For this reason we are happy to help mentor new breeders and share what we know of pedigrees, but for our own pups they are generally on a limited/spay/neuter agreement to protect our work and our line. This can be discussed on a case by case basis, but there are so many just breeding...so many litters.
We generally have one or two litters a year, always looking for our next training prospect. We do not breed for others, but for what we want for the future. We choose to be selective in our program for what we produce.
How we raise pups is based on work we have done for 20+ years to stimulate all of their senses, as they become aware. Pups get handled a lot to imprint that human touch is "good". They are also exposed to a variety as they grow-to build resiliency and a curious nature. The more things they experience at a rate they can absorb the information the better-sounds, textures, smells, people, car rides, other critters, etc etc a pup experiences in the first 8 weeks, the more likely they will take be able to take things in stride, as they mature. Most Herding breed pups go through fear periods, but come out on the other side of it, just fine. Pups are born with a set of temperament traits, that we shape and affect through experience and training, both good and bad. The first socialization window of opportunity generally begins to close by 12 weeks. It takes intentional work to raise a Border Collie pup, but it pays off tenfold in living with these brilliant creatures. There is a lot to do the first year with a pup, that helps them to become confident workers and a good partner.
Short version of our puppy raising protocols, yes we do lots of safe Field Trips.
