Talisman & Totem SportDogs

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...

Glencregg Teg   As Winter begins to hit the Northeast US, looking forward to Spring with lots of exciting plans and training goals. To begin 2022, we have Two litters planned out of exceptional lines/dogs, both litters will be ready to go home in early Spring. Both crosses should produce excellent temperaments with working ability, suitable for sports as well.  Litter #1 Glencregg Teg X JumpinW Riggs and also possibly dual sired by our PLM Chalk. Time will tell, as will DNA. Teg is confirmed pregnant, pups due mid January. Talisman SoBright Litter#2 Talisman SoBright x JumpinW Riggs confirmed breeding done, pups due late January. At this point, no other litter plans for next year. List has begun, but we don't do a lot of advance announcing until a breeding is confirmed. If you would like more information and have interest, please shoot us a message at TalismanFarm7@gmail.com to discuss the process for being considered for one of our pups.  JumpinW Riggs PLM Chalk

I love training dogs. I think my dogs love to train too. It's a process, each at a different place in their learning, but each brilliant! The time change to turn back the clocks last week and rainy, chilly pre-winter creeping in, make outdoor training harder. Not sure how it goes from getting dark a little early, to pitch-black at 5 PM EST and I feel like going to bed at 8 PM is reasonable. Fighting the dark winter hibernation instinct, training helps with that.  Formal Training is probably only about 5-10% of my dog's lives, with hiking, etc and just being a dog important too. I do think my dogs enjoy training/working though, as my goal is always to build behavior and the bond. I am not a punishment based/aversive trainer. I think I would not enjoy my dogs as much, if that was our life together and training relationship. R+ training focuses on bringing out the best in each dog. The dogs might fail or make mistakes and that can build resiliency in learning, but I prefer not to ...

 Euthanasia is a shitty word. When you think about it, death is too. My old cat is dying and I am sad. Very sad. 20+ years on this earth, 15 with me, she was slated for euthanasia when I adopted her. I don't believe you can save them all, but something about this quarrelsome, cranky biter got me.  Her eyes looked like the Harvest moon, glaring a blood-orange glow as we drove home. She looked more like a Portuguese Water dog than a cat.  Shaved like a Portie-she had probably never seen a brush and with her thick coat of Maine Coon x Persian hair, she was a cat who needed to be brushed. That was one of our first agreements, there would be NO brushing. Nails were negotiable, but biting me was also an option.  Animals really do mark the passage of our lives. It seems like yesterday we were driving home. She had not been vetted at the shelter, needed to be spayed, was filled with Giardia and had an adverse reaction to Rabies vaccine on our first veterinary appointment. Bu...

  ma·​ven   | \ ˈmā-vən  \ variants:  or less commonly  mavin Definition of  maven :  one who is experienced or knowledgeable  :  EXPERT Raising the Independent puppy Choosing the puppy who didn’t choose you, is a journey to building a working partnership. A challenge I must have wanted and one that I am just beginning to appreciate. I love a confident and strong-minded pup, but a little softness is okay-biddable is easy to work with.  Independent is not as easy. I love the process of building foundation and relationship with a pup, but am basically a lazy trainer. Can't really know what you are producing if you don't work with their brains, even with all the effort involved. Early training tells you a lot about your pups.  I love a “natural” for many reasons. A natural retrieve, or the pup that follows you and glues to your skin when you sit on the ground with them, is pretty likely to be ...

Never really thought about what the term "at a crossroads" meant, until I find myself at one. Yes, lots of introspection isn't always good, but sometimes it is. Looking forward, while looking back and figuring out the next plan, step, destination, etc. and probably doing some things differently. Change is scary, but also good! This past year and half with Covid  and other roadblocks creating a standstill in life-has left me with the need to move out and move on. Somewhere, somehow. Just try something new and get on with it. It is amazing how stripping down to basics and letting go of "stuff" frees you. I also find myself at a crossroads with some of my future dog plans. I will never move forward on lines/crosses that I feel have some temperament or health issues, but it is always interesting to me how a different person or environment, can create such different results in a pup, while others from a litter are doing fine. Some for the better, some for the worse. ...

  The world has been shut down for a year. There is light at the end of the tunnel. But I, like many, am getting a bit stir-crazy! I am one of the lucky ones who has been able to get the Vax, even if not "great" to be bumped up for it. I still plan to limit my travels, wear a mask and social distance, but it is a big sigh of relief to know there is more freedom in the future, while also helping stem the spread of this nasty virus.  Spring is in the Air! That doesn't help with my normal wanderlusting spirit. Too much ice & high wind in the woods for hiking, but soon! During all of this, I have upped my daily exercise routines. Fitness miles outside are a challenge, my dogs know the local college campus well. Thank god my dogs don't judge me for my at-home yoga, aerobics and zumba moves.  Can't work sheep up here in the Winter, and travel restrictions cut that early this Fall. So frustrating, but I followed the rules. Seeing others (dog people especially) still ...