Monday, March 28, 2022

HAVING FUN WITH THE PUPS!!!!

 Raising two pups really is very hard especially with the potty training and bitter cold temperatures. But we did make it and the pups are pretty good now and have learned the words, out and potty! For awhile I was beginning to think they would not train. Standing out in below zero temperatures definitely was not fun. Now I know why I recommend to people to not get litter mates. It had been about 16 years when I last grew out litter mates. So I definitely did forget alot. Now at 5 months things are going pretty good and will just get better. All it has to do now is to warm up. Then we can get out into the agility area and really play. We are probably having pups in June but at this point my wait list is full. So many people still looking for pups.

Angus is a very confident puppy and I love that, also very biddable. He is easy to train and I am starting a beginner manners class with him in April. Although he is a large pup and will not be used for breeding we will have alot of fun in performance. He loves to learn and is so curious about everything, I am thrilled with his temperament. Maisie is a lovely pup, a little quieter and takes a little longer to adjust. She also has a bite issue, at this point she is a little overshot and I hope in the next month or so it will correct. It does not affect her eating and chewing at all.If it does not correct I will not breed her or be able to show her. That will be disappointing, but to be honest breeding dogs, looking for close to perfect is not easy. Many disappointments along the way. Maisie will be a beautiful pet if her bite does not correct. So much to think about and look for when you are breeding dogs correctly to the AKC standard and to the National Sheltie Club standard. We are always trying to improve the breed so we do not breed dogs with faults. I truly hope that it will correct but if it does not by the time she is 8 months I will look for the best home for her. I am picky and want so much for my dogs.I have to find homes that give them more than what I do for them. I do this for my puppies too so they can have the best life possible. 

My fingers are crossed for Maisie, she is so pretty and it would be a shame to not be able to show her. Breeding dogs is not for the faint of heart! It is not that easy as many people think.

All for now, hopefully I get back here soon. I know I always say I will and I seem to run out of time.

                                               ANGUS AND MAISIE


 

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

WE ALL HAVE CABIN FEVER

 It has been a whole month since I have written, I was getting discouraged with the house training of two pups, when the weather got so bitter cold. It was really hard to stand out there to encourage them to go. It is a little easier now that we don't feel like we are living in the north pole. Just seemed like I was cold all the time. Spring needs to come soon. Cleaning the dog yard was quite a chore when it was so cold. Surprisingly the pups are house training, they have learned the words go out to potty. I can't believe that they are five months old. They have learned to sit on command, it is really cute, you tell them to sit and they both sit at the same time. They know come pretty well and now we really need to start walking on lead. It is a lot of work to train two litter mates. It is much easier to work with one puppy. I am looking forward to another litter, hopefully in the spring and that will be a year since my last litter. I had promised myself a break from puppies for a year. Taking on two pups changed things a little, not the same as having a litter but the work was close. I have enjoyed these two pups,  watching them grow and develop. Skye has been a help with keeping them busy, she loves to play with the pups. I am really looking forward to getting all the agility equipment set up and getting the dogs out to run and play. They won't forget what they learned last year. Dogs are so smart and really do remember what you teach them. 

It was a little milder today and I did the snow blowing for the snow that we got last night. I felt so good to get out in the fresh air and do a little work.This is what the dogs need too. The snow from the plow is piled up so high that we can't get to the agility yard. I know the dogs would love to run in the snow. Just need to get through March and then we should be all set. I have had the time to groom everyone and get their nails cut and feet trimmed. Hopefully when it is milder I can think about baths for everyone.

When Quinn has  her pups I am hoping that there will be a tri color male. With Walter being sterile I do need a new stud dog.

Well I guess that is all for now. I do need to make an effort to keep the blog up. 

Take care everyone and be well!!


Angus and Maisie