It has been a little quiet on here of late – I realise that. A few technical issues combined with a lot going on has meant you have been neglected a bit. So here is a catch up of what is going on at Fresh Start HQ.
As some of you will be aware, I fell in love with the English Shepherd breed when I rehomed Izzy. Following her introduction to my life, I realised that there isn’t really any other breed for me. They are so intelligent and driven, with the most wonderful sweet temperaments, whilst still having a protective edge. Anyway, they are my perfect breed.
There is only a small population here in the UK, and with all small populations, there is a risk of genetic problems, so I decided to import Lilly from an amazing breeder as she was genetically diverse from the current English Shepherd population, with the idea to breed her once or twice.
Lilly being 3 now, it is the ideal time to be doing that, so following testing for genetic markers, I embarked on that journey this year. So the news is that she is pregnant and from the scans, looks to have at least nine lovely babies inside her. An exciting time for sure!
I must admit nine is quite a lot, but I will be having one for sure for myself, puppies will be born in the first week of November. I have lots of plans about what I am going to do. Being a dog trainer this is even more exciting as I want to see how much they will all learn before they go to their homes.
I will be following the system of raising puppies called puppy culture. I have lined up a number of my regular and loyal clients to come in whilst I have them, to play with the puppies, as well as friends and family.
My plan at this time is to try and achieve the following with the puppies:-
- Toilet training
- crate training
- middle
- sit
- down
- stand
- retrieve a toy
- puppy loose lead walking around my land and in the house
- None of your business training
- boundary games
- food follow
- basic puppy recall
This may well be an ambitious task, but I will only go as quickly as the puppies want to go. There is an awful lot still for me to learn, as this is not something I have ever done before.
As part of my package to the new owners, I am also offering three, 2 hour group sessions, Jan, Feb, Mar to help them settle and get their puppies on track with everything they will need.
In relation to Izzy, at the end of this agility season she finally got it all together and won us into Grade 3 – so proud of her. I will do another blog post later to tell you all about that.
Spudley has his therapy dog assessment on Wednesday 30th October, he is coming on lovely, and especially the last couple of months I feel is steady enough to be able to pass the test. The only area which I do have some concern over is him taking food. He can be a bit too enthusiastic, so I am still working on that with him at the moment.
Very exciting times!
If you want to keep up with the progress of the puppies, from birth to going home with their new owners, Izzy and Spudley’s journeys, then please like and follow my Facebook page.
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