Updates on Litters U and V
November 14, 2009
Haven’t heard from us for a while? We’ve been a little busy. Keeping our breeding program small and home based with the family, we usually have just one litter at a time. But this time, with Sara delayed by several months, we went ahead and had two. Both dams gave us nine puppies! But our set up is great and the puppies have been snatched up just as quickly as I can announce them. Here is the update:
At just shy of six weeks, we moved the puppies into our new puppy room, a place where they can run and play even when the weather keeps them inside. Being that they are only two days apart, we put both litters together.
The room is a great design. It is large enough that the puppies are able to sleep on one side, where the heat lamp is, and potty in a far corner, keeping their play area clean, with the result that housebreaking is something they expect from the beginning. There are also plenty of toys, and a chair, where I can sit and watch behavior. Of course, we can’t quite resist interacting with the puppies. Here is Hannah playing with the pups. Don’t you love the focus!
Since then, all but three of the puppies have gone home. Here are the final three today at nine weeks, learning to sit and wait for their food and fresh water.
The reports are coming in on the puppies that have just gone home:
First, Hero and Daila’s puppies, the sable Czech working line, which I might add is an impressive bunch of pups.
Axel
From one of our Search and Rescue Dog homes, “Axel has been growing. His weight 15lb. He had his first tracking training yesterday. He did very well on the second run. Due to weather, we did not set up a 3rd run. He is learning very fast. In obedience he is doing already a very nice "sit". Come is not working every time, but what do we expect from a 9 weeks old pup. “ That puppy tested strong. He will likely be the sort of Search Dog who will emphatically let his handler know which is the correct direction of travel.
From Robin who has Grizz whom she hopes to work in Schutzhund: “oh Elizabeth! This is the most wonderful puppy I've ever had. He looks right into your eyes and you can see his mind just whirling as he tries to figure out what I want. He is so vitally vibrant and his personality is infinitely compelling. He is everything I could possibly have wanted and more. “
From Ryan, a soldier in the United States Army, who has
Akira, " Elizabeth, Oh yeah I know, she's my
little baby! She comes outside with me, she's doing SOOOOO well, she hasn't
pottied in the house AT ALLL today! Just a few accidents yesterday, not many
she is definitely super smart! She is adorable, and really something else.
She is learning soooo fast it's crazy, she knows "No", "Sit", "Stay", she
knows her name which I changed to Akira(Kira). She plays fetch pretty well
already, and tug of war of course! She's great I cannot thank you enough,
this is actually what I needed! Thanks!!!!
Ryan”
Sara and Max’s puppies, the longcoats, getting good reports:
From Ann who is in the puppy raising program for Guide
Dog of America, writing of Valor: “Wow,
Elizabeth, a winner for sure. Does everyone write you and say that
about your pups? I wouldn't be surprised.
Valor was perfect for the plane ride home and displayed all the
characteristics you pointed out. She has lots of pizazz and was
unperturbed by any of the airport noises. She alerted but within 5
seconds it was, okay no problem. I had her in the crook of my arms and
when people came up to greet her, that little tail wagged fiercely. I
say that because we often complained that our first GSD never wagged her
tail. Lots of kisses for anyone who would get close enough.
She had me up a couple of
times during the first night but then I was so tired I was in bed at 9:00.
Last night she settled into the crate with only a short discussion about how
she'd prefer to be in bed with me. We got up only once for a busy.
I can see you've already started on obedience. She can sit like a
champ; she's already learned her name and can come when called. Well,
most of the time when whatever she's doing isn't super important to her.
I started using her food as treats and she can come running and go right to
a down. We did a tiny bit of heeling and the formal GDA come -- all
with treats, of course. Oh, and she brings the toy right back and
drops it at your feet. Did I say she's perfect? Now,I have to be
her "perfect" partner and trainer.
Assuming Valor becomes a guide dog, I'll be back to you in two years to get
my very "own" and last puppy.
Puppy kisses and love,
Ann"
From Sue who has Sasha
“Hi Elizabeth,
We wanted to let you know how great Sasha is doing. She is so smart and wants to please. Her focus is great. Makes things not only easier but the pleasure that having a puppy is supposed to be. …I think I have laughed and smiled more in the time since we got Sasha than I have in all the last year. She truly is a joy.
Sue”
From Stephanie who has Vashti,
“We made it through the first night.
Actually she wasn't bad in the crate.
Vashti complained for maybe
20 to 30 minutes and then was quiet. Of course being exhausted could
have something to do with and I also put on a Tshirt when I got home with
her and then I put it in the crate for the night.
She is not afraid of
the horses at all. The horses on the other hand are "What is THAT?!"
I make sure when I am moving them, she is in the crate I have in the barn
for her safety since she doesn't have a fear of them and could easily get
underfoot.
We have had zero
accidents in the house. And I have to say I am impressed as she has
already figured out we go outside to go potty.
This morning she actually
asked to go out (it was about a half an hour after she ate) and she really
did have to go. Is that smart or what?
I think Dale is
falling in love with her. Thought I would let you know it is going well.
Actually the crate training is going much better than I expected. And
Vashti is quite the love. Later. Stephanie
This delightful female from Hero and Daila is being placed tomorrow. Stay tuned, as with the quality we are seeing in these pups, we plan to repeat this breeding in the spring.
The little girl below is a long coat from Max and Sara.
Her puppy family had to switch to the next litter.
She is pretty, sweet, and smart.
And finally, the pup we have been considering keeping for the breeding program, but are deciding to make available to the right home.
We also have a big announcement. While we were busy with puppy testing and placements, Wessa gave us TEN more puppies. It’s a good thing because three of our puppy families from Max and Sara already have had to move on to this next litter. This is a repeat of the very popular Max and Wessa litters. As a matter of fact, these puppies will look a lot like the two pictured above. They will be ready to go home in mid December.
Thank you all who write in, who come to visit, who call, who remind me how valuable it is to have good dogs! I appreciate each and every one of you very much.
Elizabeth