Puppy getting adventure

[Titchy Reindeer]

Hi All, I promised Moobli to share my puppy getting adventure in exchange for pictures of Cookie. So here we go.
As much as I love the pictures of Cookie and the idea of a border collie, I have decided to go for the slightly more pet friendly (I hope!) Australian shepherd.
A few months back, I fell for the photo of an older puppy from a local breeder. Unfortunately, when I got i touch with her, the puppy had just found a home. She however offered to put me on the waiting list for the next litter from the same bitch.
We met up in May for a dog walk with future mum and the breeder and I took Monster along. Monster managed to not show me up and I would happily have taken the mum dog home with me, which I think is always a good point. I quizzed the breeder on everything I could think of, including if she had a mandatory spaying policy on her pups which seems to be quite common over here in France for Australian shepherds and that I'm against on principal. Quite apart from the possible health and growth issues, if I'm paying good money for a dog, whether to breed from it or not should be my decision based on my circumstances and the dog in front of me. I have no real intention of breeding, but it's the principal of it. Luckily she doesn't have any such policy.
I received a message this week to let me know that mum dog is in season and will be meeting up with dad dog in the next few days, prompting this post. Mum is a red merle and dad is a black tricolour, so apparently this means that at least in theory all colours of puppies are possible.
If all goes well and a litter is born, I should be allowed to meet and interact with the litter from the age of 4 weeks onwards. The breeder selects puppies for families at 6 to 7 weeks of age when their personalities start to show through and she doesn't allow them to leave before 9 weeks of age.
I'm really excited about the possibility of my first puppy as well as being vaguely terrified. I've never spent money on a dog before and I also really don't want to mess this puppy up. I'm also trying to remain philosophical in case there isn't a puppy in the litter for me.

 

[misst]

My ex-daughter in law just got an Australian Shepherd (her grandmother breeds them in the UK). She is a lovely dog. She's about 7 months now and completed her first training course and onto her next more advanced course. They have no intention of showing she is their family pet. She is of course bouncy and sometimes mouthy but really willing to learn and try hard. My 6 year old granddaughter can already get her to sit, stay, come, and "leave" a treat while she walks away and turns her back. I am really impressed with her temprement and intelligence. I hope you enjoy yours. Sindy is a blue merle, her sister is black and white and her brother is a red merle. All kept within the family and all lovely dogs

 

[Titchy Reindeer]

My ex-daughter in law just got an Australian Shepherd (her grandmother breeds them in the UK). She is a lovely dog. She's about 7 months now and completed her first training course and onto her next more advanced course. They have no intention of showing she is their family pet. She is of course bouncy and sometimes mouthy but really willing to learn and try hard. My 6 year old granddaughter can already get her to sit, stay, come, and "leave" a treat while she walks away and turns her back. I am really impressed with her temprement and intelligence. I hope you enjoy yours. Sindy is a blue merle, her sister is black and white and her brother is a red merle. All kept within the family and all lovely dogs

She sounds like a lovely young dog. I'm really attracted by aussies' will to please. My Sister has one as well that I occasionally take to hoopers with me and she basically sits focuses on you and gives you the "what do you want me to do next?" look.

 

[Moobli]

Oh how exciting! Can’t wait to follow your puppy posts. Fingers crossed all goes to plan.
Here are a couple of Cookie pics in payment

 

[MissTyc]

My mum has a almost 2yo Aussie Shepherd (also from France). She's been a challenging dog for an elderly (but sporty!) lady with somewhat old fashioned dog training ideas, but they've really grown close and she's now maturing into a wonderful reliable dog. She did some sheep training for amateurs in Alsace before moving out of the area, just as a fun activity, but everyone agreed it probably wasn't so nice for the sheep!

 

[Titchy Reindeer]

Oh how exciting! Can’t wait to follow your puppy posts. Fingers crossed all goes to plan.
Here are a couple of Cookie pics in payment


View attachment 119012View attachment 119013

Thanks for the Cookie pics, they're beautiful.
Yep, getting excited here and wondering if puppies will manage to be born on my birthday beginning of October, which would be amazing. I'll keep you updated.

 

[Titchy Reindeer]

My mum has a almost 2yo Aussie Shepherd (also from France). She's been a challenging dog for an elderly (but sporty!) lady with somewhat old fashioned dog training ideas, but they've really grown close and she's now maturing into a wonderful reliable dog. She did some sheep training for amateurs in Alsace before moving out of the area, just as a fun activity, but everyone agreed it probably wasn't so nice for the sheep!

I'm glad your mum and her dog are doing well after a challenging start. I've already asked my neighbour if I can borrow his sheep for habituation. I now need to find a few cats... apparently there's somewhere not too far away from me where you can a weekend course of sheep training with your dog, I might look into it at some point. Would be a good way of earning some homemade pineau the next time the sheep escape.

 

[MissTyc]

I'm glad your mum and her dog are doing well after a challenging start. I've already asked my neighbour if I can borrow his sheep for habituation. I now need to find a few cats... apparently there's somewhere not too far away from me where you can a weekend course of sheep training with your dog, I might look into it at some point. Would be a good way of earning some homemade pineau the next time the sheep escape.

I realised I typed 2 years old - she's almost 3 ... the last 6 months have been good, I think! My mum's dog is totally neutral to cats despite never having met one, only those encountered out and about. I think they are generally good "farm" dogs in the sense they seem to get on with most animals, other dogs, people, but are also very clever and sensitive and can make a decision if required (I think it's the decision making that flummoxed my mum! She's used to typical family dogs)

 

[Titchy Reindeer]

Back with a quick update, mum dog has been for a scan and there are definitely some buns in the oven. The breeder recons she should give birth between the 2nd and the 5th of October. I'm starting to get excited and a bit anxious as well. Reading up like crazy and will slowly start gathering puppy essentials over the next few months: playpen/crate, stair gates, dog dishes... Anything else I will desperately need? I'm still trying to figure out where to put the puppy's bed in my bedroom. Monster sleeps in my room with me and my sister made him a massive bed which, whilst beautiful, takes up a lot of space... (In the day time he hogs the sofa and does have a cushion in the kitchen as well).

 

[Titchy Reindeer]

Well the puppies are here! Six little cuties. One was very small, but she seems to be doing well now. I can't wait to meet them but will have to be patient for another few weeks until they are a bit older.
I hope the link works to the breeder's facebook post with all their pictures (warning! cuteness overload) :

https://www.facebook.com/TerresManaly/posts/pfbid02hBmyGiVWx2GE2jLNnFQCVFGAsh6Y4YVX1kwyR8HpbZpJT4qN5Tc6VXAjQjaowsDpl

 

[satinbaze]

Just out of interest how many with tails and how many natural bobs

 

[Titchy Reindeer]

Just out of interest how many with tails and how many natural bobs

Good question, I don't know.

 

[BallyRoanBaubles]

Just had a look at the breeders page what gorgeous dogs

 

[Titchy Reindeer]

Just had a look at the breeders page what gorgeous dogs

Yes, I fell for a photo of the remaining (9month old) puppy of the last litter of this female. I wasn't quick enough to get her so went on the waiting list for this litter. It's been great following the whole adventure from the start. I've only met mum dog in person so far, but should meet the others when the puppies are allowed visitors. I'm also hoping to meet her finish laphunds as I've never met one before and I'm curious.

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

So cute that she calls the teeny one a crevette!

 

[Titchy Reindeer]

So cute that she calls the teeny one a crevette!

Crevette is a well used shorthand for tiny around here, often heard applied to dogs and horses. Little Liberty is my mum's favourite, I'm just glad I don't have to choose yet and will have plenty of time to meet them before any decisions are made.

 

[misst]

How wonderful. They look gorgeous. Do you have a favourite colour? I hadn't realised they had no tails most of the time until my granddaughter and her mum got one. A blue merle. When she wags her "tail" her whole body swings from side to side. She's been very trainable and is extremely well behaved for a young dog. She has a super kind temprament too.

 

[Squeak]

They're gorgeous. Do you know if there's definitely a puppy for you yet?

 

[Titchy Reindeer]

How wonderful. They look gorgeous. Do you have a favourite colour? I hadn't realised they had no tails most of the time until my granddaughter and her mum got one. A blue merle. When she wags her "tail" her whole body swings from side to side. She's been very trainable and is extremely well behaved for a young dog. She has a super kind temprament too.

I don't have a favourite colour as such, it's more how the colour is distributed and looks on the dog if that makes sense. All 6 here are beautiful. I do want a female though so that halves my choices.

 

[Titchy Reindeer]

They're gorgeous. Do you know if there's definitely a puppy for you yet?

There should be a puppy for me, but the breeders doesn't work on a first come first served basis, it's about trying her best to match the right puppy to the right home. That said, she's local so I have offered to help with socialisation, so should get a good "preview" and hopefully brownie points.

 

[Titchy Reindeer]

I met the litter on Wednesday! They are all so adorable! They're only four weeks old and just starting to show their personality so no choices made yet, but I will be coming home with one of the girls in December. I'm currently the only serious prospective owner interested in the litter, so plenty of time to made a decision. (the breeder has had other enquiries but none she though suitable yet- she's rather worried with the pups being ready to rehome just before Christmas and being a very popular breed over here).
From what I can see so far of the girls "Liberty" is a little nose licker, "Prisma" is more observant but happy to pounce on her brothers and "Ever" seems more independent and fighty. I got to cuddle all three (and their brothers) and would happily bring any of the girls home. Little "Walter" was already disqualified for being a boy but appears rather needy and vocal compared to his siblings so would not have been selected if he was a girl, despite having beautiful markings. I'll be seeing them again a week on sunday for a visit to an indoor market.

As an aside, I also met my first Finnish Lapphounds (breeding female and her 8 month old son) and they're gorgeous. I may be tempted one day. Simba, the 8 month old seemed ready to come home with me anyway!

 

[Titchy Reindeer]

And the winner is ....




Little Liberty who will be coming home mid December. I can't wait! She's a little sweetie with brains and determination. She likes licking noses and squeaky toys.

 

[P3LH]

Never mind you, I am smitten already.

 

[Moobli]

Oh gosh she’s absolutely beautiful . I can’t wait to see more photos when she’s home and hear all about her. Very excited for you

 

[DiNozzo]

Look at those crossed legs!! Little madam never mind Liberty!

 

[Titchy Reindeer]

Thank you both, she is beautiful (at least I think so), though the whole litter is gorgeous and it wasn't an easy choice. Apparently, she's the clever one and likes ponies (seen during a socialisation trip) which tipped the scales. I'm really looking forward to all the fun and mischief we can get up to together and with my Monster.

 

[Titchy Reindeer]

Look at those crossed legs!! Little madam never mind Liberty!

I already have an equine little madam at home. Looks like I've got a thing for dainty but sassy animals.
I'm definitely teaching her to cross her paws when she's older.

 

[Smitty]

She has an "I like to be obeyed" expression on her face. So cute.

 

[Titchy Reindeer]

She has an "I like to be obeyed" expression on her face. So cute.

Adored and venerated, definitely. If she wants to be obeyed, she'll have to sort that out with Monster!

 

[oldandgold]