Training Continues...

Leash training is going slowly because with the short days and no babysitter, it's tough for me to find time to take the puppies out. But in the house, lots of training is going on every day. Here the puppies are waiting patiently (quietly!) for their meal. They are also learning to come when called, to sit, wait, and to go into their crate when told.

Poppy and Clover Make Themselves at Home

Willow

Willow found her forever home today. She will be living with Becky, the daughter of our neighbors down the street. In fact, Becky and her husband are housesitting for her parents for the next several months, so Willow will be living just a few doors down from us for a while.

Skittles paced around a little this evening, acting a little depressed. This did not help my mood any, because I feel a little sad, too. Ridiculous, I know. But Willow has a unique energy, and the house feels different without her in it. I know she'll be happy though. Her new owner is a horse trainer and is looking forward to taking Willow with her on trail rides. Sounds like fun!

Ten Weeks Old

The girls are just getting more beautiful, and their personalities are rounding out. Where before they seemed to fill a specific role (the dominant one, the little one, the gentle one), they are now a little more well-rounded.

Willow

Super-smart and outgoing

Clover

Sweet and playful

Poppy

Attentive and gentle

Eight Weeks Old

Willow

Clover

Poppy

Yes, I missed a week of pictures. We have a new addition to the family--our second child was born December 3. We now have a house full of babies! Canine and human. My hands are officially full.

It's time for the girls to find their new homes. I've honestly fallen in love with each one. But it looks like Poppy will be staying with us.

These puppies, I believe, will grow up to be truly exceptional dogs. Raw weaned, non-vaccinated, full tails, house-raised with the family... everything I could do to get them off to the right start for a long healthy happy life, I've done my best to do. I can't wait to see what's in store for them.

Tails Again

Wow. There was a huge debate on the Healthy Aussies Group about tail-docking. I knew there are strong opinions on both sides, but I was surprised by some of the emotion on the pro-docking side of the debate. Particularly the argument, "If you want a tail, get another breed."

Here are some of the arguments brought up for docking:

• Aussies are a tail-less breed.
• No tail means no tail injuries, stickers, burrs, etc.
• The breed standard says "Natural Bob Tail or Docked" No option for natural long tail.

And for natural tails:

• Tail docking is primarily cosmetic.
• Breeders should be able to choose whether they dock or not.
• Lots of anectodal evidence for better balance, agility, communication, and hind-end health.

The subject of circumcision was brought up, too. Would it be hypocritcal to circumcise one's son but not dock the tails of one's aussie puppies? Maybe. (For the record, we're not going to circumcise.)

I think the above picture of Evan and Poppy playing Chase the Broom shows pretty clearly how, even at six weeks old, the tail is used to aid in balance and turning. I'm sure the puppies would adapt if their tails had been docked. But I like the tails, and I'm always happy to see the puppies using them, whether for balance or for reading their moods. And I hope the new owners feel the same.

Six Weeks Old

The puppies turned six weeks old today, and their personalities are starting to shine.

Even though Poppy is the first born, in many ways she is the middle child. She has a very easy-going personality. She also enjoys the company and attention of the big dogs and my two year-old daughter more than the other pups. Her gentleness is what got Zeke to warm up to all the pups. Zeke now will play with the puppies, as long as no one cries. My guess is he thinks he'll get in trouble if the puppies cry and he's around.

Clover is the sweetheart of the group. When held, she immediately relaxes. She'll chew on your fingers, but is always gentle. She has caught up to Poppy physically, and has no problem holding her own when playing with the other puppies. Of the three, she seems to have the highest toy drive, so far. Her markings are turning out to be just beautiful. The copper markings are kind of "smoky."

Willow is the standout in the group. She's by far the biggest, still, and continues to reach every developmental step first. She's confident, and a real smarty, and learns in one lesson what it often takes the others a few. She is also the loudest, and tends to play the most aggressively. She's the only one I've needed to discipline for chewing on my daughter like a bone. She's the leader, and has shown the other puppies how to climb up and down the steps, and the joys of digging.