Passed with Distinction - Level 3 Dog Breeding qualification

I'm really pleased to share that I've passed the Animal Care College's Dog Breeding qualification with a distinction.

It's hard to believe I started studying this in 2020 - 5 years on and I have finally completed the course. I've enjoyed every second and learned so much.

This is an industry certified Level 3 qualification, with the syllabus designed by course director and tutor David Cavill, who you might know as publisher of the Our Dogs newspaper, and chairman of Southern Counties champ show. This fantastic course explores dog breeding holistically - from the evolution of dogs, to healthy musculoskeletal structure, genetics, anatomy, whelping and puppy rearing (and more!).

I have also been given an additional award for achievement, more to come on that one soon!

In my mind, although the goal is to breed Collies that win classes and CCs, they're the cherry on top - but all puppies born need and deserve to be sound, healthy, and happy. As a result, breeding sound Collies is the essential foundation (it's not as easy as it sounds!), and the work overlaid to attempt to breed champion Collies ever continues. In this breed, there is the added complexity in managing a very small gene pool. Completing this course has helped me develop into a more confident breeder, equipped with what I need to tackle this mission statement. I look forward to realising these plans over the years and enjoying every second with our pack!

The first few weeks of life

Our current litter are about to turn 2 weeks old and their eyes are about to open. Although they can't yet see or hear, that doesn't mean we haven't been working with them to give them the best start in life. We are a Puppy Culture breeder and have been working on the Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) protocols.

ENS has been shown to improve a dog's stress response later in life. In essence, it's about adding slight stressors to a neonate's life, where they aren't experiencing it. Think back through the history of the dog, and what the life of a newborn litter would be like. Rather than the warm, clean, dry, and protected surroundings our bitches have today, the puppies would experience environmental stressors as well as their dam leaving to feed. Our puppies don't experience these and instead have a cushy life, which is where ENS steps in - to kickstart their neurological systems through a series of very short, daily activities.

Research suggests that this ENS protocol not only improves how a dog reacts to stress for the rest of their life, but also benefits their immune system.

Once the puppy's eyes open, the window to perform these exercises closes - meaning these first few weeks of life can be a very precious time to work with.

Welcoming our 'A' Litter!

On her fifth birthday, our foundation bitch Juliet (Wicani Moon Dew Stars over Vycaran) delivered us 8 babies - 3 blues and 5 tris!

Sadly some of the pups didn't make it, but the ones we have left are strong and feeding well. Juliet has taken to motherhood well and is very attentive.

Good luck babies, we're looking forward to seeing you grow. All goes well, we hope to retain two for showing - a bitch and dog.