As I sip my cinnamon hazelnut coffee and rotate between social media platforms I notice a real trend in lies, exaggerations and misrepresentations. It is not new, in fact you can scroll though my past posts to see I’ve touched on many of these topics in great detail. I balance between dog breeders, dog education and dog training groups/pages, and it is everywhere.

Dog Training: At this time dog training is unregulated. That means anyone can call themselves a dog trainer and offer half assed advice or even charge you to “train” your dog. Being a dog owner who successfully trained your dog to walk on a leash and sit does not make you a trainer any more than changing your own oil makes you a mechanic or removing a splinter makes you a doctor. Dog trainers should have knowledge and experience in not just dog training but at least basic dog behavior. Some trainers choose certification courses, some trainers are self taught and use a mentor, while some watch a few YouTube videos. From adverse trainers to so called balance trainers to positive reinforcement trainers (often called force free) the philosophies and style vary not just between the type of training style but with the individual trainer as well. Please, please choose your trainer carefully.

Dog Breeding: I’m learning dog breeding is highly competitive. It’s as if breeders want to be THE ONLY ONE. Convincing protentional buyers that they are THE BEST AND ONLY OPTION means they basically become used car sales men and say whatever it takes to make that sale. I refuse to play this game. People can charge 3000 for a puppy with mediocre bloodlines, no genetic or health testing and not actively show and that’s honestly not my business. I wish you well. But if people are lying about testing, lying about puppy raising programs, lying about vetting, lying about the “socialization/training”, then that pisses me off. They hide behind the internet and that makes it’s hard to verify breeders are in fact doing what they say. So PLEASE PLEASE if testing, vetting, puppy raising programs (Puppy Culture. Avidog, Badass Breeder, etc.) and/or socialization is important ask for proof. Paperwork, certifications, receipts, videos of them doing the protocols/training/socialization, etc. I can give you a hint, Puppy Culture is not just sound desensitization and toys in pen, in fact that is the least important parts of it. Socialization is so so so much more than your puppy meeting kids and seeing a cat. NOTE: You can get a healthy puppy that’s not raised with specific programs. Often breeders have the experience and knowledge to preform similar protocols without investing in programs, but they SHOULD NOT LIE about it.

*Unfortunately, Puppy Culture (the powerful first 12 weeks that can shape your puppy) is becoming a marketing scam. Breeders say they use it to not just be competitive but to justify prices. Puppy Culture is not a casual program that you can just “say” you do, in fact many breeders discuss how time consuming it is and how they have to work to hard to get it all in. It is especially hard if they have multiple litters or work fulltime. Because there is no certification to prove we use Puppy Culture, we as Puppy Culture breeders are encouraged to document and make available to our puppy parents, video and or live feeds of us working with our litters. It is really the only way to know your breeder is in fact using the program. Please look at the website to see just how detailed the program is and or join the Puppy Culture Facebook group to ask Jane, the creator or other admin how to best verify a breeder is using Puppy Culture. Another great option is to purchase the Puppy Culture program yourself and follow along to ensure your breeder is doing the work!

*In addition to the above programs I have also completed Avidog Puppy Socialization course for breeders and owners and I have read The Ultimate Badass Breeder’s Guide. I have completed VSA Fundamentals of Dog Training and Behavior Course and plan on investing in the Dog Training Certification course this Summer/Fall. I continue my education by independent study (books, online webinars, etc.).

I started 2020 out on a huge high. I took a real course for the first time in over 29 years. I had myself convinced I would fail before I started but in a flash on January 1st I purchased the course (through Karen Pryor Academy) and dove in. I shocked myself by finishing in less than 2 weeks becoming a certified Puppy Start Right Instructor. I had goals and plans to set up my Puppy Socialization and Foundation Training business but it all came crashing down as Covid hit. I didn’t give up, I took Avidog Puppy Socialization course and a few months later took VS-Behavior and Training Foundation Course. In 2021 I am going to get my puppy socialization and training started as well as investing in and pursuing my dog training certification. While I am going to focus on puppies and currently have my education to do that, I feel a full dog training certification will give me the knowledge I need to be a more rounded trainer. Also I just really enjoy learning about things I love. In 2020 I finally have a goal, a dream and a passion. It feels great.

I am always reminded that nature is a bitch, that I don’t know the things I think I do, and that no matter how hard I try, things can and will go wrong. 2020 was no different. All we can do is try to learn, and move forward. My dogs will always be my pets, my companions, my anti anxiety helpers, and my family. I love breeding, nurturing, raising and training. I love sharing my love and excitement with puppy families. We have made decisions recently to try to do better. We added a beautiful boy who will be our main stud by 2022. Because our dog are family first we have decided we will not be adding anymore for many years to come….. if ever. My heart says “there is always room for more” but my time, energy and anxiety say otherwise. I am not sure how much longer we will do this. I know so many who are burnt out, the stress of it all becomes overwhelming. I just remind myself this is not a job it is a joy. When it is no longer a joy is when I know we are done.

In 2020, we found out our grand puppy, Belle had cancer and maybe only a few months left with us. She is still here with us fighting but we are not sure for how much longer. Months later our Nikita suddenly lost mobility in her back end. We doubted she would improve. I was determined that if I had to support her, carry her, and wheel her around I would do everything I could for as long as she was willing to fight. She surprised us all by slowly regaining movement. She was well enough to accompany us on a beach trip for our beloved Belle. 2020 taught us to cherish each moment.

2020, the year of, fires, blm, toilet paper shortage, covid and covid deniers, masks and mask deniers, elections and well, I’ll just leave it at that. I guess I can say people were defiantly passionate this year no matter what side they were on.

I hope 2021 brings peace, love, change, hope, growth, kindness and good fortune to you all!

We are currently mid way though Reign’s litter and they have all our attention. I try my best to focus on “the now’ but I have had a few questions about up coming litters.

Winter is due to come into heat next. At this point we are debating between pairing her with Tyrion or trying her with Ghost. Her pairing with Ghost would be a traditional litter. Based on pedigree there is a chance for Black and White, and Grey and White. A slim possibility for Whites. We do not expect Reds. Nothing is set in stone and we will let you know when we have made up our mind.

One of the hardest things to do as a breeder is plan out how to best accept deposits and handle reserve pick spots and waiting lists. It seems we can never please all the people all the time.

Back in the olden days when puppies reached 8 weeks old, breeders evaluated pups based on “quality” (pet, breeding, showing, performance, etc) priced them based on evaluation and went on to list them for sale. People visited and picked their puppy based on which best suited their needs. *

Flash forward to now when everyone wants a certain color, gender, and they want what they want NOW!! If I accepted every non refundable deposit offered to me I would have my litters sold for over a year. It also doesn’t help that all breeders handle deposits and waiting list differently and there is no right or wrong way. We all do what’s best for us, whether that be taking deposits for litters planned months or years in the future, taking deposits once the pair has bred, or not taking deposits until the puppies reach a certain age. There are also people who keep a structured waiting list and weeds through them at each litter, people who charge a fee to be placed on the waiting list, people who keep a less formal contact list or people who ask interested parties to contact them if they are still interested once the litter is born. Again a lot of these options are based on our past experience as breeders.

I have tried many different ways from taking deposits early to not taking deposits until the litter is born to keeping long waiting lists. Long waiting lists do not work, people move on to other breeders, people change their mind, refuse to answer emails and often seriously interested people are discouraged and go elsewhere because the list is to long. I refuse to take money (non refundable deposits) to lock people into buying only from me so taking deposits on future litters does not sit well with me. People should be able to change their mind without losing hundreds of dollars. So here is what works for me:

• I only accept deposits on litters after breeding takes place. This assures there is a good chance a litter is actually on the way and we know exactly who the sire is. Sometimes sires change due to a great number of reasons. If you were wanting a certain pairing and it changes I would hate for you to be disappointed and locked into that litter or rolling over to another.
• I only take a limited amount of pre birth deposits. 2-3 normally. This prevents me taking more deposits then pups are available and forcing people to roll their deposits over to another litter or losing their deposit.
• I take deposits for 1st pick, 2nd pick, etc. I do not reserve picks for gender or coat color. I can not control genetics therefore I can not guarantee your desired gender or color will be produced. For example my first litter was 7 males!
• I do not keep a structured waiting list because the only way that would realistically work is if I took either a waiting list fee or full deposit. And while that benefits me greatly it locks you into purchasing from me and not changing your mind. I do not think that is fair.
• I advise all interested parties to keep track of upcoming litters by following my Facebook page. Once a litter is born contact me to let me know you are interested in placing a deposits after 1st and 2nd pick have chosen.
• I accept deposits based on the questionnaire/application first and order the applications come in second. I need a puppy application on file for all potential buyers/families.
• I can refuse to sell to you for any reason and at any time.
• Placing a deposit means you are committed to the purchase process and your deposit is not refundable!
• If something unforeseen comes up and you are no longer able to purchase the puppy, your deposit will roll over to a future litter. Please note this is only good for one year from the time a deposit is placed.
• I always reserve the right to first pick of any litter if a puppy is produced that will improve or complement my program. So if that happens first pick will move to second, and so forth.
• I will not hold a puppy without a deposit. Full payment is due by the time the puppy is 8 weeks and must be paid before pick up. I will not release the puppy to you in good faith that you will continue to make payments.

I hope that helps clarify why I do things the way I do. It is a bit complicated and things do not always come across well written. If you have any questions please let me know.

*based on my experience when my mom bred and showed in the 80’s.

© SupernovaSiberianHuskies.com aka TexasHuskies.com DO NOT use, copy, repost, publish, distribute without written consent! 

Week 8: Sat Oct 24 – Fri Oct 30

• Dam begins to spend a lot more time grooming herself.
• Her breasts become swollen as her milk forms.
• Nesting begins as she looks for a place to have her puppies… Make sure you have her box or spot ready..
• The dam may not have as big of an appetite during this period. Her abdomen can be crowded with puppies.
• Offer your girl as much as she will eat several times a day rather than one huge meal.
• Pups have fur and are more active in their crowded space.
• They move to get into position for birth.
• You can feel the puppies move now.
• See if you can get her used to her whelping box

Reign is starting to lose the fur on her tummy. She is eating well. She is a bit restless and we are spending time in her whelping pool snuggling and cuddling. This week I will be getting whelping supplies restocked and making sure all the towels and bedding is re washed and ready.

*Pregnancy Calendar thanks to Dogbreedinfo.com and www.maplesprings.com