 |
|
|
|
This site is optimised for Internet Explorer Click here to download Explorer 6
|
|
|
|
|
Click on F11 Button to maximise pages
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I often hear people say when enquiring about a Tholia Springer that they “don’t want a show dog, just a pet”. I reply that what they do want is a well bred, healthy representative of the breed. Most English Springer Spaniel breeders (in fact most purebred dog breeders generally) are what I would describe as serious, hobby breeders and as such realise the importance of placing well adjusted, healthy puppies.
In an effort to achieve that, Tholia puppies undergo the following programmes:
|
|
THE “SEVEN STEPS".
What are they?
When a pup goes to its new home at around 8-9 weeks of age, I aim to have given it a positive start to life; experiencing new things within a few short weeks.
Therefore, by the time your puppy is 7 weeks old, it will have:-
1. Been on 7 different surfaces (carpet, concrete, wood, vinyl, grass, dirt and gravel)
2. Played with 7 different types of objects (big balls, small balls, soft fabric toys, squeaky toys, noisy toys, paper and cardboard items)
3. Been in 7 different locations (front yard, back yard, kitchen, car, vet., house,crate)
4. Been exposed to 7 challenges (climbed a box, climbed off a box, upstairs,over a tyre, up hills, through a door, played hide & seek)
5 Eaten from 7 different containers
6. Eaten in 7 different locations
7. Met 7 new people
|
|
Developing High Achievers
Surprising as it may seem, it isn't capacity that explains the differences that exist between individuals because most seem to have far more capacity than they will ever use.
The differences that exist between individuals seem to be related to something else. The ones who achieve and out perform others seem to have within themselves the ability to use hidden resources. In other words, it's what they are able to do with what they have that makes the difference. (Dr Carmen Battaglia, “Breeding Better Dogs”)
The above statement makes for fascinating reading when one considers that Dr Battaglia uses it to introduce a series of stimulatory exercises for DOGS!
I have just recently introduced these exercises into my breeding programme and whilst it is far too early to make any judgements (if indeed any definitive judgement will ever be made), I have observed some interesting behaviour traits. |
|
Backyard Breeders.
Firstly, let me say I could be termed a “backyard breeder”. I don’t have kennels per se, preferring to house my dogs as part of our family. Doing this, I believe, teaches me things about my dogs that are invaluable to my knowledge base; i.e. it teaches me about their temperaments and their ability (or otherwise) to handle everything that my life throws at them.
Having said that, the true sense of the term “backyard breeder” means uneducated people who breed dogs for profit. People who have no involvement in the dog world, dog sports and have little or no knowledge about the breed, are ignorant of any health issues relating to the breed (they certainly don’t carry out any available health tests; like hip evaluations and annual eye clearances), make unsubstantiated claims like “champion lines” (all this means is that there is a dog somewhere in the pedigree that is a champion; wiser to look for champion parents). Some BBs may claim “registered breeder” status as proof of quality. Whilst most serious hobby breeders are indeed members of their State’s controlling body (in NSW it is the Royal NSW Canine Council), said controlling body does not approve breedings, control litters or guarantee soundness.
So, what questions should YOU ask when buying a purebred puppy?
|
- How long have you been in the breed? How many litters have you bred?
- What hereditary problems are present in this breed? What steps are you taking to eradicate them?
- Are the parents of these puppies at your home? Can I see them?
- What are the good and bad points of the parents? Are they champions?
- Can you provide me with information on the puppies ancestors?
- Where were the puppies raised? How have you socialised them?
- Do you provide any guarantees?
- Will the puppy’s health records (worming, vaccination/s) be available to me?
- Will the puppy be registered with your State controlling body?
- Are there any specific requirements; i.e. neutering?
- How old will the puppy be before I can take it home?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Please contact KK Webdesign with questions or comments.
©Copyright 2003 THOLIA. All rights reserved.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
