Yesterday should have been Lexi’s fourth birthday. 🎂💔 I still don’t know what happened to her—whether she was lost to a snake, wild dogs, or taken by someone who couldn’t resist her beauty and charm. What I do know is that she was deeply loved, and I hope she felt that every single day.Putting these photos together brought a tear to my eye and a lump to my throat, but it also reminded me of the joy she brought into my life. She was my first girl, my heart dog, and she will always hold a special place in my soul.I miss you, Lex. Happy birthday, wherever you are. 🌈🐾❤️ #TakilberanBorderCollies
🐶✨ Keeping the Puppy Pen Fresh & Safe! ✨🐶
This is the longest I’ve kept a litter of puppies inside for their nighttime sleeping and midday chill time… and with the cyclone that is coming this will continue to be what I do. Wherever my puppies are, cleaning is a big part of raising happy, healthy puppies, and I always make sure to use puppy-safe products! Instead of harsh chemicals, I use a simple homemade cleaner made from everyday ingredients:
✅ White vinegar – naturally disinfects 🦠
✅ Baking soda – lifts dirt & neutralises odours
✅ Water – keeps it gentle & residue-free
✅ A few drops of lavender essential oil 🌿 – safe for dogs & smells amazing!
But did you know? 🚨 Not all essential oils are safe for dogs! ❌ Some can be toxic and should never be used in areas where dogs eat, sleep, or play.
🚫 Tea Tree – highly toxic, even in small amounts
🚫 Eucalyptus – can cause breathing issues
🚫 Cinnamon – irritates skin and mucous membranes
🚫 Citrus oils (lemon, orange, etc.) – can upset their stomach and irritate skin
🚫 Peppermint – too strong and can lead to respiratory distress
🚫 Rosemary (in high amounts) – may trigger seizures in some dogs
That’s why I stick to lavender—it’s gentle, calming, and puppy-safe when used properly! 🐾
Do you use natural cleaners for your pets? Drop your favourite tips below! ⬇️ #TakilberanBorderCollies #PuppyCare #CleanAndSafe
I cannot stand the sound of people chewing… yet the little slurps and licks of puppies devouring their meal? Absolute heaven 😍🐶💛 These little ones are loving their dog biccies tonight with Peashell’s bone broth (watered down)—every last drop! 🤤🐾💦#TakilberanBorderCollies #BorderColliePuppy #PuppyLove #RawFedDogs #HealthyPups #AustralianBorderCollies #HappyPuppy #DogBreederLife #BorderCollieLife #PuppySlurps #FeedingTime
First Taste of Puppy Biscuits! 🍼🥣
Just a couple of days ago, these little ones were only just being introduced to milk in a bowl—now look at them go! 😍 Today, they had their very first puppy biscuits soaked in Divetelact, and they took to it like naturals. Their lapping skills have come so far in such a short time!
It’s amazing to watch them grow and become more independent each day. Proud little eaters in the making! 🐾💛
#TakilberanBorderCollies #BorderColliePuppies #PuppyFirsts #GrowingUpFast #LittleLappers
Another lovely update on Pearl (formerly Floss) from Sunny’s litter! She’s settled in beautifully with Lindy, who lives just down the road, and has Asher as her big sister. Lindy sent this video of Pearl absolutely loving the water—she’s certainly making the most of summer!
I always love watching my puppies grow, and Pearl is proving to be quite the little treasure… pardon the pun!
#TakilberanBorderCollies #PearlLivingHerBestLife #WaterLover #BorderCollieAdventures
And just like that, we have energiser bunnies! ⚡🐾
Yesterday marked Day 15, and suddenly, the puppies went from sleepy little beans to playful explorers! 🐶💨 It’s amazing how fast they’re changing!
As of this morning’s Day 16 weigh-in, every single pup has officially passed the 1kg milestone! 🎉
🥇 Coconut is still leading the pack at 1358g, but Nashi and Papaya have snuck ahead of Lychee in the weight department—watch out, little bro! 😉
Here’s where everyone is sitting today:
📊 Papaya - 1293g
📊 Blackberry - 1148g
📊 Nashi - 1309g
📊 Mango - 1019g
📊 Coconut - 1358g
📊 Lychee - 1258g
From here on out, it’s only going to get more chaotic (and cuter)! 🥰
#EnergiserPuppies #Day16 #TakilberanBorderCollies #GrowingFast #BorderCollieBabies #WhelpingBoxAntics #CutenessOverload #TooFastTooFurry
Murphy’s Law of Puppies: When I want to do a photoshoot and need them to stay still, they’re zooming around everywhere. But when I want to show you how wobbly and adventurous they’re getting… it’s suddenly nap time! 💤😂
At least the whelping box is fresh and clean for when they do decide to wake up and cause chaos again!
#MurphysLaw #SleepyPuppies #TakilberanBorderCollies #BorderCollieBabies #PuppyLife #BreederLife #TooTiredToPerform
At Takilberan Border Collies, we’re giving our puppies the best start in life with Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS). These simple exercises, done from days 3-16, help stimulate the puppies’ neurological systems and set them up for a lifetime of resilience, confidence, and adaptability.
Here’s what we do each day:
1. Tactile Stimulation
We gently tickle the puppy’s paw pads with a cotton bud for 3-5 seconds.
Purpose: This introduces them to different sensations, helping them adapt to new experiences later in life.
2. Head Held Erect
We hold the puppy upright so their head is above their tail for 3-5 seconds.
Purpose: This stimulates their balance and spatial awareness.
3. Head Pointed Down
We gently hold the puppy with their head pointing downward (tail up) for 3-5 seconds.
Purpose: This activates their vestibular system, encouraging adaptability and balance.
4. Supine Position
We hold the puppy on their back in the palm of our hand for 3-5 seconds.
Purpose: This helps them adapt to being in a vulnerable position, building confidence and trust.
5. Thermal Stimulation
We place the puppy on a cool, damp towel for 3-5 seconds.
Purpose: This introduces them to slight temperature changes, strengthening their stress tolerance.
Each exercise is brief and gentle, ensuring the puppies are comfortable while receiving these benefits. ENS may seem small, but its positive impact on their development is huge!
#EarlyNeurologicalStimulation #ENSforPuppies #HealthyPuppyDevelopment #PuppyTrainingStartsHere #BorderColliePuppies #RaisingStrongPuppies #WellSocialisedPuppies #TakilberanBorderCollies #PuppyLove #BorderCollieBreeder #LifeOfABorderCollie #StrongStartForPuppies #FutureDogStars #TinyButMighty #PuppyJourney #NewBeginnings #PuppyLoveAndCare #SmartDogsStartYoung
✨🐾 Meet Fudge! 🐾✨Born on 25 August, Fudge is now 14 weeks old and growing into the most lovable, adventurous companion. With his stunning chocolate coat and a heart full of sweetness, he’s always ready for fun and affection! 🌟This playful boy loves splashing around in the water trough—he’s a real water baby! 💦 Whether he’s exploring, playing, or simply soaking up the sun, Fudge knows how to enjoy life to the fullest. ❤️Curious about what makes Fudge so special? Send us a message—we’d love to share more about him! 💌#BorderCollieLove #LifeWithDogs #ChocolateCharm #FudgeTheBorderCollie #TakilberanBorderCollies #WaterLovingPup #BorderCollieCommunity #CanineCompanion #DogLovers #PurebredPerfection
A Little Update on Maggie!Maggie has settled into her new home so beautifully! 🏡💖 Here she is, having the best time playing with her squeaky duck. 🐾🦆 It’s been such a joy seeing her so happy and loved already! 💕#TakilberanBorderCollies #MaggieTheBorderCollie #BorderCollieLove #SqueakyDuckFun #PuppyUpdates #ForeverFamily #BorderCollieHappiness
🌿 Afternoon Adventures with the Littles 🌿Out on a stroll with the four little pups I still have here, plus a few of the big dogs for company! We’ve been working on their recall, and these clever little cuties are absolutely nailing it. Watching them run back to me with so much joy and enthusiasm is just the best!🐾💨#TakilberanBorderCollies #BorderColliePuppies #SmartPups #WorkingOnRecall #AfternoonStrolls #CountryLife #BorderCollieLove #GoodDoggos
Alfie’s Official Name Update!Exciting news—it’s now official! This sweet boy is called Alfie (or more officially Alfred James Saunders), and the name suits him so beautifully. His training is going really well with my cousin Peashell (or more officially, Peta-Michelle).I absolutely love getting updates like this and seeing my puppies thrive in their new homes. It’s such a joy to watch them grow and settle in!#TakilberanBorderCollies #BorderCollieLove #BorderCollieLife #PuppyUpdates #HappyPuppy #BorderCollieTraining