Silkstone Silky Terriers

09/12/2024

09/12/2024

Aries 10 months old

09/07/2024

What a great read

In agility, time has become increasingly more important to competitors.

We have learned to fine-tune our handling to shave off tenths and hundredths when it matters most. Our dogs have access to better nutrition, physical therapists, chiropractors, and fitness trainers. They are running longer because of the hours we put into taking care of them.

We are also pushing them to reach greatness sooner.

The youngest to reach this title, this goal, this team… I understand. I did the same for myself as a junior handler. I chased being the youngest national champion, the youngest world team member, and succeeded at becoming the youngest USA European Open team member. What I can tell you from that experience is that it was mentally taxing with no true reward.

Chasing the clock is fun on course, but setting time limits on your goals is not.

I’ve found maturity is a key factor in competing at a higher level. Many dogs aren’t “grown up” until around five years old; you cannot rush development. You can push a dog long before it is ready, but you cannot rush training or competition experience and expect to reach greatness as a team.

The muscle memory to successfully perform obstacles, the verbal skills to distinguish between behaviors, and the ability for your dog to read your handling cues on course are not created overnight.

It takes hours, days, YEARS of commitment to be great, for you and your dog.

Those hours aren’t filled with motivational quotes, excuses and hoping for gold, they’re filled with intentional practice. Agility is a complex sport; something experienced handlers can take for granted.

You cannot rely on skills you have not fully developed, no matter how experienced you are or think you are. Greatness takes time, and that time must be well spent.

I can assure you that deliberate, methodical practice is as beneficial as it is boring. What I can not guarantee is when you’ll reap the benefits; no one can.

Train your dog and have patience with the process.

Your goals are meant to provide inspiration, tangible success and provide context for where you are on your own agility journey.

Your goals should not expire. Your goals should not be dependent on the performance of others. Your goals should not burden you with the threat of failure. Your goals should not place limits on your potential for success.

Be mindful of what you aim for and use to measure your success. The results won't always show the time and effort you've put in to be where you are today.

When goals are set effectively the results become the byproduct of the process. You can reach for the top and celebrate each step you take along the way - whether the journey takes you up, down or sideways.

The truth of it is that the trophies and ribbons are worth so much less than what you'll really gain from this journey.

09/02/2024

08/31/2024

My old ladies.

08/28/2024

She always has to lay on me, not next...but on me

08/25/2024

This Q is one of my most treasured accomplishments for Amira. Way to go girly. I so believe in this little girl. Hard work is paying off. Consistency, believing and never giving up is key. IKIYK.

08/01/2024

The next time you’re in your dog’s mouth (you do brush his or her teeth, right?) notice the bump on the roof of his mouth just behind the two front middle teeth? It’s called the ‘incisive papilla,” and near the center of it is a hole that leads to a duct that leads to the “Jacobson’s organ.” The Jacobson’s organ is a very cool thing. Put in “See Spot Run” terms, it allows your dog to literally taste the air by combining taste and smell.

Dogs use their Jacobson’s organ to experience sexual markers (pheromones) left behind by other dogs via urine, or when coming across the scent of a bitch in season. While dogs don’t have a Flehmen response seen in many other animals (throwing back the head, and raising or curling the upper lip which helps open the entry slits into Jacobson’s Organ), dogs will “chatter their teeth” instead. A dog might hold his mouth in a quasi-open position that looks a little like a grin, or he might even lick the air. And you thought he was just happy to see you.

One theory holds that the Jacobson’s Organ could account for a dog’s ability to identify and recognize other animals and people. It’s also believed that it’s this organ that enhances a newborn’s ability to find its mother.

07/05/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/aAwnEE33wm2DtcnC/?mibextid=oFDknk

06/19/2024

Gotta love a freshly groomed coat. 7 months old. Oh, those little ears are favorite.

04/22/2024

Just stepped on this . Ouch

04/14/2024

Aries and Amira

04/11/2024

In case of an emergency, you need to know your dog will come to you no matter what. Read on to learn how to train a reliable recall.

04/08/2024

Information on Fat in our dogs diet and how important it is.

Next to protein, fats are the second most important part of your dog's diet. Here's our Ultimate Guide to balancing the fats for dogs and foods.

04/06/2024

Morning vibes

04/04/2024

ATTENTION NEW PUPPY OWNERS…….
I wanted to touch base on a common issue that breeders come across with new owners.
REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS-
You see the breeders pictures and videos and the pups are all social. They are quiet in the pen. The breeder shows you videos of them being totally relaxed, happy, playful. All looks amazing and you bring your puppy home.
Then reality hits. The puppy may cry in the crate for the first few nights making you tired and agitated. The happy social puppy is refusing to greet the half dozen overly excited friends you invited over to see your new puppy. Or the overly excited playful children you have at home. The puppy refuses to walk on a leash. Many are wondering how did my perfect puppy turn into a nightmare.
So let’s discuss realistic expectations of when a puppy goes home.
-First of all the puppy has been in the breeders home since birth. They had their mother and littermates. They had their routine, were taught expectations and were completely in their comfort zone.
Now suddenly they are taken to a totally new environment. Picture yourself being dropped into an unknown country, in a different part of the world. You know only a few words of their language. Different sounds, smells, temperature, animals and people.
Now in the middle of this we are switching up your routine, possibly decide to have a party with people you don't know, and ask you to do jobs you have no idea about. Overwhelming to say the least.
This is what every puppy goes through when going to their new home. Stress manifests in different forms. From not eating, reluctancy to play, and greet people. Being apprehensive at the vet’s office or as strangers reach for them. Diarrhea, vomiting and depression can occur.
So what can you as a new owner do to help your little one acclimate?
- most puppies take 3-4 weeks to acclimate to their new home. Repeat after me THREE to FOUR WEEKS sometimes even Longer! Not a 1-2 days. I can’t stress this enough about how much time is needed for a dog or puppy to feel comfortable in their new home!
PLEASE limit guests during the first two weeks. We understand you are excited to show off your new baby but they need time to adjust. Plan on waiting 1-2 weeks before inviting people over.
- ask guests to remove their shoes before entering the home to prevent germs from spreading to your new vulnerable puppy.
-have guests sit on the floor/ground and wait until the puppy approaches them. NO squealing and grabbing the puppy, as this is very frightening to them.
- set up a good routine
- restrict the puppy to a small area of the house. This not only reduces them being overwhelmed but also allows you to watch them
- don’t expect a 8-12 week old puppy to walk on a leash. Instead work at home with a leash where they are comfortable. Let them drag the leash, use treats to encourage them to walk with you
- if your puppy is refusing to walk give them a good amount of time.
- understand your puppy needs time to see you as family. Expecting an immediate bond is unrealistic. They will need to establish who the leader of the pack is in order to feel safe and understand the hierarchy of the family unit.
- train your puppy. This not only helps you to bond but the puppy to look to you for direction and input.
-Children are also big stressors to tiny fragile puppies, please keep an eye on children around the puppy at all times. The children may need to learn how fragile the puppy is and how scared it may be.
- lastly, most importantly- BE PATIENT. Don’t declare “omg there’s something wrong with this dog”. Nothing occurs overnight.
Outings should be planned after the puppy has received ALL vaccinations and then only at the puppy’s speed. So while you might imagine a fun walk around the lake in reality your puppy might only be able to handle walking a short distance that day. They may be curious and energetic, they may become overwhelmed. Watch the puppy for cues on how to proceed.
Most outings for me take a long time, as I am often just standing still as the puppy cautiously explores the new environment. Patience is key!
Remember if the puppy was wonderful at the breeder’s house but now is struggling, you as the owner, need to help the puppy adjust which takes time, patience and training. Have realistic expectations and give the puppy positive feedback and happy experiences. Each puppy is an individual, don’t compare your current puppy to past pets and judge their behavior based on how another dog handled things. Lastly, try to see thing’s from a puppy’s perspective and adjust situations accordingly.
Love your puppy and they will love you 100 times more in return.
🐾 🩵🩷
Copied from another breeder.

03/25/2024

Your dog isn't weird.