Alacrity Aussies

03/09/2025

Today Sierra flew to Oregon to start her career as a working dog with Joys of Living Assistance Dogs - I was thrilled to meet Jill, who has been working a lot with Danner (formerly Jasper). She flew all day to pick up this pup and take her back! I'm so grateful and can't wait to hear updates.

All the girls and I had a final outing with Dog Days at Tulsa Botanical Garden. We had a blast.

02/27/2025

A Pupdate from Sienna, formerly Paris... when we say we bred for temperament.... this is part of that package. Just LOOK at this lovely pair of lifetime buddies!

Send a message to learn more

01/30/2025

Yesterday in my online , we were talking about the value of mental , which comes in many forms. Sometimes people overthink how to make things enriching.

Surely I'm not the only one with a gazillion boxes lying around?

Why not try putting some in the box and sealing it to your dog's ability?

For Charm, since she's just getting started with , I simply closed the lid by folding the flaps in. For a more experienced dog I would add package tape, crinkled paper they have to unwind when the open it or even a box-in-a-box.

Getting to work on it like Charm is in this video satisfies the urge to bite and an interesting puzzle to solve. All this fun activity is followed by a satisfying nap. Gotta love it!

01/25/2025

Yes, our puppies have tails. Because tails matter. A breed standard written to surgically alter the conformation dogs are born with is not ethical. There, I said it. Now, please do your homework and learn why tails matter and what happens to dogs who have them removed. Hint: it's not pretty.

01/22/2025

Jasper made it safely to his destination yesterday and is in the loving arms of Joy at JLAD!

3 airports, 2 jets, 2 long car rides and so many snuggles and hugs is enough to wear out any puppy. He handled it all with curiosity and courage.

Many thanks to his transport team, Pups in Flight, epecially Amanda and Molly at JLAD.

On and up! The best is yet to come. This kid's got an amazing future.

01/19/2025

Great news! Jasper has been accepted into the service dog training program, Joys of Living Assistance Dogs in Salem, Oregon.

A few years ago it was my great pleasure to work with this phenomenal organization while I was teaching vocational skills at Oregon State Hospital. The skilled psychiatric patients I worked with helped train several dogs for the program and I got to know the director and members of her team very well. There are none better in the industry. 🤩

Jasper will travel with a trained volunteer with American Airlines Pups in Flight program on Tuesday!

Today was our last outing together before his big trip. I am confident he's ready for the adventure that lies ahead and hope that he is able to graduate one day and be the reason someone has more independence.

This was the primary goal of this breeding, to produce dogs who can serve people like this. A huge shout out to Brigid at Helix Aussies for fabulous Papa Tripp and to Cynde Gardner River Aussies for trusting me with sweet Bliss, the best dog on this planet and the mama of this litter.

01/19/2025

My day job includes being part of an amazing team building fun daily games to teach body language, training tips and other fun dog themed stuff. Check out today's game to see one of Bliss' pups rocking a socialization outing and collect her card!

GAME LINK IN COMMENTS.

01/18/2025

Every time a puppy leaves, I wonder what goes through Bliss' head. She absolutely loves them and enjoys their company. She plays with them, nurtures them and allows them to cuddle and groom her. This morning though, after we dropped little Tulum/Fern off to her mom at their hotel, Bliss just seemed content to be alone with me in the truck, sweet individual time a treasure.

01/18/2025

Besties! Tulum, now Fern, met her family tonight and tomorrow begins her new life together. 🤩

01/14/2025

Guess who's going home soon!? Tulum, now Fern.

This pretty girl has the best possible future... and a chance to use her sweet personality as a therapy dog! She can't wait to meet her new family!

01/12/2025

I'm really stumped. She's literally perfect.

01/12/2025

Update... turns out, the ad just had dogs who look a lot like mine. All is well!

A friend let me know they saw an advertisement using my dogs and media selling a special training course for Aussies. I am not selling anything like that. 🤨 If you see it, please send me the link so I can deal with the scammers. Thanks!

Meanwhile the sweetest puppy on the planet has just one question for you...

01/09/2025

Pupdate! Kauai, now Lani, is learning her role as a professional therapy dog, working with her owner who is a high school psychologist.

Lani is a natural, eagerly greeting the kids and loving everyone she meets!

Lani and her owner are joining me with the other puppy parents in a weekly class where I'm teaching from my Sensible Puppy curriculum and decades as a pro trainer and behavior counselor.

Meeting with these dedicated folks is the highlight of my week! I'm here to help each one successfully navigate puppyhood, adolescence and beyond.

You know who else would make a great therapy dog? Tulum, Lani's littermate! She's wondering what's taking so long to find her person!?

01/07/2025

Day 77 . 1-7-25 pups are 11 weeks old! We had a double outing today.

Two locations, lots of opportunities.

It's fascinating to me how they all change, weekly. Sierra found her groove this week, Jasper shines bright and Tulum, well, she just loves everyone so much!!

All the puppies are very social so today we started working a bit on sitting to greet, and me calling them away after a short petting... except with the kids because I am just giddy they love the kids so much!!

I'm settled on my keeper... watch the video to see an announcement about one girl....

And, exciting news coming about Jasper soon!

01/05/2025

20 paws is a lot. I'm waffling on my keeper puppy, so I haven't posted much about them... and good news coming soon... meanwhile, who needs more mud and floof?

01/03/2025

This. Exactly. Erika Holbrook says it better than I could, so im just sharing this here.

https://www.facebook.com/share/19hq6siv4W/

Pretty Doesn’t Make a Service Dog

This isn’t directed at any one individual, but rather stems from a pattern of inquiries I’ve received over the years. Several recent experiences have prompted me to feel the need to share some important education on this topic.

Over the years, I’ve had to turn down multiple inquiries and applications from people seeking specifically colored dogs for “service work.” While I can guide someone toward a puppy or dog I believe has the potential to be a viable prospect, I can also confidently tell them when a specific dog does NOT possess the qualities they need. While I understand the desire for a beautiful flashy dog that could serve as a supportive companion, there’s a critical distinction between wanting a pretty dog you can go out with and choosing one that’s truly suitable for legitimate service work. I’d like to explain why I make these decisions and why it’s so important to prioritize the dog’s well-being over appearances or misplaced expectations.

Imagine I have a dog who a wonderful companion and pet, confident and capable in most situations, except one: being touched by strangers. Now, let’s say this dog is placed with someone who needs a service dog. Picture a scenario where this person has an episode where they could become incapacitated in a public space, like a store, and strangers rush in to help. For a dog with limitations like this, the experience would likely be terrifying. The dog might panic, bolt, or even lash out in fear.

The aftermath would be devastating—not just for the handler, but for the dog. Beyond the risk of the dog becoming lost, injuring a well-meaning bystander, or being impounded by animal control, such an experience could also lead to the dog developing a fear of public outings, triggering a cascade of behavioral issues. Additionally, in the case where a person legitimately needs a service dog, the handler would be left without the reliable support they need, all because the dog’s limitations were overlooked in favor of superficial qualities.

As a breeder, I know my dogs intimately. I understand their strengths, their weaknesses, and their needs. So when I tell someone that a particular dog is not a good fit for service work, I mean it. It’s not a judgment on the person’s intentions—it’s about setting both the handler and the dog up for success. Yes, the dog might have a beautiful coat, mesmerizing blue eyes, and a bubbly, adorable personality. But service work isn’t about looks. It’s about temperament, resilience, and the ability to provide reliable support in unpredictable environments. If a dog doesn’t have the right balance of those qualities, placing them in a service role is unfair. It’s unfair to both the handler and the dog.

When considering a dog for service work, it’s important to maintain fair expectations of the dog’s capabilities. While we can work to guide a dog toward greater achievements and even desensitize them to certain triggers, there are limits to what is healthy and ethical to expect. Pushing a dog too far, too fast, or beyond their natural temperament risks their emotional well-being and can ultimately compromise their success. As handlers, it’s vital to prioritize the dog’s best interests—ensuring their physical and mental health is protected—over our own wants, needs, or emotions. A balanced partnership is key to a successful and sustainable service team.

I also have to address an unfortunate reality: the steadily increasing number of fake service dog requests. These requests not only devalue the importance of legitimate service dogs but also put dogs at risk by placing them in roles they aren’t suited for. Service dogs are working animals with specific skill sets—they aren’t just pets with a title.

In the end, my job is to advocate for my dogs. They deserve to be placed in homes where they can thrive, not fail. I do my best to ensure that as much as I am able. For those genuinely seeking service dogs, I urge you to work with ethical trainers and breeders who prioritize the right match over appearances. Because pretty doesn’t make a service dog.

Written by Erika Holbrook / Painted Blue Aussies - may be shared with proper credit

https://www.paintedblueaussies.com/blog/pretty-doesnt-make-a-service-dog

01/01/2025

Day 71 Puppies are 10 weeks old! Happy New Year 1-1-25

We found some steps at a completely empty high school and the pups navigated them like pros. Jasper even got some experience problem solving... watch the clip! 🤣

Then off to Home Depot where we made a ton of friends. I like to take 2 trips into any facility. The first can be overwhelming, so we always go back out for a nature walk, drink and sniff/pee. Then, back in. This give them a break and teaches them no matter what's happening, it's temporary.

I was really impressed with two of these puppies today who were able to walk on thier own 4 paws around the store, taking turns riding in the cart. The 3rd puppy is experiencing some caution. What's important is that she's not forced, but feels safe and supported no matter where we are. All 3 were very social and sweet with everyone they met. Tails were wagging the whole time, and all 3 pups enjoyed greeting lots of people who didn't look like me. 😉 All got lots of yummy snax!

I have a name for my keeper puppy, but I'm not announcing it yet because.... maybe I'm keeping 2!? Or maybe I'm not keeping the one I initially thought?

The new year is full of mystery.😎

Who's your favorite? Jasper, Sierra or Tulum? Speak up if you know someone looking to add a little love into their new year... send me a message!

12/29/2024

Day 68 -12.29.24. Crate naps, Leashes & 1st solo outings!

Today was full of big milestones! I gave them all a brief intro to leashed walking. My keeper pup Sierra says she's not a fan, but we'll change her mind soon. The other two did great. No video of that work as I needed both hands and all my focus to make it a positive experience for them.

Puppies had all meals in their crates today, and napped a good 40 minutes with doors closed at lunchtime, then calmly and quietly waited to be let out.

Then we packed up handfuls of chicken and visited the local hardware store. Traffic, swooshy automagic sliding doors and weird smells galore!

Normally I'd bring Bliss along for confidence and support, but I was taking an honest look at the pups under some stress to see what they would like to do with their lives... Jasper's still in the running to be a service dog candidate! It seems Tulum has more gumption than I previously thought, too.

All the pups showed courage and great recovery, plus loved meeting new people. Jasper and Tulum were at the top of the class today. These are who you'll see in the video. I didn't shoot any of Sierra because I was too busy helping her feel safe and successful. You can see her getting a belly rub by the key making guy at the end. She loved him.. I suspect Sierra was a bit overwhelmed because she was on lead, and the rest was just too much. Noted! Next time, Mama Bliss, who loves going out and about, and sharing her pups, will lead the way.