Dogs of Fennario

26/08/2024

Delilah Jones is available for Service Dog work

22/08/2024

When folks comment that they are having trouble wrapping their mind around keeping a pack of dogs outside 24/7 - I can relate. But then I chuckle at the thought of my indoor dogs getting a better slice of my pie than my outdoor dogs. At 9 pm sharp I close everybody up for the night in their kennels or respective sleeping areas.
I start at 7:15 am on the dot. First out are Bonnie, Delilah and any dogs boarding with me. We walk out to the south dog yard. I leave them to head off to the barn and release MOON, Stephen and four pups into the north dog yard. The chickens are adjacent to this yard so I open the coop door at the same time as the barn dogs, who spend the night surrounding the roost. Clean water in 3 buckets, chicken chores and puppy kennel clean up. Some days there's stall mats to drag out and hose off/sanitize. Then upstairs to the dayroom/porch and let out Sage and Abby. Clean up after Abby, sweep and mop the room, gather toys, get food dishes piled up for breakfast. Then out to open both yards and all the dogs can mingle and play. P**p pick up for me, inspect p**p for over all health of my pack. Bag it all up and bring it to the disposal area. Then back upstairs to FINALLY let the indoor dogs out to play. (Dave lets Solly and Auggie out to potty before turn out, so I don't see them until 8 am sometimes).
Feeding time is a fiasco for me - all though the dogs seem to handle it OK, I'm easily distracted you see...so sometimes I don't get the indoor dogs fed until 10. After feeding its usually time for which ever dog is employed to go do their job. Today, Bonnie Lee will go see her Therapy client. Yesterday Deliah had 30 min of alert training. Tuesday Sage had her new people come for transition into service dog training. Tomorrow we have a scheduled visit for kids to come play with the puppies. Afternoons in the summer time involve alot of heat negotiation. Filling/refilling "pools" (old broken plastic kennels upended and filled with water. ) Moving them from one yard to the next depending on the available shade. Winters involve well - winter stuff but my CMD's are pretty self-sufficient in the winter). I'll set up my "outdoor office" on the deck and do stuff like make really long Facebook posts) most days, taking care of any communication outside with the dogs.
There are definitely days where I hardly see my inside dogs at all. I realize not everyone's schedule is even remotely close to mine; I wouldn't suggest a breeder's lifestyle to anyone. But I still smile when I think about it.

19/08/2024

King Solomon's Marbles (Auggie x InShAllah) is 2 years old now! I love my schmoopy.

16/08/2024

Sage & Spirit (Auggie x InShAllah) is about to head into the last phase of her service dog training. Included in her repetoire of tasks are locating her "person" through tracking and trailing skills, retrieving dropped objects, controlled brace and balance as well as circumstance alerts to her person's caregivers when needed. We are certainly going to miss this little girl, but I can't wait to see her in action.

15/08/2024

St. Stephen (Solly x Baloo) and his little brother, a CMDR Colorado Mountain Dog, TOF The Lion.

15/08/2024

DNA results are in!!! I also got her page up finally. See the latest on OUM Standing on the MOON of TOF
https://www.shawnasdoglife.com/standingonthemoon

05/08/2024

My Biggest (right - TOF Delilah Jones 3 years old) and my lilttlest (left TOF Abby 3 months old)

01/08/2024

We are hosting W2E Mithril of LUR and Rosie (not a CMDR Colorado Mountain Dog, but most of her heritage comes from them). They are visiting while they wait out wildfire evacuations of their home. Which gives me the PERFECT opportunity to talk about the color genetics of Rosie. Mainly the (capital letter i) I locus. The genetic mechanism that affects the intensity of REDS.
Pictured here is Rosalee Mcfall, from Solly x Anthem at 3 days old. She's DARK right? We can really see the sable here, red and black patterning down the back.
Then at three weeks old, already there is a big difference, the reds have faded to blonde.
Then at one year old, all reds have faded to a platinum almost white.
We can tell that she is Em dominant because of her badger facial markings that do not fade. White spotting (Sp) gives her the blaze down the nose, but the rest of her phenotype (what we see) is controlled by the genotype (whats actually genetically there) of the "I" locus. In this case it will read as ii/ii. (little i). Dominant and recessive fades all reds to silver.
This comes from Rosie's sire - King Solomon's Marbles AKA Solly. He is a silver wolf sable, all the reds in his coat have faded to silver.
Rosie's mother Anthem, was a rich mahogany red with a black mask, and her "I" locus would read II/II, having no washing out of reds in her coat.
Neat huh?

25/07/2024

Our new girl, OUM M-O-O-N spells moon, (a nod to Stephen King) of TOF is doing really well. We've gotten her DNA turned in, results pending. She has an appointment mid August for hip xrays and hopeful for an "excellent" grade from OFA. She took her time settling in, but seems pretty happy. We're consistent, patient and accepting of her guarded nature. It makes that earned respect even more rewarding.

18/07/2024

14/07/2024

This was part of an email answering questions about feeding the new puppy(ies). Thought I'd share as it explains it quite well...
A note about the LGD at food. Most Livestock Guardians do something called "resource guarding". It is what it sounds like - anything important they regard as a resource for survival - they guard it. Traditionally, this is a behavioral trait that goes hand in hand with the dog being able to stay with their livestock, unsupervised in the field for days at a time. Well, thats not a what Colorado Mountain Dog is for. The CMD is more involved with their humans and enjoy being part of the family. They wont function well left alone for days at a time. So, we want to be rid of that resource guarding trait. As the generations pass, and breeders make the correct selections, it lessens and lessens with each generation. But its not gone yet. Hopefully you will keep this in mind for your future pairings.
In the mean time - a common mistake us humans make is to provide the dog with a constant source of food and then that way they don't feel a need to guard it.
DONT DO THAT**
All that does is stress the dog having to guard its food 24-7. Its alot like if you had to keep all your money and assets on the kitchen table. After a while you be able to sleep at night.
The best thing to do is to confine the dog to a private place where they can't see each other or get to each other's food. Mealtime should be serious, quick and to the point. Please don't insult them by making them sit and wait for their food. Thats for less intuitive dogs. Ours will be like "F you buddy, I'm not that hungry".

This was part of an email answering questions about feeding the new puppy(ies). Thought I'd share as it explains it quite well...

A note about the LGD at food. Most Livestock Guardians do something called "resource guarding". It is what it sounds like - anything important they regard as a resource for survival - they guard it. Traditionally, this is a behavioral trait that goes hand in hand with the dog being able to stay with their livestock, unsupervised in the field for days at a time. Well, thats not a what Colorado Mountain Dog is for. The CMD is more involved with their humans and enjoy being part of the family. They wont function well left alone for days at a time. So, we want to be rid of that resource guarding trait. As the generations pass, and breeders make the correct selections, it lessens and lessens with each generation. But its not gone yet. Hopefully you will keep this in mind for your future pairings.

In the mean time - a common mistake us humans make is to provide the dog with a constant source of food and then that way they don't feel a need to guard it.
DONT DO THAT**
All that does is stress the dog having to guard its food 24-7. Its alot like if you had to keep all your money and assets on the kitchen table. After a while you be able to sleep at night.

The best thing to do is to confine the dog to a private place where they can't see each other or get to each other's food. Mealtime should be serious, quick and to the point. Please don't insult them by making them sit and wait for their food. Thats for less intuitive dogs. Ours will be like "F you buddy, I'm not that hungry".

14/07/2024

This was part of an email answering questions about feeding the new puppy(ies). Thought I'd share as it explains it quite well...

A note about the LGD at food. Most Livestock Guardians do something called "resource guarding". It is what it sounds like - anything important they regard as a resource for survival - they guard it. Traditionally, this is a behavioral trait that goes hand in hand with the dog being able to stay with their livestock, unsupervised in the field for days at a time. Well, thats not a what Colorado Mountain Dog is for. The CMD is more involved with their humans and enjoy being part of the family. They wont function well left alone for days at a time. So, we want to be rid of that resource guarding trait. As the generations pass, and breeders make the correct selections, it lessens and lessens with each generation. But its not gone yet. Hopefully you will keep this in mind for your future pairings.

In the mean time - a common mistake us humans make is to provide the dog with a constant source of food and then that way they don't feel a need to guard it.
DONT DO THAT**
All that does is stress the dog having to guard its food 24-7. Its alot like if you had to keep all your money and assets on the kitchen table. After a while you be able to sleep at night.

The best thing to do is to confine the dog to a private place where they can't see each other or get to each other's food. Mealtime should be serious, quick and to the point. Please don't insult them by making them sit and wait for their food. Thats for less intuitive dogs. Ours will be like "F you buddy, I'm not that hungry".

12/07/2024

Busy week round here! 1st puppy baths, vaccinations and wormings.

05/07/2024

We have brought OUM Luna into our pack for evaluation. If she likes us, and we like her - we will include her in our breeding program. Please help us welcome OUM Standing on the Moon of TOF

05/07/2024

Join us at the beautiful Echo Basin Resort, in Mancos, CO for the CMDR Festival, July 2024. Book a spot! Make sure to tell them you are with the CMDR Colorado Mountain Dog Festival to get the group rates. https://echobasin.com/ Event Coordinator Shawna Davies has a great weekend planned!Events inclu...

05/07/2024

Its been a while since we've heard from St. Stephen. He's so quiet and unassuming I often forget to mention him! Turning a year old in just a couple weeks, I am THRILLED at how he is turning out. This is my first "bred by:" remember? Click pictures for more captions and info on St. Stephen. https://www.shawnasdoglife.com/aoxsaintstephen

03/07/2024

Temperament tests scores are up for "Shake it Sugaree" CMDR # TOF024F0001G4
See her earlier notes here: https://www.shawnasdoglife.com/dstsugaree
This puppy is going to be an exact replica of her grandmum Bonnie. Coat will be medium long and silky. Her nose will go through phases of dark to pinkish back to dark again. Temperament test notes. She followed me closely, out of discomfort of the new environment. Preferred the close contact of the restraint part of the test over left to her own devices to wander. Whiny and vocal about her predicament. Dropped object made her scurry in the other direction. She didn't try to put anything in her mouth, was not willing to push boundaries. She's a neat pup, doesn't spill her food or water. Sugar's coping mechanisms are freeze/flight/fight. In stressful situations she will choose to remain still at first, then she will try to run from the discomfort. Her last go-to resort is to try to fight the discomfort.

Score 7-8 (high 6 or low 7 for social categories 8 for environment categories)

03/07/2024

6 week temp tests are up for "Abeliene"
CMDR reg 024F0002G4
see her earlier notes and photojournal at: https://www.shawnasdoglife.com/dstabeliene
6 week temp test notes: *sigh* I just don't know what to say about this pup. Any temp tests we give will always be skewed from the true personality as she's been separated from the other pups for so long she's starting to act like a singleton pup. Spoiled rotten. throws temper tantrums like if she were human this would be the toddler on the grocery store aisle floor screaming his head off. She has pretty bad cowhock positioning in her rear legs. She's still small but has all the movements appropriate for her age. As of this writing she has rejoined her siblings for supervised periods during the day. With my help she engages in play and eats with the others normally. We'll keep her around until we have a solid idea of the best way for her to thrive in her furever home. Not scored

03/07/2024

6 week temperaments tests are up for "Firefly"
CMDR reg
See his earlier notes and photojournal here: https://www.shawnasdoglife.com/dstfirefly
Firefly got most of his good looks and charm from his dad. He also got his dad's voice, using it whenever life doesn't go as he planned. If there is a ruckus in the puppy kennel - its probably him. This is the most intelligent pup, with an affinity for all things human. Doesn't push barriers, is gentle with his body movements and mannerisms. This is the quintessential CMD LGD temperament. Temperament tests were as expected - he didn't want to be too far away from home for too long. Did everything he was asked but he was glad to be back with his siblings score 5-6

03/07/2024

6 week temperament test notes are up for "Lazy Lightning". CMDR reg See her earlier test scores at:
https://www.shawnasdoglife.com/dstlazylightening
This puppy is going to be easy peasy. She is very neat and respectful of most everything that she regards as a challenge. For temperament tests she wasn't self-concerned like most puppies are. She really wanted to engage in what I was doing. Followed slowly, unsure if she should or not. Her social scores were below her intelligence scores, so lots of early socialization for this girl. Stable but sensitive, she let me do whatever I wanted, dangle turn-over - its all good, to her. The asymmetrical pigment of her eyes throws the onlooker a bit, but her bones are perfect. The best structure of the bunch. Nice coat, medium length with low seasonal shedding. Score 7-8 weight 8.3 lbs

03/07/2024

The Lion is a perfect blend of his mom and dad. He gets his joie de vivre and people loving skills from Stagger Lee. He gets his refined intelligence and the ability to "read between the lines" from his mom. Baloo knows when you are lying to her. Temp test notes: Followed after a bit, but he lost me quickly being distracted by all and everything he could put in his mouth. He was patient for the turnover, glad to have it over with. He didn't like the dangle. The Lion wants his paws on the ground at all times. This is a very nice pup with a ton of potential to be whatever is required of him. Beautiful structure with a refined head. Perfect CMD coat. He will need an interactive upbringing, involvement in family activities or barn yard chores. Or...he might just need to stay here.

Score 7-8 Weight 8.5 lbs

03/07/2024

6 week temperament tests for the Dead Set litter are up. Here are the notes for TOF "Jack Straw" CMDR Reg
This is the most congenial pup of the bunch. Temp tests were a blast for a both. For the turn over he stayed upside down after I let him go, even wagged his tail a bit. For the dangle you could almost hear the "Weeeee!" He follows like a charm and his social scores are a 9-10. BUT - this is the pup that will destroy every toy you give him. His love of play will make his LGD career need an early and heavily supervised start. If you guide him well....he will be THE dog of your lifetime.
See his full scores and photo journal at: https://www.shawnasdoglife.com/dstjackstraw

29/06/2024

Me: Gee, if only I could get a good stack picture of the puppy.
Puppy: "I am THUNDER!!!!"

PAWD Stagger Lee x TOF Baloo CMDR Colorado Mountain Dog reg

https://www.shawnasdoglife.com/dstiamthunder

25/06/2024

2024 CMDR Colorado Mountain Dog Festival

at Echo Basin Resort

14/06/2024

Pictured are TOF Jack Straw and TOF Shake it Sugaree G4 CMDR Colorado Mountain Dog puppies. https://www.shawnasdoglife.com/deadsetlitter
CMDR litter registration .
Being fourth generation, these pups are happy, social, people loving, interactive and engaging. And like....SOOOOOO cute.

These are G4 CMDR Colorado Mountain Dogs. The "G" means generation - these pups being 4 generations away from the original outcross or founder dogs of a developing breed.

This "timeline" is kept in the forefront of my breeding program. Always striving to meet the standard of a CMDR Colorado Mountain Dog, certain traits are captured at certain periods of the timeline. At the beginning, the G1 stages, we're working with unicorns; the best of the best examples of the hard work of others, 10's, 100's, even thousands of years ago. The result is the G2 stages.

The "terrible two's" some breeders call it. Two unicorns rarely produce another unicorn. What you get in the G2's are bits and pieces of the parents' magic, peppered throughout the puppies. Sometimes you lose alot of the original magic, as it hides in the G2's recessively. So....you lean into it and do the work. Capture those bits and pieces to bring round G3.

The third generation is where a breeder can be seen scratching her head and heard saying "huh...well will you look at that?" These will be the great-grandpups of the original founders. The family resemblance is often astonishing. Little quirks and behaviors will carry through the generations. A breeder starts to see a glimmer original vision take shape here. G3's produce most of what the breeder is looking for in the fourth generation.

G4's are where a breeder has to select carefully based on temperament and health - letting go of their favorite colors or coat pattern. The best of each grandparent has been reconciled here and the pups begin to be more similar in temperament than generations past. The scale between the boldest pup and the shyest pup shrinks. G4's must be chosen for what they carry recessively, not necessarily what they appear as themselves. Not only the best but the worst of the ancestry tends to come out in the fifth generation.

G5's will be as close to the "Complete Package" as a developing breed can get. Even if perfection of standard is not met, G5's will be pretty darn close, "looking like" a CMDR Colorado Mountain Dog should, (according to standard). G5's will hold genetics close enough to the founders to be able to produce unicorns like the founders. It's an exciting time.

CMDR

05/06/2024

Please help me congratulate CNK BONNIE LEE - CMDR Colorado Mountain Dog exrtraordinaire for passing her Therapy Dog certification with a "Complex" rating - the highest level of Therapy Dpg title. YAY BONNIE!!! Lifting hearts and lives since 2021.

29/05/2024

19/05/2024

Welcome to the world!!! G4 CMDR Colorado Mountain Dogs . Baloo's delivery was easy peasy - one of the quietest litters we've had in years. Meet Abeleine, The Lion, Sugaree, Lazy Lightning,
I am Thunder! , Firefly, and Jack Straw, born May 16 2024