Friday, July 28, 2017

UPDATE on Duchess

Daddy..can I have some
I've not been updating nor have the dogs gotten anytime to fill you in on everything going on.  I'm going to focus on each dog so they all get their fair share.

Duchess is doing well. In some ways, I see her showing her age.  Daddy can take them on a small walk around the neighborhood and that'll be enough when once upon a time we were walking 3 miles easily.  

She's softened up. Lada & Peryn and the "competition" have made her more direct with her seeking attention. She will cuddle up in bed (weather permitting) and she will come to us for some affection.  

I FINALLY got a kiss. It's been about 3 years since she last gave someone a kiss, so this made me very happy. A few of us were in competition as to who would receive the next kiss.    
I'm surprised it wasn't our neighbor K.   
Rare Photo!

They LOVE K and her son. K helped take care of them when Lada was a puppy needing to be let out more and when we left them home while we were away.  K spoils them with treats, affection, & walks.  If they have an INKLING she's out when I let them out, they fly over there...ESPECIALLY Duchess.  

Duchess is more likely to engage with another dog at the park or daycare these days.  It's nice to see she's not entirely a loner like she once was.

Lada & Duchess still have a weird relationship.   If it's truly "playing" they do, it' looks and sounds more like 2 dogs who don't like each other.   They do it often and never really attack each other, so I guess it's their form of playing.   It just is annoying as it gets the others all wound up.

Unfortunately, Duchess & Athena have been "left behind" a bit more often than not.  Daddy takes the pups for walks at the park.  He's too tired to do another when he gets home and I'm having knee issues preventing me from walking the girls alone.

So regal
We took the ACD's to an ACD meetup and the big girls were left behind. They do not travel well and a 2 hour trip is not something we would enjoy with them barking, howling and whining in the back.   In a few months we're going down to the state park and the big 2 are being left behind.  1) we can only bring 2 dogs to the cabin and 2) the little ones have more energy to burn.   I think we're going to try something different this time around with the big girls.



Duchess is quite funny with some of her....routines/habits.  For example, when we're at the park and she's had enough (doesn't matter what the other dogs are doing) , she goes to the fence or off near the exit and sits there-Usually looking out, back to us.   When she's done, she's done.

Another is her morning "constitutional".  If I'm late delivering that AND I'm awake, she will walk over to me and make sure she touches me with her nose and then walks over to the door, looking over her shoulder.  It's her way of saying.. "uhhm Mom..let's go!" She is ALL about routine. Don't do something that throws that off.  She will let you hear it.

As time has gone on, her husky howl is more prominent. She howls at everything now..  Why bark when she has a howl?   It cracks me up every time.

Bathing Beauty
She still loves to sun bathe OR lay in the shade. It all depends on time of day and her mood.  She can be found either on the patio getting some sun or along the back in the cool grass and shade.    Love that some things don't change. It's like her Husky & Boxer side are fighting each other.   The Husky wants it cool and the boxer enjoys the heat!

I adore this girl.
Duchess and "HER " spot




Thursday, July 6, 2017

This breed....

Hey! Before I post updates on the puppers goings ons, I wanted to talk about something we've discovered.

We've had our numerous fur children since 2000 when we first adopted Galen.   We adored the Old Guard very much and still miss them so freaking much.   Because of them, we've always talked about getting another "Eskimo/Collie" mix or Dutch Shepherd, but it was in the 'only if we find the right one' type of mindset.

Before we brought home Peryn, our knowledge of the Australian Cattle Dog was very minimal. We were aware of the breed and the very basics, but that was it.   Since bringing him home, we've done our research and joined the numerous groups to gleam as much information about him and now of course Lada.   

One thing we've come to discover, we love this breed.    Prior to Peryn, Rich had wanted a Husky, so having our half husky  half boxer mix was pretty close to it.  However after hanging out and learning from other Husky owners, we're quite happy with our half and half.  
We're totally in love with the Australian Cattle Dog.


Peryn has a lot to do with that, of course.   Lada as well, but Peryn is a character all his own.   He owns Mommy's heart.  Additionally, there is just something about this breed. They are so freaking smart and loving and I don't think I've come across one ACD that I do not like.

We attended our 2nd Annual Cattle Dog Cookout in June.  It was quite a blast and we got to interact more with everyone than we did last year.  Cattle dogs are just so regal and intelligent and..PSYCHO...or maybe that's just Lada.

Don't get us wrong, we still love all dogs and when and if the situation is right for it, we'll adopt another in need...but don't be surprised if it's another ACD.

We love all our kiddoes, but since Peryn & Lada are younger and have so much more energy-we play with them a lot.  I think that interaction has helped build a bond.

Sadly, I see so many re homing posts about these guys (and Huskies too).  I really wish people would research a breed before bringing them home. No matter the breed, each dog is unique in their own way. However there are big parts of their personalities and mannerisms that they inherit from their breed.

Heelers, another name for ACDs, got that nickname because they tend to bite and nip at the heels of the cattle they're herding.  My dogs are nowhere near cattle, but watching them play with others you will see them go for the heel.  It's in there genes.  Additionally as puppies they were very nippy.  We've been able to get Peryn to stop his nipping and for the most part have it almost gone from Lada, but it's still there.  


Almost every re-homing post mentions they're being given up for nipping and biting. Education people!  This goes for EVERY dog you adopt.  That's another reason I will always highly recommend dog DNA tests.   Sometimes you need to know what you're working with. 

Lil ms Lada




Duchess for example.  She was adopted to us as a "Shepherd Mix".   After her DNA tests, she was discovered to be 50/50 Boxer/Husky (Boxsky).   This is important to us to know how to deal with her in certain situations and daily life.

For example,, she's s rough player.  We discovered this early on at the dog park and unfortunately scared away man other dog owners.  Through North Ohio Husky & Malamute Enthusiasts, we found a group where she can be herself and everyone understands. 


Additionally we can watch out for typical behaviors of the other breeds.   

I think EVERYONE should get to know the dogs they're bringing home. It can make all the difference.

So, as I said...we're in love with ACD's and while we know they're not for everyone, we love ours to death!

If you want more information, look it up or feel free to contact us with specific questions.