Hi Everyone,
Shasta puppies have arrived! They were born yesterday, Nov 7th.
5 girls and 4 boys. Mom and puppies are doing great. They range
in color from creme to golden...a little variety for everyone.
We are in for a busy time, but we have all things in place and
ready to go.
Shasta is so Proud! Doesn't she look great for just having 9
puppies?
The blog is almost ready to go. My perfectionism is keeping
it from happening sooner. Sometimes you just have to let go and
make things happen, even if they are not 100% where you want
them.
Over the past year or so, I have found or been notified of
our pictures being taken off our website and used without permission,
in newlsetters, blogs, other websites. While I am flattered
that people like my pictures, some have used them for the purpose
of misleading others to believe they have one of our puppies
for sale and misrepresenting it as their own. I do not mind
others using our pictures, but do request that permission be
asked, and when using the pictures acknowledge that it is being "Used
with the permission of Wisteria Ranch." This protects
the integrity of the user, as well as us.
Thanksgiving is almost here and I hope that everyone with their
busy lives is able to take the time to spend with family and
friends. I love Thanksgiving! I try to reflect each day on
all that I have to be grateful for and the many blessings that
are in my life.
Many Blessings to you and your family!
Billy & Debbie
Tips for Training Your Pet
"Training Treats"
Many people ask what we use as treats to train with. We use
Natual Balance in the roll. It comes in Turkey, Beef, and Lamb.
We slice and dice into bite size pieces and then keep them
in a plastic container in the refrigerator. This is very handy
for grabbing a some for training time or when working on housebreaking.
You can buy these rolls at Petco or PetSmart or any speciality
dog food store.
We have also used hot dogs (turkey) and cheese. Depending on
your dog and what you are training them to do. If it is a difficult
task you are asking them to achieve, then rewarding them with
a "higher" food reward is recommended.
"Loose Leash Training"
Many of us just want to go on a walk with our dog. We don't
care that they have the "perfect" heel or walk perfectly
on our left side, but we do like to keep our arm in tact, as
well as not be dragged down the road.
We have found that using a retractable leash is wonderful!
Our dogs/puppies love it as well. It is not so threating or
uncomfortable for them when you are starting to use a leash.
Since we use ClickerTraining we have utilized their method
for teaching the Loose Leash walk. You can read how this works
at: http://www.clickertraining.com/node/541
Have
photos you want to share -- please send my way!
Point For Discussion
Pet Insurance - Is
Pet Insurance Right for You?
I have been doing lots of reading lately on pet insurance. AKC
offers a complimentary 60-Day Trial Plan within 28 days after
registering your puppy with them. AKC
Pet Insurance. There is
also VPI Pet Insurance. I am sure there are others, but these
two are the ones I have seen and heard of.
More health procedures that were once exclusive to humans are
now offered to our family pets, hip replacement surgery for
example. There are also several treatments for cancer as well.
It used to be that families were faced with the agonizing choice
of either a huge veterinary bill, that they could not afford
or putting their cherished dog to sleep. While these advances
in veterinary medicine mean that pets can live longer and more
enjoyable lives, they can be expensive.
More dog owners are getting health insurance for their pets
and learning that it is reasonably priced. But unfortunately,
many are not aware of or take advantage of pet insurance or
aware of the costs associated with veterinary care until their
pet is stricken with a sudden illness or injury.
Both of these companies offer different levels of coverage;
basic & premium. Costs are determined by age of pet, area
in which you live, and level of policy. Treatment coverages
may be different, as well as deductibles and payout schedules.
Be sure to examine your pet insurance policy closely to make
sure that you understand what you are buying, call them with
any questions you have, so that you make the right choice for
you and your pet.
Fun Stuff
Dog Videos
I have seen these videos before and wanted to share -- just
a little something to make you smile!
I hope you enjoy them! Fun
Dog Videos click here.
We Recommend
Living out in the country like we do, I do a lot of online shopping.
We love Dog.com. They have some really good prices on toys,
bedding, crates, and ex-pens. We use ex-pens a lot around here
and even with shipping they still beat some of the local retail
stores.
