Match Dot Pup

Q. & A. with Lori

• Why did you start breeding?

  I’d like to share my personal story of “the healing power of a dog!” My journey is fueled by the profound impact a dog had on me, inspiring me to pursue breeding. Here’s my story… For almost two years, I devoted myself to caring for my father as he battled cancer. After his passing, the days became increasingly challenging, and the months seemed to intensify the struggles. Daily tasks felt daunting, and emotions fluctuated between anger and sadness. Thoughts of my dad were always accompanied by tears, making it difficult to navigate through the grief. It took six long months for me to realize I needed something to uplift my spirits, something just for me. The idea of welcoming an Australian Shepherd puppy, a dream I had nurtured for years, emerged as the perfect solution. It meant caring for another being, and in return, the puppy would need me. And so, my quest began. I was determined to find a healthy dog from a reputable breeder to spare myself from potential heartache. That's when I discovered Indy, a few days old at the time. The wait of nearly eight weeks to meet her felt slow, but the videos and pictures I received documented her growth, making the anticipation joyful. I finally brought her home just before New Year's, and she seemed to intuitively understand how much I needed her. Indy brought joy back into my life, offering me a renewed sense of purpose and someone to care for. Around the time Indy turned four months old, my daughter decided to get an Australian Shepherd boy who she named Gilbert. With her busy schedule as a teacher, I offered to help potty train and care for him until summer. Now, I had two adorable pups demanding my attention, and gradually, the tears over missing my dad lessened. As Gilbert grew and the time for him to leave approached, I felt it was the right moment to introduce another Australian Shepherd girl, fulfilling my initial plan. Mid-summer, I brought Skye into our home. She loved me unconditionally and I returned that love. My goal is clear – to breed Australian Shepherds and share the "healing power of a dog" with others. When I'm fortunate to have a litter of puppies, I have the privilege of showering each and every one of them with unconditional love until they find their forever homes. As a breeder, I aspire to raise "Awesome AKC Australian Shepherds" that will bring joy, healing, and love to the lives of their future owners. {Aussie Paws & Tales 2/24/24}

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• What makes your program special?

  Ever found yourself claiming, "I have the best puppy ever"? The secret to discovering that perfect canine companion isn't just luck; it's about finding the right puppy that aligns seamlessly with your lifestyle. So, how do you go about this process instead of hoping for puppy serendipity? What's the Key The key is to connect with a breeder who delves into your preferences, asking about your past experiences with puppies—both the positives and the challenges. The magic of "matching" happens through temperament testing, a process that gauges a puppy's natural disposition, personality, and potential behaviors. This testing is a crucial tool employed by breeders and animal behaviorists to pair each puppy with the most compatible owner and living environment. Temperament Testing Temperament testing involves a non-invasive evaluation conducted when puppies are 7–12 weeks old, a critical phase in their socialization. It provides insights into their unique strengths, weaknesses, and characteristics, offering a glimpse into their future behavior. By understanding a puppy's temperament early on, responsible breeders ensure a successful and harmonious "match"  with their forever home. Stable Traits Our assessments concentrate on fourteen traits, divided into two categories: stable and adjustable. Stable traits are enduring characteristics that persist throughout a dog's life, resistant to significant change through training or life experiences. These include Assertiveness (towards humans), Motivation Level, Energy Level, Prey Drive, Human Focus, Herding Drive, Excitability/Reaction to Movement, Tender Heartedness, and Dog Friendliness. To ensure the well-being of the dog and a successful "match" with its owner, it's essential to appropriately accommodate or manage these stable traits. Adjustable Traits Conversely, we also evaluate adjustable traits, which can be molded and enhanced through proper training and social exposure. These traits encompass Confidence, Nerve Strength/Resiliency, Touch Tolerance, Sound Sensitivity, and Sight Sensitivity. Understanding these adjustable traits allows us to influence and foster a puppy's behavior, shaping them into well-rounded and confident companions. Conclusion In conclusion, the quest for the perfect puppy goes beyond luck—it involves a meticulous process of "matching." By engaging with breeders who understand your preferences and conducting temperament testing, you can discover a companion whose traits align seamlessly with your lifestyle. The stability of certain traits ensures a consistent and positive relationship, while the flexibility of adjustable traits allows for shaping and development through training and socialization. Embrace the journey of finding your ideal puppy, guided by the art of temperament matching, and create a harmonious bond that lasts a lifetime. {Aussie Paws & Tales 1/15/24}

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• What are the different breed coat colors in your program?

  Our puppies include red merle, blue merle, black tri-color, and red tri-color. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.

• Where do your breeding dogs live?

  They live in my home.