You should teach your puppy to...

• ​Behave with people and other animals
• Not allow them to bite hard on anyone
• Gently take a food or treat from your hand
• Walk on a leash
• Basic Obedience like "Sit" and "Stay".
• Be brushed and groomed, nails trimmed etc.

Most puppies...

• Can begin learning more complex commands
• Are Potty Trained (only have accidents when left a bit long)
• Can begin to work on behavioral issues
• Use to grooming, nails, and regular brushing

At this point most puppies have...

• Lost their baby teeth
• Can begin more advanced step by step training
• Can "Sit" or "Stay" longer even with distractions

When you first bring your new puppy home, there is not much to expect. They are just little. You can begin potty training, but chances for success may be better at 12-16 weeks when they can hold it a bit better. Let them play, taste, chew on the things you get for them, and experience life. This is the best and most receptive time to introduce them to as many things as you can and socialize because they want to please and see everything.

Between 14 and 16 weeks of age your puppy can go through a short 'fear stage' so be careful when socializing during this time. If your puppy is fearful of things during this time, be patient. Give them some time to learn and grow out of this stage.

At 12 to 14 weeks of age your puppy will begin to learn things like Fetch, tug of war, and they may also love the flirt pole. Be careful to not let them jump high or put too much pressure on joints as these are not ready for those things until between 18 mo and 2 years of age.

When you reach about 6 months of age, the puppies are indeed growing and changing. They will need lots of patience and training during this time. They will begin to develop hormones. Like teenagers, they will show some attitude. This is all normal. 

Remember that our owners group is here, and the support for one another. 

Hope this helps, and any questions, please PM me!
​Suzi & Marc

With Winter on it's way and storms passing through, thunder and lightening, Wind howling, and more can bring up fears in dogs on occasion.

Years ago we had Callie. (Sable & White Rough Collie)  At about 8 months of age a tornado came through and was blowing, and tearing off a roof close by as I ran to bring in the dogs. There was very little warning, and we all went into bathtub and pulled a twin mattress over us for cover until the tornado had passed.

After this day, Callie was scared to death every time the wind picked up, or thunder and lightening storm passed through. She would run into the bathtub and crawl in shaking until it passed. I found taking a big blanket in and covering her made it easier, or holding her in my arms until the storm passed.  We chuckle years later at this, but it was truly a very difficult thing to endure and it lasted her entire life.

Click forward to all these years later and now I'm aware of things that could have made the storms easier for her to endure. So I'm sharing in case anyone goes through something similar. 

Tips for teaching to desensitize your dog:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Desensitizing+sounds+for+dogs

Here is a video search for desensitizing them.

This one seems to have a relaxing effect on my dogs:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZW3ezPlAZs0

Thundershirts work for some also.
https://www.chewy.com/thundershirt-anxiety-calming-aid-dogs/dp/41103            
One of the biggest things I found I had to watch was my reaction to hearing that first clap of thunder or knowing a storm was rolling in. I found if I looked for a quiet place, like in my room and turned on a movie and pulled Callie up into bed with me, she still would feel the storm, but her reaction was not as severe.

I also found that if I knew a storm was coming and we took a longer walk before, or we played fetch in the yard exerting some of that energy and tiring her, she handled the storm better.

Rescue Remedy also works in hearing from others, and come highly recommended:
www.chewy.com/rescue-remedy-stress-relief-pet/dp/135502

A few things to try:

• Distractions - New chew, play fetch or tug of war, Kong filled with treat etc.
• Noise - White noise, Radio, movie
• Relief Remedies 
• Practice Desensitizing 
• Set up a covered crate hide-a-way. (cave like)
• Ask your Veterinarian for advice                                                                                        

These are just a few things from my limited experience, but I am happy if it helps someone. 

Thanks for reading,
​Suzi       
                                                                                                                         

When I share having an available puppy, I get messages saying “I want that puppy, and how much does it cost to ship to me?” 

These inquiries don’t ask any questions about the puppy, if the puppy has a calm temperament or will need a job. They don’t say what they would like to do with their puppy, or how active their family is, but rather just state “I want”. They don’t see if the puppy will be a good fit and the ‘right’ puppy for them and/or their family. This is a huge ‘red flag’ to us.

Questions we want to hear you ask before buying a puppy:

• Have the parents been DNA tested? (ALL of our parents are DNA tested)
• If close enough, Can you meet the parents? (We love to meet our prospective families)
• How big is this puppy expected to get? (Ours average 45-65lbs)
• Ask how puppies are raised. Are there special activities, and do they begin with ENS exercises, which are proven to help puppies for life?
• How do they socialize their puppies?
• What activity level will these puppies have? 
• Will your puppy need games and activities on a regular schedule? (We do recommend games, activities, and classes for best results)
• Will this fit into your lifestyle and family dynamics? 
• What deworming and vaccines will puppy receive?
• Does your breeder require a contract? 
• If you cannot keep your puppy, are you required to return your puppy to the breeder to re-home him/her? (We have a ‘no questions asked’ return policy. We will always accept them back) 
• What guarantee does the breeder offer for their puppy? 
• Does the breeder have a waiting list? How long is the wait? Some are a year or more. (Remember, if you are looking for a specific look and/or color, this may take longer)
• Does your breeder have an owner support group in place where you can interact with others, and make friendships, and find ideas and activities. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/windwhispersfarmtalk/)

The biggest thing when planning to buy a puppy is to build a relationship with the breeder you choose. Follow them. Watch their litters. 

Questions to think about while watching:

• Is there consistency? 
• Do you see photos with their dogs? 
• What activities do they do with them? 
• Do they interact with and exercise them daily? 
• Are the dogs groomed? Bright Eyed? Sparkle? 
  
• Are they passionate about the breed they are raising? ​

Most good breeders have a waiting list. Also, a reputable breeder will assist you on picking the best puppy for your lifestyle and family. We’re with them every day from the moment they are born. 

A thought:
When looking at a Collie, you are looking at a ‘Herding’ dog. 

What does a herding dog do?
They are movers and gatherers of livestock, from goats and sheep to cattle and more. Their job is to direct where the flock or herd go in direction. Collies are extremely intelligent, energetic, and quick to learn.

Common traits of herding breeds:

• Active and alert (at times even anxious)
• Agile
• Higher Energy
• Gathers other dogs/animals/children/family
• Very well focused and Intelligent

Tips for Success with being a ‘Family Pet’:

• Begin Training Classes
• Continue Puppy Socialization (SO important)
• Go on Daily walks 
• Find activities to do with your pet (local breed club, Barn hunt, Hiking, Community dog walking, Scent classes etc. (There are so many)
• Puzzles and Games, Snufflemats, Ball/Muffin Pan, for rainy/ or stormy days (brain stimulation)
• A tired puppy is the best puppy.

*Remember - The “right fit” is for a Collie’s lifetime. It’s always Important.

​

I'd like to share and help you to believe in our dream, and our ability to make things happen!

​We come from a time where if you work hard enough, and your good to others,  your dreams can come true. We're also from the era where when something is broke, you fix it... and if it's not broken leave it be.

We want this to be an amazing adventure for all involved. It is our wish to place cabins which will be specifically for the homes of approx. 6-10 Displaced Veterans who would like to live the farm life, and be part of our farm family, and participate while living on the farm in making things all flow. Cooking, Cleaning, Gardening (indoors and outdoors), Care of animals, and more will be shared responsibilities. If you love life on the farm any of these will bring joy to you, as it does to us. We know there are others, like ourselves with dreams still to make happen. This will be a place where some of these can come true.

We believe Greenhouse gardening can be done year round, Aquaponics which raise both fish and food in a balanced system. We like fresh lean meats, fresh milk, fresh eggs for us on the farm, and others in our surrounding communities. Goats, Rabbits, Pork, and Chicken are good for food, and we will be raising heritage lines that need preservation. A few of the goats will also be used when working the collies to keep them tuned to their farm, guardian, and herding skills. 

We plan to set up a perimeter defense against natural predators by utilizing the aggressive in nature of Choctaw swine in one section, our horses in 2nd section, guinea hens in 3rd section, and our guardian dogs next for keeping snakes and other away from our livestock, rabbits, and poultry. 

​We also want to share along the journey all our joys, our accomplishments, setbacks (we are real and we know there will be some) and we want to lead by example showing this can be a dream come true for others as well.

We are setting in motion plans for our Wind Whispers Non-profit 501 c3 farm:

• Purchase of 254 acres of farmland in Niarada, Montana
• Fencing for Horses, Swine, Goats, Chickens, and Collies.
• Building for business and residence (Farm Offices and Our Residence)
• Sober living Cabins and Community Kitchen/Shower Rooms/and Activity areas for Veterans.
• Displaced Veteran's Housing/Participant Program of 20 hours per week on farm (Native displaced veteran preference given)
• Commercial Greenhouse for Year round organic growing (Vegetables & Herbs)
• CEA for Natural foods & fresh meats (Chickens & Rabbits)
• Small herd of heritage Choctaw Swine (Meat & Farm Predator protection)
• Small select heritage lines of Goats (Milk & Meat)
• Free Range heritage Chickens (Eggs & Meat) 
• Small Heritage line Rabbitry (Meat and fur Rabbits)
• All our livestock is part of Conservation list. Our goal is to preserve.

On our website has full costs of things needed to make this happen. We have process set in motion to get our 501 c3. Articles of Incorporation are being put together over this next few weeks so that we can begin our 501 c3 application.  We will keep website updated with progress as things happen.

*Note: This will be a Self Sustaining, Sober living farm, and participation will be a requirement of residing there. Everybody is great at something, and we would love to help with their dreams as well.

​What a great thing it is to be a part of this!

Thank you for reading,
Marc & Suzi Newman and Family

Our #1 priority in our program at Wind Whispers Farm is Temperament. We get letters and photos every week telling us how happy people are with their puppy and what a great addition they are to their families.

Also, many are excelling in service, therapy, barn hunt, CAT, herding, and other working fields.

These are puppies who may be available if not matched to those our waiting list. If you would like to apply for one, please complete our application and we will contact you. Or use our contact form for more information or questions. We help you carefully select a puppy that will meet your needs and be compatible with your lifestyle.

Thank you for sharing in our joy!

Marc & Suzi @ Wind Whispers Farm

Here is an example of how we introduce the puppies to the flirt pole. 

As you can see from photos and video, Wyatt took right to it. It's awesome and it uses all that extra puppy energy without being too harsh on joints and more. We just do a few minutes each time and start slowly.

Here is a video showing his first time this evening. Short and Sweet. 

Below are photos of Wyatt also. He is just a gem!! I love his temperament and his willingness to try new things. He is a true gem. Somebody will be very lucky. He is looking for that person. Wyatt is as precious as his sire Hunter, and as sweet as his dam.

For more information about our farm, please email windwhispersfarm@gmail.com and please browse around our website too here at www.bestcollies.com.

Thank you for sharing our joy!
Suzi & Marc

PS Don't forget to go to our homepage on website and subscribe at bottom so you receive our blogs and announcements! 

Paites puppies have arrived, and they are gorgeous!!! Her all rough litter with Dar are already full of life and vigor. They are scooting all over the place and already trying to sit and stand.  We love their energy.

Thank you for sharing with us!!! <3 
Suzi, Marc, & Family

BOYS have black background and GIRLS have pink!!
​

Hello all!

We have some wonderful events planned for Summer here at Wind Whispers!
Puppies are expected in July! Cheers!

​The girls are:. There will be a few available. (sorry no blues in these litters... patience)
The mama's also include:

I'll share more as I make things on the new farm. This is so exciting to plan for!!

Thank you for reading!

Suzi @ Wind Whispers Farm

PS Remember that a tired puppy or dog are the best kind. hehe