Growing Up Silver

Each of our parent dogs are health tested beyond the recommend testing levels for Cocker Spaniels and Poodles and have AKC traceable pedigrees.

Recommended testing includes: Eye Exams, Patellar Luxation, Hips, and DNA testing for PRA. We additionally test for all breed related DNA diseases as well as Elbow and Basic Cardiac exams. Additionally we utilize not one, but two types of hip testing (explained below).

Eyes - done by a veterinary ophthalmologist and submitted to OFA

Patellar Luxation - assessed by our orthopedic vet

OFA Hips - an X-ray of the hip joints graded to assess appropriate joint structure.

PennHIP - an X-ray of the hip joint displaced to measure and determine the level of laxity within the hip joint.

Elbows - an X-ray of the elbows to assess the presence of potential dysplasia submitted to OFA.

Cardiac - the basic cardiac exam done to assess the potential presence of abnormalities submitted to OFA.

DNA Diseases - A swab done and sent in to a lab (Paw Print Genetics or their sister company Canine Health Check) to screen for possible genetic diseases.

Continuing education is a passion of mine in all things dog. From health to puppy rearing, training methods and beyond. We test for as many aspects as we can to give ours puppies the best shot at living a long, healthy life as we possibly can. Some things cannot be tested for but research to improve is always happening and we will improve as it does.

We provide a two year health guarantee for severe or life threatening congenital diseases.

Epigenetics - the study of how behaviors and environment can affect the way your genes work.

The things we do for our mamas prior to whelping that effect our puppies include:

Appropriate Nutrition - essential for proper development.

Maintaining Mamas Physical Condition - effects puppies learning and trainability

Manage Stress (Positive & Negative) - Can have short and longterm effects on pups.

Provide Physical Touch - can have a positive effect on puppies if mama likes it.

Offer Enrichment - work and activity

All of our dogs are fed an exceptional brand of food, Nature’s Logic and mamas are given additional supplements during pregnancy to ensure healthy and well rounded puppies. Prenatal nutrition affects many aspects of the puppies short term and long term growth and developement such as: neural development, birth weight, trainability, vision, immune system, and cancer.

Omega 3’s (Salmon Oil) - ensure normal gene expression and provide neural protection

Probiotics - Good bacteria is essential not only for a healthy gut, helping protect them from harmful bacteria but it may also have an effect on behavior as well!

Folate (Folic Acid) - reduce risk of neural tube defects, cleft palates, and anemia.

Along with a healthy diet we also provide our adults and puppies with a fun, enriching environment. This includes exercise, play, and opportunities to learn and grow every day!

We apply Puppy Culture and BAB curriculum in our puppy rearing process.

Day 0 - Your Puppy is Born! We are there with mama for the arrival of each and every puppy. There to hold her paw and offer assistance where needed. We are also fortunate to have and Oxygen Concentrator to offer our pups an extra boost to vitality within their first 30 minutes of life. This helps weak puppies to thrive and encourages stronger nursing.

Days 3-16 - ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) this is thought to help: improve the cardiovascular system, immune system, and stress tolerance. ESI (Early Scent Introduction)

Week 3 - “Startle the Puppies” Puppies have little fear at this time so it is an optimum time to “startle” them with new sounds and sights to develop their startle and recovery response. Continue daily body handling. Introduce goats milk.

Week 4 - Begin weekly grooming exposure (baths, blow drys, etc.) as well as first visits from people to our home. Begin puppy mush and introduce the “puppy call.” Continue sound exposure.

Week 5 - Human Interaction & Their Mother’s Guidance: This is a key point in the development of the puppies relationship with people. Time spent with people is increased, moving their pen into a common family space to familiarize them with the sight and sounds of the family environment. Introduction of the crate to their pen and puppies now have daily trips outside. Meanwhile pups are learning bite inhibition, how to note bite too hard, from their mom and siblings based on their reactions.

Week 6 - Things are ramping up! Closed crating begins with 2 puppies per crate. They will have their first field trips outside the home. It’s time to introduce treats, the clicker, and manding.

Week 7 - An Exciting Week! Puppies are now in their own crates. They will have their veterinary check ups, have their first shots and microchips placed. Temperament evaluations are done and Puppy Selection is at the end of this week!!

Week 8 - We begin to go home!

Your puppy with come home with:

A collar & leash

Blanket from home

A small bag of food

Toy

Bully Stick

Microchip placed

First shots

Health Certificate and vet records

Trupanion pet insurance offer

ACC Registration