Litters

Seven weeks now and our ‘kids’ are learning fast and what they learn will have a lasting impact. They are very impressionable and everything that they come in contact with will stay with them so we ensure that all new encounters are positive and rewarding.

Their days now are filled with lots more human and big dog interactions, individual time inside away from litter mates and Mam, short trips in the car as well as one-on-one basic training such as: ‘sit’, ‘down’ and ‘come’.  Even though they have short attention spans each little fur-friend has been responsive to gentle guidance, tasty treats and lots of praise. They are excellent students! Little ‘Peppa’ and big brother ‘Cosmo’ did an amazing 10 second ‘down-stay’, I was very impressed!

They are individuals and each has a unique personality. From strong-willed and eager to please, to gentle or rambunctious, to cautious or out-going, each one is endearing and each one is adorable.

Now 6 week old and our lovely 'Celebration' kids are really starting to show their individual personalities and are becoming much more social with their litter mates and with all the different humans that they meet. They now initiate play, practice their pouncing and ambush skills and 'play' wrestle and tackle each other at every opportunity.

Positive experiences are vital so that our puppies grow up to be happy, confident and out-going little fur-friends. Their first encounter with our Vet was very calm with lots of treats and cuddles. Being well handled from birth they accepted having their eyes, ears, noses etc being checked and all got the tick of approval.

The 'kids' are slowly being weaned and they understand that a certain growl or look from 'Bayli' means, 'that is enough, leave me alone' and they accept her leadership. Social etiquette is a valuable lesson to learn and through gentle management and guidance, positive interactions and a lot of TLC these bundles of fun and fur are heading for a wonderful life!

Five weeks already and the 'kids' are doing great. Thankfully the weather has settled and warm days and dry nights have meant that the 'Celebration' litter can at last enjoy the freedom of the great outdoors! They settled straight away into their new outdoor puppy enclosure and were off investigating and exploring, pouncing on their new toys, practicing their wrestling skills and checking out the new sights and sounds. Clear distinctions between their sleep and play area are made and they consistently leave their sleeping quarters to 'toilet' which will make house training easier!

The different feel and smell of the grass really intrigued them but it wasn't long before they were off investigating the bushes, flowers and pinecones!

Our puppies are well handled which helps form a trusting relationship with humans. They happily accept being placed on their backs, which is a submissive position, and have their tummies tickled!

Puppy teeth are very sharp and puppies investigate everything with their mouths so it is advisable to always wear sensible shoes, not thongs!

Our 'kids' have a lot of learning ahead of them but for now life is good and it is great just being a puppy!

Our 'Celebration' litter are growing fast and now at four weeks of age they are well into the 'Awareness' stage of their development.

They have grown up very quickly and are now fully alert to their environment. They can now 'toilet' freely without the need to be stimulated to eliminate and can regulate their own temperature. They love to lie spread-eagled with little paws stretched out behind them on the tiles or draped over an ice block if they need to cool down! They no longer huddle together for warmth and security, instead they feel confident enough to be independent and sleep alone.

New tactile sensations are now introduced to the 'puppies' den. They tear up and hide under newspapers, tug and drag pieces of material, climb up and over boxes and play with varied toys that squeak, rattle and roll!

This 'toddler' stage is so much fun: they play fight, begin to growl and bark, chew on tails, lick and mouth each other. 'Bite inhibition' is the most important lesson they will learn: which is just how hard they can bite without getting into serious trouble! Their climbing skills are also improving and it won't belong before they will be escaping!

Over the next few days they will be gradually introduced to the great out doors, watch this space….

The 'kids' are now three weeks old and their development has been progressing nicely. Their motor skills are improving daily and they can now move quite steadily forward and 'play' is an integral part of their continuing development. Their eyes are now fully open and they sensory perception is acute. Sudden noises will startle them and cause them to crouch to the ground or scurry into a corner, so every care is taken not to frighten or upset them.

'Miss 'Bayli' is already standing to nurse them, which marks the beginning of the weaning process. They have also been introduced to their first solid meal and they tucked in like real little troopers! Unfortunately there is no way to insure this initial interaction to meal times remains a clean one, puppy gruel ends up everywhere, quite often more on them than in them, ha, ha! After meal times the 'kids' have lots of fun mouthing and licking any leftovers off each other. They are so much fun to watch.

They have also been moved into their new 'puppy den' in the family room where they are gradually introduced to everyday stimuli, more human interaction, gentle handling and lots of TLC! This is also a time for them to begin to explore their new surroundings, check out the new toys, defecate and urinate away from their sleeping area (beginning of toilet training), practice different body postures like pouncing, pawing and stalking, improve their vocalisation and to understand the importance of bite inhibition. The next few weeks are going to be very interesting as these little 'kids' learn how to become real dogs!

Two weeks old already and the transitional stage has just begun. Their development will now progress in leaps and bounds and they are already trying to vocalise like proper dogs with comical yaps, growls and the occasional woof!

Mobility is improving and they are able to stand on all four wobbly legs and move forward, stopping is usually done by flopping the head down first and tumbling forward ha ha! They are so lovable and even at this early stage we can see which little fur-friends are going to be the robust ones and which will be the more placid.

Even though their eyes are not fully open they can detect light and movement and their sense of smell is so acute that they can sense when either Miss Bayli or myself enter the room. Their response is just the same, it must be feed time, and they go into a little frenzy of head bopping, squealing and tumbling over each other to ensure they get in first!

Today they will be introduce to having their little toe nails clipped which are starting to scratch at poor Mam's tummy and have their first worming preparation! Let the fun begin!

On New Years Eve we welcomed our beautiful ''Celebration' litter of five handsome boys and three gorgeous girls.

Our sweetheart Miss ' Bayli' was amazing and even though the whelping was long, fourteen hours, she kept focused and produced some stunning little ' fur-friends'. ''Deejay' the very proud Dad is naturally oblivious to his new offspring but all are doing well, are healthy and content.

The first weeks of a newborns life is basically filled with sleeping (about 90% of the time), and the rest suckling from their Mam. As they are unable to support their body weight, they crawl about with paddling actions with their front paws and their little heads swaying from side to side trying to locate the warmth and scent of their Mam and littermates. They make strange un-doglike noises and are unable to urinate and defecate without the help of Mam. This limited locomotion ensures that they develop muscles that enable them to coordinate their actions, which helps them crawl up and over, around and under each other.

As they are unable to regulate their body temperature they need to keep warm and puppy huddles are one way for them to do this, also with the help of a heat pad our newest fur-friends are kept warm and snug.

It looks as though we are in for a very busy Christmas with the 'patter of tiny paws' due at the end of the year.

These new 'kids', out of our gorgeous black/white girl 'Miss Bayli' and our stunning blue/white boy 'Deejay' will be our last litter until late 2013. We already have excited families awaiting their new fur-friend and if you are interested in one of our lovely puppies please submit our puppy questionnaire and we will forward to you all the relevant information.

The time has come for the 'Be-All-End-All' litter to leave home. We have had an amazing eight weeks and the 'kids' have matured into such special little dogs. It is always sad having to say 'Goodbye' but we know that the fortunate families that we have chosen for them will continue to nurture and enrich their lives with love, understanding, positive reinforcement, endless mental stimulation and essential positive interactions.

These little guys are adventurous, inquisitive, cheeky and mischievous, outgoing, curious, cuddly and confident. They have happy dispositions and sweet biddable natures and will return any love and affection tenfold as long as they are given every opportunity to be part of a caring, thoughtful and loving family! Enjoy your new lives little ones and we hope that you are able to be the best Border Collie that you can be!

Seven weeks old and we have five adorable fur friends. Even though their attention span at this age is very short they have been exposed to lots of individual fun, positive and educational experiences which have ensured that they have learnt some basic but very important lessons such as: responding to their name, 'sit', 'drop', 'wait' and learning to share things and play nice!

We have earned the puppies trust by respectfully and slowly introducing them to different sights and sounds, each has been allowed to develop their own personality, to form confident and positive associations with us Humans, to acknowledge and understand 'big dog' communication and body language and to become affectionate, adventurous and amazing little individuals! That's not to say that they are not capable of digging, barking, chewing, nipping and getting themselves into mischief once they are bigger but they have had a solid, rewarding and fun beginning and so far have proven to be attentive, eager to please and so much fun to be with.

Our puppies are now 6 weeks old and are maturing into happy-go-lucky kids, with out-going natures, inquisitive minds, healthy appetites and infectious personalities!

They have taken 'all things new' in their stride and have tested their resolve by being curious, cheeky and confident. When they are let out into the garden five little bodies disappear in five different directions! All happily independent of each other with wagging tails, bright eyes and an enthusiastic abundance to enjoy life and make the most of this special time.

Weaning is nearly complete, although these little 'kids' take every opportunity to make the most of the 'milk-bar', if she stays still long enough! 'Bronte' is a terrific role model and ensures that all her offspring are kept in line but always finds time to interact and 'play' with her lovely family!

This last week has been very eventful with the puppies enjoying some valuable time out in the fresh air. They investigated their new surroundings, smelt the flowers, lazed in the sun and took in all the stimulating sights and sounds!

'Play' took on new tactics with hiding behind plant pots, pouncing and ambushing passing friends, digging in soft mulch, tasting the grass and checking out pine cones! This is such an important time in their lives and everything needs to be calm, positive and non-threatening as well as varied, rewarding and safe.

New owners meet their 'fur-friends', introduction to short trips in the car, interactions with the rest of the 'Kirbyholme' family and sleeping outside for the first time! Can 'puppy life' get any better?

It never fails to amaze me the changes that these adorable little pups go through in such a short space of time. From being totally dependent on their Mam for all their physical needs, to being relatively independent in only four weeks!

The 'Socialisation Period' begins at about three weeks of age and goes through to week seven. This is a crucial time for these new 'kids' as their learning capacity and problem-solving ability has improveds significantly. As their physical coordination builds they learn the very important lesson called, 'bite inhibition'. It is important that all puppies are given the opportunity to interact with their littermates, Mother and humans so that they can learn through associations that biting and nipping too hard, even in play has its consequences.

The puppy now has the brain waves of an adult dog, and even though their attention span is very short this is the perfect time to commence their basic training. What they learn now will be permanent so it is vital to keep everything positive. Our little ones have already been introduced to the command 'Sit' and I'm happy to report that all are progressing nicely.

In the third and fourth week the puppies' enter an 'Awareness Period'. They now resemble real dogs, they are much more confident with their movements and can now balance on all four legs! They interact with each other constantly and 'play' is becoming more evident. Certain sounds are now recognised, such as my voice, which instantly sets lots of tails wagging! My scent is just as recognisable as their 'Mams' and that encourages lots of excited yaps and air scenting.

They are amazing to watch and they are keen to investigate all the new items that are placed into the whelping box. Exploring the environment and testing out their new climbing skills are all part of the challenges that lay ahead. Puppy teeth are erupting and they are already enjoying three meals a day. 'Bronte' has already begun the weaning process by making them stand to suckle and they are all learning very quickly how to be a dog!

June 4th 2011 we welcomed our 'Be-All-End-All' litter of three girls and two boys! All 'kids' are doing extremely well and Miss Bronte is an amazing Mam!

The first two weeks, the 'Neonatal' period, these newborn puppies are only aware of three sensations: cold, heat and pain. They cannot see or hear and their sence of smell at this stage is anosmic, (cannot connect smell to things, (living or non-living!) They find their Mams teat by sensing her warmth as they clamber and bump aimlessly into each other! They all have a very strong suck reflex and healthy appetites. As they cannot regulate their body heat efficiently puppies huddle and cuddle up to their littermates and Mam to help maintain their warmth. Our 'kids' also have the added benefit of a Redflex Heat Pad, which is brilliant!

During the next week or so these puppies will spend 90% of the time sleeping, the rest nursing. They are capable of some gross motor skills such as: crawling, seeking out warmth and are able to suckle. They can also vocalise: whine and yap when they are cold or hungry or have managed to wander away from the 'pack'.

They have been handled lightly and gently which is good for their emotional development and prepares them for stresses later in life, they have had their first toenail clip (mild stress) and have been weighed daily, which apart from monitoring their growth and health also provides important physical stimulation.

At only a week old they are already time wasters and we spend ages watching and monitoring them, they are so cute!

Week Two and our puppies enter a remarkable 'Transitional' period where their neurological and behavioral development will be astounding! This is the beginning of them developing in to 'dogs' and adult patterns such as social behaviours will appear, their eyes and ears open and they begin some independence from their Mam.

It is all very exciting! During the next two weeks we will see huge changes in their motor skills: they will be able to balance on all four legs, walk instead of crawl (albeit a little wobbly), they will be able to localise sound and follow slow moving objects. Play, mouthing and even tail wagging will become more noticeable and they will be introduced to auditory stimulation, lots of visual stimuli and naturally lots of one on one quality time!

Past Litters

In April 2010, when we welcomed our sixteen beautiful 'babies' here at 'Kirbyholme' we didn't think there would be enough hours in the day or days in the week to fit everything in, but we all have come out the other end very happy, slightly exhausted but very contended in knowing that we have done our job well and have produced sixteen wonderful healthy and happy companions for some very lucky guardians!

Time certainly has flown by and our last beautiful litter, 'Bees Knees' is leaving home.

Just like our 'Blaizn Amaizn' and 'Happy Tails' kids, these have been adopted into loving, caring and forever homes. All puppies have sweet biddable natures and loving dispositions. They have taken all the new and exciting stimuli on board: are adventurous, curious and cheeky, confident, attentive and very playful.

Eight weeks is the perfect time for the youngsters to bond with their new 'families' but it is also a very critical time for them too: 8 through to 10 weeks is known as the 'fear period' whereby any scary, painful or unpleasant experience can result in a life long phobia! It is crucial that the puppy receives support and positive reinforcement during this time. Just like 'toddlers' puppies are curious and intrigued by the unusual so supervision at all times is a must.

The 'Bees Knees' were adorable and very cute. Life here at 'Kirbyholme' will be a lot less hectic without them and the twelve little bundles before them: but we wouldn't change a thing. We have had the best time and will certainly miss those happy tail wags and that lovely 'puppy breath'.

Our 'Happy Tails' litter have also begun their new lives with their very happy and excited new 'families'! Now eight weeks old and all have developed into well mannered, easy going, lovable and affectionate little 'guys'. Naturally there were times when madness and mayhem was evident, they were boisterous and adventurous, inquisitive and curious but they were always eager to follow, willing to learn and so much fun to watch and cuddle!

It isn't easy saying goodbye to those fluffy bundles especially when they look back at you with eyes wide open and their little heads cocked to one side as they disappear out of sight: but we know we have done everything we could to ensure that each puppy will settle quickly, adjust well and accept their new 'families' and grow up to be their perfect companion and loyal friend for many years.

Six weeks old and our 'Bees Knees' kids are coming along wonderfully. All have passed their health check, accepted being handled by our vet, patiently sat while being vaccinated and micro chipped and even tried to play with his stethoscope! None whined or winced but licked and wagged, these too are very out going and extremely happy puppies.

They are enjoying the great outdoors and are becoming very independent of each other and wander off happily to explore. Palm fronds and pinecones are favourite play items and they have so much fun. Wrestling, stalking and pouncing are also great ways to burn energy. These behaviours, although fun to watch, are invaluable and so important for the puppies' physical and behavioral maturation. Everything a puppy does has a purpose, they live for the moment and need every opportunity to grow and develop these very important skills.

It is a bitter sweet time here at 'Kirbyholme' as our beautiful 'Blaizn Amaizn' litter have all left home and begun a new and exciting chapter. Before they left they were hydro bathed, toenail clipped and groomed to perfection and then it rained! But at least they were fresh and looked so nice, even if a little wet but still very happy puppies. We couldn't have been any happier with their progress and all developed lovely biddable natures with sweet temperaments. They were out going and energetic, yet calm and cuddly. Each had matured into their own little 'dogs' with individual personalities that made each one so special and unique. We are very proud of them all and wish them and their new families many years of love and companionship.

The 'Happy Tails' litter is now seven weeks; they too will soon be heading off to experience a new and exciting life. For now though they are happy to perfect their social skills, explore their environment and makes us all smile with their fun antics. They have also matured into lovely well natured pups and they are all excelling with their training. Making everything reasonable and achievable, being clear and calm, positive and persistent and always rewarding and fun will make for a very attentive and keen to please puppy.

Five weeks now and our 'Bees Knees' kids are enjoying the great out doors. They have taken very well to sleeping outside and have settled extremely well. These too are also a very happy bunch with lots of eager yaps and tail wags when they hear or see us. They now have lots of interactions with their bigger siblings, naturally under careful supervision and they confidently join in with the play fights and wrestles and the 'stealing' of 'toys'. They are also able to understand and form associations with command and actions and so their training has begun and they are responding well and are eager to learn, with the help of course of tasty salami and cheese treats!

Now seven weeks and our 'Blaizn Amaizn' are just about ready to leave home. They have all passed their health check, been vaccinated and micro chipped and none complained. They were miniature ambassadors for our beautiful breed and I was very proud of each and every-one of them J Fun training has been taking place of the last few weeks and all have mastered the 'Sit' and 'Drop'. Two by two they have been introduced to short car rides which will help them accept the car journey to their new homes! All 'babies' are enjoying five varied meals a day and love raw carrot and grated apple! Its great to be able to see them grow and form their own little personalities from the adventurous and inquisitive, curious and carefree, sensible and soft, playful and cheeky to thoughtful and amusing.

The 'Happy Tails' litter now six weeks old have also had and passed with flying colours their first health check and micro chipping. Early handling with positive associations helps make this not so nice experience that little bit more fun and afterwards our Vet was given lots of licks and happy tail wags.

Over the weeks the pups have learnt a lot of valuable lessons from problem solving and bite inhibition to becoming independent and confident. Play is still a huge part of their development. While some wrestle and sound ferocious others practice pouncing and stalking, others try out their new chewing/digging skills and others are inquisitive and happy to explore.

Our last litter, 'Bees Knees' are simply adorable. They are now four weeks old and are lovely to watch. They too have enjoyed some outside time and once they got used to feel of the grass it wasn't long before the new sights and smells stimulated their senses and they were off exploring! All loved the extra freedom, they pounced and played and confidently investigated their new surroundings. Puppy play is evident from very early on in their development and safe and happy interactions ensure that they grow up to be out going and confident little dogs.

Now six weeks old our 'Blaizn Amaizn' litter are really beginning to shine. They have embraced the new challenges that they have encountered with a happy attitude and out going nature. They are perfecting their staking and wrestling techniques and their social development is amazing. Running, chasing and tackling are natural now and all are inquisitive and becoming independent of each other.

The 'Happy Tails' litter are not far behind and at five weeks have happily interacted with the 'Blaizn Amaizn' litter. All twelve eat, sleep and play together and have accepted each other brilliantly. Social development is crucial for a well-adjusted puppy and these little guys are certainly well socialized! They are learning to play nice (bite inhibition) explore social structure/ranking and are fully aware of their environment. Being greeted with twelve happy tail wags and excited yaps makes getting up to feed at 5am on these chilly mornings so worthwhile!

Our 'Bees Knees' litter, now three and a half weeks old are coming along nicely. Their baby teeth have erupted and they have been enjoying their solid foods. Feed times are fun but can be very messing but there is always someone to help clean them up! They all walk, wag and yap now and are becoming more active. Play is evident as is their awareness of their surroundings and recognition of familiar sounds and humans. It won't be long before these little darlings will be able to enjoy the great outdoors too!

Our 'Blaizn Amaizn' litter is now five weeks old and into the most critical social development stage of their lives - they begin to perfect their social skills, learn how to play and learn the importance of bite inhibition and discipline. Miss 'Diva' is educating them on basic manners and acceptance of her being the 'Boss'. Weaning is in full swing but puppies are opportunists and will take advantage of each and every chance they get to sneak a drink from their very mobile milk bar! Safe interactions with the other 'Kirbyholme' members helps them understand a dogs body language and how to be assertive or submissive. Dad, 'Deejay' is amazing with the youngsters and they learn 'how to be a good dog', from the very best.

The 'Happy Tails' litter is just that, happy, adventurous and keen to explore. At only four weeks of age they are now fully alert to their environment and have undergone some rapid sensory development over the last week. Their little personalities are coming through and they can recognize familiar sounds like my voice and naturally the sound of their feed dishes! All are curious and keen to explore and willingly accept cuddles and having their toenails clipped! Lots of positive encounters are encouraged now as well as introducing them to mild stresses such as individual time away from their littermates. Miss 'Bayli' and 'Deejay' are very proud of their 'family'.

Eyes wide open and the 'Bees Knees' litter, now nearly two and a half weeks old are doing great. This is the beginning of the Transitional Stage, 2-3 weeks, and they are already very mobile and responding to light, movement and sounds. They try to growl and yap and mouth at each other's tails, noses and ears: this is the beginning of what will become play. They are so cute and all are very strong and content. Miss 'Bronte' is happy to leave them for longer periods and it won't be too much longer before these little ones will be venturing out into the great outdoors too.

All our lovely litters are doing extremely well and time is certainly flying by.

Already our 'Blaizn Amaizn' 'kids' nearly four weeks old and are beginning to act and sound like real dogs! They are interacting well with each other, learning to play fight and wrestle, have realised that they can yap and growl and are enjoying the freedom of their new outdoor den. They have great appetites and are tucking into four meals a day! Miss 'Diva' is very contend and is more than happy for me to take over the meal duties J she does try to help with doing the dishes though!

Close on their heels is our 'Happy Tails' litter. These little guys are doing fantastic. It is hard to believe that they are only two weeks and three days old. Already they are very mobile, are trying to mouth and play and even wag their little tails! Warm cereal and honey is already a favourite and all are lapping really well. They are so cute and are total time wasters! But I'm not complaining! Miss 'Bayli' is a doting Mam, and absolutely adores her 'boys'.

Lastly our 'Bees Knees' litter, just one week old today, are putting on the weight and are thriving on lots of TLC from their lovely Mam, Miss 'Bronte'. All 'babies' are strong and healthy and it won't belong before these 'kids' will be up and about and then the fun will really start!

You've heard the saying, 'It happens in three's!' well here at 'Kirbyholme' we can say that it is true!

We have just welcomed the safe arrival of our 'Bees Knees' litter of two boys and two girls.

They are small but healthy and all have a great suck reflex. They are only two days old, (born 22nd April) but they are already putting on the weight! Their happy Mam is our blue/white girl. 'Bronte' and their equally happy Dad is 'Cherokee' from 'Jessomine Border Colies'. We weren't 100% sure that she had taken but sometimes amazing things happens.

Our 'Blaizn Amaizn' litter are nearly three weeks old and are simply adorable. They have enjoyed their first outdoors adventure and introduction to their first solid meal! They are inquisitive and curious and very playful.
Mam 'Diva' is so patient and is taken great care of her brood all though she does get a little bit tired!

The 'Happy Tails' litter are not far behind and their eyes are just beginning to open. Soon they too will be exploring and enjoying the pleasures of the outdoors. Miss 'Bayli' is a terrific Mam and her sweet nature and happy disposition is sure to carry on through to her 'kids'.

We are proud to announce the safe and surprising arrivals of our 'Blaizn Amaizn' and 'Happy Tails' litters!

Our 'Blaizn Amaizn' litter is so named as Miss 'Diva', 'Jessomine Blaizn Amaizn' has over the last three years been mated unsuccessfully to two different stud dogs and has also not taken to two AI's.

Again this season she resisted the advances of our handsome and very gentle boy, 'Deejay'. During her season they managed two slip-matings and even those were over in a flash! As this has been her pattern we assumed that her 'taking' were near impossible.

Therefore we decided to re-mate Miss 'Bayli' to 'Deejay' as their last litter was so very nice. Miss 'Bayli' had recently gained her CCD title and was working towards entering the Novice ring when she was unfortunately attacked by a neighbours dog over our fence! 'Bayli' could have been about a week pregnant at that time. She required twelve stitches to her face and was pretty shock up. As the event was naturally very stressful for her there was a possibility that she might have aborted her 'babies'! All we could do was wait and see.

Nature works in mysterious ways and Miss 'Diva' somehow managed to 'take to those early slip matings and on Easter Monday delivered an amazing litter of seven beautiful 'babies', four boys and three girls.

Not to be out done Miss 'Bayli' proved just how tough she was and a week later she too whelped a lovely litter of five boys. Our 'Happy Tails' litter consisting of two solid blue/white and three black/white are simply adorable.

Please keep watching this space as the adventures of both litters will be regularly updated.