Resources, referals & recommendations
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Their mission is to promote the health and welfare of companion animals through a reduction in the incidence of genetic disease.
Embark DNA
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Embark’s test was developed by veterinarians in partnership with Cornell University, can sniff out breeds that make up as little as 5% of your dog’s overall DNA breed mix, deliver the most accurate results and is the highest-rated dog DNA test.
VanirAndFar Etsy Shop
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
VanirAndFar Etsy Shop
This is my little Etsy shop of clothing items I have designed. Take a look through and see if anything strikes your fancy!
Training Resources
Training is one of the most important things you can do with your puppy once they come home. Regardless of breed, but especially with a high energy herding breed, early training and socialization is the key to living happily and harmoniously. As always, we encourage all new puppy owners to sign up for a training with a local reputable, professional trainer. But, we are always here to help our new families make the most of their experience with their new McNab Shepherd!
When a puppy first comes home, focusing on the most important skills will set you up for success and help you stay focused on the things that really matter!
1. Socialization to the world. After a week or two of settling into your home and doing training there, begin taking your puppy to new places and showing them new experiences. Socialization is letting them watch the world go by and feeling relaxed and comfortable with it. It doesn't have to be meeting and greeting every new person or dog, and often I suggest heavily against that. But, focus on creating a puppy who is optimistic in new places and happy to be playing or relaxing and not having to be in the business of everything going on around them.
2. Crate training for naps and down time. Practice this as training sessions until your puppy is comfortable and can stay in successfully for 1.5 to 2 hrs at a time and build to transferring them completely by the time they are 3 to 4 months old. I love Crate Games by Susan Garrett for training the crate: https://get.crategames.com/
3. Use your puppies meals throughout the day as their training rewards.
4. Keep a leash on your puppy inside and outside the home, letting them drag it around. This will minimize conflict if you need to grab them, as it'll allow you to grab the leash instead and move them where you need them to be.
5. Exercise and mental stimulation are super important. Outside, dropped leash, natural movement is so critical for mental and physical growth. Puzzles, toys and food games are excellent for indoor mental stimulation.
6. Impulse control is a big deal with high energy herding breeds. I love practicing "It's Yer Choice" games by Susan Garrett: https://susangarrettdogagility.com/.../why-choice-is-the.../
7. Easter Egg Hunts will help create a puppy who uses their nose, brain and prediction to feel relaxed and optimistic in life, especially when used in new locations after they understand the game: https://youtu.be/NwTw0HHb_6M
8. Touch based, choice filled relaxation is a game changer. Filling Station behavior is a huge and helpful skill: https://youtu.be/JE_FAVkbobI
From here, watch and practice the other skills below as you're ready. These are here to help set you up for success.
https://www.trainingbetweentheears.com/6d
https://www.trainingbetweentheears.com/bd
6 Stages of Say Yes to Your Dog