Come, Sit, Stay, Thrive!

CGN (Canine Good Neighbor Test) - TBD

Basic Obedience Classes - Sept 5, 12, 19 & 26

Dates will be set in Spring 2024 for Yorkton Obedience Classes 

The class your wanting is full? Don't worry we have a running wait list, select below and we will contact you if a spot becomes  available!  

We offer 45 min-1 hour private sessions where we can work 1 on 1 with you and your dog! We can consult and create a plan to address you and your dogs individual needs! Note: These sessions take place at our farm in Stockholm! 

1. How and why did the puppy come into rescue? Knowing the story on your future pup will assist with addressing behavioral issues in the future (ie did they come in without a mother and lacked the basic structure that comes from being with the mom for 8-10 weeks? Or were they in a traumatic situation?) 

2. How long has he or she been there? Reputable rescues have quarantine periods and allow new dogs the chance to decompress and be evaluated before taking them to adoption events or allowing them to be adopted out! Make sure your dog or puppy has been allowed this time.

3. How long has he or she been there? Any behavioral issues or concerns ie resource guarding, nipping? How should they be they dealt with? Because rescues should be quarantining and doing behavioral evaluations before placing their dogs they should be able to give you some good insight on what they know so far regarding the dog or puppy. 

4. Do you know how he or she is with kids, cats, dogs, strangers, vets, trainers? Can my children or pets meet him or her before I commit to adopting? Again, like above their time spent during the evaluation period should give insight on this, do note there will be behaviors that pop up afterwards as well but they should have some info to give on the dogs temperament etc. 

5. How is he or she on Leash walking? Basic Obedience? Recall? Energy level? The rescue will know some of this information based on their time with the dog but will also be able to refer you to a trainer if there are areas of concern. 

1. Do you have a contract? Reputable rescues will have a contract that you will need to read over.

2. Specific requirements for this puppy (ie fenced back yard)? After their quarantine and behavioral evaluations, the rescue may have specific requirements depending on the dog.

 3. What happens if I can no longer care for the puppy? ALL REPUTABLE RESUCES WILL TAKE THEIR DOGS BACK – if they do not have an answer for this question reconsider another rescue. 

4. If I have a problem, whom can I contact? Most rescues will have someone answering their phone/Facebook page etc available to give some assistance but keep in mind these are all volunteers and it could take some time. 

5. What is the process and cost? Reputable rescues will have a process which will include calling references, potential house checks etc. If the rescue is willing to place the dog without even calling a reference, this is a red flag they may not have the dog’s best interest in mind! Cost will vary depending on the location and price of vetting in the area but if they are charging significantly more because the dog is Purebred or in high demand that is concerning. 

Getting two dogs at the same time seems like a great idea. Dogs are social animals, and a dog who will be alone all day can easily turn to destructive behavior or become anxious. Two puppies can entertain each other and keep each other company. So, what’s the problem with bringing home two puppies at once?

Professional trainers recommend against bringing home two puppies around the same age, let alone two from the same litter. While this sounds like a good plan in theory, in practice it often causes quite a bit of heartache and potentially some serious aggression trouble.

In addition to the problems, one might expect with bringing home siblings such as double food and vet costs and double the potty-training work, new puppy owners need to focus on how the puppies will develop. Puppies’ brains continue developing until they hit sexual maturity (and even a bit beyond that), and there’s solid research out there concluding that bringing two puppies’ home at the same time prevents one, or both, of the puppies from reaching his or her full potential.

Other abhorrent and heart-breaking effects of Littermate Syndrome:

• The shy puppy becomes increasingly withdrawn and introverted and never reaches potential

• Often even the “bold” puppy turns out to be quite nervous and uncertain when separated• The puppies often become incredibly co-dependent, exhibiting high anxiety when separated

• They often fail to bond to their human family as strongly as they otherwise would, if at all. 

• At social maturity, these puppies may begin fighting with one another, often quite severely.

• Even non-sibling puppies can exhibit Littermate Syndrome when placed together. 

Can littermate syndrome be prevented? 

Theoretically, yes, however it’s so difficult as to be nearly impossible in practice. Remember, even experienced guide dog puppy raisers aren’t expected to be able to prevent this issue from developing.

At a bare minimum, the two puppies would need to be crated and cared for separately, including separate walks, training classes, and playtime with their owners. The puppies need to have more one-on-one time with their new owners than they have with each other, effectively doubling the work and negating any of the possible benefits (i.e. companionship) that they were adopted together for in the first place.

Bottom Line: we absolutely know that puppies do best when brought home separately. If you want multiple dogs, consider purchasing or adopting adult dogs who are already done developing instead.