Litters Page

BREEDING PHILOSOPHY
I plan my breeding on improving upon the faults of both parents and enhancing the good qualities in them. I am always looking for dogs that can help me improve on what I have.

I want every pup I produce to have the best chance possible at a long, healthy, productive life. To this end, I employ ‘Natural Rearing’ techniques. During the mother’s (and all my dogs) daily life she is fed free range, organic meats and veggies,grain free kibble. She/they also receives vitamins and fish oil. This feeding process continues with the puppies; they also receive whole unprocessed goat milk if there is a need. I endeavor to use only natural supplements but on rare occasions other means are necessary. I have had much success with vitamins and herbal combinations and usually have no health issues. (See links pages for natural rearing site links.) I will only breed dogs that have sound, stable temperaments and exhibit proper breed personality and physical characteristics. All of my breeding stock is tested clear from hereditary hip dysplasia and clearances for eye defects are done every year. All are tested to be clear of the gene mutation that is connected to the cataract gene .
In selling our pups, I look for the right home for the right puppy. I would rather place a show puppy in a pet home than let it go to a show home where it may not be as well suited to the living conditions. I attempt to determine their personality to match it with you and your needs and desires. To this end I do temperament testing twice on every puppy and also have the litter evaluated by a past director of a service dog organization and then match that information with information gathered from the puppy questionnaire. The questionnaire is designed to give me a picture of you, your family and your lifestyle, so I can watch as the pups grow and also use information from temperament testing to help find the best match possible for your family and the puppy.  I also do bio-sensory exercises and stress tests, developed by the military to help make psycologically strong and emotionally resiliant adults. There are numerous health benefits to these tests and stimulations. I can give you more information if you are interested in learning more. All puppies have their personality evaluated twice before going to their new homes. This testing ensures that an alpha puppy does not go to a home where it would not be well suited with the family. They are also evaluated to find abilities for aide or therapy work.They also have breeder structure and movement evaluations before leaving. 


 Puppies are ready to go to their new homes at 8 weeks. At the time of sale all of our pups are current on worming, and have had a veterinary ophthalmologist eye exam. I also compile an assortment of crucial vitamins, fish oil and 2 other supplements to carry the pup through most of the first year of their life. After that time, supplements can be re-ordered from me. 
Our pups are born in the bedroom and live there until 3-4 weeks old and then are moved into the center of the house which ensures familiarity with regular life and sounds and promotes well socialized, happy, loving puppies. When the puppies are ready to go to their new homes, they have been started on house training and have started to learn some basic manners. There is a questionnaire that I ask you to fill out please email me with your information and I will send it to you. This questionnaire is designed to give you a glance at the energy and attention needs of an Aussie and to also let you see the lengths I go to in raising sweet, sound, and healthy puppies. These puppies are valued family members and I want them to have the best “fit” possible with you, your lifestyle and dreams so you and the puppy have a happy life together.

A dream of mine has been to have Aussies that could do service work, so temperament is very important. As of November 2011 six dogs of my breeding are doing this much needed work. One as a medical alert/service dog, another working with autism and another working as a diabetic dog. My dream has become a reality.
The intelligence, emotional depth and intuition of the breed make them exceptional service dogs; especially if bred carefully choosing traits that fit for this work. It is an honor to breed dogs that excel in this fashion and fill such a great need with such a sweet spirit.


Puppy buyer's comments:

The connection that develops between Aussies and their human family is a deep and loving one, their eye contact with us speaks volumes. I have spent the last six years volunteering with my older Aussie who is a certified therapy dog. This year, I realized that it was time to start training a younger dog, and I was referred to Flyin’ Hearts Aussies. When I met several of the adult dogs, including the mother of the upcoming litter, I recognized a major difference in philosophies between Flyin’ Hearts and other breeders of Aussies. I was given a rare and unforgettable opportunity to help with the birth of ten beautiful Aussie puppies, one of which is now a family member in our house. Visiting twice a week for eight weeks before the puppies went to their new homes, gave me the chance to watch the personalities and growth of each puppy. This breeder’s commitment to optimal health (by providing quality organic food, salmon oil and supplements), and the amazing love that she has for all of her dogs who are part of the family (living in the house, not outside in kennels), gave me a respect for, and now a lasting friendship with the woman I believe has found an exceptional way to raise loving, healthy and well-adjusted Aussies.
Terri, Seattle

I run a small private school in California and I wanted a dog who could come to school with me, and be reliable with the children. I knew that an Australian Shepherd could be a great dog for this purpose, but that many of them are too hyper or reactive for the situation.

When a relative connected me with this breeder, I knew right away that I could work with her. She understood what I was looking for, and we began communicating about how the puppies she was raising were developing. I could not visit the pups, since I live in California and she is near Seattle, so I needed to trust her judgment about which pup would be best for me.

By the time the six weeks passed between my initial interest and the time when the pups were ready, I trusted her judgment completely, and was able to fly up and get my pup. Rosie, the pup, is wonderful. She is robust and confident, yet not aggressive, and is healthy both physically and mentally.

I could not be more pleased. Lorie Hammond, Co-Director, Peregrine School, Davis, California.

Hi 
I wanted to send you a Luna update.  She is quite simply the #1 mood booster at our house!  If I am feeling tired-as soon as I walk in the door- I see this joyful, prancing pup who is wiggling her butt and leaping in the air.  How can I stay grumpy when I get such a sweet welcome home?  We went on vacation recently and after about the 4th day I wanted to go back home and see her- I'm very attached to her.

She is doing fantastic having free reign in the house.  She sleeps all day, mostly on the couch!  When I come home from work we walk to the park and she gets to run off leash.  You should see this dog fly.  She is so fast.  Lately she has been all about frisbee and she runs farther than I can throw it!  When she meets another dog who is bossy or wants to dominate she dodges and ducks until they give up- its pretty funny to watch.

What I love most about Luna is the way she can be playful and busy one moment and then takes a nap for two hours. I think that I had some pre-conceived ideas about aussie energy, but she is a very calm dog.   Luna is up for anything but can also pass most of day sitting by me (when I'm having couch potato days.)

"Our recent experience adopting an Australian Shepherd puppy from Flyin' Hearts Aussies was positive in every respect.  I contacted the owner a number of months after our beloved Aussie passed away after nearly 13 years.   From the first contact, it was apparent that the owner was sympathetic, supportive and willing to work with us because she cares deeply about both the animals and the owners who will take them home.  Communication with her before and after a litter was born was excellent.  The health and well being of the mother and pups was clearly paramount.  Upon picking up our new Aussie, we were provided with valuable information for the future health of our new family member.  This is a caring, highly professional breeder who I highly recommend.
        Marc B.  (Seattle)"

More comment from past puppy buyers:
We took your advice and put the crate in the bedroom with us.  She hardy made a peep.  She knows her name now, and will come to you when called most of the time.  She's a little pig.  She a dancin' and a prancin' for her dinner.  Ran out of squash so will use home grown carrots.  Knows the word potty and learning the word "outside".  She went to the door and sat down and looked at us as if to say, "well I'm ready how bout you?"  She is so precious and loving.  She likes her new toys, but still goes back to the one you sent home.  She has explored most of the house, but refuses to go down the hall to the laundry room.

We are so glad to have found you on line.  Many thanks for all your insight as to the rearing of our puppy.  I wish we had known this before with Mattie.

We will keep you updated on her progress and send you pictures.
Lianne and Ernest, Longview, WA

Hi, 
I just wanted to drop you an email and let you know that things have been going so great with Luna.  We love her so much and she had a fantastic first week.  She loves her toys and is doing awesome with the clicker training.  She knows her name and comes running when she hears it. She is really getting the hang of potty training and has had very few accidents. She is also sleeping through the night in her crate with the exception of getting up once at 3:30a.m for a potty and then back to bed. Scott takes her out in the night and I get up with her at six and we have so much fun in the morning.

Annie R (and Luna who is currently asleep on my foot) Portland, Oregon

 

Is an Australian Shepherd the Right Dog for You?

By Liz Palika  www.lizpalika.com

Aussies are my breed of choice; I've had them for over twenty years now. However, I am the first to admit Australian Shepherds are NOT the right breed for everyone. In fact, when I talk (or email) to people about Aussies I try to talk more people out of buying an Aussie than I try to convince to get one. Why? Well, let's look at the breed.

First of all, Aussies have a very strong drive to work. As all around, versatile ranch dogs, they need to do something. Aussies were not designed or bred to be pets and as pets, with no job to do, they get into trouble. An Aussie with no sheep to herd, ducks to drive or cattle to round up will herd the kids instead. All Aussies need a job to do; maybe three or four jobs! He needs to bring in the morning newspaper, keep the kids out of the street, learn his obedience and agility training and do therapy dog work. If you can't provide your Aussie with a sense of purpose, don't get an Aussie!

As dogs bred to work and control stock, Aussies can have a very high opinion of themselves and many have a more dominant, somewhat pushy personality. This trait, when combined with the breed's natural intelligence, makes it easy for Aussies to try to assume leadership of the family pack; a recipe for disaster. The owner of an Aussie must be assertive enough to make sure this doesn't happen. If you have a very soft personality, hate being assertive, are very soft spoken and want a dog who will naturally give in to you without any stress, then don't get an Aussie.

All Aussies need training. Not only does obedience training give your Aussie something to do and think about, it also teaches him self-control. Training also teaches him to accept discipline from you and that you are in charge. If you will not take the time to train your dog - not just for a five to six week class but for several years as he grows from puppyhood through adolescence and into adulthood - then do not get an Aussie.

What kind of training technique should you use? Well, the all-positive training techniques are very popular right now but aren't always the best for Aussies. Although all positive training (using no corrections) is wonderful in concept; many Aussies will take advantage of this type of training. In their world, a dog that gives no corrections is considered weak and at the bottom of the pack. The leader must be able to stand up for himself and give needed corrections. Since you must be your Aussie's leader, you must be able to give fair but firm, humane, and ethical yet effective corrections when needed.

As working herding dogs, Aussies need exercise. A walk is not exercise. A good, vigorous game of frisbee is exercise, as is a run along side the bicycle. Aussies need exercise every single day without fail. A dog with too much energy and no outlet for it will get into trouble. If you are an active person who likes to walk, hike, jog and do other outdoor activities, then an Aussie might be great for you. If you're a couch potato, don't get an Aussie. 

****Aussies need to be with their people. An Aussie is not a backyard dog. Aussies want to be with you as much as possible and would prefer to crawl under your skin! If you don't want a real companion dog, don't get an Aussie. If you want a dog who will stay in the backyard all (or most) of the time, don't get an Aussie.

Aussies need socialization . As protective herding dogs who can be (and should be) reserved with strangers, Aussies need a lot of socialization during puppyhood. If you are very busy and can't take the time to get your puppy to different places and to meet different people while he's a puppy, then do not get an Aussie. An Aussie who isn't properly socialized can easily develop behavior problems, including fearfulness towards strangers, fear-biting, overly aggressive behavior and a host of other problems.

Personally, I enjoy the challenges of raising an Aussie. I like taking my puppy places. I enjoy dog training and love to keep their minds challenged and stimulated. In fact, right now Riker is learning his A, B and C's. He can recognize and touch the appropriate block when I tell him, "Riker, touch A" or B or C. He loves this game, too, because he's thinking and learning. Since I also have a dominant personality, I don't have to worry too much about my Aussies pushing me too far although they all try during adolescence. I don't even mind the fact that I have to vacuum the house daily because Aussies shed - and shed a lot! I like the breed's appearance, intelligence, wonderful personality and tremendous sense of fun.

If you are reading this web site because you're researching breeds, or are thinking about getting an Aussie, please think carefully about this awesome breed before you buy one. Aussie rescue programs are overloaded right now with dogs bought by people who didn't know enough about the breed. They fell in love with the dog's appearance, or intelligence, or another trait without seeing the whole picture. Then, once they had the dog, they realized that perhaps (for what ever reason) Aussies weren't the right dog for them. To prevent that heartache, please think carefully about the realities of Aussie ownership before you bring home an Australian Shepherd.