Raising Aussies, or any breed of dog, you KNOW your puppies, and you as a breeder know their capabilities early on with as much time as you spend with them. Of course you are going to tell all the positives, and you should definitely tell all the negatives as well, but once they leave you, it is up to the owner to follow through. All I can do is give them a very basic start by 8 to 9 weeks of age. I love all my Aussie families whether they compete, or they just hang out at the lake or on the couch on a Sunday afternoon...but I definitely want to give credit where credit is due. It is not an easy task to train, it is expensive to do just about any activity or professional training with your dog, and it is not a one day done situation. It takes ALOT of time, ALOT of dedication and ALOT of patience, along with funds and commitment from family members to be understanding. EVERY SINGLE BIT OF CREDIT goes to the owners of any 4Feathers Australian Shepherd that works hard, even if its just the basic training, and to the Australian Shepherd themself. I am just proud to be a tiny speck in the process! Here are a few highlighted moments and I certainly will be adding more...
Jessica Wittenbach and 4Feathers RosiePosie Puddin Pies, aka Rosie
Rosie has excelled in Fast Cat ranking with AKC, being in the top 25 of her breed, FCAT CGC TKN FITB. She also has AKC and ASCA Class placing. Jessica has done a phenomenal job with this feisty girl. I am so proud of them both! I have been fortunate to be allowed to participate in catching Rosie in a couple of her Fast Cat races. It is a major rush to watch her so determined to get that bunny and see her so serious about her job, but it is more fulfilling for me to watch her with Jess doing whatever is asked of her, just to make her happy! They are a wonderful team and I am happy they get to do life together!
Jessica Wittenbach and 4Feathers True Colors, aka Branch
Branch is just starting out, Jess has completed his basic training. He attended his first show and placed Sanctioned B Match Best of Breed, Sanctioned B Match Group placing. Jess will continue to take Branch and hopefully achieve her goals in the show ring. Again, super proud of all the hard work Jess puts in, and proud of how they take direction and complete the task!
Sior Lochlainn and 4Feathers Bocan aka Bocan
Bocan is a certified therapy dog, through Alliance of Therapy Dogs, who will be working in Oregon at a Residential Treatment Center for 10 to 17 year old kids. He will also be volunteering in his local community with his services. When Sior was looking for that "perfect" boy, I knew this was is match! Just goes to prove that even heavily bred "working lines" can still meet their full potential in a different arena! So proud of Sior for his dedication and time and super proud of Bocan for being the boy he is!