TROUT CREEK PUPPY PHILOSOPHY
The puppies whelped at Trout Creek were gently handled and observed many times each day from birth until leaving for their new homes at nine weeks. Our family and friends handled the puppies for the first three weeks and by the fourth week, they met several new people each day. Beginning at four weeks, they were exposed to different locations in our home and on the farm, meeting and interacting with our other adult dogs, walking on several different surfaces and spending some time each day in a play area with tunnels, hanging toys, a teeter-totter, boxes to climb on and open crates and many developmental toys. I spent time each day observing and handling each puppy and making notes. At five weeks, the puppies began their twice weekly outings to visit neighbors, friends and our dog friendly local stores. These outings allowed the puppies to meet many new people and be exposed to new environments. By nine weeks, they had been introduced to a wide variety of sights, sounds and were well prepared to make the transition into their new homes.
My puppies were temperament tested at seven weeks and evaluated for structure at eight weeks. I considered the results of the temperament test, structural evaluation and my observation of each individual puppy from birth to eight weeks, to make my placement decisions. I always tried to make the best match between each puppy and adopting family.
I encourage those who are considering a GSMD to contact and visit with as many breeders as possible and not limit themselves to local breeders only. After visiting with several breeders, choose one or two that have the priorities you are looking for. It is important to work with a breeder that you are totally comfortable with and that will be available to you for the life of your Swissy.
I interviewed prospective puppy owners to determine if my priorities and what I strive to produce are what they were looking for.
For those interested in a puppy you may consider purchasing the Swissy Owner's Guide published by the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America.
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Trout Creek Swiss Mountain Dogs established in 1998
Trout Creek Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs is located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge in Southwest Washington on the Oregon border approximately one hour from the Portland, OR metro area and few short hours from Seattle. The majority of Trout Creek swissy puppies reside in the Pacific Northwest in Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, California, Utah and Nevada, however there are many throughout the United States and Canada. AKC Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs & AKC Gold Breeder of Merit
Trout Creek Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs produced well-rounded GSMDs conforming to the AKC breed standard making exceptional family members, have winning qualities for the show ring and are willing workers for the various performance and working venues. Health and wellness always a top priority, only dogs that have passing health clearances and met CHIC requirements were used in Trout Creek’s breeding program. |
