We maintain a waiting list and would be happy to add anyone interested in acquiring a pup from our pairings. All pups will be genetically clear by parentage or genetically tested to confirm statuses. Preference is often given to working homes. Though we want to take all of our buyers' preferences into account, we reserve the right to evaluate and provide the best possible fit for a perspective puppy home based on interviews, applications, and the individual puppy's profile (Instinct Testing, Puppy Culture, Therapy Dog evaluations) regardless of color or personal preferences. We will require a phone interview for applicants who are seriously interested. For pricing or to be added to our puppy reservation list, please contact us through our e-mail (bottom of page).
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BEFORE APPLYING: Please understand that OTSC are amazing and intuitive working dogs! However, good dogs don't just happen!!!!! Basic training and hierarchy should be established in all healthy pup homes. This reading is required for pups that are going to family or homestead or other work situations, as the concepts are similar even if your desired pup will only be a perfectly wonderful house dog. We highly recommend attaching a lead line (longer for outside, shorter for inside) to your pup's collar and encouraging shadowing for chores or just around the house (beginning farm dog education.) Dragging a long line allows the leader (you!) to reinforce good behaviors and discourage bad ones without ever having to chase (teaching a dog to run and that it's faster than you) or raise one's voice. A simple short tug on the line will cause a young pup to look to you for direction and deter unwanted chasing. As you train your dog to shadow on the farm, a long line can allow you to keep a young pup protected from disrespectful livestock. As the pup matures, a long line will allow you and the pup to explore its instincts while still having the back up of a solid stop if a vocal recall or down does not do the trick. Remember that they are learning with you. These dogs listen to your voice and watch your hand signals. Do talk to them and gesture! You will be surprised by what they do understand and pick up. The parents of your pup have the classic "look-back" where they turn to you for further instructions in the field. Pointing communicates! You are a team together. These dogs thrive on encouragement and pleasing their best friend (you!). You will, at times, find that a good stock dog will have a stubborn moment. All good dogs with grit have them. Do not fear... this only proves your pup's ability to think outside the box. However, OTSC's have a high desire to please, and consistency and fairness and firmness will be the quickest way to set behavior straight. A relationship is built between two individuals. If you are not available for your dog, you cannot expect your dog to want to please you or to have a strong bond with you either. This is something to consider before purchasing a puppy. Pups for farms must learn that chasing when not working is not OK. This is usually a very easy lesson to teach, but boredom may hinder progress if proper steps are not taken to ensure that the pup will not chase when unsupervised. Trust works both ways. Let your pup have time to grow, and enjoy him or her. Please take the time to do consistent basic training (sit, lay, stay, come, leave-it, etc.) before expecting to do anything useful out in the pasture, and allow time for maturity and observation for the pup. Practice these commands around stock also. Remember to be gentle, but firm and consistent. The pup will more than reward you as time goes by and it matures into its legacy. You cannot out-give an OTSC! The more you give, the much more you will get back from your most devoted new friend. A friend that will surprise you in how helpful he or she can be when the time is right!
(For more training tips, etc., please look for the "Training Tansy" series on our WoodSong Farm Blog.)
A side note...
Our dogs are bred to have moderate coats. There should be no excessive matting, odor, shedding, etc., but you must still occasionally take the time to groom and check these dogs over. Ticks hide well and can be devastating to all dogs. Please take this into consideration and have a plan of action to prevent harm for your new family member. Trimming nails is also an important part of care on these low-maintanance dogs.
Your pups will come with health checks and recommended puppy shots. This is included in our price. We have put a lot into the parents of your pups to ensure that we are offering dogs that are sound in body and mind. We do not foresee there being any problems, but if you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us, so that we can work together for the best for everyone.
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