The Puppy Pen

Introducing our beautiful Hovawart puppies

Details of our Farmwatch Puppies

Everything to do with puppies will be on this page. You will find details of all Farmwatch litters along with lots of photos and some videos.

If you are interested in providing a forever loving home for a Farmwatch puppy please get in touch once you have a full understanding of all the info we have provided, and we can add you onto our waiting list.

ABOUT MY BREEDING

Farmwatch Hovawarts have a carefully planned breeding program. All breeding dogs are cleared for Hip, eye, and thyroid problems and genetically tested for DM also.  I am determined to keep the Hovawart breed sound in both mind and body by thoroughly screening all breeding dogs and making well researched matches.  My objective is to produce dogs with correct Hovawart temperament, health, longevity, and working ability. 

Through my puppy sales contract and lifetime return policy I am committed to the well being of every dog I produce for their entire life.

What I expect of a potential puppy buyer

First, I expect that you are looking for a family companion that will be loved and cherished.  Your dog should live inside the house as a canine family member, not be banished to the backyard or locked in a garage and given attention only when you happen to be passing by. 

You've done research into different dog breeds to see which ones fit your activity level, lifestyle, temperament, grooming requirements and to ensure the Hovawart is a good fit for your family.  Actually meeting and spending time with Hovawarts is also important, all that pretty hair might look gorgeous in a picture but you might find the brushing and vacuuming too time consuming or messy in person. Having a protective dog might also sound great in theory, but it can also be a liability at times.  This is an alarm system that does not turn off, they are watchful and aware of their surroundings 24/7. While a Hovawart is supposed to be defensive not aggressive, a Hovawart lacking socialization and confidence may bite, as any poorly socialized dog of any breed might.

 You have the time and energy to devote to daily training and exercise and are committed to raising your new pup properly.  Raising a guardian breed dog correctly involves time consuming intense socialization and training. You have a well thought out plan for socializing your pup, including puppy classes and basic obedience classes as the pup grows older.

As your dog matures, you offer him increasing physical and mental exercise keeping him fit and happy.

You are also your dog's advocate.  It is expected you will do your own research to ensure you make choices that are the best for you and your dog. For instance, yearly vaccines are no longer recommended for pets, the risks and side effects far outweigh any benefit. (Booster shots are a myth- you either are immune or not,  and once you are immune to something, you can't get any more immune) If your vet recommends yearly boosters, it is expected that you would decline and find a more knowledgeable or more holistic vet.  Research into possible detrimental side effects of spaying and neutering, and natural methods of parasite control are also important and expected of prospective owners.

Often, traditional obedience training classes are the only option some people have available.  Hovawarts are easily trained with positive methods ie: clicker training and reward based training methods.  IT IS FAR EASIER TO REWARD GOOD BEHAVIOUR RATHER THAN FIX BAD HABITS AFTER THEY HAVE DEVELOPED. Being an advocate for your dog means you would seek out trainers that use positive methods or if entered in a traditional obedience class,  train your dog with positive methods whilst using the class for socialization purposes.

What you should expect from a breeder

Farmwatch pups all begin with great parents - all Farmwatch breeding dogs are tested and cleared for genetic diseases and the pedigrees of both mother and father are checked thoroughly  A database is searched for potential health problems that might be created by mating certain dogs together. Both dogs must be examined by a vet and found in good health. 

All my own Farmwatch dogs eat a Millies Wolfheart Grain and Dairy free dry food.  They also have raw mince and raw chicken wings on alternate days. The puppies are weaned and raised on Royal Canin puppy Mousse and follow on food.  Royal Canin puppy packs are given.

No spot on flea products, or toxic parasite control is used.  Natural products are used as much as possible.

The puppies are born and raised in the house and exposed to a nurturing environment and committed observation and care.  Once eyes and ears open, the pups are exposed to an increasingly stimulating environment with classical music and the TV with sound turned low. Also, a CD of noises (traffic, planes, trains, babies crying, fireworks, etc) is played at times with increasing volume as pups mature. Exposure to common household noises and appliances also starts at this stage.

Training begins as soon as pups are mobile. Once they are up on their feet and starting on solid food potty training begins by splitting their quarters into a 'clean' living area and a 'dirty' potty area. The pups are taught to go outside to do their business as soon as possible and will no longer be using pee pads indoors when they go to their new homes. Clicker training begins at this stage also and all pups will learn how to sit and down before leaving for their new homes.

The pups have an enriched play area both indoors and out. Exposure to many different surfaces, textures, sights, smells, and sounds is extremely important at a young age. Puppies are encouraged to climb, explore, play, and generally tire themselves out. Their toys move, make noise, and change on a daily basis.

Most importantly, pups begin bite inhibition training and learn that humans have extremely delicate skin unlike their brothers and sisters and must be very carefully played with. When you pick up your pup you will be informed of exactly which stage your pup is at and how to continue the training.

Pups are fully weaned and independent feeders and able to lap water (cows milk must be avoided as you are not taking a Calf home)  Pups are not vaccinated prior to going to new homes. Since most pups go to their new homes between 8-10 weeks of age, maternal antibodies would still interfere with any attempt at vaccination. 

All puppies are micro chipped for ID and examined by a vet at approximately 7 weeks of age. Puppy temperament testing is also performed in house at 7 -8 weeks old. 

Socialisation both here and out in the world is extremely important. Visitors are welcomed to meet the pups after they are 3 weeks old. At 5 weeks the pups learn to ride in the car and start meeting as many people as possible within my home. When you pick up your puppy you will be required to sign a sales contract. The puppy sales contract includes clauses that you may not be familiar with. All males dogs are required to remain intact for at least 14 months.   Female dogs will be required to remain intact until at least the age of 3 years to allow their bodies to experience several heat cycles and allow growth plates in the long bones to close.  Several studies show that remaining intact decreases risks of certain fatal cancers, orthopaedic problems, behaviour problems, and thyroid disease.  ALL FARMWATCH DOGS ARE TO BE RETURNED IN THE EVENT YOU CAN NO LONGER CARE FOR THEM AT ANY TIME IN THEIR LIFE. YOU MAY NOT SELL, REHOME, SURRENDER TO A SHELTER OR OTHERWISE RELINQUISH YOUR PUP TO ANYONE ELSE. 

Matching Puppies to New Families

Puppy temperaments are evaluated as they grow up and through temperament testing at 7 weeks.  A pup's activity level, drive, reaction to new things, and aptitude for certain dog sports are all carefully considered when making a match.  Your lifestyle, family members, activity level, and level of experience in raising and training a pup are all considered when picking out a puppy for you. Colour and gender preference will be considered also.  Pups will not be promised to new owners until their puppy temperament tests at 7 weeks. Careful notes are taken as pups mature and together with the observations of the puppy tester will determine which puppy is best suited for each family.  Allowing an experienced breeder to choose your puppy for you ensures that you end up with a puppy that fits in smoothly with you and your family.  A shy, quiet pup would not be happy in a large busy family, and a high drive pup with a strong work ethic would not be happy just laying on the couch waiting for you to come home from work. Good family placements help pups reach their full potential.

SOCIALISATION

Socialisation is not just haphazardly meeting a few other dogs and the rest of your family. Many breeders advertise that their pups are 'well socialised' because their family members and children have played with them. In reality, those pups are only socialised to that particular house and yard and that particular family. Socialisation of a pup is so much more than that. The window for socialisation is relatively short, MOST EXPERTS AGREE THAT PUPS NOT WELL SOCIALISED BY 12-16 WEEKS MAY HAVE LOST THE OPPORTUNITY TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL. Pups need to be exposed to new sounds, sights, surfaces to walk on, places, experiences, and also learn to allow handling and grooming.  However, these experiences need to be controlled so that the pup gains confidence and learns to 'bounce back' from anything upsetting.  Insisting that a pup continue to interact with something or someone when they are uncomfortable will only teach him that you don't have his best interests at heart.  Better to back up to the level where they were last comfortable (allow him to approach new people at his pace- don't play pass the puppy if he is obviously not happy being held by strangers, back away from the a scary new object until you find a distance where he is not upset and click and treat his interest, etc) Also, coddling your puppy when he is afraid teaches him that you agree, there was something to be afraid of. Far better to act nonchalant, approach the new object and touch it yourself, showing pup that it is a perfectly safe situation and you are not worried at all.  Helping your pup gain confidence and learning to recover from upset is your goal.

Socialisation should be ongoing, I highly recommend that you read at least one book on proper puppy socialisation and have a well thought out plan in place to accomplish your pup's socialisation goals before you pick up your puppy.  A puppy play or socialisation class is absolutely necessary for continued dog-dog socialisation and for you to learn to redirect your pup to focus attention back to you while your pup is wound up and excited.

READ MORE ABOUT SOCIALISATION IN OUR ARTICLE

THE RULE OF SEVENS

THE HOVAWART BREED STANDARD

The breed standard is a 'blueprint in words' of what the perfect Hovawart would be like. Breeders aspire to make a dog that comes as close as possible to the description. Of course, there are no perfect dogs, all dogs have faults, but I hope to make well improved improvements with each future generation.
envelopepaw linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram