This will be my final update here on FA regarding the service dog training process. All updates will continue on my tumblr ServicePawsForEmmy.tumblr.com

Yesterday was the day I chose my puppy. I spent the entire day at an ASCA dog show with several breeders, including the couple that produced and cared for the litter my pup came from. I learned so much about Aussies and watched them perform in herding trials, obedience and conformation. I learned everything from good breeding practices, how to train and show an Aussie, what to look for in a dog and more than I can describe about them. It was amazing. This time I got to meet the father of the litter and watch him perform. Both parents have amazing temperaments, achievements and structures.

After the show and hanging out with practically ever Aussie breeder in the Northwest, we went back to the breeder's house to see the pups. It was an extremely difficult decision to make and spanned over the course of a few hours. This time the pups had more energy and their personalities were different than they were at 4 weeks with some of them retaining their status in the litter hierarchy. I was originally looking at a black tri, but after temperament testing all of them the most suitable one ended up being the red merle with one blue eye. He also happens to be the one the breeder almost kept herself, but she chose a black tri instead.

The little black tri I was looking at was great with being handled and adapted well to every environment, but just didn't care about me at all. He was more interested in the other puppies and exploring. He'd probably make a great cattle dog- so not what I wanted.

The other black tri I considered turned out to be a little scrapper and more dominant than he originally appeared to be at 4 weeks. He was like a little bulldozer running into my feet! This time he didn't much care for being handled or restrained for very long. He might make a great agility dog and was especially handsome for conformation, but not what I was looking for.

The other red tri I didn't need to test because it was obvious he was the most dominant and energetic. Though he was the most interested in me, he was more mouthy, bold and had the highest energy. I knew from 4 weeks he wouldn't be the one. He was a great pup, as all the puppies were, but not the right fit.

This little guy came readily when called, followed me, was interested in what I was doing, was comfortable being put on his back, showed affection, reacted well to new/sudden noises, sights and environments (not even startled, but he was curious and investigated)) and was an all around well-balanced pup. In the litter hierarchy he was somewhere in the middle which is exactly what I was looking for. I wasn't paying attention to color, but it's cute he was the only pup with a blue eye and happens to be a red merle. I came home very happy about my decision.

Training starts the first week he comes home in August. I'll also be working with my breeder as well as a couple others to train this little guy for the conformation ring. I love that the ASCA was all about fun with the dogs. Nobody was snobby (quite different than an AKC show). The dogs had a great time and it's a good way to bond with my new boy. I'm happy I chose such amazing people to work with. The breeder and I are becoming fast friends.


Thank you everyone who made this possible! Everyone involved feels good about this decision and I'm looking forward to starting!