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This page contains answers to common questions, along
with some tips and tricks that we have found useful and presented here as
questions. If you have a question, send it to us!!
- What is
BAER testing?
- Why are
your dogs tails not docked ... ?
- What is
prcd-PRA and why do you test for it ... ?
- What
does Mark do?
- What
does a puppy typically cost ?
- How well
do ACDs get along ?
BAER stands for Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response. This test
focuses on changes and responses in brain waves that are stimulated by a
clicking sound to evaluate the auditory pathways of the brainstem. The
test is performed by placing electrodes along the dogs scalp, along the
vertex and on each earlobe. The electrodes are small metal "pins" that
are pierced just through the skin. Earphones fixed through earplugs are
placed in each of the dogs ears. The dog hears clicking noises or
tone bursts through earphone, and the electrodes pick up the brains
response and record it on a graph. This test is able to confirm if dogs
have normal hearing. It is not uncommon for a cattle dog to only
have hearing from one ear, which, without the test is difficult to
detect. The test costs between $80-$200 depending on where it is
done. All dogs at Skyfire have had this test
performed. We typically will test the entire litter,
regardless if they are show or breeding quality.
If you have ever watched an ACD work stock in slow motion, you will
notice how they use their tail as a rudder. We have no idea why anyone
would want to remove this wonderful balancing tool. The AKC is
dedicated to maintaining the form and function of purebred dogs, and for
ACDs this means working stock. For this reason, we do not dock
tails on our dogs.
Progressive retinal cone dystrophy is a form of canine Progressive
Retinal Atrophy. As it's name implies it is a progressive disease
(the dogs begins life without it and later in life develop it).
The PRA that we most commonly see is a late onset (we are not able to
clinically detect until after it actually develops, and it develops late
in life). Because of this, years of breedings had previously
occurred before you were aware dogs were affected.
We now are now able to do a DNA test for prcd-PRA. The test is
not cheap. By the time the veterinary fees, microchip,
shipping fees, and lab fees are added up, it is around $350 per
dog. I now consider this test is key in developing my breeding
program and consider the price a worthwhile investment.
The genetic disorder, prcd-PRA , causes cells in the retina at
the back of the eye to degenerate and die, even though the cells seem to
develop normally early in life. The “rod” cells operate in low light
levels and are the first to lose normal function. Night blindness
results. Then the “cone” cells gradually lose their normal function in
full light situations. If affected dogs live long enough, they will
eventually be blind. Diagnosis of retinal disease can be
difficult. Conditions that seem to be prcd-PRA might instead be
another disease and might not be inherited. OptiGen’s genetic test
assists in making the diagnosis. It’s important to remember that not all
retinal disease is PRA and not all PRA is the prcd form of PRA.
Annual eye exams by a veterinary ophthalmologist will build a history of
eye health that will help to diagnose disease.
 
Mark Lewis Johnson, M.S., P.E.
Aside from his expertise and year of experience in canine waste
management, he serves as dog show "Camp Cook". He always makes
sure the handlers and brush holders head to ring side with a full
tummy.
Depending on where you get your ACD, you can pay from
$150-$1,500. There is a lot of truth to the saying "you get what
you pay for", as raising a quality, health puppy is not cheap for the
breeder and will not be cheap for the future owner. Skyfire
typically asks $650 for companion dogs. For our investment over
the years, we are deeply in the red. For those that think somehow this
price is unexplainably high, let us think about what you are
getting....
The mother and father of a litter of Skyfire puppies were typically
puppies that were selected at a young age themselves. Several
puppies may have been grown out, shown, trained, and never bred before
we found just the right ones. A pedigree analysis has been
performed including inbreeding coefficients calculated to ensure similar
distant relatives do not make the dogs too closely related, but that the
litter is still being bred for consistency based on 5-20% ratios.
We always seek outside opinion and consult with a network of other
breeders prior to making our final decisions. In short, litters
are well thought out and planned sometimes years in advance. The parents
are typically AKC Champions of Record, meaning several hundred to
thousands of dollars have been invested to compete and prove this dog is
a near replicate of the ideal cattle dog as evaluated by the breed
standard. Other titles may have been obtained including obedience,
agility and herding certificates. The parents have had testing
done on common genetic problems. Hip x-rays (prelim followed by 2
year old OFA) can cost several hundred dollars. The prcd-PRA test
for an adult is $275 per dog plus vet and shipping charges. BAER
test (hearing tests) are $80-$200. Annual CERF certification are
~$30/year.
A stud fee is paid if we are using outside stud service.
Shipping to and from the stud is paid as well. After the female is
confirmed pregnant, prenatal and postnatal care is given including any
necessary x-ray to check puppies. All females received a post
whelping vet check where the vet will palpate to check for retained
placentas and provide an oxytocin shot. Those charges can be one to
several hundred dollars depending on the situation.
Puppies front dewclaws are removed at just a few days old
($10-15/puppy). Puppies are wormed two the three times prior to
leaving our house (~$10 per puppy). They have also received at
least their first two puppy series shots (~$20/puppy).
The puppies are BAER tested ($80-200 per puppy) and depending of the eye
status of the parents, DNA tested for prcd-PRA ($~170 per puppy).
We purchase shots, worming medications, new toys, and other
supplies from veterinary supply companies. If you live close enough
to come back and visit, we are willing to finish the series for you
which includes booster shots until 16 weeks old.
By the time you come to pick up your puppy, we have spent just about
every evening fussing over your puppy. We want to make sure your
puppy gets the best start possible. We drag as many friend (and
friends children) over as possible to play with the puppies to ensure
they are well socialized. We have them inside the house, out in
the yard, in the garage, in the car, and sometime the kids red-wagon for
a walk around the neighborhood. Since we are now located in Las
Vegas, we no longer have stock available at our house, but we intend to
expose the puppies to at least sheep before they are 8 weeks old.
Continues exposure and socialization by the new owner is also very
important and can help mold the temperament of the adult dog.
All in all, by the time the new owner comes to pick up their new
puppy, the cost to me is very much an "way under invoice" price tag for
me. But it is a hobby, a love of dogs that I couldn't live
without.
Some ACDs get along, and some do not. Luckily, I have never had a
problem. Dogs will eventually establish a pecking order amongst
the pack. I have never had an ACD get injured in a fight that
necessitated a vet visit (knock on wood). In fact, most fights are all
noise and no action. I do not push dogs beyond what they are
cabable of handling. You need to ensure you gives dogs enough
space so that they can get out of each others way. A large yard with
multiple dog houses is much needed over a small kennel (think of
Survivor). You also need to ensure you provide enough toys or treats so
they everyone can be happy. I never let dogs argue in front of
me. It is important that you establish if you are there, YOU are
top of the pecking order. However, you can't always be
there. Sometimes the best thing you can do, is turn your head the
other way and let the dogs work it out. Constant intervention will
only demand continued intervention.
Dogs in threes will also have a tendency to pick on the low-man. And
you don't have to have three dogs for this to happen. Remember
ACDs are stock dogs and key off of you. It is not uncommon if I
discipline a dog verbally ("you knock that off""), that another dog
(usually the alpha dog) will come running over to ALSO discipline the
dog that is in trouble. Allowing this to happen, is allowing the
pick on the low-man to occur - so don't let them do
this!
My ACDs are now allowed to rough house inside. Just like kids,
playing has it's time and place, and that time is when I let you outside
and that place is outside only! I also don't allow my dogs to give
other dogs "the look". ACDs have to know YOU are the alpha
dog ALWAYS!
An
established pecking order. Abby chewing on a bone, Luke hoping
that staring at it long enough will make it his.
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