Young Dogs
I always have some young dogs coming up between the ages of 3 months to 3 years. We are continually evaluating and sizing these dogs up. These dogs are progeny of
Twin Pines Top Hands as well as pups we occasionally purchase from a breeding that interests us. The pages here will be frequently updated as the lineup of dogs here changes and our evaluation of each youngster evolves. I like to give young dogs plenty of time to mature. While I really like to see a lot of ambition in young pups, I do not get in a rush to pass judgement on what they will develop into as far as working ability and style. I have seen dogs that would heel only at six months start to head at 14 months, and quit heeling until they are two years old. I have seen dogs that are strong on the head wait until they are almost two to heel cattle.
Confidence, personality, and intensity at a young age are things that I think really need to be present in pups at a young age.
While they may go through stages and seem unsure of how to deal with things at times, if they showed good confidence at a young age they almost always come out of it as they mature. Giving each dog the opportunity to develop to their fullest and still having the patience to wait on a dog is sometimes a test. Young dogs that have a great deal of confidence early rarely disappoint me. Pups that showed signs of insecurity around stock usually have this show up in stressful situations at a later time. In my experience young bitches go through a phase in their second year when I have a hard time dealing with them, and them with me. If they had good confidence and work ethic prior as a young pup they usually return to the dog I formerly knew.
