K9 Kennels Cockapoos, Schnoodles, WestiPoos, MaltiPoos - Training and Breeding Working Border Collies, Australian Shepherds and Guardian Dogs, Breeders of Quality Cross Bred dogs from our Home to yours

www.kennelupdogs.com - K9 Kennels is a Dog breeding Kennel located in Alberta, Canada. Breeders of Schnoodle, Cockapoo, plus Miniature Poodle, Cocker Spaniel, Miniature Schnauzer. Breeder and trainer of Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Kelpie. Stock Dog Trainer for all working stock dogs. Dog training Lessons, Clinics available. located in Westerose, Alberta, Canada. We do ship our pups, and travel to do stock dog demonstrations and clinics. Dorper sheep for sale. Livestock Guardian adults and pups for sale. Akbash, Maremma livestock guardian dog. Russ and Eve Finlay, Westerose, Alberta, Canada. 780.682.2020
	Available Puppies Our Babies The next member of your family Your new Best Friend Someone to love Click here for all of the above!
Russ & Eve Finlay Westerose, Alberta, Canada Ph: 780 - 682-2020

Dogs listen to you while you talk about yourself, and keep up an appearance of being interested.

No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as a dog does!

Do NOT DO THIS!
I recently received an email from a friend, one of those 'Oh look at this, it's so cute type of emails. Well quite frankly, it almost made me sick. At the least, very concerned. So, I copied and pasted the pictures below, with the comments sent in the email. The comments I'm assuming were made by the person who took the pictures.

Image #1 "Instructions for properly hugging a baby: 1. First, uh, find a baby." Image #2 "Second, be sure that the object you found was Indeed a baby by employing classic sniffing techniques."

Image #3 "Next you will need to flatten the baby before actually beginning the Hugging process". Image #4 The 'paw slide' Simply slide paws around baby and prepare for possible close-up."

Image #5 "Finally, if a camera is present, you will need to execute the difficult and patented 'hug, smile, and lean' so as to Achieve the best photo quality."

Now, this is my interpretation of the events: Dogs are pack animals. This is a very large dog, with a very small baby. In image # 3, the dog is clearly dominating the baby. When a dog - any dog, puts it's head over another dog, or in this case a baby, it is OWNING that dog/baby. It is showing it, that - "I am the alpha dog here".
In pictures #4 and #5, it's just more of the same - have you ever seen a dog eat a large bone or piece of meat? It lays down, and cradles the meat/bone in it's arms, holding it still. Hmmm kinda like the picture. Dogs are not people, and do NOT think like people. When you hear stories in the news about the family dog, that was so loving and protective of the children, and all of a sudden something tragic happens... 9 times out of 10, what people perceived as loving and protective behaviour, or 'hugs' is just plain dominance.
That dog had no business in the space of that young child, let alone being allowed to squish and surround it. Cute indeed. People, give your heads a shake. Dogs are NOT people. Attributing human thoughts and feelings can be fun,(see below with Trixie narration) but in all seriousness, do not take risks with your dog, especially where a child is concerned.

Now, please, be smart about dog ownership, and enjoy our site! Eve Finlay

If he is properly trained, a man can be a dog's best friend!

THE POWER OF THE DOG

There is sorrow enough in the natural way From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store, Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy Love unflinching that cannot lie
Perfect passion and worship fed By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find - it's your own affair But ... you've given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will, With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit has answered your every mood Is gone - wherever it goes - for good,
You will discover how much you care, And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way, When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent, At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe, That the longer we've kept'em, the more do we grieve;

For, when debts are payable, right or wrong, A short-time loan is as bad as a long
So why in Heaven (before we are there) Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

~ Rudyard Kipling ~

About Us
Working K9 Kennels officially opened for business in September of 2003 with the birth of our first litter of Shih Tzu X Poodle pups.
As dog owners for over 40 years, we've seen our love of dogs go from owning man's best Heinz 57 pup as a child, to having 12 purebred breeding females and 5 stud dogs - own us. We live in one of the prettiest areas in rural Alberta, just South West of Pigeon Lake, one hour south-west of Edmonton and three hours north of Calgary. We will deliver pups to anyone in either city, and points in-between - there may be a cost for delivery.

All of our dogs are considered a part of the family. Though our working dogs work - our Border Collies are trained to work the sheep and livestock on our farm, and our Guardian dogs protect the livestock from predators, they are all also friendly loving pets.

Some Facts about K9Kennels
We make it our business to provide you with the best possible puppy for your family and our home is set up as such. All of our dogs whelp in the puppy room here in the house so that the pups are socialized and played with right up until they go to your home.
K9 Kennels - Breeding Quality K9's 'From Our Home to Yours!'

We breed loving pets and working companions for you and your loved ones. This is a business and our dogs do pay some of the bills around here. That's just a fact of life. That is not to say that we do not love our dogs or that they are not a part of our family; we live in the country and this is what we have chosen to do - to work with something we love.

Our Philosophy
Perhaps the first thing you might have noticed when you entered our site, is the fact that I have a cross with the text "In all things, we put our faith in Him".
That is at the top and centermost of our life philosophy. No matter what happens in life - what curves are thrown our way, God is the one in control of it all and there's no sense in our fretting or worrying - all things happen for a reason, and that sometimes, we don't see the reason. We strive to put our faith in Him.

We love our dogs - love what our dogs have done in our lives - they joy they've given us, the unquestionable love, the companionship... We love the whole scenario of a family with children growing up with a dog. That's of course not to say that dogs aren't good for everyone, old and young - I can't say enough of the benifits of owning and loving a dog, but in particular, I feel they can give a child so much for really such little cost.
I think with all that is going on in society today - we have children killing children, children killing their parents because they don't like the restrictions put on them... that we've just gone too far from what is right. From any sense of family values, and from having any responsibility to raising a productive member of society in our children.

Way back when, when I was a child, it was OK for churches to ring out their bells on a Sunday morning, calling people to worship.
Now, in many communities, it's against the bylaw for them to do so - you might just wake people up on a Sunday morning!
The 'family unit' has many faces and my use of it is in a broad sense. Your family is what you make it, but the values you hold true, are what's important.

Way back when, the church pews were filled with rows of family members - mom, dad, and usually a minimum of three kids in tow. After the service, the day was a family day - usually ending up at grandmas for Sunday dinner. There was a sense of family values and family togetherness.
Goofy as it may seem, those 'Leave It to Beaver' episodes for the most part rang true across the nation.
Back then, we didn't have children toting guns to school. Back then, we didn't have children killing their parents because they didn't approve of a boyfriend at 13 years of age.
Back then, we didn't have families grieving over the suicide of their 13 year old child because of schoolyard bullying.

What we had was, families sitting down to dinner each night together and talking over the days activities; we had Sundays and Holidays at grandmas without question because it was what was done out of respect for our parents; we had children helping out elderly neighbours by shoveling their walks in the winter, helping with the groceries - respecting their properties, because that was normal and expected.
Does this sound like a Norman Rockwell painting - you bet it does - why is it they are so popular?
Of course, it was not a perfect world back then, yes there was crime, but it was a far cry from what we have today.
Today, I fear for my grandchildren growing up in the city.

So, when it comes down to it, I think the degeneration started when people - families, walked away from God, and away from their Sunday worship.
It started when we put laws against the reciting of the Lords prayer in schools, in removing the 'Christ' in Christmas, In taking away the true meaning of Easter - do you really think there would be a holiday for a bunny?
In even the singing of 'God Saves the Queen' - we are a Christian Nation, and I can't understand why we as Christians have had to remove our beliefs to appease other people.
Lets Joyously say 'Merry Christmas', and sing 'Silent Night', or 'We Three Kings', or Away In a Manger' loud with the true meaning of the season. Teach our children these songs in school again, and bring back the 'Christmas Concert'!
I don't have a problem with other cultures and religious beliefs - we can incorporate them into our lives and schools as well, but please allow us to continue to hold true our beliefs.
When it comes down to the crunch, how many people do you know that pray to God to not let something bad happen in their lives, or who blame God for when something bad does happen? Remember the free will aspect? Do you not think God weeps when man chooses to do some of the dispicable things he does to each other? I do.

So, on our philosophy, that's where we stand. It's not something we push on people, it's a standard we strive to live by - with honesty, with integrity, with a sense of moral values.
But I hope that if you're reading this and can see the relevence of what I am saying, that you'll start today as the first day in your life to improve things in your family. To give hope for a future with hope for a future.

Let's Call Canada Back to God.
There will be some of you who this turns off - who will move on to the next link for a puppy, but you know if you've read this far perhaps at some point in your future you will remember what I've had to say and be willing or ready to really consider it. Then all is not lost at all.

When we sell a puppy, we strive to find the best homes possible for them. We try to accommodate each prospective buyer in finding them the pup that best fits their needs and personality.
All of our females whelp inside the house so that we have constant contact with them throughout the birthing process and as the puppies grow.
We'll take pictures of the puppies from birth and mail them out to you, so that if you cannot get here in person you can view your puppy and even pick your puppy from a series of photos.

When you make the decision to buy your puppy and puppy pick up or delivery day has come - that is YOUR pup.

We do not hold any rights back for breeding or veterinary care, (though we do strongly recommend that you spay or neuter your pup) or type of food they eat, or if they can go to aunt Martha's for the weekend, even though she gets a little tipsy from time to time. Unless specifically laid out before hand re: breeding, the dog is YOURS.

We provide you with a little information booklet with tips on what you'll need for your new pup, and suggestions on what to do in certain situations. We are available around the clock for any questions concerning the new member of your family.

If for some unforseen reason you cannot keep the new member of your family.... and think very hard on this, because remember, this is suppose to be a lifetime commitment, call us.

We recommend that everyone take their (non working) dog in for obedience training - and understand that it isn't necessarily a one time thing - sometimes a refresher when the dog is older is a really good thing! Plus, it reinforces the fact that you and your dog are a team.

If you find yourself in the position of having to find him or her a new home, please let us know. We always have people calling or emailing us to see if we have any older dogs of our breeding.

THERE WILL BE NO REFUND OF ANY MONEY FOR A DOG BROUGHT BACK TO US.
It will cost us time and money to find him or her another home.
We do ask that please, worst case scenario - an animal shelter.. please don't.

We welcome people to come out to our little farm - it seems it's always under construction - we've only been here 6 years, and improvements are an ongoing process (especially after the shop fire we had the spring of 2007), but please feel free to give us a call and come by to see the dogs.
Any time during the week is fine, and Saturdays. I am reserving Sundays as my day off - we attend church in the morning and then would like to spend the rest of the day with our family.
In the Spring, we have baby lambs being born, and we welcome you to come out and see the babies - be prepared for a trip to the farm, so don't wear your best shoes! Summer is also a great time to come out and visit when the grass is green and the dogs can come out to romp and play with you. It's also a nice time to ask Russ for a demonstration to see how the working dogs do their job on sheep.

Gem one of our Maremma Guardian dogs sitting with some of her sheep
South African Dorper Sheep

These are a few of our flock of 70 sheep. We have mostly South African Dorpers
(the black heads with white bodies) and Katahdins (browns and blonde colored)

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Two Horses ~ Author Unknown
Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it.
From a distance, each looks like every other horse.
But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing.
Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind.
His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him.
This alone is amazing.
If nearby and listening, you will hear the sound of a bell.
Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field.
Attached to her halter is a small bell.
It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her.
As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see how she is always checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is, trusting that she will not lead him astray.
When she returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, she stops occasionally and looks back, making sure her friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owner of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges.
He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.
Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives.
Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see.
Good friends are like this . You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.
Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours. "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle".

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A peek into our life - or, it's a Dog's life! In Winter our little dogs spend a good portion of their time indoors - here are a few, narrated by Trixie.
Hi there, I'm Trixie, K9 Kennels resident Shih Tzu Let me introduce you to some of my friends:	'Here's Annie, she thinks she is pretty special - she's a Maltese and between you and me, she's a bit full of herself! Ok, we are friends, and yes mom, if I'm not going to say anything nice..."
"Now these two - well, I don't know why they're here at all! One is Molly, a schnoodle - one of Sweeties babies who is waiting to go to her new home, and the other - and boy is HE trouble, is her friend a Border Collie pup who lives here, named Jet. Border Collies belong outside - I don't know why no one's told him that yet! The kennels at the side are where we sleep at night, and the chair - well I can't reach it, but some of the other dogs like to sleep on it."	"Ok, now we're back to me! Here I am under moms desk with my friend Gracey, a miniature poodle and our new buddy Rudy, also a miniature poodle. We sleep there a lot when she works and tells people about us. Ahem... I'm the cute one in the middle!" We spend a lot of time inside now because it's winter, but I remember romping around on the nice green grass of summer....
"Ok, one more close up of these two - they are cute and mom says I have to be nice. and Molly IS going to her new home soon"	"But lets talk about me. Does the camera make me look fat? I am of course expecting pups soon, so the word is 'radiant'! I look forward to seeing you when you come visit!"
Now into the puppy room
Teaching a puppy to trust and relax	This is done starting at 3 weeks
It also reinforces who is dominant	We spend time every day in with our babies, playing with them, holding them, cuddling them, holding them on their backs which is a very unnatural and vulnerable position for them to be in. We put our fingers in their mouths, tug at their feet - all things they may experience in life so that when they get to your house, they've already been subjected to most everything! Socialization is extremely important to a puppies 'social' development.
Our pups learn to love humans!	No fearful shying away from you here!
Both moms and kids are very comfortable here - This is Sissy and her babies.	No visitors until the pups are 3 weeks of age but other than that, we welcome you to come and visit and even sit on the floor with the pups like I do! Watch out for those sharp little teeth though!

If you are considering buying one of our pups, please read the following story. Dog ownership is a 10 - 15 year commitment. Please consider this before purchasing any dog.

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HOW COULD YOU? When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" -- but then you'd relent and roll me over for a bellyrub. My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs" you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day. Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love. She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" -- still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love." As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch -- because your touch was now so infrequent -- and I would've defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf. Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers." You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?" They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind -- that this was all a bad dream... or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited. I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?" Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself -- a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her. It was directed at you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty. ~ � Copyright 2001 Jim Willis ~ tiergartenjim@yahoo.com

If a dog was the teacher you would learn stuff like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back in the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout . Run right back and make friends.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
And, when someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

SeaRay

Please email with any questions regarding our upcoming litters!

Battle Lake Community Baptist Church
Come visit our Church Website - or better yet, come join us on Sunday!

Dog Collars - Hundreds of dog collars and designer dog collars for any size dog or pet. Choose from an absolutely huge selection at discount and wholesale prices. The best place to go for Dog collars.

National Service Dogs

If you want the fun of having a puppy, raising and training it, but are not so sure you want a full time adult dog, perhaps this program is for you.

It is called National Service Dogs, and what they do is breed and train dogs to go to homes for children with Autism.
This is an amazing program - when Russ and I published the dog magazine 'Kennel Up' which was in stores across Canada, we ran a story on National Service Dogs, and I came in contact with families of children with Autism.
The dogs provided by National Service Dogs, made just an amazing impact in their lives. It was like opening up the whole world for their children.
National Service Dogs is expanding their business to Western Canada - the dogs have been going out cross Canada, but this is a first for them, and they are looking for people to raise their pups.
So, though this may take away from our prospective buyers, if you feel you can raise a puppy, then watch as it goes to it's forever home with a needy child, please give the folks at National Service Dogs a call.
Below is their release:
National Service Dogs in Cambridge ON are opening a new chapter of puppy raisers in the Calgary area. We are looking for singles, families with time to devote to taking care of a puppy and training it to respond to the basic commands.
Dog care knowlege and dog training knowledge will help, but basic common sense and the abiltity to take instruction from a trainer is more important. Please visit http://www.NSD.On.Ca for more details then enter the site for the puppy program. Alternatively, contact mailto:GJStephenson@gmail.com . Tel 519 623 4188 x 22. Food and veterniary care is provided by NSD. You provide the love, the time and the crate.

www.kennelupdogs.com - K9 Kennels is a Dog breeding Kennel located in Alberta, Canada. Breeders of Schnoodle, Cockapoo, plus Miniature Poodle, Cocker Spaniel, Miniature Schnauzer. Breeder and trainer of Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Kelpie. Stock Dog Trainer for all working stock dogs. Dog training Lessons, Clinics available. located in Westerose, Alberta, Canada. We do ship our pups, and travel to do stock dog demonstrations and clinics. Dorper sheep for sale, and for rent. Livestock Guardian adults and pups for sale. Akbash, Maremma livestock guardian dog.
Russ and Eve Finlay, Westerose, Alberta, Canada. 780.682.2020