Raising our puppies

At Balexi Border Collies Breeder, we follow Puppy Culture protocols.  To find out more about puppy culture visit the Puppy Culture page.

When weaning our puppies we start with introducing the puppies to goats milk and then each day we introduce them to a new food, some of it mixed into the goats milk, and some of it on its own.  We are guided by when the puppies area ready and do not wean on our schedule, but rather their schedule.  

We introduce fermented vegetable such as sauerkraut and kefir very early.  The introduction of variety is critical in building their gut microbiome for long term health.

In the first weeks of life mum takes care of this, but at about 2 or 3 weeks it is increasingly difficult for her to keep up, especially once introduction of solids begins.

Potty training starts early.  Puppies, like humans, like to sleep in a clean bed and even at a very young age will move away from their bed to relieve themselves.

We facilitate early potty training familiarisation so that by the time the puppies go home they have a great understanding of where to go and we will provide you with guidance of what to put in place to ensure this learning continues at home.

Manding is about using classical and operant conditioning so puppies can learn how to ask for things.  This is a great set up for later training.

Your border collie puppy will have an early introduction to nose works, using a dogs natural sense of smell and is a great enrichment activity.

We provide our puppies with early learning experiences through various activities, walks in the puppy pram, puppy parties, one-on-one activities and lots of exploring.  We also provide an early introduction to the clicker so when you take your puppy home they have already been conditioned to learn.  

We will have commenced several protocols to teach puppies that there are times when their humans are not available for interaction.

Why is this important?  To give them an off switch.  Due their strong working drive Border Collies can have difficulty switching off and this can eventually lead to an obsessive compulsion.  

We will have commenced crate training with all of our puppies.  Crate training is vital for teaching puppies that this is their safe place and to accept times when they might need to be crated without causing them distress, such as visits to the vet or travel.

Your border collie puppy will be registered with governing body on Limited Registration.  

This registration will allow you to participate in dogs sports however you will not be able to show or breed from this dog.

Your border collie puppy will have been wormed and microchipped and received its initial vaccination based on veterinary protocols.  

As part of your puppy pack you will receive a health passport to accompany your puppy.

Your border collie puppy will receive a Black Hawk Puppy pack including grain free kibble which your puppy will have been given as part of their weaning.  

If you need to make changes to puppies diet we recommend you do so slowly to avoid gastrointestinal issues.

Your puppy pack will include the following:

• Be Your Puppy's Advocate Booklet
• Puppy Culture Exercise Booklet
• A Breed Apart Trilogy from breed expert Carol Price;
• Life time access to Puppy Culture's video series "With Open Arms and a Level Head to help prepare you for your new puppy;
• 6 weeks pet insurance
• Toy/blanket

As a responsible breeder we require you to provide proof of desexing of your puppy once old enough.

We recommend waiting until they have passed through adolescence, so 12-18 months old.

We understand that at times life throws you a curveball and that returning a puppy/dog would be a last resort.

If despite your best efforts, you are unable to keep the puppy/dog any longer we expect you to contact us to discuss.  

You will never be alone when you purchase a Balexi border collie puppy. 

We will support you on your journey of adding a border collie to your family.