About Cascadia
At Cascadia, our dogs are truly a part of our family. Raised in our home, they enjoy abundant opportunities for enriching activities that nurture their well-being. They are cherished as pets first, and everything else comes second.
We delve into our commitment to ensure the well-being of our puppies by emphasizing health requirements and temperaments of parents. We also conduct detailed temperament evaluations on each puppy.
Breeding Practices
We use a combination of Avidog and Puppy Culture breeding practices. Why is it important to use these methods while raising puppies? Well, they're essential for developing confident, well-adjusted dogs. These science-based methods emphasize structured enrichment, socialization, and the acquisition of life skills during critical developmental. By incorporating techniques like Early Scent Introduction and exposing puppies to diverse environments, breeders can foster resilience, adaptability, and emotional stability. This proactive approach not only minimizes future behavioral issues, but also enhances the puppies' ability to thrive as loving companions or capable working dogs.
Breeding Requirments
Ethical breeding requires a thoughtful approach to pairings. It is not enough to simply bring two dogs together for convenience. Successful breeding involves years of careful planning, showcasing your dogs in various venues, and conducting thorough health and temperament testing. This commitment ensures that each breeding decision is with the well-being of the dogs and their future offspring in mind.
Health testing
Health testing is essential for both Greyhounds and Silken Windhounds, as each breed has unique health concerns that may arise. By being proactive about health testing, owners can help their beloved pets live longer, healthier lives.
Greyhound Health Testing Requirements​ (OFA)
Silken Windhound Health Testing Requirements​ (OFA)
* The Silken Windhound breed club encourages dog owners to consider Holter testing for their pets. They provide a convenient rental program for just $40, available to all dogs registered with the club. This proactive approach helps ensure the health and well-being of your Silken Windhound.
To read more, please visit:
Temperament Testing
*All of our breeding dogs will have temperament evaluations conducted and be made public*
What is the importance of temperament testing your breeding dogs? For our adult dogs, this testing identifies any potential genetic or behavioral issues that could be inherited by future generations. In the case of puppies, such evaluations ensure they are well-suited for their new homes, promoting healthy and stable temperaments in the long run. Ultimately, this process is a responsible breeding practice and is for the overall well-being of the breed.
​​Who performs these tests?
You want to find a trainer that specializes in temperamant testing. I personally use my long time trainer, Kayley Paylor of Instride Azawakh & training.
Kayley has an excellent blog post on the importance of temperament when breeding your dogs, view here: Breeding for Temperament
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What kind of tests are included during these evaluations? * pulled from dawgboss*​
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Sensitivity Tests – An evaluation of the dog’s response to sudden movements or unexpected stimuli.
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Aggression Tests – An evaluation of the dog’s response to a potential threat, such as dominant displays or food guarding.
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Trainability Tests – An evaluation of the dog’s ability to learn and follow commands.
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Stability Tests – An evaluation of the dog’s level of nervousness or anxiety in different situations.
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Socialization Tests – An evaluation of the dog’s response to new people, animals and environments.
Resources
Avidog Essentials
Here are 3 e-books that you can access for free on Avidog
97 Ways to Create Great Puppies!
Driving Home With Your New Puppy
Flying Home With Your New Puppy
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Puppy Culture
Puppy Culture has many reference guides for new puppy owners, please browse the link below for more information.