Many animal breeding programs across the country base their selection of breeding stock on
the assumption that all characteristics are inheritable.  I have done extensive research on this
subject and through that research have come to the realization that really only a small part of
what an animal is to be is inherited from their parent's.  Research has shown that only about
35% of the animals performance is genetic.  The other 65% comes from nutrition, stimulation,
socialization and enrichment.  I work very hard to make sure that these needs are sufficiently
met in my puppies development.

Nutrition

Before the puppies are even conceived I make sure they get a good start in life by keeping my
momma dogs healthy and on a top quality food.  I have tried several different types of dog food
and have chosen to feed Loyall Premium dog food exclusively to my dogs for the high quality of
their ingredients and processing.  My dogs like it more than any other food I have tried and they
carry better weight while consuming less food.  My puppies are born with a glossy shine to their
coat and they grow at a steady rate.

About halfway through their pregnancy my momma dogs are switched from the Loyall Active
Adult formula to the Loyall Puppy Formula to make sure that the pups get adequate nutrition
and are not stripping their momma of her required nutrients.  My momma dogs stay on Loyall
Puppy food until the time their puppies are weaned from them between 6 and 7 weeks of age.  
Puppies are started on Loyall Puppy food at 4 weeks of age by wetting the kibbles and making a
mash that is easy for new puppy teeth to chew.  Between 5 and 6 weeks of age the puppies are
slowly switched over to dry kibble.

Stimulation

My puppies are neurologically stimulated using the Bio-Sensor(also known as the "Super Dog"
Program) method.  By going through a series of stimulations daily the puppies build neurons in
their brain that would otherwise be left undeveloped.  These excercises begin when the puppies
are 3 days old and continue until 18 days.  Some of the benefits that have been linked to this
method are :

1.  Improved cardio vascular performance(heart rate)
2. Stronger heart beat
3. Stronger adrenal glands
4. More tolerance to stress and
5. Greater resistance to disease

Personally I have noticed my puppies to have a calmer, more thoughtful disposition than the
litters I had before using these methods.  They think before they react rather than just reacting
to a given situation.  For example, say a cat comes into view of one of my dogs and they begin
barking at it, a normal reaction to the situation, some of the dogs simply start barking because
the others are.  My Bio-Sensor puppies wait until they see what's going on before reacting
rather than just doing what the others do.  They think for themselves.

Socialization

My puppies are handled daily from birth.  I believe that it's never to early to begin socialization
and that when done correctly you will get a strong minded, well adjusted dog.  I begin with the
Bio-Sensor stimulations and when those are complete then comes the fun part, getting to play
with the puppies.  My girls and I play with our puppies on a regular basis and socialize them with
us, other people(once they've had their first shots), puppies of different ages, adult dogs and
cats.  They are played with inside and out to provide them with the most diverse life experience
that we can.

Enrichment

Enrichment is something that lasts a lifetime and is the accumulation of the positive experiences
in a dogs life.  We are working right now towards building a puppy enrichment facility that will
include shallow pools, sand boxes, and agility type toys as well as a variety of chew, puzzle and
treat toys.  All these things we feel will benefit our puppies and provide our families with a puppy
that is that much more ready to take on the world.  We are so excited about this addition to our
program and will post pictures when we have finished the construction.

In conclusion, here at Kountry thyme Jack Russell Terriers we feel a dog is only as good as the
care it receives.  That care includes careful selection of breeding stock, feeding nutritious food
during and after gestation, and proper care of the puppies after they are born by providing for
them in extra ways to stimulate, socialize and enrich their environment.  As with most things in
life you get what you pay for, but with a Kountry Thyme Jack Russell you get more.