New CKC Championship for Hadfield!

CH Northrock's Fly Me To The Moon CGN

We are thrilled to share the news that this past weekend at the Woodstock and District Canine Association dog show, Hadfield completed the requirements for his conformation title* going Best of Winners under judge Grant Townsend.  Hadfield is the fourth puppy from our Boomer and Ellie litter (Northrock's All Night Boogie x UR01 CH Northrock's Eau De Joy CGN) to earn his CKC Championship and we could not be more pleased.  Hadfield lives with his co-owner Marisa Victor and we are grateful to the judges for recognizing his quality and also to his handler Noreena Seery who piloted him to his wins.

Hadfield has a terrific temperament and lives a wonderful life with his family which consists of Marisa and Marc, their four fabulous kids and a sweet, elderly Duck Toller.  He's a great family dog and I look forward to hearing all about his future adventures.

*Pending CKC confirmation.

A Gathering of Northrock Barbets

                                       

This past Saturday, families with puppies from the 2017 litters gathered together at the home of Susan and Erik Luyendyk to socialize together with our dogs for games, hikes, swims in the pond and a buffet pot-luck lunch.

It was wonderful seeing everyone together and I'm so glad that families with puppies from each litter were able to attend.  We missed the ones who couldn't make it and hopefully they will be able to join us when we do it again at a future date.

The weather was perfect - not to hot and not too cool and the dogs had a fabulous time running and playing together.  The pond was a big attraction and watching them swim, wade and even jump off the dock was a joy to behold. 

Rebelyn and Jax, Paul and Marie, the Kellys and Louis, Mike and Leo

Joy and Thea, Susan and Stephanie & Kelly, Ellie, Rizzo and Stephanie
Susan and Ellie, Lise and Ellie

I know I speak for us all as I extend my gratitude to the Luyendyks who own Marie (UKC/ CKC CH Northrock's Forever Yours CGN).  Your hospitality is so much appreciated and we all had a marvellous day! 

I'm sure all of our dogs were tired when they got home and had happy dreams of games of chase, splashing in the water and getting all sorts of attention from the humans who were in attendance. 

There was a great deal of laughter and everyone all got along so well.  I'm really proud of the dogs who are growing up to be such nice canine citizens and of their humans for giving them such great homes.

Thank you everyone for sharing this special day and helping to create these great memories!  

Such a great opportunity for the dogs to try the agility equipment that was available for them to explore.  The Barbets were such good sports during the dress up race!

There are more photos to see which can be found in the Northrock Barbets Facebook Page album 

Summer and Gracie are new CKC Champions

This past weekend I attended the Windsor All Breed Training & Tracking club dog shows and I'm very pleased to share the news that our lovely girl Summer went Best of Breed to finish her conformation championship under judge Mr. Edward Wild.  Summer was bred by Anne Plomp and Miska Aksular and is out of Nuphar's All My Tomorrows by Eddie Bo Da Capo.  We are so happy to have her as a member of our family.

UR01 CKC / UKC CH Nuphar's Soak Up The Sun PCD RN CGN

Our homebred girl Gracie from our Billy and Lexi litter (Dutch CH Nuphar's Everything Zen x BPIS CH Northrock's Eureka CGN) also finished her championship on the weekend. Thank you to judge Sue-Ellyn Rempel for appreciating our puppy.  Gracie turned ten months old on the 23rd and I'm very pleased with the promise she is showing. Earlier in the month at the Scarborough Kennel Club she earned her Canine Good Neighbour temperament title which was also really nice.  She has such a fun and friendly personality and I look forward to watching her mature.  

CH Northrock's Goodness Gracious CGN 

Gracie's littermate Jax (Northrock's Good Vibrations) has also made a foray into the ring and shown by his new friend and handler Peter Scott he has picked up some points towards his championship. 

It's been fun going to dog shows and presenting my Barbets.  There is always something to learn, new friends to make, old friends to visit with and the dogs enjoy the attention and treats.  

At the Ontario Breeders Association show in Lindsay, Ontario at the beginning of March with Susan Luyendyk and her Barbet CKC/ UKC RBIS CH Northrock's Forever Yours CGN.

I am pleased to share that Hadfield (co-owned with Marisa Victor) a most agreeable and friendly Barbet also had a fun weekend out showing at the OBA show.  His charming and adept junior handler Alberta won her class with him on the Saturday.

New CKC Champion for Rizzo!

BPISS CH Northrock's For the Joy of It CGN

I’m thrilled to share the good news that on December 27, 2017 Northrock’s For the Joy of It CGN finished the requirements for her CKC Championship at the Southwestern Ontario All Retriever Society Specialty Show in Kitchener, Ontario.  Rizzo is out of URO1 CH Northrock's Eau De Joy by Northrock's All Night Boogie and is the third champion from this litter. 

Our sincere appreciation to Judge Garth Gourlay for awarding Rizzo; Winners Female, Best of Winners and Best Puppy. 

The following day at the Barbet Fanciers Association of Ontario Specialty Show, Rizzo went Best Puppy in Specialty Show.  We are grateful to Judge Kim Hamel for the recognition.  

Congratulations and many thanks to Rizzo's fabulous co-owner, Joy Hettler who has done a beautiful job keeping her in coat and raising her to be such a delightful Barbet. Thank you as well to Peter Scott, Rizzo's friend and handler for piloting her to her wins.

New Canine Good Neighbour Titles for the Boomer x Ellie pups!

Joy Hettler and Rizzo (Northrock's For the Joy of It CGN)

I'm so pleased to share the news that this past weekend three of the Boomer x Ellie (Northrock's All Night Boogie x URO1 CH Northrock's Eau de Joy CGN) puppies earned their CKC Canine Good Neighbour titles.

Susan Luyendyk and Marie (UKC/CKC CH Northrock's Forever Yours CGN)

 An enormous thank you to their owners Susan Luyendyk, Joy Hettler and Marisa Victor.  I'm so grateful to be able to share my passion for this beautiful breed with such devoted homes.  My thanks go out to them for the love they give to their dogs and the great job they have done raising them.  

 Hadfield (Northrock's Fly Me to the Moon CGN) owned by Marisa Victor
shows off his new title with his friend and handler Noreena Seery. 

New CKC Champion - Northrock's Forever Yours

Congratulations to Susan Luyendyk who beautifully handled her Barbet Marie to her CKC Championship last weekend under Judge Sean Shields at the Georgina Kennel and Obedience Club show in Lindsay, Ontario.  

UCH Northrock's Forever Yours is out of URO1 CH Northrock's Eau De Joy by Northrock's All Night Boogie.  I'm so proud of what Susan and Marie have accomplished together.  This is the second championship Susan has put on Marie - all owner-handled.  Thank you to the judges who have recognized the quality of this promising puppy.  We look forward to seeing what else this dynamic duo will achieve together.

Northrock's Forever Yours aka Sweet Marie beautifully handled to BOB at the Pine Ridge KC show by Susan.

Marie is a sweet Barbet and lives a happy life with Susan, Erik and her Berner "sisters".  I am so very grateful for the wonderful home they have given her.

Northrock's Forever Yours - A New UKC Champion!

Our heartfelt congratulations to Susan Luyendyk and her Barbet puppy Marie on completing her UKC Championship at the recent Maple Leaf Kennel Club shows held over the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend.  Marie was beautifully presented by her owner Susan and together this wonderful team came away from the weekend with two Gun Dog group seconds, one group first and Reserve Best In Show! Thank you to Judges William Hosler, Laurie Soutar, Karyn Colman and Margaret Doster for their recognition of this promising young puppy. Marie is out of URO1 CH Northrock's Eau de Joy CGN and Northrock's All Night Boogie.  

Susan and Marie after Marie's Group second win under Judge William Hossler.

Odin is a New CKC Champion!

We are pleased to celebrate a new conformation champion at Northrock Barbets.  Odin, Northrock's Full Morning Star, finished his championship at the Pine Ridge Kennel Club this past weekend.  We are delighted with this young puppy and look forward to seeing what he and his wonderful co-owner Andrew Rhodes will get up to next. Thank you to all the judges who recognized his quality along the way to his new title. Odin is out of Northrock's Eau De Joy by Northrock's All Night Boogie. 

  

Odin was handled to his Championship by his new buddy Peter Scott.

Boomer x Ellie Puppies 8 - 9 Weeks

The Boomer x Ellie puppies have been such a joy.  I feel so blessed to have been able to watch these pups grow up and see their individual personalities blossom.  Ellie has been an exceptional mom and I am so very grateful to Lise and Les for their friendship and trust in letting Ellie come and stay with us while she raised her litter.  

Lise with Ellie and her puppies

The puppies had a busy time in their last couple of weeks with us.  Trips for their structural evaluations and chiropractic check up, and vet check up all went well.  They have become good travellers and by the time they were off to their new homes they handled their car trips with ease.

Rolo chewing on a beef knee cap

Baby Ruth really liked the bird wing during her temperament testing.

Oh Henry investigates the umbrella.

The temperament testing was an enjoyable day spent with friends, observing the puppies and watching how they handled new challenges.  We were all pleased with how well the puppies did.

The weather was quite good for this time of year and the pups got to go outside to play in their outdoor pen regularly.  There were some days were it was a little too windy and cold though.  The bottle pool offered some indoor entertainment for the puppies and humans watching them. 

 The puppies have now gone off to live with their new families.  I'm looking forward to hearing all about their new adventures with their people.  I am truly grateful for the wonderful friendships that have been made as our Northrock family has grown.  Farewell little muppets, I look forward to when we will see each other again xoxo

Boomer x Ellie puppies 5 - 7 weeks

The time is flying by with the puppies from Northrock's F litter.  So many wonderful memories are being made and Ellie has been an exceptional mother. 

Ellie and her pups 💖

Summer hanging out with the puppies.

During the past few weeks they have had new things added to their indoor pen and have been taking regular trips outside to play.  

They have had a field trip to a farm and been tattooed.  It was a long car ride and a fun outing for the pups where they got to explore a whole bunch of new smells and different terrain. 

 The temperament tests are now complete and I'm very pleased with the puppies' personalities.  They are a delightful bunch who melted the hearts of our testers.

For the last several weeks many visitors have been coming to the house to help socialize the puppies. It makes for a very busy schedule here at Northrock but I wouldn't have it any other way.

 Photos and videos are posted on an almost daily basis on the Northrock Barbets Facebook Page.  Please visit and like the page so you don't miss any updates.

Boomer x Ellie Puppies 3 & 4 weeks

Lots has been happening with the Boomer and Ellie puppies during the last couple of weeks.  We've watched them grow from neonates into little puppies that are quick and co-ordinated.  They can see and hear and are making all sorts of vocalizations from little puppy growls to yips and woofs.   

Here are the puppies at 3 1/2 weeks of age

They made the big move out of the guest bedroom downstairs to the dining room which has been converted into a puppy play pen.  They are enjoying their larger space which includes lots of toys that are rotated regularly, a sleeping area and the potty boxes.  I'm quite pleased with how quickly they have taken to consistently using the potty box to eliminate.  It makes clean up so much easier and helps to establish clean bathroom habits from the start.

The puppies are now eating solid food 4 times a day.  It's a mixture of ground turkey with bone and goats milk and today we have introduced ground beef with goats milk.  They very much enjoy their mealtimes however, they are still nursing throughout the day from their dam.



Lots of visitors have been coming over which is so very good for puppy socialization.  We are playing noise c.d.s for the puppies which also helps to acclimate them to the many sounds of the real world in addition to the sounds inside our home such as pots and pans clanging and the vacuum cleaner running. The puppies are also having a grand time playing with their adventure box and exploring the space outside of their pen. 

The puppies enjoying their adventure box

  

I hope you enjoy our blog posts about the Boomer and Ellie puppies.  If you would like to see more photos and videos of the pups I invite you to like our Facebook page Northrock Barbets where I try to post photos of the little ones on a daily basis.

Boomer x Ellie Pups @ 2 Weeks

Well here we are mid-way into the puppies third week of life.  They turned two weeks old on Monday and everyone is doing really well.  Ellie continues doing a great job mothering her puppies.  She is keeping the whelping box very clean and is incredibly patient with her little puppies.  

Ellie is brushed regularly and is looking good and feeling great and I think she enjoys the added attention.  She has quite the appetite and is eating several meals throughout the day including a midnight meal and a very early breakfast. 

The puppies are growing steadily and all of them have opened their eyes.  They are beginning to really get up on their legs to move around the box and it's surprising how quickly they can motor about.  We have continued with the Early Neurological Stimulation exercises and the Early Scent Introduction.  Some of the scents that we have introduced the puppies to so far include lavender, orange peel, rose, cedar, cloves, leather, mint and soap.  Sometimes we don't observe much of a reaction in the puppies at all but at other times their little nostrils flare and you can really see them taking it in.  The leather was particularly intriguing to most of the puppies and so was the orange.

The puppies are starting to take up more room in the whelping box and it's beginning to get a little crowded at the milk bar.  There is quite a bit of jostling around as they settle in to a spot - it's all such valuable stimulation for their little senses.   Every day we snuggle and weigh the puppies and their nails are trimmed every three days so they won't scratch Ellie.  

Boomer x Ellie Puppies @ 1 Week

The Boomer and Ellie puppies had a great first week.  They are steadily gaining weight and are all over the one pound mark.  Ellie is a doing a fabulous job as a new mother and is gentle and patient with her puppies.  She has a very relaxed approach to motherhood.

The puppies are in the neonatal development period and will remain in this stage until they are 2 weeks old.  When they are born, puppies eyes and ears are closed and they are dependant on their dams for their survival.  They need their dam not only for food but also to stimulate them in order for them to eliminate. Puppies are also unable to regulate their own body temperature so they stay warm by snuggling up to their mother and litter mates.  

Early Neurological Stimulation & Early Scent Introduction exercises were started on day 3 and will continue until day 16.  These adorable puppies also receive a great deal of handling as it's difficult to stay out of the whelping box.  

The kids have come up with litter nick names for the puppies and have named them all after chocolate bars.  They are as follows:

Dark Blue Boy: Mr. Big

Light Blue Boy: Snickers

Green Boy: Oh Henry

Orange Boy: Rolo

Brown Boy: Hershey

Red Girl: Kit Kat

Pink Girl: Sweet Marie

Purple Girl: Baby Ruth

Please visit our Facebook Page Northrock Barbets for frequent video and photo updates.  We will continue providing updates via the blog, just not as often.