This past weekend I had the opportunity to travel with Jess out to Alberta and meet up with Michael. He had traveled down from north of Edmonton to outside Calgary with pups from the Vaeda litter.

Jess and I were taking Tsuga, one of the males back with us to meet Norah and Sam outside Grand Forks as they were driving up from the USA.

Now, I have say this with a great deal of respect for Michael. I have purchased most likely more Elkhound pups than almost anyone and all from Master Breeders around the world. In a preservation breeding program like Kamia Kennels we need outcross pups, so I have to go to Master Breeders to get them. So I know a fair bit about how pups are set up. I am also very aware of how to set up pups myself having whelped out so many.

But this I have to say. Tsuga and his brother were the two I got to spend time with, then of course Tsuga traveled with Jess and I back to Grand Forks along with Teeko.

Well, I can clearly say, Tsuga was the best setup pup I have ever seen. Now that takes some doing, believe me. I know a good pup, and I know a good setup pup. The behavior, the training, the skill set of this young Tsuga was truly incredible.

We were able to camp by the river and he slept outside with Teeko and never made a sound, came every single time I called him, he never left my side. An absolutely flawless pup. Oh I know genetics play a role, but this my friends, this was a pup that was skillfully raised, with care, attention to all things, such professional and focused training. It truly was the best pup I have been presented with of all the pups I have received.

I was actually sad in some ways, knowing I had been basically replaced, also knowing that this pup was not staying with me, but going to a great family, even though I was ecstatic for them, I still wish I could have had this guy stay with us. He was SO GREAT!

So I have to say going forward, Michael is now by far the best breeder of Elkhounds and him and Sarah do the absolute best ever with these pups and the attention they put in.

Setting a pup up correctly takes a tremendous effort, a great deal of time, patience, you have to have the right connection with the parent dogs, the mentor dogs have to be part of it, the overall energy and feedback has to be so good to raise a pup of this quality. I know the other pups have all been this good, I have just not had the chance to see many of them. I know my genetics and all the dogs are the elite, but still you need that pup guidance and setup.

Norah and Sam, they will love Tsuga. Nathan he as well this weekend got a great pup. Todd flew up to get Lilla, the stunning female from the litter. Pam has her big rascal down with her now as well. More on them coming soon. All of these pups will be the greatest, Thanks to Michael and Sarah and the care they provide.