Valiant Shilohs

04/15/2026

Let’s hold positive vibes for Civil’s hip & elbow x-rays tomorrow! We are doing PennHIP as well as submitting to OFA.

I personally value PennHIP more, since only vets who are certified can do this imaging, which drastically minimizes the issue of poor positioning that often happens with standard imaging for OFA. PennHIP also provides a quantitative measure of laxity in the hip joints for early detection of dysplasia risk, which can be done as early as 16wks of age - although our registry requirement is over 12 months of age. PennHIP will also give us measurements that coincide with how Civil’s hips compare specifically to other Shiloh Shepherds.

We are submitting to OFA as well, because the added expense is comparatively minimal to just have it done all at once. And since we need elbow results (which PennHIP doesn’t provide), this allows us to check that box at the same time, which is less stress for her. The OFA certification will be considered “preliminary,” since Civil isn’t 2yrs old yet, but if dysplasia is prevalent, it can easily be detected by 18mo.

I’m doing this strategically at this time… so that she only has to endure imaging/sedation once. She is also right in between heat cycles, which ensures our results won’t be skewed by hormonal joint laxity. This additionally allows me to refrain from further investments if she potentially needs to be washed as a breeding prospect… & alternatively buys me plenty of time to wrap up things like her Echocardiogram, DNA to UC Davis/BetterBred, official adult temperament test, & submit our stud proposal to the wardens before she predictively cycles again this Fall.

✨Int/NatCH bsCH VA Wilderness’ Valiant Reign CGCU CGCA TKN FDC LI-I UL-I SD-I RATI RATN✨

03/31/2026

I brought sweet mama’s boy Cylas out of barn hunt retirement last weekend 🐁

He hasn’t trialed in over a year, mostly because I wanted to see if his environmental sensitivity would improve with maturity. I am happy to report that he not only remembered the game, but performed better than I expected… earning a qualifying 2nd place run toward his Open title! He still gets distracted to absorb everyone/thing in his environment… but was able to hunt with confidence, tunneled, & climbed without hesitation. He did have issues alerting on a couple litter tubes… so we’ll have to work on that aspect of things.

As per usual he was a perfect gentleman & even obliged a couple spectators with pets even though he’s generally more reserved than his sister. Several people commented on how much they love his chill methodical demeanor & gentle nature 🥰

Unfortunately our winning run wasn’t caught on video. Bonus pic of Cylas posing at one of his last trials with a very baby Civil 🐾

03/25/2026

✨This is for those who want the inside scoop✨

Since we’re being met with some sharing limitations, feel free to navigate to my personal FB profile (Val Barnett) for a detailed recap of our show adventure a couple weekends ago!

03/24/2026

So many people compliment Civil’s coat… it’s not thanks to an external product I use, it’s genetics being expressed via a species appropriate diet 🍖🐾

There are a lot of misconceptions about raw pet food, but don't let those scare you away! A properly balanced raw diet offers nutrition as nature intended for your cat or dog - with a whole host of health benefits.

03/22/2026

This is why I love Shilohs… They seem to naturally understand these windows which makes it easier for me to build the work window & fine tune the rest. This is part of understanding temperaments & what works for your lifestyle as well as understanding what it might take to help your dog be pleasant to live with 🐾

This is one of the most important foundational lessons. This is one of the most important lessons in "Clarity".

03/19/2026

“Why would I get a dog from a show breeder if I just want a pet?”

It’s a fair question.. especially when there are puppies for $200 on the feed store bulletin board.

Most people who contact a breeder are not looking for a show dog. They just want a healthy, stable pet for their family. But many people don’t realize that breeders who show their dogs are not just chasing ribbons, they’re using the show ring as a way to evaluate their dogs against the breed standard. A “breed standard” is a blueprint for how each breed is supposed to look, move, and function.

When breeders prove their dogs in the ring, complete health testing, and carefully plan their breedings, they are trying to produce dogs that are structurally sound, mentally stable, and capable of living long, healthy lives. Even if the puppy you take home will never step into a show ring, those things still matter.

Well bred dogs often cost more than a bulletin board puppy, yes. But the reality is that producing dogs responsibly is expensive.

One way I explain it is by comparing it to building a house. Do you want your house built to code? Or do you want a house thrown together by a builder lacking knowledge on how to build houses, but is able to build is faster and cheaper for you?

The same idea applies to dogs. You may only want a pet, but choosing a breeder who understands the blueprint of the breed and proves their dogs meet that standard gives you a much better chance of bringing home a dog that will be healthy, stable, and able to be part of your family for many years.

There are pets in every litter of “show dogs”.. and starting off with one “built to code” gives you the best chance at a long happy healthy life with your puppy! 🫶🏼

OP: Turbar Australian Shepherds