PRIMARY SOCIALIZATION: DAY 20-WEEK 6

The BB's are going to be 5 weeks old tomorrow (March 2nd).

They have moved from the whelping box to their Puppy Party Palace (they actually have two) which is a linoleum lined gated area with potty, bed and play areas. They are learning to use the potty box area but with eight there are bound to be mistakes. Most of my free time is being spent as the sanitation worker trying to keep the area as clean as possible in the hopes they will eventually potty in a designated area (cross your fingers for me!). 

They are sleeping on a Kuranda raised bed covered in blankets and there are soft blankets on the floor (and pee pads) for traction and wetness control (urine). They also have a hard plastic crate to nap in if they choose (eventually there will be eight crates). 

They love the Puppy Toy Mobile (with hanging objects) and are having fun with each new toy/experience per day. 

For those familiar with Puppy Culture the puppies have done the "barrier challenge" to learn to problem solve for themselves which reduces frustration in adult dogs. Future puppy owners -- please be sure yo are watching the Puppy Culture DVDs (thanks!). 

PRIMARY SOCIALIZATION PERIOD: DAY 20-WEEK 6

The first socialization period begins at two-and-a-half weeks of age and lasts until six weeks of age. This is when the puppies learn how to be dogs, so to speak. They become familiar with all the species-specific behaviors that allows them to live and communicate with other dogs, such as different body postures and vocalizations. They also learn how to bite and what it feels like to be bitten. This is an important lesson for puppies to learn when they are young, so they do not hurt other dogs and people as adults. The mother also teaches the pups very important lessons on discipline and dog-manners. Puppies will also begin to move to specific locations to potty, preferring not to mess up the den or whelping area.

Want to socialize your dog? Please watch this fabulous video . . .

Puppies Learn How to Love Management - VIDEO

Puppies (and adult dogs) should learn how to accept and enjoy management as a skill. Regardless of our lifestyle, our dogs will need to be separated from us at some point. When we teach it as a skill, it gives us the ability to use it to help prevent naughty behavior like counter surfing, dumpster diving, and inappropriate chewing from happening and teach calm behaviors instead. Here is an easy training set up you can do with an x pen or a baby gate to help your dog learn that quiet, four on the floor, and independent play are all good things to do when confined. I recommend doing this exercise on its own before incorporating it into your normal routine! 3-5 minutes a few times a day can help your puppy learn quickly that confinement is great! Then, stick some treats in your pocket and reinforce your pup as they hang out in their safe place as you move around the space. 

For more information visit us: www.pawsitivefutures.com 

www.facebook.com/pawsitivefutures 

Instagram: @pawsitivefutures

Preparing for Puppy!

I am super excited about the awesome families selected for the BB's and we have been discussing preparations for when the pup comes home.

This link was shared in the Puppy Culture Facebook group and it is an excellent setup for a new puppy if you need to leave them unattended for any length of time. Please go the entire link for details:
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=766465327095211&id=595861667488912

Below is a snippet - credit to Pawsitive Obsession

"Litter box is stationed in the back corner so that it is away from resting area and not in a place puppy will be walking to try and access us.
The ex pen and litterbox are for times that there isn't anybody available to supervise the puppy so she doesn't practice having accidents in the house but also isn't confined to a crate and forced to hold it or go to the bathroom and lay in it. My new puppy and I are very fortunate to have a breeder who works so hard to help her puppies learn to be clean and know how to use a litterbox from a very young age!!
I will need to get another water bowl because this one will tip over easily, so for now I have it placed as much out of the way as I can and a washable puppy pad under it to soak up any spills."  NOTE: The BB's are being litter box trained on fake grass. 

"The red sheet is hung up in the corner that has the litterbox, this sheet will stay up as long as the litterbox remains in the ex pen. This sheet will help to guide the puppy to another part of the ex pen to watch activities going on in the living room so she's not walking through the litterbox.
The brown sheet will only go up if what is going on in the living room is too much for her, or it is time for her to nap. "

Puppy Culture - Enrichment & Socialization "Something New Every Day"

The puppies will continually exposed "Something New Every Day". Some great ideas below, let me know if you think of anything else!

Our 2013 Litter drinking from a hose

- Music Mat
- Sit N Spin
- Baby slide
- Crackle toys
- Squeaky toys
- Plush toys
- Walk on grass
- Walk on tin foil
- Play in kiddie pool
- Bubbles
- Cold toys (teething)
- Paper towel rolls
- Empty box
- Mirror
- Yoga block
- Walk on gravel
- Introduce bumper bed mat
- Grooming tools in box
- Stand on grooming table and eat treats
- Be brushed with pupy brush
- Show stack and eat baby food / yogurt to hold still
- Walk on carpet
- Walk on tile
- Introduce puppy mush
- Have friends come to visit
- Have trusted adult dog of friends visit
- Meet cat (if applicable. I have one.)
- Listen to classical music
- Listen to Puppy sounds CD
- Introduce small tunnel
- Puppy playmat with dangling toys
- Play with a ball that rolls (beach ball or something light)
- Introduce dremel (just hearing seeing, touching toes with dremel off)
- Introduce actually dremeling toenails (8 weeks)
- Clip nails
- Ball pit
- Car rides
- Walk up and down steps
- Loud noise - i.e. lawn mower
- Moving objects - car, bicycle
- Meet other animals (goats, rats, horses, etc.)
- Watch kids jump on a trampoline
- Play in a dry bathtub
- See or go in a Tent
- Plastic milk bottles

- Large bubble wrap (before they are big enough to eat it)
- Change of environment - move to new pen or visit new areas of the house
- Vaccum cleaner
- Lawn mower
- Broom
- Washing machine
- Various food puzzle toys
- Empty plastic bottles and cans in a ball pit
- Skateboard or toy that moves if they get on it
- Wobble disc
- Sound toys
- Electric toothbrush to simulate being clippered/groomed
- Banging pots/pans
- TV on various channels
- Different kinds of music
- Turning on ceiling fan/window fan
- Plastic bags, the kind that blow in the wind

- Children of all ages
- A fan on the floor outside of the pen blowing in

Currently, eating . . .

The puppies are hungry! They've started on goats milk and Honest Kitchen Grain Free (Chicken or Fish) as well as some of my recommended probiotic supplements. They also had a taste of minced raw chicken and will be weaned onto premade raw as well as oatmeal and their current diet. So far they are LOVING IT!

Emery is a fastidious mother and still wants to feed them but she is having a hard time making enough milk for the eight babies. She is currently eating around 5 lbs. of food which includes raw, cottage cheese, Honest Kitchen, cooked lean meats, veggies and whatever else she can get her teeth on!

Example: She pulled a cooked spaghetti squash off the counter which was intended for human consumption. There is no way I can be mad at her!!! 😘

Do you really want a "normal" dog?

The Myth of "Normal" Dogs

Dogster's Dog Training Guide with Casey Lomonaco, KPA CTP

Recently, a colleague and friend posted a picture on FB accompanied by a caption saying something to the effect of “does anyone have ‘normal’ dogs?” indicating that her dogs had a variety of issues which she was dedicated to working with – separation anxiety, noise sensitivity, fear aggression, etc. “All I ever wanted was a normal dog!”

I hear this a lot in my practice and am forced to ask, “Really? You really think you want a normal dog?!”

What exactly is a ‘normal’ dog?   Here are some characteristics of normal dogs:

• normal dogs bite
• normal dogs have no standards as to appropriate elimination sites with the exception of “where I sleep is out of bounds”
• normal dogs do not come when called if something more interesting is going on
• normal dogs default to responding to new stimuli in their environment fearfully. Fear is a survival adaptation and keeps a dog safe.
• normal dogs chew, dissect, and destroy things
• normal dogs resource guard
• normal dogs bark and growl
• normal dogs dig holes
• normal dogs hump legs
• normal dogs vocalize when left alone
• normal dogs chase squirrels, deer, and cats
• normal dogs kill small animals
• normal dogs pull on the leash
• normal dogs often like to run around as fast as they can, even if they knock over small children or grandma in the process
• normal dogs lift their legs and pee on trees, even when we bring those trees into our houses and put lights and ornaments all over them
• normal dogs like to sniff EVERYTHING – crotches (human and canine), fire hydrants, trees, bushes, gopher holes
• normal dogs eat poop
• normal dogs tear up the garbage, counter surf, and eat expensive panties or heels
• normal dogs roll in poop and dead things
• normal dogs do not like every dog they meet
• normal dogs do not want to be hugged, kissed, touched, or stared at by every person they meet in every situation
• normal dogs don’t like having their nails trimmed, mats removed from their coat, or grooming
• normal dogs don’t naturally love being crated
• normal dogs don’t naturally love wearing sweaters, being carried in purses or strollers, or wearing booties

Looking at all these things that normal dogs do, how many of you want one? All of these things are NORMAL DOG BEHAVIORS. If humans did not intervene, these are the things that dogs would do naturally. I’d argue that very, very few humans would even know what to do with a truly “normal” dog if they came across one. Normal dogs do not make good pets.

What we want in a pet dog is abnormal behavior. We want a creature which has evolved for millennia as a hunter to act like prey doesn’t matter. We want dogs to learn to go potty outside the house, even when we bring doggy bathrooms (trees) into our homes as holiday decorations. We want dogs to like every dog and person they meet. We want dogs to be silent animals. We want dogs to walk politely on a loose leash, even though our walking pace is comparatively very slow. (Have you ever been caught behind someone who moves slowly when you’re in a hurry, either walking or driving? Frustrating!) We want dogs to never bite, no matter what, even when they are harassed, abused, and neglected.

What we want from dogs are behaviors which are ethologically incompatible with their evolution as a species. We like dogs, but not their “dogginess.” Normal dogs end up in shelters for just this reason. Abnormal dogs get to stay in their homes.

Part of the problem is also in what is defined as “normal dog owner” behavior. “Normal” dog owners:

• don’t take their dog to class
• don’t go out of their way to socialize the dog extensively and appropriately during puppyhood
• place their dog’s physical and mental stimulation needs somewhere around #894 on their list of priorities
• don’t manage their dogs to prevent rehearsal of bad behavior
• focus on what their dog is doing “wrong” and ignoring the dog when he does the “right” things
• don’t train their dogs and then blame the dog for misbehaving
• expect dogs know the difference between “right” and “wrong” naturally
• look for a quick fix to behavior problems
• choose to confine the dog to the back yard, turn him into a shelter, or have him euthanized before consulting with a behavior professional to address the problem

Normal dog owners get normal dog behaviors. Abnormal dog owners are proactive about preventing behavior problems and address any new problems as soon as they are noticed. If they don’t know what to do about a problem, they research to find a good trainer who uses dog-friendly training methods. They exercise and train their dogs, even if they are busy. They make spending time with the dog and helping him thrive a priority.

While no dog is perfect, realizing that virtually everything we expect of dogs is unnatural for them highlights the need for training. Part of what makes dogs so wonderful is the fact that they are generally more than happy to exchange behaviors which are rooted in hundreds of thousands of years of instinct for an owner that will spend a few minutes a day training them to offer alternative, incompatible, and socially desirable behaviors.

Dogs don’t come “perfect,” whether they are brought into the home as puppies or as adult dogs they need training. Well-behaved dogs rarely happen by chance, they are usually well-trained dogs. “Bad” behavior in dogs is not bad behavior to dogs, it is simply normal behavior. I think that society does dogs a disservice with the assumption that “good behaviors” are the norm and “bad behaviors” are aberrant. It is the dogs that pay for this misunderstanding, often with their lives. It’s like something out of the Twilight Zone.

Carefully review the list of normal dog behaviors above. If these are not the behaviors you want, you need to train your dog to offer abnormal behaviors. In doing so, you will leave the ranks of “normal dog owners” and join us crazy folks in the “abnormal dog owner” realm.

It’s not so bad – we have lots of treats, toys, and fun here with our “abnormal dogs!”

The 10 Most Important Things to Teach A Puppy

WDJ is an excellent resource for all things dog! Another great article below... (see link):

It shouldn’t surprise me but it does, still, that there are far too many people out there who don’t seem to have a clue about how to properly raise a puppy. Whole Dog Journal readers are not likely to fall into the “completely clueless” category, but in case you haven’t had a puppy for a while – or ever – and recently adopted or are thinking of adopting, here’s a refresher course for you on the topic of the 10 most important things you should teach your puppy.

The 10 Most Important Things to Teach A Puppy https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/puppies/pre_puppy_prep/the-10-most-important-things-to-teach-a-puppy/

Calmness is a learned behavior 😇

This video is a tutorial on how to teach your puppy or dog to be calm.

Some dogs need help to learn how to relax. Calmness does not come naturally to some breeds .By reinforcing your dog for being calm, your dog will start to choose calmer behaviors in the future and actually enjoy being calm.

Tips for teaching a Default Settle:

• Don't drop treats if the dog looks up at your hand as you move to give the dog the treat, instead try again later.
• Don't cue the dog "down". It works better if the dog figures it out on his own and CHOOSES to lay down.
• Use high value treats like real meat or cheese for such a wonderful behavior.

---

A wonderful friend and fellow Vizsla Breeder, Janet Galante, owner of Sit! Stay! Play! in Tucson, AZ posted this lovely photo and comments.

"People often ask me "how do you do that" when they see dogs happily in free play without barking or resting quietly without restraint at Sit! Stay! Play!. There are lots of reasons including the creation of a low stress "culture", but the main reason is having dedicated, intelligent, caring, and well trained employees like Tracie Brennan. We have been moving our nap periods to the play floors and teaching the dogs it is time to take a break has been a process. I am so proud to have so many talented people working with me."

We're THREE Weeks Old!

The BB's are THREE Weeks today! They are navigating and exploring the whelping box and are mouthing each other and have been introduced to a few toys. As the weeks progress, they will be introduced to a "novel" item each and every day as part of the Puppy Culture socialization process. 

Cut the "sit"

The most over-used cue when working with dogs is “sit”. I often see dogs complying with being told to sit with the obvious body language that they would rather not and often this becomes a behavior they associate with negatively. Never, EVER push your pups rear to the ground forcing them to sit. Firstly, it's mean -- and secondly you can injure their rear end.

Ask for different cues, avoid asking your dog for behavior a in unpleasant settings and think about using a “stand-wait” before crossing the street especially in horrible weather. After all, would you want to sit down on wet, cold ground? 🐾

Credit to: https://www.instagram.com/bravodogtraining/

Breakfast with the gang!

Pee pads and drunken sailors • TRANSITIVE PERIOD: Day 13–Day 20

The BB's are two weeks and two days old, here's an update on their development: 

TRANSITIVE PERIOD: Day 13–Day 20

This is when brain development quickly ramps up to bring the pup out of the neonate stage. Mentally, the change is as drastic as a caterpillar’s metamorphosis into a butterfly, or a tadpole’s transformation into a frog. It begins with the pup opening his eyes at approximately thirteen days of age, and is shortly followed by his ears opening five to ten days later.

He experiences a marked increase in brain activity during this period, showing a stark contrast with the activity of the neonate. The puppy can now crawl forward and backward, and he can finally attempt to take his first steps. He will also begin moving beyond the nesting area to eliminate without the assistance of his mother, and his interest in solid foods will increase, even though weaning won’t occur until seven to eight weeks of age. 

The BB's have a pee pad in the whelping box and they are using it sporadically to potty on. This will continue to be a focus while raising the litter to ensure they go home well on their way to be potty trained. They are scooting around the box, taking the occasional tumble and looking like "drunken sailors". 

The pup will engage in play fighting and posturing throughout the transition period. He will also begin to practice using social signals, such as growling, pawing, and tail wagging. Much to the dismay of his owner, the puppy will also exhibit signs of distress for reasons other than being cold or hungry. At this time, being separated from his littermates, being introduced to a new environment, or accidentally wandering too far from the nest will cause him to cry. Additionally, his ability to learn from training won’t reach full capacity until around four to five weeks of age.