I brought Sue a puppy habituation CD for the puppies the other day and she began playing it for them! The CD has sounds of children playing, a baby crying, vaccum cleaner, kitchen sounds, thunderstorms and fireworks and can help puppies get used to those sounds early on so that they are very comfortable with all of those things later on in life. The puppies were not concerned at all by the sounds. Interestingly, Sue said that Neena became very agitated at the baby crying sound. The puppies were only mildly concerned by Neena's concern and as soon as Sue took her out of the room they were completely relaxed with all the sounds.
The Puppy Habituation CD is available from Legacy Canine (www.legacycanine.com).
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Enrichment Outing!
The puppies are now 5 weeks old. Today, before we arrived Sue had let them go outside her kitchen onto her fenced in patio area for a short time. Other than that, they had not been outside before today.
Rick and I went over around noon and we took them from Sue's kitchen across the parking lot to the training yard. We carried the puppies over to the yard and brought Neena with them as well. The training yard at the kennel is a large, fully fenced in, outdoor training area with a synthetic grass surface. We laid out several things for them to explore and investigate for enrichment and exposure. The items included a small, low, sandy surfaced contact board, a small, fairly low agility table, two cardboard tubes, a small plastic covered wire rack, a rubber floor mat, a small wood teeter totter, some pvc poles, a hoola hoop and other various items lying around the yard. We also had a few holey roller balls out there. We had treats and gave small pieces of treats when the puppies investigated things. After they had already explored everything, I set some treats on the teeter, on the contact board and in the tunnels.
It was actually shocking how completely relaxed they were in this new environment. We initially set them in the sun but the synthetic grass can get hot a few looked like it was too warm so we quickly moved them to the shade. They were all very curious and confident. Every puppy was running up to all of us for attention and climbing onto the different equipment. They were also carrying around leaves and playing with the balls. We were probably out there with them for about 40 minutes or so. A few of them were starting to slow down when we took them back to Sue's and placed them in their pen. They literally passed out right where we set them and were sleeping when we left. It was a great day and I am so impressed with how outgoing and confident they are. Every time I introduce something new they investigate it with confidence and curiosity.
Here are some pictures and videos from today:
Rick and I went over around noon and we took them from Sue's kitchen across the parking lot to the training yard. We carried the puppies over to the yard and brought Neena with them as well. The training yard at the kennel is a large, fully fenced in, outdoor training area with a synthetic grass surface. We laid out several things for them to explore and investigate for enrichment and exposure. The items included a small, low, sandy surfaced contact board, a small, fairly low agility table, two cardboard tubes, a small plastic covered wire rack, a rubber floor mat, a small wood teeter totter, some pvc poles, a hoola hoop and other various items lying around the yard. We also had a few holey roller balls out there. We had treats and gave small pieces of treats when the puppies investigated things. After they had already explored everything, I set some treats on the teeter, on the contact board and in the tunnels.
It was actually shocking how completely relaxed they were in this new environment. We initially set them in the sun but the synthetic grass can get hot a few looked like it was too warm so we quickly moved them to the shade. They were all very curious and confident. Every puppy was running up to all of us for attention and climbing onto the different equipment. They were also carrying around leaves and playing with the balls. We were probably out there with them for about 40 minutes or so. A few of them were starting to slow down when we took them back to Sue's and placed them in their pen. They literally passed out right where we set them and were sleeping when we left. It was a great day and I am so impressed with how outgoing and confident they are. Every time I introduce something new they investigate it with confidence and curiosity.
Here are some pictures and videos from today:
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Almost 5 weeks old!
Okay, so I am posting late so now they actually ARE 5 weeks old, but I went by to see the puppies and play with them for a little bit on Thursday, May 26. They are SO cute and so much fun at this age. I let them all out and lied down on the floor with them to see what they did. They were all so interactive and playful, all happy to see me and get attention. There happened to be a guy that day pressure washing Sue's house. So, when I was in there with them, he was washing outside the room they were in, it was a little bit loud and there was air a little water coming through the door. When the exercise pen is closed they cannot reach the door, but I had opened it since I was there. They were not at all suspicious or worried of the noise or air. Very solid puppies! Here are a few silly "behind bars" pictures:)
I can't wait until tomorrow when we go back and take the puppies on a field trip to the training yard!
I can't wait until tomorrow when we go back and take the puppies on a field trip to the training yard!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Four Weeks and One Day
Rick and I went to visit the puppies today. Sue was out, so it was just us, Neena and the puppies. It was nice that Neena was comfortable and relaxed with Rick there having only met him a few times.
The puppies are doing great and seem to change and develop so much even day to day. Green Bean immediately went over to Rick asking to be picked up. Of course, Rick picked him up immediately and had a hard time setting him down. I observed that Daisy, was VERY outgoing and active today after seeming more reserved the other day. Rick was paying a lot of attention to Green Bean and I had to remind him to say hi to Blueberry, who I call Bluesy. He called Bluesy who RAN over to him all excited. All of the puppies were so happy to see us. All are affectionate and sweet and outgoing.
I brought two new toys to add to their growing collection. I brought out a scented rabbit pelt. Bluesy was chasing it and chewing on it. One of the girl puppies was too and now I can't remember which girl it was, but it was either Dolly or Daisy. Green Bean also had a go at chewing at it.
Rainbow Bright and Violet are definitely longhairs. I have to keep reminding myself that we getting a MALE, that we are getting a SMOOTH and that this is supposed to be Rick's new field puppy and trying not to look too hard at those gorgeous longhair girls.
I didn't take pictures today, just played with puppies. I love them more each time I see them.
The puppies are doing great and seem to change and develop so much even day to day. Green Bean immediately went over to Rick asking to be picked up. Of course, Rick picked him up immediately and had a hard time setting him down. I observed that Daisy, was VERY outgoing and active today after seeming more reserved the other day. Rick was paying a lot of attention to Green Bean and I had to remind him to say hi to Blueberry, who I call Bluesy. He called Bluesy who RAN over to him all excited. All of the puppies were so happy to see us. All are affectionate and sweet and outgoing.
I brought two new toys to add to their growing collection. I brought out a scented rabbit pelt. Bluesy was chasing it and chewing on it. One of the girl puppies was too and now I can't remember which girl it was, but it was either Dolly or Daisy. Green Bean also had a go at chewing at it.
Rainbow Bright and Violet are definitely longhairs. I have to keep reminding myself that we getting a MALE, that we are getting a SMOOTH and that this is supposed to be Rick's new field puppy and trying not to look too hard at those gorgeous longhair girls.
I didn't take pictures today, just played with puppies. I love them more each time I see them.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Four Weeks Old Today!
The puppies turn four weeks old today! I can hardly believe that they are already four weeks and I can stand that I have to wait another 4 to 6 weeks to bring one home! The puppies have been moved from the spare bedroom to the laundry room just off the kitchen so they are in their second environment. They have a lot more space obviously which is great for them to explore and play. They have toys which we rotate.
Yesterday I went by and spent some time with them which consisted of playing, holding, stacking, scented rabbit pelt play, snuggling and a field trip to the kitchen. Next week, when they are 5 weeks old I will be taking them on a field trip outside and across the parking lot with Neena, where they will be exposed to rocks, pavement, dirt, chickens, steps, and simulated grass. I can't wait, and you can count on pictures and videos.
I am really thrilled with this litter. Other than being individuals in a normal sense, the puppies are consistent in type and temperament.
Here are some pics from yesterday, the puppies just one day shy of 4 weeks old. And yes, I do stack 4 week old puppies. I used cottage cheese from a spoon. I got decent pics if the puppies were into it and having fun. I do not force or make them do it. They are free to eat cottage and stand while I position their bodies if they choose to do so. They were all cooperative and easy peasy!
Green Bean, at this time, he is my favorite. He is balanced and low. Short little hocks. Head to die for, very much like Casey. He is a snuggle bug and crawled right up and onto me.
Blueberry, the other boy. Really nice boy too. He is a bit more elegant than Green Bean which is fine, this is where it comes down to personal preference and what you "like". He is active and on the go go go. First out of the whelping box and first to explore just about everything. I do LOVE this puppies attitude and I really like how he looks too! And no, I am not taking two home!
This is Daisy. Right now, structurally of the smooth girls, I think she is my favorite. She is a bit more reserved temperament wise, in that she takes a moment to take things in. Not necessarily a bad thing at all, just something to note. I love her length and balance. Pretty girl. Sue has had her eye on this girl from the get go.
Here is Violet. She is a really pretty puppy. A bolder girl for sure. I like her substance and bone. She is also balanced and just really nice. Similar in type to Daisy and Dolly right now, except.....I suspect she MAY be a longhair. Unfortunately, I didn't get a good picture of her stacked.
Last but not least, here is Rainbow Brite! I am certain she is a longhair. She is a smallish girl compared to the others but VERY balanced and really nice. Super confident and bold. First to do a lot. Very outgoing.
Here are some pics of the babies just playing with toys and interacting with the rabbit pelt!
Yesterday I went by and spent some time with them which consisted of playing, holding, stacking, scented rabbit pelt play, snuggling and a field trip to the kitchen. Next week, when they are 5 weeks old I will be taking them on a field trip outside and across the parking lot with Neena, where they will be exposed to rocks, pavement, dirt, chickens, steps, and simulated grass. I can't wait, and you can count on pictures and videos.
I am really thrilled with this litter. Other than being individuals in a normal sense, the puppies are consistent in type and temperament.
Here are some pics from yesterday, the puppies just one day shy of 4 weeks old. And yes, I do stack 4 week old puppies. I used cottage cheese from a spoon. I got decent pics if the puppies were into it and having fun. I do not force or make them do it. They are free to eat cottage and stand while I position their bodies if they choose to do so. They were all cooperative and easy peasy!
Green Bean, at this time, he is my favorite. He is balanced and low. Short little hocks. Head to die for, very much like Casey. He is a snuggle bug and crawled right up and onto me.
Blueberry, the other boy. Really nice boy too. He is a bit more elegant than Green Bean which is fine, this is where it comes down to personal preference and what you "like". He is active and on the go go go. First out of the whelping box and first to explore just about everything. I do LOVE this puppies attitude and I really like how he looks too! And no, I am not taking two home!
This is Daisy. Right now, structurally of the smooth girls, I think she is my favorite. She is a bit more reserved temperament wise, in that she takes a moment to take things in. Not necessarily a bad thing at all, just something to note. I love her length and balance. Pretty girl. Sue has had her eye on this girl from the get go.
Hello Dolly! Dolly is very similar to Daisy, just probably slightly shorter in body. She is very outgoing and pretty bold. She has bone and substance to die for. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a great pic of Dolly, but she is really pretty. I am actually liking both Dolly and Daisy about the same.
Here is Violet. She is a really pretty puppy. A bolder girl for sure. I like her substance and bone. She is also balanced and just really nice. Similar in type to Daisy and Dolly right now, except.....I suspect she MAY be a longhair. Unfortunately, I didn't get a good picture of her stacked.
Last but not least, here is Rainbow Brite! I am certain she is a longhair. She is a smallish girl compared to the others but VERY balanced and really nice. Super confident and bold. First to do a lot. Very outgoing.
Here are some pics of the babies just playing with toys and interacting with the rabbit pelt!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
A little about the training plan
I thought it would be nice to share a little bit about the early training and work we are doing with this litter.
The early enrichment/learning ideas come from a few different sources. Some of the things we are doing are my own ideas, while others come from experts such as Kay Laurence and Suzanne Clothier who have shared through books and/or lectures some of the things they do with their own puppies. This information is invaluable. I read everything I can in trying to come up with safe, positive ways to expose the puppies to many things in a way that is interesting and fun for them rather than overwhelming or frightening.
The early scentwork games as well as the interactive games that help us determine which puppies are more persistent, bold and outgoing almost completely come from my mentor in Dachshunds, Sharon Carr of Carrdox Dachshunds. Sharon has been field trialing with her Dachshunds for many, many years producing a slew of field champions including multiple absolute winning dogs and nationally ranked dogs. Over the years, Sharon has added more and more elements to the early training and then ongoing training to the point where she can pretty successfully determine who will be the most successful field dogs and to mold those that aren't as naturally good at it, into successful field dogs.
Sue and I are both fortunate to have Sharon has a mentor. She is invaluable and has the very unique ability to teach you, guide you and then, step back and let you start to think for yourself while always remaining right there to help.
The early enrichment/learning ideas come from a few different sources. Some of the things we are doing are my own ideas, while others come from experts such as Kay Laurence and Suzanne Clothier who have shared through books and/or lectures some of the things they do with their own puppies. This information is invaluable. I read everything I can in trying to come up with safe, positive ways to expose the puppies to many things in a way that is interesting and fun for them rather than overwhelming or frightening.
The early scentwork games as well as the interactive games that help us determine which puppies are more persistent, bold and outgoing almost completely come from my mentor in Dachshunds, Sharon Carr of Carrdox Dachshunds. Sharon has been field trialing with her Dachshunds for many, many years producing a slew of field champions including multiple absolute winning dogs and nationally ranked dogs. Over the years, Sharon has added more and more elements to the early training and then ongoing training to the point where she can pretty successfully determine who will be the most successful field dogs and to mold those that aren't as naturally good at it, into successful field dogs.
Sue and I are both fortunate to have Sharon has a mentor. She is invaluable and has the very unique ability to teach you, guide you and then, step back and let you start to think for yourself while always remaining right there to help.
Blueberry is first out of the box!
I just got a report from Sue that Blueberry, one of the boys was the first to leave the whelping box on his own. Based on my initial work with him with first exposure to toys, rabbit pelt and scent, I am not surprised!
Mama Neena says, "you just hold it right there Mister Man!"
Here is Green Bean playing with a toy! Very hard to look past this guy. He is so stunning!
Mama Neena says, "you just hold it right there Mister Man!"
Here is Green Bean playing with a toy! Very hard to look past this guy. He is so stunning!
Friday, May 13, 2011
Three weeks old today
Neena's puppies are 3 weeks old today and they are doing great!! All chunky and healthy and shiny. Now that their eyes are open and they are moving around we can start with some very early learning, enrichment and exposure. Today, we got some new identifier yarn collars on them again (Neena had already removed the rick rack ribbons we had originally put on) and we introduced them to several toys. It was so fun to watch them and see how they reacted to and interacted with the toys:
Next, I introduced a piece of rabbit fur to them and drug it around the whelping box. Several puppies showed interest and followed it around, then I added some very diluted rabbit scent to the pelt and drug it around with that:
Here is a video of the puppies first real play with toys, notice how some of the puppies are already grabbing and carrying the toys:
Next, I introduced a piece of rabbit fur to them and drug it around the whelping box. Several puppies showed interest and followed it around, then I added some very diluted rabbit scent to the pelt and drug it around with that:
Here is a video of the puppies first real play with toys, notice how some of the puppies are already grabbing and carrying the toys:
Here is a video of the puppies interacting with the toys and pelt for the first time:
In addition to the toy and pelt work, we also took them on a field trip to the kitchen!! We put down a pad and brought them in and put them on the pad. They were free to hang out on the pad, or explore. Blueberry (blue ribbon puppy) ventured off. Rainbow Brite (the rainbow ribbon puppy) quickly climbed off too. Eventually, they all came over to me and snuggled up under my arms (I was lying on the floor).
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