This is a video showing the first steps to teaching leash walking in heel position. The puppies are 9.5 weeks old. I am about a week behind where I normally wish to be at this age but we have been very busy with work thankfully so catching up as I can. This is a Puppy Culture technique from the workbook Chapters 8-9-10. Thank you to Jodie B. for the idea of using the long cream cheese spoon trick instead of treats. It works much more easily for me too. All the puppies did so well.
Sure, there’s a lot to criticize here – handler error – but instead focus on what’s being done correctly and effectively and see how each puppy is focusing a little more with each distraction. We didn’t video the first session without a collar and using an adult dog in heel position and having the puppy follow along. This 2nd session used a collar first, then the leash but notice I haven’t yet picked it up. That comes tomorrow. Keeping each training session very short – watching each puppy to see how his attention span is to determine the length. Always using positive only in my voice inflection and tone, plus loads of praise and the clicker . . . . . and of course yummy cream cheese which is something they only get for the more difficult of training sessions.
Enrichment begins the day we are born. We are shaped by our surroundings, experiences, nutrition and anything which we encounter – with puppies those first few months are critical.
Amazingly enough tiny baby puppies are able to absorb and learn like sponges. We can shape behaviors (both positive and negative) in as short as a couple of minutes. Aside from the ENS, ESI, Avidog, clicker and PC protocols we also learn from experience to do common actions around baby puppies which may seem unusual to some.
These activities may include fly swatting, loud conversations and even yelling, folding/popping of laundry and playing thunder and fireworks simulators. Some of these have been known fear issues in adult dogs. By doing them when puppies are 4-8 weeks old its possible to desensitize them.
Open your laptop just about any morning to FB and you will see all varieties of nutjobs typing away on just about any topic. I try to avoid nutjobs but seeing as I am involved in purebred dogs and rescue its nearly impossible to avoid completely.
The latest craziness was on FB concerning those who advocate the ‘adopt dont shop’ thought process. No matter how many ways people attempted to explain to them that adopting IS shopping they refused to hear it. How many people walk into a shelter and buy the first dog in the first run they encounter? I would hazard to guess zero. People walk all the way through the building looking inside every run until they see a dog that speaks to them in some way. Then they fill out the paperwork, exchange money, get a receipt and take the dog home. That’s called shopping.
What makes me cringe is when I hear people say proudly and arrogantly that they ‘adopted’ or ‘rescued’ a dog implying that my own purchased purebred dogs are somehow ‘less than’ their dog and that I as a breeder or buyer am also ‘less than’ they are. In fact, I am told, they are superior to me in so many ways because they continue to inform me that their ‘rescue’ was saved from <insert illogical phrase here> abused, neglected, used a a bait dog, bred from 1000 times, blahh blahh blahh…..yeah okay. Whatever you wish to believe to make yourself feel more important than me go for it.
The reality is your dog from the shelter was poorly bred, not socialized, not trained and dumped by irresponsible owners to end up as your problem. Good for you for buying the dog from the shelter or rescue and good for you for taking on the tremendous amount of work ahead of you. Kudos and bravo. I think buying dogs from shelters and reputable rescue organizations are a much needed thing and without those willing to do so I wouldnt be able to place the Staffords who come into rescue with me.
BUT you are not a more superior person than those who buy a puppy from me. You simply chose to purchase a different product.
The ‘adopt dont shop’ crowd also support importation of dogs from other countries. How does this even make sense? On one hand they tell me our shelters are full of unwanted dogs and we have a pet ‘overpopulation problem’ yet they bring in more dogs. These dogs also carry diseases which our American dogs are not immune to. Now we have serious health concerns not only within the pet community but into our shelters as well. Let’s sell all the dogs in American shelters FIRST, and then if you feel we need more stray dogs go buy some from other countries after they get health tested, vaccinated and health cleared. Knock yourself out, but dont risk the health of our pets doing so. And dont tell me we have full shelters yet go get more dogs who will inevitably end up in those shelters themselves, or die, or be bred from being called ‘rare white Australian Goldendoodles’. Hypocrites. The lot of you.
And dont lets kid ourselves either. There are terrible breeders of purebred dogs too. There are those who dont even try to be responsible who just put dogs together and sell puppies. There are those who are hoarders. There are collectors. And there are pyramid scheme breeders. If you are ‘in’ purebred dogs long enough you will meet breeders from each of these categories.
The collectors and pyramid schemers are the ones who I take issue with more as they do know better but pretend they are not the problem. This is a topic for another blog entry and rant. So with that….time to play with my puppies. My well bred, well thought out, well planned, fully health tested, very expensive to produce puppies.
It’s 9:30pm and I’m exhausted. Time to take the oldies out and get everyone settled in for what I hope will be a long sleep. It’s been a hectic day of working, getting things set up for a new online shop for rescue, puppy laundry, feeding dogs, exercising dogs, playing with puppies, cleaning, more laundry, and errands. No time to cook lately so not eating as well as I’d like.
It’s half past midnight and I’m awake. Squeaking and squawking in the whelping box beside my bed. I check to be sure everyone is ok. It’s a party in there tonight. They are finding their voices but have their sleep schedules backwards. My mind races over the long list of items needing to be done the next day. I check my messages I neglected to read before bed. I see a possible ID needing to be done on a dog in a shelter. I look at the clock and its nearly 1:30. Back to bed for me after making sure all is okay.
It’s 3:15am and Bay is at the bedroom door asking to be let out to potty. I get Marina too and grab my flashlight and head out the front door with both girls. Marina comes right back. Bay is chasing a deer though the front field. I find myself barefoot, stepping around toads and walking into the wet grass calling for Bay. I see her at the pear tree having a snack. After what seems like eternity, she comes trotting back. I warm the discs for the puppies. One at a time. This takes another 9 minutes. Back to bed.
It’s 5:20am. Bay is on the bed with me, smashing into me, snoring loudly as I know she is exhausted. A puppy is crooning to us. Howling only as a 18 day old puppy can. Doing his best to let us know he is hungry and wants his mama. I get up and get a glass of water which then signals Marina it could be time to chase balls. I assure her it is not. I urge Bay to feed her boy and she obliges. I look at the clock and wonder how it became 6:40? Back to bed.
In the last month I have come to realize that the sleep one gets between 7am and 8am must be what its like for those who believe in heaven. Its the most glorious hour imaginable, filled with vivid dreams and a deep deep restful sleep. That one hour is what keeps me going lately. It’s 8 am and I am doing puppy bedding laundry, having a coffee, throwing balls for the girls and feeling pretty good about the fact I slept more last night than the night previous. Baby steps.
I do not breed to sell showdogs. I do not breed to sell studs and broods.
I breed to have a puppy for myself and obviously the ones we do not keep get sold. If you follow this blog then you know already the background of what we put into producing a litter. I want the puppies we sell to go to the very best, most loving, enriching, lifetime homes and to be spoiled as much as if they remained here with us. I am not breeding in order to improve your kennel.
I am not breeding so that you can have your next BIS or next Special.
If you decide to show and its fun for you and the puppy – fantastic – I am here to support you. If you decide to run agility, barn hunt, dock diving – fantastic! Have fun. Don’t be extreme about it – have fun, be safe – enjoy the wins and be a good loser too. Your dog doesn’t know the difference.
Do not ask me for the best puppy in the litter. That one is mine, or at least mine to sell to whomever I want. It could possibly be you. But it also may not be you. Also ‘the best’ is relative. To me they are all my best efforts. I didn’t breed this litter in order to produce disqualifying faults or subpar Staffords. I did my very best to produce the very best Staffords I possibly could given what is available in this world to do so.
When you contact me asking for a puppy be prepared to be grilled. I want to know that the life these puppies will live will be as good as, or better than, the life they would experience if they lived with us. I’m not impressed by your show wins. I’m not impressed with your friends in the breed over seas. I’m not impressed with who you know or how many dogs you have shown or bred. I’m not impressed by Top 10, OTCH112, MACH57 or a dozen Group 1’s.
I am impressed with your follow through and commitment to your dog. If you have done fun stuff with your dogs did you stick with it or just take one class and give up. Did you title your dog? Did you take classes with your dog even if you never intended to compete but the classes were fun and you and your dog enjoyed the regular time together? Do you go on long walks every single day rain, snow or shine? Does your dog go with you on vacation? Does your dog go to work with you? Does your dog have a bigger social media following than you do? Are you realistic about how life will be with your dog? ie hang on the sofa, sleep in the bed, chill in the garden?
Do you only employ positive training methods or are you heavy handed instead? Are you patient when training or are you inconsistent, easily frustrated and demanding? Do you understand this breed and are prepared to be responsible if your dog decides not to like your cat/neighbors dog/chinchilla? How do you feel about a teething puppy and your inability to protect your great grandmothers antique piano? How would you respond to your puppy if you were negligent and allowed your puppy to chew your brand new iPhone X?
My point is this – do not call me and tell me you want the perfect puppy or even my ‘best’ puppy. Call me and tell me why YOU are the BEST home for a puppy I produced. Then, if I sell you one, follow through. With the puppy…and with me.
whelping box set up 2 weeks in advance. This shows three generations.
Day 40
Day 53
Comparing Nealie and Bay on same day. Nealie had 6, Bay had 4 with 3 surviving (grand dam and grand daughter)
Swimming on Day 54. We allow simple exercising up to due date as long as its not overdone.
Day 56
Day 57 keeping watch
Day 58 – she helped me with lighting for a photoshoot I had
Day 59 – can clearly see expecting 4 puppies of good size
Day 60
Day 60 still out in the field playing
Day 61
Day 62
Overnight on day 63 – stage 1 labor has begun
1st pup very stuck, car delivery
bone broth made from local grass fed organically raised cows
Young Living oils, eggs/broth and other items in whelping room
Three healthy boy pups with mama on day 1
day 1 finally trying to rest
bone broth and scrambled egg
Day 3 things are looking up
Boy #1 at birth – 11.7oz
Boy from last litter on day 3 – 6oz
Puppy Culture workbook
Puppy Culture
There are times I question why I decided to breed dogs.
This week is one of those times. If you follow this blog then you already know about our last litter – it was bittersweet, exhausting, expensive, educational and fulfilling all at once. Multiply those emotions and facts for this past few days and you will understand my feelings a little better. I have included some interesting (to me) photos above from this litter experience. If you think all breeders are alike then you must not follow this blog or you live under a rock. What I show/do/describe/experience doesn’t make me better/worse than other breeders. I write about what I experience mostly for my own sanity, but also in the hopes that readers can learn a little bit – about breeding, about Staffords and about me. I also hope it educates them on the ‘ART OF PUPPY BUYING’ and everything that can, and should be a part of it.
Above you will see how we take photos of each bitch and he progression in her pregnancy and we can compare her to generations before her. We keep detailed notes from the moment she is born, on each season, each mating and throughout her pregnancy, whelping experience and raising the puppies. It doesn’t stop there but this blog today is mostly about this particular breeding experience.
We knew the semen we used was of good quality and we knew the bitch was healthy and young. The veterinary clinic we use is one of the best reproductive clinics in the country with two board certified Theriogenologists on staff. We did all health testing, timing, driving, sparing no expense – we did a surgical AI using frozen semen shipped to us from Italy. It was of very good quality upon thaw. The bitch conceived and progressed as expected without incident. We fed an appropriate diet, supplemented as directed and kept her in shape, not over feeding. Check ups went well, ultrasound showed 6-7 fetuses, all normal. We knew she had resorbed some at the x-ray and saw 4 good sized normal looking lined up puppies waiting to be born days later. Stage one began as expected and progressed normally. I move into the whelping room with each bitch approximately two weeks prior to due dates. I like to get them accustomed to the room. We use a guest room so she can be away from the other dogs in the home, in a dark quiet space but not too far from my husband in our room. The night before her due date (based upon progesterone, LH, ovulation) I slept on the floor beside the whelping box carefully monitoring her as she progressed. I take notes and photos along her journey as well as using Young Living oils to diffuse and massage.
I wont post the actual whelping photos here because for me thats personal for my experience and comparisons for each whelping. I will tell you that with each litter I gain experience and education that I never knew I lacked. In past blogs about the last litter you read we learned to tube feed, give oxygen and FFP and sub q newborns. With this litter I learned about stuck puppies (how to get them delivered and also how sometimes you just can’t), new (to me) resuscitation methods (including but not limited to accordion method, DeeLee catheters and CPR).
I also learned that sometimes the vet you choose to join you on this journey can be so invaluable! I always loved and trusted Dr Ana and she has made puppies from nothing for us – she is fantastic and words cannot describe how much respect I have for her. This time we worked with her colleague Dr. Bob and wow did we connect! He is another veterinarian whom I hold in admiration and have a tremendous amount of respect for as well. I consider myself quite lucky to have developed a good working relationship with both of these talented and kind doctors. I also learned that my local emergency clinic can be amazing! We have used them in the past with mixed results but there is one Dr there we have worked with a few times now who was a HUGE part of this delivery, Dr Houghton. Our fourth and final puppy was stuck and our bitch was suffering dystocia. I knew something wasn’t right with the puppy and that I would not be able to free her. Dr. Houghton was kind, understanding and helped me through the tears of losing the one bitch in this litter as she removed her from the birth canal. The puppy was stillborn. She understood how we did not get a bitch last litter, lost one of the two puppies last time and had three boys this time, the first one being stuck himself. She spoke with Dr. Bob (who was on a day off I need to add and who answered his phone at 5am anyway) and together we made sure our bitch was safe and would be ok. She was our main priority.
We took everyone in the next day and Dr. Bob assessed all was well – we did sub Q for everyone and added Arnica 6c and more probiotic. With another 12 hours of constant monitoring and care today on day 3 we are doing well. The three handsome boys are gaining weight, Bay is being an amazing mama ad finally getting the sleep she desperately needs. I am still in the whelping room (as I type I can hear her snores in the box next to the bed) and I will remain here for the next two weeks.
Our wait list consisted of extremely patient people who have been waiting through three litters now and two families who already purchased puppies from us. All wanted girls.
Why did I decide to become a breeder? If you could hear the snores and squeaks I am listening to right now you would totally understand.
I have been known to repeat the phrase “Never stop learning” and I follow that advice myself. Recently I watched an online seminar that I was unable to attend in person. In the end I think watching it online was more valuable as I can go back and rewatch whatever sections I need to get more information from anytime I wish. I strongly recommend that anyone who breeds or raises dogs always be on the lookout for education to further your knowledge and experiences. The following is a link where you may purchase the seminar if interested. Its far beyond worth the cost IMO.
This is all veterinary & breeding related information as opposed to PC which is about raising, socializing and behavior.
A trio of speakers – 6 topics – invaluable knowledge. Not only are these speakers veterinarians, they also specialize in reproduction. From conception to puppies, it’s the information you need in order to breed successfully.
Kirk Esmond, DVM covers two topics. First he delves into the many things that COULD go wrong with your canine after whelping. Then covers the topic of conception. His lectures are informative, thorough, and sometimes humorous. This is a seven part series. Some of the topics covered in parts 1-5 are: Retained Placenta, Metritis, Pyometra, Uterine Prolapse, Subinvolution of Placental sites, Mastitis, Agalactia, Galactostasis, Eclampsia, and Postpartum Behavior. Parts 6 & 7 are about conception: Proper ovulation timing, semen type and quality, and breeding methodology.
Legal Beagles discusses all the ins and outs of the legalities of ownership, sperm sales, puppy sales and much much more. Handle with Care goes over a plethora of information regarding the top 10 things to improve neonatal and pediatric outcomes. The top 10 things may not sound like much information but you will be blown away with her wealth of knowledge!
Marty Greer DVM, JD is one smart gal. Not only is she a veterinarian she is also a lawyer. Hang on to your hats!! The information come at you at 100 miles per hour. Her book is a must have for anyone with puppies in their life. It is entitled Canine Reproduction and Neonatology by Marthina L. Greer
Dr. Beckie Williams has two topics: Reproduction Jewels and The Semen Chronicles. Reproduction Jewels includes many topics. She provides informative tidbits galore with wit and wisdom. Some of the topics are: questions to ask yourself before breeding, testing before breeding, breeding methods, pregnancy, delivery timing and whelping facts, formulas, and life saving equipment. The title of the second topic pretty much says it all. All things semen: from collection methods and equipment to shipment, freezing, and thawing.
Also shown are two live TCI’s (Trans Cervical Inseminations) and one collection.
So here you are waiting for a puppy from the breeder you have developed a relationship with after a lengthy search. You both have agreed that your expectations and theirs are a good match. You have passed the breeders detailed interviews, home checks, reference checks and enjoyed many lengthy conversations over the last few months or years possibly. Now what?
Now is the time for you, and your family, to continue the education you began when you first researched the breed you were seeking. Does your breeder offer mentoring and education materials? If so take advantage of these! I cannot stress enough that NOW is the time to immerse yourselves in any and all education materials offered to you.
Now is also the time to be proactive – reach out to your breeder and talk about questions, concerns you may have. Now is the time for all adults to speak to the breeder. Now is the time to discuss your childrens puppy experience. If they have none or only a little – educate your children now! Do NOT wait to bring a puppy home to teach your kids the correct and safe way to interact with puppies and adult dogs. Now is also not the time for bravado and machismo to take over. Your kids do not know everything you think they know. Explain to them the importance of being safe, gentle and kind to dogs. No screaming, sudden wild movements, no loud noises, no jerking, poking, pulling. Sit down to hold puppies. Be gentle with puppies. Teach your kids to be patient. A little good parenting now will pay off later. Your breeder is more concerned about the puppies experiences than your kids, trust me on that.
For our new owners, we have this incredibly detailed website chock full of articles, blog posts, book lists, puppy raisingprotocols, nutritional and natural rearing information, essential oils, health, exercise and training advice and more! Read about Breed Specific Legislation and Breed Bans. They exist and are very real. We give everyone a copy of the suggested exercise schedule written by Puppy Culture. We also upload 100’s of files pertaining to the breed, the litter, health testing documents, history and advice for our buyers to print, download and read on a FB group they have the link to. We have The Stafford Knot , rescue fund raiser pages and SBT Mentor websites and FB pages. These are excellent places to learn more about the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. We post a book list we suggest new owners to read from. We make suggestions on safe breed appropriate toys and warnings about those that can be ingested causing obstructions or broken teeth. We are here to answer any and all questions for the life of your dog so please – take advantage of this!
We suggest they join other groups on FB as well. Examples of these groups include a debates page where you can follow along with many topics pertaining to the breed from fellow owners in America. There is a page for Stafford Rescue and Re-homing which all SBT owners need to participate in. We need help with transport, breed ID and foster care. There are fun pages such as Stafford Ink where you can show off your SBT related tattoos.
Do it! Now. Now, before you take home a puppy.
We ask that all buyers purchase and watch Puppy Culture – you can live stream so its super convenient to watch anytime you have free time. You will want to follow along each week with your puppies PC experiences and by watching the videos it will make more sense to you and make it easy to continue when you bring home your new puppy. We ask buyers to go online and read past issues of The Stafford Knot online magazine to see photos and read about the history of this breed. The more you know now, the easier it will be later. I cannot repeat this advice strongly or often enough.
If you follow this blog then you already know about a ‘litter’ we had eight months ago where two puppies were born and we lost one at 36 hours old. We were faced with the new challenges of raising a single male puppy using all the protocols – Avidog, ENS, Puppy Culture, etc.
Aside from all the struggles of the first two weeks keeping this precious baby boy alive we had to really stay on track with all the daily interactions required in order to raise a well socialized, confident and happy puppy who had no siblings to interact with. In past blogs we wrote about the details, such as enjoying interactions with friends litters of the same age, the struggles with scheduling simple actions such as when to sleep, nurse, train, etc. A singleton has no reason to eat when you want to feed – no competition for the teat or the food – loading a clicker was a real challenge – in fact this puppy has no sense of urgency whatsoever when it comes to food or meal time.
We survived all the challenges of the first 6-8 months at home and now ‘Smithy’ was ready for his new home on the opposite coast. We traveled with him in the RV up to Illinois where he had many firsts. The travel was new. The dog show was new. (he even picked up a reserve winners dog to a 5 point major!) The entire experience was new. Since we were also traveling with our other dogs, one of whom is pregnant, it was all new for him. He no longer could simply run out the door to potty, but instead was leash walked. Thankfully we had attached a potty command and this was no problem. Riding in the RV was no problem. Walking into a show building, no problem. Seeing the dock pool, no problem. In fact, walking into a show ring was no problem for him either! He was a wiggly puppy at first and I allowed him to have fun in the ring. He stood like a champ by the last day.
We met his new owner towards the end of the ten day adventure. It was love at first sight for everyone. There may, or may not have been goosebumps and tears. This was the perfect match! I try to explain to people who contact us for a puppy to please find your BREEDER and then wait for your PUPPY. This was why. Kristin was like family from the moment we met. She and Smithy were meant for one another. There was no ‘transition’ time. There was no ‘take it slowly’ time. They met. He was her puppy. She was his owner. PERFECT! All the hard work, long hours, love and patience paid off. According to Kristin Smithy was totally chill the entire adventure westward. Nothing phased him. He rode in hotel elevators, he saw new places, heard new sounds, smelled new smells, met new people – nothing at all was a problem for this young dog.
Below are photos of their very long drive home from Illinois to Oregon. We cannot wait to see them again in the Spring. Smithy truly IS This Charming Man!
Saying goodbye
his first day with Kristin, totally chillin
at a rest area
hanging at a park
Got himself a new toy
He wanted to get on the garbage truck
no fear
Road trip
Roadside attractions
Meeting his first bison
At Corn Palace
zoom in to see Smithy
at the famous Wall Drug
Continental Divide
Smithy and his new ‘sister’ Maeby wait patiently for their lunch
