Category: Whelping/Breeding

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Who would ever know?

In the days prior to Facebook we had Bullbreeds Online. Before that Yahoo groups. Prior to that there was Compuserve chat rooms. Even before that, before the internet, people actually called on the telephone to speak to one another. The phones usually were attached to walls or at least a base unit was. Those who did rescue could have ‘telephone tree’ calls to arrange assistance to the dogs, the breeders, the owners. People actually SPOKE, in real works, out loud or sometimes even in person. HORRORS! You mean people actually looked one another in the eye and had conversations? Yes, my young readers. This is how it was ‘in the old days’ before FB.

When you have to look a person in the eye to speak it makes it more difficult to tell lies. Don’t get me wrong – there are those who are especially talented in this area who can still do this. Well seasoned at bending the truth, some people can make the world sound like just about anything they desire. Sometimes people lie for the sport of lying and sometimes they are ashamed of their actions and guilt makes them lie. Sometimes they feel no shame, and lie because its what they feel is expected of them. Lies simply flow easily out of their mouths any time they speak.

In dogs, here is the problem with being dishonest. There is always somebody paying attention who knows you are not truthful. Today’s blog entry is about breeders who routinely tell lies and think they get away with it. I want to begin by telling you that I have never in my life been associated with so many wonderful people who are passionate about a hobby they spend 24/7 living/breathing/enjoying. In contrast to that, I also have never met so many cold hearted fake egotistical sociopaths either. How can these opposing groups continue in harmony doing the same hobby? Well, my theory is that many of the passionate happy positive people aren’t aware of the other type – mainly because why would you seek that out? Sometimes it is best/easier to ignore those miserable, cold hearted, selfish, controlling, shit stirrers. Sometimes that’s all you can do. Today I am blogging because I am sick to death of those types and I feel strongly they are why breeders and dog show folk have such a negative reputation with the rest of the population and also why the few doing purebreed rescue get so burned out and disgusted. The loudest people get the attention. The angry loud few are what people remember most. And on top of that, when a person who normally is NOT like that gets fed up and becomes angry, loud and attention seeking – that’s what they will be remembered for as well. Thats a shame. What should be remembered – what SHOULD be spoken about are the others – those who ruin it for everyone. It’s those people who make us ALL look bad. I can totally understand why so many people, especially in rescue, HATE breeders. I get that!

Here is what I know as someone who has been devoted to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier in both rescue, re-home, fundraising, volunteer work, breeding, mentoring and educating – people tell me things. I listen. Now I will speak.

  • I know of a breeder who left a dog she bred knowingly in a kill shelter.
  • I know of a breeder who has had dogs they bred returned to them and chose to  euthanized rather than take the time to train/socialize/rehome the dogs.
  • I know of a breeder who euthanized a dog that was returned and then lied and told people it was placed in a wonderful home.
  • I know of this same breeder who has done this routinely.
  • I know of breeders who import so many dogs then sell them on like one might buy shoes.
  • I know of breeders who are pyramid sales type breeders – you buy a puppy and sign a contract stating the Stafford must be shown (maybe even by them, maybe for a handling fee), bred from and puppies given back to the breeder and that then you must carry on in the same manner…and on and on and on.
  • I know of breeders who would just as well breed on the 1st heat just as easily as taking 7 litters from a bitch.
  • I know of breeders whose dogs live in kennel runs on abandoned properties not where anyone lives and the dogs are visited once daily for a scoop of kibble and some water.
  • I know breeders who routinely keep non refundable deposits no matter why the puppy didn’t go to that home – even when its the breeder who turns the buyers down.
  • I know a breeder who makes their buyers use their stud dogs and charge the stud fees anyway.
  • I know a breeder who charged the breeder of their stud dog a stud fee even after being given free Staffords from the same breeder in the past.
  • I know breeders who lie about health testing.
  • I know breeders who lie about puppy enrichment protocols they claim to use but don’t.
  • I know breeders who care more about ribbons, specialty wins or how many champions they have bred than they care about the lives those dogs lead.
  • I know breeders who think they are the center of the universe and that all others are below them and must respect anything they say no matter how absurd their words are.
  • Sadly, I also know breeders who are hoarders and get in over their heads and cannot find a way out but are not able to ask for help.
  • I know breeders who lack so much confidence that they need a pat on the back for anything they say or do in order to feel okay and accepted.
  • I know breeders who collect semen like some collect coupons.
  • I know breeders who collect dogs like some collect coupons.
  • I know breeders who pay their bills by selling puppies but wouldn’t ever admit that they need the money and the puppies are how they earn it.
  • I know breeders whose actual self worth is based upon dog show wins.
  • I know breeders whose puppies are born and raised in stalls or basements, mostly unattended.
  • I know some breeders who may read this list and not see themselves on it.

I know a lot of things and I also know that for the most part, nobody really cares. Knowing all these things makes me sad if I think about them. In today’s world of having all your ‘friends’ made by a click of a button on FB, telling lies seems to be much easier. After all, who would ever know?

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How Did That Happen?

Here it is almost ten weeks later and the first puppy leaves tomorrow. Ordinarily I prefer for them to remain a while longer but this puppy is going to an experienced home with a Stafford bitch they bought from us 4 years ago. They also do Puppy Culture so I feel confident he will be enriched after leaving us. How in the world did ten weeks go by? I feel as though I didn’t get enough completed yet. I missed things. I mean, I followed the videos, workbook and all my usual exercises and adventures with the puppies but somehow I am not ready. I won’t cry, in fact it will be easier. Boy litters are far more wild than mixed litters. They are needing more ‘time out’ to learn CER than past litters did. So this morning we did a session of The Box Game and I realized I had neglected to do this game until now. Here is a video of how it went. WOW Puppy Culture amazed us again! Thank you Jane (Mad Cap BT).

 

We couldn’t believe it really. Each puppy learned what we were asking of him so quickly that the entire session was over in no time. I can’t wait for what’s in store for these special boys! Their lives will be amazing I am sure – and I have the first few weeks to thank.

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Puppy Culture – Leashwork 1

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.

 

My Movie 1 from L Caswell on Vimeo.

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Proofing puppies

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.

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Sleep

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.

 

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Prematurely gray

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.

 

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Always Learning

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.
Summary:
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.
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Waiting for a puppy?

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 raising protocols, 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.

Never. Stop. Learning.

http://www.thestaffordknot.com

http://www.sbtmentor.com

https://issuu.com/thestaffordknot

 

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Singleton and Puppy Culture

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!