Lily did an amazing job as a first-time Mom. We were happy to rely on her remarkable innate canine instincts about raising her litter in the best possible way. Her puppies are 8-weeks old and leaving soon for new homes. And Lily has missed her human family...
Friday, September 9, 2011
Mind Your Manners
Life-lessons taught by Lily, other adult dogs, and a puppy's littermates build the foundation for developing acceptable behavior within the human family and with other dogs.
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Puppies learn bite inhibition, how to vocalize, and how to interpret dog body-language. They take turns being dominant and submissive. They learn how to share space and food, and most importantly, where they fit into the pack order. |
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| Lily teaches a puppy to submit to leadership |
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| This puppy is a quick study. |
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| They are eager to put their lessons into practice... |
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Smarty Pants
We look for opportunities for the pups to start on basic skills they will need such as "come" and "sit". These guys have learned to "sit" for a piece of kibble, and are working on remaining sitting before they get petted or have their ears scratched. No question Australian Labradoodle puppies are smart!
Many puppies have a natural desire to retrieve; others you will have to "educate!" By making it "worth-their-while" with a tasty treat or just a pat and a "good dog", most dogs can learn to fetch reliably. (This is a great skill to teach your dog, as it makes it possible for your dog to get a lot of healthy exercise when you don't have time for a run.)
Below this child is teaching a puppy to fetch a soft toy (click on the video to view it larger on Youtube):
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| Great eye contact for 7-week olds! |
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| Seven at once, including Lola's two younger pups! |
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The pups at only 5- and 6-weeks old. (The younger puppies are going along with it, but are not exactly clued-in as to "and why are we doing this?"!) |
Many puppies have a natural desire to retrieve; others you will have to "educate!" By making it "worth-their-while" with a tasty treat or just a pat and a "good dog", most dogs can learn to fetch reliably. (This is a great skill to teach your dog, as it makes it possible for your dog to get a lot of healthy exercise when you don't have time for a run.)
Below this child is teaching a puppy to fetch a soft toy (click on the video to view it larger on Youtube):
Monday, September 5, 2011
Pool Party!
What better end to the summer than a sunny afternoon by the pool? The puppies have already had their smelly little feet washed many times in the sink and bathtub, so the paddling pool isn't too alarming. Then a little romp in the grass and a dry-off on the warm paving stones.
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| "Come on in, the water's great!" |
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| "Marco!..." |
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| "I Double-dog dare you!" |
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| Downward Dog |
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| "Why is there always an obnoxious male flaunting his six-pack and showing off on the high dive at these pool parties?" |
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| Working on water retrieval skills |
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| No big deal. We're water dogs! |
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| Just waiting for the BBQ to fire up... |
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