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... |
Friday, August 26, 2011
Lots of Changes...
(Click on the photos for larger views.)
This week has seen a real alteration in Lily's puppies, as their features become much more defined and they develop better coordination with their bodies. Lola's boys moved in with Lily's earlier in the week and they seem much more animated and happy to be with the larger "pack". Initially, we moved them back to their room to nurse with Lola, but they kept escaping and running happily back to the other puppies. Now, Lola tries to separate them from the rest to nurse, but sometimes she good-naturedly just gives them all a little drink...
This week has seen a real alteration in Lily's puppies, as their features become much more defined and they develop better coordination with their bodies. Lola's boys moved in with Lily's earlier in the week and they seem much more animated and happy to be with the larger "pack". Initially, we moved them back to their room to nurse with Lola, but they kept escaping and running happily back to the other puppies. Now, Lola tries to separate them from the rest to nurse, but sometimes she good-naturedly just gives them all a little drink...
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The entire pack waits expectantly as Lola hops over for a feeding |
The puppies have made some field trips" outside to explore, closely supervised by the Moms.
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Lily is carefully shielding this puppy from the evil influence of Uncle Cosmo, who is getting ready to bark at the mailman. |
Lola's Puppies have amazing silky coats like none I have felt before--they get a lot of lap-action, as it is feels wonderful to run fingers through the satiny fleece.
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| Both of these litters have great eye-contact, which is an attribute that we aim for in our program. |
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| Lily is not sure about all this rough-housing... |
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| ...actually, she just wants to join in the game (and hops over herself.) |
Friday, August 19, 2011
Meeting New People (and other Family Members)
The puppies are being exposed for longer periods to other humans...and dogs. Lily's permanent family have a second visit to see their new Mom. It is clear that Lily trusts her human family with her babies and is proud to show them off!
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Because young puppies are so vulnerable, we make sure that no outside shoes are worn in the house, and that everyone has clean clothes and sanitized hands. |
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Another one of our experienced puppy handlers has stopped by for a short visit, and helps us get some cute puppy-face shots. |
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Hmmm. Looks like the puppies smell Lily's sister "Auntie Emmy" on these pants.  Lola has Uncle Cosmo under close surveillance while he meets her puppy through the gate.  |
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