A quick update on the pups. They are so cute and growing so fast. Most of them have at least one eye partially open and their little ears are now in a more normal puppy position. I had them outside on a blanket today for pictures and when they got close to the edge and bumped into a blade of grass they wanted to nurse! Also, they can stand and take a few steps, but then they dive forward or over. They are puppy toddlers!
The pictures are funny because it takes my son and i both to handle them and it's still a juggling act to get a decent picture. You can tell they are not cooperative! My next set I'll try to get some individual pictures, but I've got a big exam tomorrow so i just wanted to get some kind of update for everyone.
Anyway, be sure to look at the new pictures from today at brownscreekkennels.shutterfly.com.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Wheaten Hair Type
Wheatens can have two different types of hair (notice i said 'hair' not fur) The two types of coats are Irish and English/American. I used to have one female that was the American type, but that has been my only experience. Her hair was much more coarse. Not really like wire like some terriers but just coarse, kind of like a human's gray hair (not that i have any first hand experience with gray ;-) . . .) She also was more prone to matting. All of my Irish types have silky, almost slick, shiny hair. You still need to brush the Irish type, but it just seems easier to manage. The American type was just always more thick, coarse and never had the shine. Her biggest drawback was that she shed - not a lot, but still. . . when you want a Wheaten for the non-shed, you don't want any shedding. And because she shed, i assume she was not as hypoallergenic, though that is my own personal theory. We had one litter and i decided that that was just not what i wanted, so i placed her in a good home.
Purebred vs Hybrid/Mutt
While we're on generalities of health, I'll tell you my opinion on pure breed vs mutt. Many times mutts do seem to be healthier, esp compared to breeds that have endured a popular phase. The popularity increases the likelihood that puppy mills will have the breed and reproduce without regard to health, relationship, or any responsibility on their part (contracts). As you increase the number of dogs breeding, you naturally increase the odds that a mutation will show up. If that mutation shows up with a disreputable breeder and they breed anyway, then they have just passed on the possibility of that mutation being established in the population of that breed. That can be multiplied if they breed dogs that are related and both have the mutation. So, that is one aspect of why it often seems that pure breeds are not as healthy. This has been a great selling point of people that purposefully breed mutts and call them 'designer dogs' under the guise that they are a hybrid with "hybrid vigor.' (BTW, they are not a hybrid or the offspring would not be able to reproduce. The added 'vigor' is the fact they have reduced the likelihood of both parents having the same mutations. Therefore the odds of something predictable showing up in that particular puppy are decreased BUT the odds of something unexpected have increased. The puppy can still carry the recessive traits of both/all breeds involved and pass it on to their offspring. I won't even get started on all the recognizable mixes (and purebreds) dumped every day. . . ). Examples of breeds with a lot of health problems are the breeds in the top 10 or 20, or breeds with a very 'unnatural' physical characteristic (think: dachshunds and bassets with the long back, or pugs with the flat face and bulging eyes).
Of coarse, if you pick a breed that is not well known (wheatens, cresteds ;-) ) then you have a breed with very few health problems. They are generally raised by people that care and won't continue breeding a dog that has problems. The benefit of a pure breed vs mutt is that you know pretty well what to expect long term from your little ball-of-fur-puppy, both in personality and health. With a mutt, it is anybody's guess. If a person is willing to stick it out, then fine, but I've always liked calculated risks better. With a wheaten they have basically only 2 health issues. Skin allergies and protein wasting. None of my dogs have ever displayed any indication of either and I certainly wouldn't breed one if it did. I would have it neutered and place it in a pet home. Personality wise, i can pretty much promise that you will always get a "Wheaten Greet'in" when you get home. I don't know why, but this breed is know for loving to jump up on you and give kisses. I don't personally care for the kisses (they have to settle for fingers) and we have to work around the jumping if I'm dressed up (which is so rare it makes the dogs bark anyway . . ha ha!) It is true that they stay very playful and puppy like all their life and really don't have the typical terrier personality. Mine even get along fine with the cats, even though they weren't raised together (however, my cats don't run from the dogs, so that may be why the dogs don't chase the cats).
Of coarse, if you pick a breed that is not well known (wheatens, cresteds ;-) ) then you have a breed with very few health problems. They are generally raised by people that care and won't continue breeding a dog that has problems. The benefit of a pure breed vs mutt is that you know pretty well what to expect long term from your little ball-of-fur-puppy, both in personality and health. With a mutt, it is anybody's guess. If a person is willing to stick it out, then fine, but I've always liked calculated risks better. With a wheaten they have basically only 2 health issues. Skin allergies and protein wasting. None of my dogs have ever displayed any indication of either and I certainly wouldn't breed one if it did. I would have it neutered and place it in a pet home. Personality wise, i can pretty much promise that you will always get a "Wheaten Greet'in" when you get home. I don't know why, but this breed is know for loving to jump up on you and give kisses. I don't personally care for the kisses (they have to settle for fingers) and we have to work around the jumping if I'm dressed up (which is so rare it makes the dogs bark anyway . . ha ha!) It is true that they stay very playful and puppy like all their life and really don't have the typical terrier personality. Mine even get along fine with the cats, even though they weren't raised together (however, my cats don't run from the dogs, so that may be why the dogs don't chase the cats).
Wheaten Born 03/09/09 Basics
Here's the basic puppy info in a nutshell:
· Wheatens are truly non-shedding and hypo-allergenic
· Both parents available on the premises
· Puppies whelped 03-09-09
· Dewclaws removed and tails docked to breed standard length
· Home raised w/ kids and other pets
· Bio-sensor stimulated/trained
· Paper trained
· Irish Coat type
· ACA registered
· Four generation pedigree included
· First shots and dewormed
· Vet Health Certificate (heart, respiratory, ears, eyes, neg parasites/infections)
· $750 includes 1 Year Health Guarantee
· Deposit and payment plan available
· Shipping available in the continental United States
· References available
I have pictures available at brownscreekkennels.shutterfly.com. Please feel free to contact me with any further questions.
· Wheatens are truly non-shedding and hypo-allergenic
· Both parents available on the premises
· Puppies whelped 03-09-09
· Dewclaws removed and tails docked to breed standard length
· Home raised w/ kids and other pets
· Bio-sensor stimulated/trained
· Paper trained
· Irish Coat type
· ACA registered
· Four generation pedigree included
· First shots and dewormed
· Vet Health Certificate (heart, respiratory, ears, eyes, neg parasites/infections)
· $750 includes 1 Year Health Guarantee
· Deposit and payment plan available
· Shipping available in the continental United States
· References available
I have pictures available at brownscreekkennels.shutterfly.com. Please feel free to contact me with any further questions.
Choosing Your Puppy
When the puppies are born I help clean them up and put colored ribbons around their neck. The colors coordinate with their birth order when possible and helps me track the puppies' progress and any concerns that may develop. It also helps in learning their new little developing/emerging personalities. I take baby pictures often and the ribbons make it possible for you to recognize your puppy in the pictures.
As far as picking a puppy long distance, I was skeptical at first. I thought that there was no way that anyone would be interested, but so far everyone has been very satisfied. If you think about it, when you go to a pet store or even the breeder, you are interacting only a very short time with the puppy and the breeder. In my situation, you see pictures day in and day out and I develop a relationship with the new owner that gives me a good feel for what their household dynamics are like. As we talk I start to get an idea of what you are looking for in a puppy.
So far, every time someone has looked at the pics and asked me questions, they have picked the same puppy without me ever telling them my opinion (of course, i am always happy to tell and guide you, too). I have even told people when i thought i didn't have a pup that would be a good match. I want you to be happy, and most of all, i want the puppy to go to someone that will be a loving family and a great home for a very long time.
Having said all that, i don't feel there is any disadvantage to picking the puppy on-line.
As far as picking a puppy long distance, I was skeptical at first. I thought that there was no way that anyone would be interested, but so far everyone has been very satisfied. If you think about it, when you go to a pet store or even the breeder, you are interacting only a very short time with the puppy and the breeder. In my situation, you see pictures day in and day out and I develop a relationship with the new owner that gives me a good feel for what their household dynamics are like. As we talk I start to get an idea of what you are looking for in a puppy.
So far, every time someone has looked at the pics and asked me questions, they have picked the same puppy without me ever telling them my opinion (of course, i am always happy to tell and guide you, too). I have even told people when i thought i didn't have a pup that would be a good match. I want you to be happy, and most of all, i want the puppy to go to someone that will be a loving family and a great home for a very long time.
Having said all that, i don't feel there is any disadvantage to picking the puppy on-line.
Pricing - Wheaten
OK, the pricing. I didn't have a set formula. Everytime I've ever seen Wheatens listed in the paper, they've been $850 and you don't know how they were raised. When i got on the Internet and saw some cheaper, i looked into it and believe that mine are better quality, raised with a lot of extra input, etc. So, i was kinda going for a middle, but with some compensation for all we put into them. Additionally, i didn't want careless breeders to buy one of my dogs because it was cheaper. I want each one mine to go to home where the people have every intention of keeping them as a family pet their whole life.
Wheaten puppies are $750, with males and females being the same price. Generally, people that price females higher have a 'puppy mill' mentality. My Wheaten puppies are ACA registered and nice quality, but not 'show' dogs. I have been fortunate to have very healthy lines that do not have any of the illnesses to which Wheatens are predisposed (ie, skin allergies and protein wasting). Even though (or because) there is no history of illness, I do include a 1 year health guarantee against any congenital or genetic defects that states that i will refund the price of the dog if that were to occur. I have not had any puppies micro chipped because i assume that if a person is interested, they would speak directly with their vet. If that is something you would like me to have done, that is certainly possible. The cost would be just the amount the vet would charge and the cost to register the ID number/pet with the service. Dew claw removal and tail docking is always done and already included in the cost of the puppy.
I do understand that sometimes life changes and you can't keep the dog for whatever reason. Included in the contract is the fact that I'm willing (even request) that the dog be returned to me no matter what or how long it has been. I will even refund your money when the dog has been placed in another home. This has happened once, and the waiting period was surprisingly short.
You can reserve your puppy for a small deposit in the amount of your choice, but the deposit is non-refundable. After you send the deposit, you can then make payments or wait until the puppy is ready to go to pay the balance. If you are the first person to send a deposit and you want a female, then you get first pick of the females. I generally like people to make their selection by 5 or 6 weeks of age. This gives the puppy time to develop a personality, but doesn't keep all the people in line behind you waiting for too long. There is no extra charge for me to hold the puppy a few more weeks, and in fact, i will work on some extras like leash training, etc. I only ask that the puppy is paid for in full by 8 weeks of age.
Shipping anywhere in the continental united states is fairly easy. I have actually shipped a puppy to New Hampshire for an anniversary (or wife's birthday?) present on a 1 day notice, so last minute arrangements are possible, though not my preference. As far as airlines, I have used American Airlines and Delta. My preference is generally Delta, but it depends on your location and the availability of flights. I try to book direct flights that will arrive at a time that allows for convenience on both ends while keeping the puppy safe and comfortable. If you have a specific day that you want the puppy to arrive, like a birthday ;-), i can probably arrange it with enough advance notice. I'm not sure of the exact price, but last spring it was ~ $275. As we get closer to the date, or if you decide you definitely want one of our puppies, i can get a more accurate price.
This is my pricing disclaimer: All prices are subject to change for any reason (or no reason). The price of the puppy may vary per litter, the shipping cost will be dependent on airlines and gasoline, or I may end up charging a small fee for
keeping the puppy extra time (I've never charged before, I'm just sayin' I might in the future). That's about it - that wasn't too bad.
Please feel free to contact me with any further questions.
Wheaten puppies are $750, with males and females being the same price. Generally, people that price females higher have a 'puppy mill' mentality. My Wheaten puppies are ACA registered and nice quality, but not 'show' dogs. I have been fortunate to have very healthy lines that do not have any of the illnesses to which Wheatens are predisposed (ie, skin allergies and protein wasting). Even though (or because) there is no history of illness, I do include a 1 year health guarantee against any congenital or genetic defects that states that i will refund the price of the dog if that were to occur. I have not had any puppies micro chipped because i assume that if a person is interested, they would speak directly with their vet. If that is something you would like me to have done, that is certainly possible. The cost would be just the amount the vet would charge and the cost to register the ID number/pet with the service. Dew claw removal and tail docking is always done and already included in the cost of the puppy.
I do understand that sometimes life changes and you can't keep the dog for whatever reason. Included in the contract is the fact that I'm willing (even request) that the dog be returned to me no matter what or how long it has been. I will even refund your money when the dog has been placed in another home. This has happened once, and the waiting period was surprisingly short.
You can reserve your puppy for a small deposit in the amount of your choice, but the deposit is non-refundable. After you send the deposit, you can then make payments or wait until the puppy is ready to go to pay the balance. If you are the first person to send a deposit and you want a female, then you get first pick of the females. I generally like people to make their selection by 5 or 6 weeks of age. This gives the puppy time to develop a personality, but doesn't keep all the people in line behind you waiting for too long. There is no extra charge for me to hold the puppy a few more weeks, and in fact, i will work on some extras like leash training, etc. I only ask that the puppy is paid for in full by 8 weeks of age.
Shipping anywhere in the continental united states is fairly easy. I have actually shipped a puppy to New Hampshire for an anniversary (or wife's birthday?) present on a 1 day notice, so last minute arrangements are possible, though not my preference. As far as airlines, I have used American Airlines and Delta. My preference is generally Delta, but it depends on your location and the availability of flights. I try to book direct flights that will arrive at a time that allows for convenience on both ends while keeping the puppy safe and comfortable. If you have a specific day that you want the puppy to arrive, like a birthday ;-), i can probably arrange it with enough advance notice. I'm not sure of the exact price, but last spring it was ~ $275. As we get closer to the date, or if you decide you definitely want one of our puppies, i can get a more accurate price.
This is my pricing disclaimer: All prices are subject to change for any reason (or no reason). The price of the puppy may vary per litter, the shipping cost will be dependent on airlines and gasoline, or I may end up charging a small fee for
keeping the puppy extra time (I've never charged before, I'm just sayin' I might in the future). That's about it - that wasn't too bad.
Please feel free to contact me with any further questions.
Wheatens, Cresteds and Shelties - Oh, my!
I thought I would give everyone a quick look at the breeds that i have, and why.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier:
A few years ago i became interested in getting a puppy, but my son had severe allergies. So after a lot of research I found the Wheatens. When a breeder with a nice group of healthy, quality Wheatens was having to sell her all of her dogs, i took advantage of the opportunity. I have not been sorry one day. They are wonderful dogs that are never in a bad mood and when i bring them in the house there is no shedding or doggie odor. Most importantly, there are no allergies for my son.
So here are few highlights about the breed. They are truly non-shedding and hypo-allergenic (as opposed to Labradoodles who shed less than a Labrador but A LOT more than a poodle or wheaten). At times we have a mom and pups inside for up to 10 weeks. They are a beautiful blond (wheat) color and I often use a black crate inside. There is not one hair in that crate by the end of their stay inside. I shed more than than they do! Besides those obvious benefits (non-shedding and hypoallergenic), Wheatens also don't have that doggie odor. Personality wise, they are the least terrier-like of all the terriers, and stay very playful and like a puppy their whole life. They are famous for their 'Wheaten Greetin' - a playful jump at the very sight of you. They will bark at a stranger, but then they just want to visit and play. They were originally used as good all-round farm and family dogs that could hunt, herd and defend, and they are still great family dogs to this day.
Chinese Crested:
I currently have a very nice group of Chinese Cresteds (show quality), which i became interested in after the Wheatens. I was attracted to the Crested's hypo-allergenic qualities and their unique look packaged in a small size. Chinese Cresteds are a low to non-shed breed and also hypoallergenic. They come in 2 coat varieties - puff and hairless. These are not 2 different breeds, just a genetic variation of one breed. A puff coat will have a very low amount of shedding, and do not have the doggie odor. A hairless will have little to no shedding, obviously.
The Crested personality is very sweet and quite comical at times. They are very people oriented and love to please. They do want to be with their people - the more the better. A Crested is very happy to sit in your lap as long as you are willing, or follow you anywhere you go. I have several one that go to the barn with me to check on horses or anything else i might need to do outside. They are very smart and easy to train, esp for a little breed. And of course, it's fun to dress the hairless in different outfits - and they are willing to play along for the warmth. A Crested makes a very nice purse puppy, but esp a companion that is always willing to share the couch.
Shetland Sheepdog:
Shelties were not in the non-shed, hypo-allergenic plan i had for my kennel, but here they are anyway ;-). My first dog was a Sheltie named Joy. She was so smart and intuitive that we called her a 'Sheltie Person.' When my mother first became ill we taught Joy sign language and trained her to go find the other person. Once you have a Sheltie they always hold a special place in your heart.
A couple of months ago an acquaintance called and told me that their family friend had broken her back and needed someone to take her Shelties. Since i love Shelties and I'm a sucker for a sob story, i now have her dogs. The group is very mild mannered and sweet, and not barkers (sometimes Shelties have a tendency to bark a lot, esp when there's been irresponsible breeding). Several are nice quality and meet the breed standard, but a few fall short. We'll be looking into which ones to breed over next few months.
Shelties are members of the herding group. As such, they are very in tune with their owners, but they also think independently. Shelties often find something to herd on their own, and will circle their owners when going for walks, or circle a group of kids to try to bunch them together. 'Sassy' is the word that comes to mind for a Sheltie. ;-) They will shed a little throughout the year, but esp when the warmer weather causes them to shed their winter coat (or when a female goes into heat).
I have also raised Skye Terriers and Schipperkes in the past. I still have some connections for them and like them, but no longer breed them.
If you have more questions about the breeds that I have, please feel free to ask.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier:
A few years ago i became interested in getting a puppy, but my son had severe allergies. So after a lot of research I found the Wheatens. When a breeder with a nice group of healthy, quality Wheatens was having to sell her all of her dogs, i took advantage of the opportunity. I have not been sorry one day. They are wonderful dogs that are never in a bad mood and when i bring them in the house there is no shedding or doggie odor. Most importantly, there are no allergies for my son.
So here are few highlights about the breed. They are truly non-shedding and hypo-allergenic (as opposed to Labradoodles who shed less than a Labrador but A LOT more than a poodle or wheaten). At times we have a mom and pups inside for up to 10 weeks. They are a beautiful blond (wheat) color and I often use a black crate inside. There is not one hair in that crate by the end of their stay inside. I shed more than than they do! Besides those obvious benefits (non-shedding and hypoallergenic), Wheatens also don't have that doggie odor. Personality wise, they are the least terrier-like of all the terriers, and stay very playful and like a puppy their whole life. They are famous for their 'Wheaten Greetin' - a playful jump at the very sight of you. They will bark at a stranger, but then they just want to visit and play. They were originally used as good all-round farm and family dogs that could hunt, herd and defend, and they are still great family dogs to this day.
Chinese Crested:
I currently have a very nice group of Chinese Cresteds (show quality), which i became interested in after the Wheatens. I was attracted to the Crested's hypo-allergenic qualities and their unique look packaged in a small size. Chinese Cresteds are a low to non-shed breed and also hypoallergenic. They come in 2 coat varieties - puff and hairless. These are not 2 different breeds, just a genetic variation of one breed. A puff coat will have a very low amount of shedding, and do not have the doggie odor. A hairless will have little to no shedding, obviously.
The Crested personality is very sweet and quite comical at times. They are very people oriented and love to please. They do want to be with their people - the more the better. A Crested is very happy to sit in your lap as long as you are willing, or follow you anywhere you go. I have several one that go to the barn with me to check on horses or anything else i might need to do outside. They are very smart and easy to train, esp for a little breed. And of course, it's fun to dress the hairless in different outfits - and they are willing to play along for the warmth. A Crested makes a very nice purse puppy, but esp a companion that is always willing to share the couch.
Shetland Sheepdog:
Shelties were not in the non-shed, hypo-allergenic plan i had for my kennel, but here they are anyway ;-). My first dog was a Sheltie named Joy. She was so smart and intuitive that we called her a 'Sheltie Person.' When my mother first became ill we taught Joy sign language and trained her to go find the other person. Once you have a Sheltie they always hold a special place in your heart.
A couple of months ago an acquaintance called and told me that their family friend had broken her back and needed someone to take her Shelties. Since i love Shelties and I'm a sucker for a sob story, i now have her dogs. The group is very mild mannered and sweet, and not barkers (sometimes Shelties have a tendency to bark a lot, esp when there's been irresponsible breeding). Several are nice quality and meet the breed standard, but a few fall short. We'll be looking into which ones to breed over next few months.
Shelties are members of the herding group. As such, they are very in tune with their owners, but they also think independently. Shelties often find something to herd on their own, and will circle their owners when going for walks, or circle a group of kids to try to bunch them together. 'Sassy' is the word that comes to mind for a Sheltie. ;-) They will shed a little throughout the year, but esp when the warmer weather causes them to shed their winter coat (or when a female goes into heat).
I have also raised Skye Terriers and Schipperkes in the past. I still have some connections for them and like them, but no longer breed them.
If you have more questions about the breeds that I have, please feel free to ask.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Special Delivery!
Here's a closer look at what we do in final preparation for the puppies' arrival.
About 2 weeks before a momma dog is due I bring her inside. I fix a whelping box or crate that opens into a puppy exercise pen with paper. If it's winter I include a special heating pad made for dogs so that the new pups don't get a chill if they are inadvertently pushed to the edge. This arrangement is placed in the nook between the kitchen and the den. This way we can keep a close eye on mom and babies and they are exposed to a variety of sights and sounds.
As far as the mom's preparation, she needs to bathed and have a hair cut (either partial on her underside, or a full clip). I check for fleas/ticks, deworm her and transition her to a high quality puppy food. Then we wait and watch!
When the puppies are born I help clean them up (assuming I'm home and it's not 3am). I put colored ribbons around their neck that coordinate with their birth order when possible. This helps me track the puppies' progress and makes it easy to monitor any concerns that may develop. Also, it helps later on with recognizing their unique emerging personalities and allows people to easily recognize which puppy they have picked.
Three days old is an important milestone in a puppy's life. At three days old they and their mother are dewormed again. They also go to the vet for dewclaw removal and tail docking. This is something I could do at home, but I like the idea of the vet handling them and giving them a quick check. Three days is also when we begin bio-sensor training. This is a program developed by the military in the 70's for the military police dogs. Basically, it's founded on the idea that there is a special window of time in a puppy's life that they are very sensitive and receptive to stimulation. Five simple exercises are performed for five seconds each on a daily basis on days 3 thru 16. They found that the puppy develops faster and stronger, but most importantly they are better able to handle stress as an adult, have improved health and therefore they live longer. While this program has been around 30+ yrs, it is not widely known. Here's a link for more info http://www.breedingbetterdogs.com/achiever.html or you can just Google a search for 'bio-sensor training' or ‘super dog training’.
At 3 weeks we do a deworming on the puppies and again on mom and repeat the deworming at 5 weeks. I use Panacur because it so safe and does not cause abdominal cramping. Then we give the first puppy shots at 6 weeks. I always, ALWAYS buy my shots from the vet so that I can be assured that they have been handled correctly.
After the initial vaccination the puppies start making short outings to the play pen in the yard both with and without mom to start getting use to being away from her. We also go for short drives and take them to the vet for a health check-up. However, we don't really wean them until 8 weeks. I feel they learn a lot of basic doggie manners from their mom during that extra 2 weeks. A lot of people wean at 6 weeks, and it IS a lot more work (did I mention they're in the kitchen all of this time?!?). There is also a lot more expense to keep them the extra 2 weeks, but it is so good for them physically and emotionally. They get a lot of exposure to different noises and environments as well as opportunities to interact with our other dogs, cats and even horses. Most importantly, every vet I've ever spoken with has strongly advised that the pups stay with their mom until 8 weeks - they have never suggested that there is ever a time when it is okay for it to be earlier.
When the time comes for the puppy to be shipped or picked up, I take them to the vet one last time for a health certificate. The health certificate is an official check-up for the department of agriculture for an animal to be transported across state lines. This is a very thorough exam that will be done within 10 days before shipping and includes mouth, eyes, ears, heart, respiratory and a check for parasites.
Occasionally someone needs me to keep a puppy a little longer than 8 weeks so that the puppy arrives at a time that coincides with a vacation time or special event. I don't mind doing that on occasion, and we even try to work in a few little extras like leash training and extra trips to the public along with the usual daily life in the country (think cats, horses, goats, etc).
Well, that's our 'puppy schedule'. Our puppies are just very nice all the way around and quite exceptional in their disposition. The moms are pampered and do not have more than 1 litter per year. I have a small kennel operation and it is rare to have more than one mom delivering at a time. This allows me to devote the time to them that they deserve. I believe all of these factors are why we have such healthy adults and puppies and why they are so well adjusted.
If there are any areas i haven't covered, please feel free to leave a comment for me or to e-mail me at brownscreekkennels@gmail.com
About 2 weeks before a momma dog is due I bring her inside. I fix a whelping box or crate that opens into a puppy exercise pen with paper. If it's winter I include a special heating pad made for dogs so that the new pups don't get a chill if they are inadvertently pushed to the edge. This arrangement is placed in the nook between the kitchen and the den. This way we can keep a close eye on mom and babies and they are exposed to a variety of sights and sounds.
As far as the mom's preparation, she needs to bathed and have a hair cut (either partial on her underside, or a full clip). I check for fleas/ticks, deworm her and transition her to a high quality puppy food. Then we wait and watch!
When the puppies are born I help clean them up (assuming I'm home and it's not 3am). I put colored ribbons around their neck that coordinate with their birth order when possible. This helps me track the puppies' progress and makes it easy to monitor any concerns that may develop. Also, it helps later on with recognizing their unique emerging personalities and allows people to easily recognize which puppy they have picked.
Three days old is an important milestone in a puppy's life. At three days old they and their mother are dewormed again. They also go to the vet for dewclaw removal and tail docking. This is something I could do at home, but I like the idea of the vet handling them and giving them a quick check. Three days is also when we begin bio-sensor training. This is a program developed by the military in the 70's for the military police dogs. Basically, it's founded on the idea that there is a special window of time in a puppy's life that they are very sensitive and receptive to stimulation. Five simple exercises are performed for five seconds each on a daily basis on days 3 thru 16. They found that the puppy develops faster and stronger, but most importantly they are better able to handle stress as an adult, have improved health and therefore they live longer. While this program has been around 30+ yrs, it is not widely known. Here's a link for more info http://www.breedingbetterdogs.com/achiever.html or you can just Google a search for 'bio-sensor training' or ‘super dog training’.
At 3 weeks we do a deworming on the puppies and again on mom and repeat the deworming at 5 weeks. I use Panacur because it so safe and does not cause abdominal cramping. Then we give the first puppy shots at 6 weeks. I always, ALWAYS buy my shots from the vet so that I can be assured that they have been handled correctly.
After the initial vaccination the puppies start making short outings to the play pen in the yard both with and without mom to start getting use to being away from her. We also go for short drives and take them to the vet for a health check-up. However, we don't really wean them until 8 weeks. I feel they learn a lot of basic doggie manners from their mom during that extra 2 weeks. A lot of people wean at 6 weeks, and it IS a lot more work (did I mention they're in the kitchen all of this time?!?). There is also a lot more expense to keep them the extra 2 weeks, but it is so good for them physically and emotionally. They get a lot of exposure to different noises and environments as well as opportunities to interact with our other dogs, cats and even horses. Most importantly, every vet I've ever spoken with has strongly advised that the pups stay with their mom until 8 weeks - they have never suggested that there is ever a time when it is okay for it to be earlier.
When the time comes for the puppy to be shipped or picked up, I take them to the vet one last time for a health certificate. The health certificate is an official check-up for the department of agriculture for an animal to be transported across state lines. This is a very thorough exam that will be done within 10 days before shipping and includes mouth, eyes, ears, heart, respiratory and a check for parasites.
Occasionally someone needs me to keep a puppy a little longer than 8 weeks so that the puppy arrives at a time that coincides with a vacation time or special event. I don't mind doing that on occasion, and we even try to work in a few little extras like leash training and extra trips to the public along with the usual daily life in the country (think cats, horses, goats, etc).
Well, that's our 'puppy schedule'. Our puppies are just very nice all the way around and quite exceptional in their disposition. The moms are pampered and do not have more than 1 litter per year. I have a small kennel operation and it is rare to have more than one mom delivering at a time. This allows me to devote the time to them that they deserve. I believe all of these factors are why we have such healthy adults and puppies and why they are so well adjusted.
If there are any areas i haven't covered, please feel free to leave a comment for me or to e-mail me at brownscreekkennels@gmail.com
Saturday, March 28, 2009
About the People!
This post is just to tell you a little about my family so you know the puppies' environment. My mom, myself and my son lived together until recently. When my grandfather passed away we moved across the state to the old family farm to be with my grandmother. We now all live within 100 ft of each other. :-S
On weekends I work 40 hrs at a hospital as a medical lab tech. Sometimes this schedule stinks, but most of the time it is great because I have a lot of days in a row at home to do the big 'maintenance' chores. It also allows a lot of flexibility for taking pups to the airport. On top of it all, I have a great boss that understands if the puppies have to 'call in'. ;-)
Speaking of my weird schedule, if you call on the weekend (Friday evening - Monday noon) you most likely won't get an answer. I will return your call Monday, but e-mail is the most effective means of communication on the weekends.
My son, Matthew, is my delight. He is 14 yo and we home-school during the week. Without his help, the dogs and puppies would not be so well cared for and socialized. And this is done without grumbling and complaining (99% of the time!).
My mom is disabled (mildly) and is home all the time. On weekends she helps with my son and, of course, puppies. Her help and 20+ years of medical/vet experience is greatly appreciated.
Because of our unique living arrangement and schedule, the puppies get interaction throughout the day, every day.
If you want to see a picture of us, go to brownscreekkennels.shutterfly.com. You'll be relieved to know we don't have a 3rd eye or anything. ;-)
On weekends I work 40 hrs at a hospital as a medical lab tech. Sometimes this schedule stinks, but most of the time it is great because I have a lot of days in a row at home to do the big 'maintenance' chores. It also allows a lot of flexibility for taking pups to the airport. On top of it all, I have a great boss that understands if the puppies have to 'call in'. ;-)
Speaking of my weird schedule, if you call on the weekend (Friday evening - Monday noon) you most likely won't get an answer. I will return your call Monday, but e-mail is the most effective means of communication on the weekends.
My son, Matthew, is my delight. He is 14 yo and we home-school during the week. Without his help, the dogs and puppies would not be so well cared for and socialized. And this is done without grumbling and complaining (99% of the time!).
My mom is disabled (mildly) and is home all the time. On weekends she helps with my son and, of course, puppies. Her help and 20+ years of medical/vet experience is greatly appreciated.
Because of our unique living arrangement and schedule, the puppies get interaction throughout the day, every day.
If you want to see a picture of us, go to brownscreekkennels.shutterfly.com. You'll be relieved to know we don't have a 3rd eye or anything. ;-)
Introduction to Blog
I wanted to start this blog so that people interested in learning more about our dogs and puppies would have a place to go in search of answers and information. I also wanted to have a convenient way for you to get up to the minute information on a litter or puppy that you may be following. If you don't see something you need, please post a comment or e-mail. I look forward to helping you find the puppy that's right for you.
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