I've thoroughly enjoyed my time without bushels of puppies under my feet and fur flying in every corner of my days. I've spend my time recently focusing on my own dogs, re-centering myself, spending more time with my family, assessing my program and finding ways to improve moving forward. I've made some changes for this year ahead and look forward to everything that this new year will bring.
I've been in touch with many of the families from these last few litters and got the opportunity to be part of a couple of playdates this week.
Thank to so much to the Gough Family and to the Koester/Templeton Family for hosting both these exceptionally fun get togethers.
There is a very small window of opportunity for which it is our job to teach our puppies that the world is a safe place. Socialization in this 'critical period' between 4-12 weeks of age is vital. Generally the younger the puppy is when it is socialized, the more quickly and easily he gains confidence. Waiting too long can result in the more difficult process of rehabilitation instead of socialization. Challenges down the road are usually a result of inefficient socialization. It is our jobs to expose our pups to good associations to life, people, dogs and situations. Quality of exposures is key not quantity. Many new families ask me "what about the risk of exposing my new pup to illnesses the vaccines protect against?" It has been widely researched and proven that the benefits of early socialization far outweigh the risks of illness. I just caution my families to do this safely, in a secluded area to begin with and with full awareness of the vaccination status of the other dogs you are exposing your new pup to and the area you are doing it in. Getting together with other littermates that are at the same level in so many ways is a great way to start this process!
I LOVE that my families have followed my guidance and feel the weight of how important this all is. So 3 of Isla's Toy pups got together in Stanwood and romped, ran, played and wrestled for nearly 2 hrs. It was a bit wet but the pups didn't even notice.
The siblings played really well together, a little cautious at first but soon all forgotten in a flurry of fluff. New questions were answered, ideas were thrown around, stories were shared and laughter was thick in the air. Thank you all who made the drive to that playdate!
The following day 3 of Meiko's Plant pups (+ my Anya) went down to Seattle and ran, chased, rolled and entertained everyone greatly. It was a hoot to watch as they chased each other up and over the couch and back and forth trying to wear the other one out. There was a huge size difference in the the smallest pup of the litter and the biggest boy. So interesting for me to see how they are growing. It will be super interesting to see where they end up in a years time. My Anya was calm and observant and not really interested in playing with the 'little' dogs. I guess she's conditioned to being a pack member more now and having only big dogs to bowl her over! Her tail was wagging and she happily lumbered amongst them but content to just watch the craziness around her. That's just her though as she's always been my sweet calm collected girl.
She was very happy to be back home and fell right back in line with her pack. Leia instantly said "oh you're back kid?! rats" ha! Neema was thrilled to have her sister (chew toy) back. I'm astonished that a wee 11 wk. old pup can grow into a (almost) full growth dog with a few months time. I captured this last photo here today of Neema @ 6 mths. old. Enjoy these pups while they are small you guys as you only have a few more months of them being puppies.
Continue to expose your wee ones to the world everyone. Create positive associations to people, dogs, many different places and life in all directions. Don't 'Flood' them with fear, follow their lead and guide them in exposures that will build their confidence so they will have the highest chance positive to live content, happy and balanced lives.