Long Lane Welsh Springer Spaniels

01/11/2024

Cash got mail today! Congrats to Lynne Fennell 🐶

11/10/2024

Using my (apparently) well-honed research skills, I’m going to follow up this post.

09/10/2024

Amazing! OFA hip & elbow results have been posted …… after 1 week. Pleased to say Java’s (GCH Cluss*xx Cafe Jumping Bean) elbows are normal and his hips are good. Yahoo!

20/09/2024

As pleased as a co-owner can be! Cash can now be referred to as CKC Ch Long Lane Worth My Weight N Gold. Many thanks to his owner/handler Lynne Fennell. Next, an ACK Ch!

07/09/2024

This ….. explains a lot.

Adolescence occurs between six months and 18 months of age—a time when guardians typically struggle the most with their dogs. Some guardians are so overwhelmed and underprepared for this developmental stage of their dog’s life, they choose to surrender the dog to a local shelter or rescue group. In a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that the majority of the surrendered dogs (47.7 percent) ) were between 5 months and 3 years of age (M.D. Salman,John G. New, Jr.,Janet M. Scarlett,Philip H. Kass,Rebecca Ruch-Gallie &Suzanne Hetts, 2010)

The neurobiology of adolescence is fascinating, with some key events that alter both the structure and function of the brain.

During canine adolescence, changing s*x hormones effect the animals stress responses. Adolescent dogs have a decreased ability to process information they are receiving from the environment including the presence of dogs, vehicles, people, or really anything around them. They behave in ways that might feel frustrating or upsetting for the dog’s person.

The connectivity between the frontal cortex (responsible for decision making) and amygdala (responsible for emotional processing) decreases, resulting in less behavioral control. We see increased risk taking and more sensitivity to fear.

So what does this mean? This could mean that what was once no big deal to the dog now feels scary; what was once easy to do is now stressful; what once made sense is now confusing. At times, the world can feel like ‘too much’ for the adolescent dog.

As your puppy undergoes this transition into adulthood their inner world is intense, even chaotic. Many pet owners experience an increase in undesirable behavior and find themselves becoming increasingly frustrated. In turn, our own frustration and impatience can cause us to act unpredictably. This adds to our puppy’s inner turmoil. When the inside and the outside are both unpredictable it can be difficult for our dogs to adjust.

If you have an adolescent dog, what can you do? You can give your dog the time and space to observe what is going on around them when on leash at a distance away from the activity when possible. You can give your dog long walks to sniff and explore in nature, giving their brain time to decompress. You can offer your dog a quiet space to sleep so that they can consolidate memories effectively. You can continue training various skills, breaking them down into easier steps that can be generously reinforced.

By understanding what our adolescent dog is experiencing we gain greater compassion and understanding. When we approach adolescence with patience we create a world that is predictable and gentle so our puppies grow up to be their best adult selves.

09/07/2024

Ollie, Lucy, Redford, and Watson are celebrating their 8th birthday today. May they continue to provide love to their forever families.

07/07/2024

Traveler (Long Lane’s Traveler from Limberlost BN, RN) is the fastest WSS these days. Congrats to Lynn & Dan O’Keefe!!

03/07/2024

Important info from a LL WSS owner! Heat injury is real and scary.

14/06/2024

Things to remember ……

12/06/2024

Here, given the warming that’s happening.

30/05/2024

Charlie’s a new AKC Ch!

26/05/2024

I ❤️ my puppy people especially when they send updates. Here, Birdie (Long Lane Give Me Just a Little S’More Time) with her buddy Will in Raleigh, NC. This makes my heart sing.

20/05/2024

A reminder.

09/05/2024

….. in preparation for Westminster!

09/05/2024

…… what’s needed for an evacuation …..

09/05/2024

This is good to know:

20/04/2024

For those who use harnesses …..

16/04/2024