According to the internet, it’s #nationaldogday - so please enjoy this video of me getting their group photo for the business Instagram. It’s hard to hold still for photos when you’re a puppy. 😂. We hope you’re having a great day with your dog(s)!
Puppy tip #(lost count).
Feed your puppy in his kennel. Want him to like his kennel? Make it his own personal five star restaurant. Now, does that mean Jack jumps in with that level of enthusiasm every time I crate him? Nope. Does it mean that it made it easier for him to adjust to being in there? Yep. Does it keep him safe and out of trouble with the other dogs during mealtimes? Also yep.
*note - you’d have never caught #elliethewarriorprincess in a canvas kennel at this age - she’d have busted through the wall in five minutes or less. Use a kennel that is suitable and safe for your specific pup’s needs.
Good puppy habit - taking advantage of the socialization period between 8-16 weeks but understanding that “socialization” isn’t all about touching other dogs and people! Socialization is experiencing the world and learning to handle new and weird things - like forklifts! Jake’s aunt Mattie is standing on his leash, which not only keeps him from potentially rushing too close to it if he’s intrigued, but also from freaking out and totally running off if he decides he’s concerned. Thankfully, he only had a moment or two of uncertainty before deciding it was all actually fairly mundane. Our trip to Usher Carpet and Tile to get flooring and meet my dad was a success. 👍 #mountainjack
Good puppy habit #3 - not allowing your puppy to constantly irritate your older dog(s). Tucker is still very much in denial about Jack. He’s been very patient- but he doesn’t want to play right now and he doesn’t love being stepped on or bitten. So, while I certainly have already, and will continue to allow Tucker to give Jack corrections, I also want to step in and relieve tensions when needed so that Tucker doesn’t feel like he has to keep escalating a correction if Jack doesn’t listen. It’s a bit of a balancing act of allowing them to figure themselves out and supporting/guiding at the same time. ♥️ #princetuckerproblems
Let’s talk about yesterday’s tip to use the leash. I think some folks assume this means constantly micromanaging- but it doesn’t have to be. I let Jack do a lot of exploring and choosing what he does next - I just use the leash to stop him or guide him away from situations that aren’t ideal. Once I saw more relaxed behavior from everyone, we even started just dragging the leash around a bit. The idea is guidance - not a total lockdown.
We had a great group of clients brave the cold yesterday for a #ruffresher! Scramble heeling for the win!
This week seems like an appropriate time to remind you to keep a watchful eye on your pups in this weather. *Some* dogs have been known to ingest so much snow that they drop their core body temperature and become hypothermic. This PSA definitely not brought to you by the life of #elliethewarriorprincess 😂 Have fun and stay safe!
We broke our record this morning for dogs/puppies at a RUFFresher! All 13 did such a wonderful job - we love a morning with good dogs and good people!
