Rock Haven Retrievers

Always learning 📝 Last night we went to a dog seminar and we gave our 2 oldest boys the option of coming with us and they both wanted to come! It’s fun to see them interested in learning more about dogs and puppies.🐾 Last night Dr. Robert Westra from Washington state spoke on the importance of genetics and genetic testing, which we do for all of our dogs, and it was really insightful and encouraging to hear about new developments happening on the scientific end. #rockhavenretrievers #alwayslearning

Touch desensitization🐾 This is so important for young puppies, but it’s never too late to start! Save this to do with your puppy.❤️ #rockhavenretrievers #puppytips

🐾Playing with our puppies🐾 I love to spend intentional time playing with our puppies, but I want to make sure it’s in a healthy way that builds trust. Here are a few things I take into consideration: 1- I want to be in charge of play- this means I determine when it starts and stops. 2- It needs to be fun for both of us! This means I’m not frustrating him by never letting him “win.” 3- If I don’t want him to do it as an adult I don’t let him do it as a puppy. This means having good manners during play. He’s still a puppy and makes mistakes, but I never encourage any behavior I don’t want more of. 4- Puppies are different and some like toys more than others. I’ve found if I keep a toy or two that is specifically for when I’m with him, then just having the toy to play with is an added incentive. P.S. - This rope toy is one that I never leave alone with our dogs or puppies since rope toys can be chocking hazards because they can get small pieces off if they are allowed to chew on them. #rockhavenretrievers #puppytips #labradorretrieverpuppy

Puppy training✨ When you bring your puppy home this is what most of your training sessions will look like! 8 week old puppies get distracted easily and have short attention spans so engagement is the goal! Here I am using cheese and a toy to reward her, along with also petting her and saying “Good girl!” when she makes a good choice. A puppy’s brain is like a sponge, so she is soaking up how to play with me, along with learning how to earn rewards and take treats gently. #rockhavenretrievers #puppytraining #puppytips

I absolutely love seeing updates from our Rock Haven family at Christmas.🎄 P.S. Do you see the Labradoodles? Sasha had 1 litter of Labradoodles 7 years ago.🤍 #rockhavenretrievers #christmaspups

These sweet babies are all out in the world now with their new families!♥️ It always amazes me how quickly 8 weeks goes by.🥹 It’s truly such an honor to love and care for these puppies while they are with us, knowing they will be making an extraordinary impact on each one of their families.🤍🐾 #puppylife #rockhavenretrievers #yellowlabpuppy #blacklabpuppy #

Biothane dog leash - Do you have one?? We love these dog leashes because they are durable and SUPER easy to clean. For a puppy I like to start with a 3 or 4 foot leash so I can keep them close and engaged with me, and for adult dogs I like a 5 or 6 foot leash.🐾 Do you have a favorite leash? I’d love to know in the comments! #rockhavenretrievers #dogleash #favoritethings

How do we know that the puppies are ready to start on soaked puppy food? Once we can feel the puppies teeth have come in, which typically happens around 3 to 4 weeks old, and mama stops laying down to nurse. Pansy will still occasionally lay down, but more and more I am finding her going the drive-through route. This means we are in the weaning process! Puppies are loving their soaked puppy food and becoming more independent as they spend some time just as puppies, and Pansy gets some time without the baby sharks.🤣 It’s a mobile milk bar now 🥛 #englishcreamgoldenretrievers #goldenretrieverpuppies #goldenretrieversofinstagram