FoxTrot Rhodesian Ridgebacks & Basenjis

07/08/2025

06/08/2025

Thank You Big Country Raw!!

When you choose the best raw dog food on the market they look after you.

04/08/2025

Socializing puppies with kids properly is essential for both the safety of the children and the healthy development of the dog. Here’s why it’s so important:

1. Builds Positive Associations
• Early, positive experiences with children help puppies associate kids with fun, affection, and safety.
• This reduces the risk of fear-based behaviors like growling, hiding, or snapping later on.

2. Prevents Aggression
• Dogs that aren’t socialized with children may see them as unpredictable or threatening.
• Proper socialization reduces the chance of future aggression or defensive behavior.

3. Teaches Puppies Boundaries
• Socialization gives puppies a chance to learn how to behave around small, energetic humans.
• They learn not to nip, jump, or play too rough.

4. Teaches Kids Respect and Handling
• Children also learn how to approach and handle a puppy gently and respectfully.
• This helps prevent accidental injuries to both the dog and the child.

5. Encourages Adaptability
• Well-socialized puppies grow into dogs that are more adaptable in family environments, including homes with children or visiting nieces, nephews, or friends.
• They’re less likely to be stressed in loud or busy situations.

6. Supports Mental Health and Confidence
• Exposure to children during the puppy’s critical socialization period (usually up to 16 weeks) helps build a confident, well-adjusted dog.
• Lack of exposure during this window can lead to anxiety and fearfulness.

Tips for Proper Socialization:
• Keep interactions supervised and positive.
• Use treats and praise to reward calm behavior around kids.
• Start with calm, gentle children before introducing to louder or more energetic ones.
• Teach kids how to approach dogs calmly, pet gently, and respect the puppy’s space.

31/07/2025

Purchasing a puppy from an ethical breeder is crucial for several important reasons:

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🐶 1. Health and Genetics

Ethical breeders carefully select breeding pairs to minimize the risk of inherited diseases and ensure strong genetics.
• Puppies are often screened for health conditions common in the breed.
• Parents typically undergo health testing and vet checks before breeding.

👉 This leads to a healthier dog with a better quality of life—and potentially lower vet bills for you.

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💛 2. Proper Socialization and Early Care

Ethical breeders raise puppies in safe, enriched environments, often in their homes.
• Puppies get early socialization, which is critical for temperament and behavior.
• They receive appropriate vaccinations, worming, and vet care from the start.

👉 Well-socialized puppies are more likely to grow into stable, confident adult dogs.

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📄 3. Transparency and Support

Responsible breeders:
• Are honest about the breed’s needs, challenges, and temperament.
• Offer contracts, health guarantees, and are usually willing to take the dog back if things don’t work out.
• Provide ongoing support and advice throughout the dog’s life.

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🧬 4. Breed Preservation and Improvement

Ethical breeders focus on maintaining breed standards and improving the breed.
• They aim to produce dogs with good structure, temperament, and health.
• Many are involved in dog sports or breed clubs, which hold them to high standards.

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🛑 5. Avoiding Puppy Mills and Backyard Breeders

Buying from ethical breeders helps stop the demand for puppy mills and irresponsible breeders, which often:
• Prioritize profit over animal welfare.
• Raise dogs in poor, inhumane conditions.
• Sell sick, under-socialized puppies with unknown backgrounds.

👉 Ethical breeding reduces animal suffering and helps prevent overcrowding in shelters.

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✅ Final Tip:

A good breeder will interview you just as much as you interview them—they care deeply where their puppies go.

If you’re considering a puppy, doing the research to find a responsible breeder—or considering a reputable rescue—is one of the best decisions you can make for your future dog and the broader animal community.

28/07/2025

28/07/2025

28/07/2025

26/07/2025