So you got your new puppy home and you have given them a few days to settle in but about now you just might be wondering what do you do next! Previously I wrote about having a plan but what exactly is that? A training/behaviour plan is an organized description of the actions and resources you need to train efficiently. It can be as simple or as detailed as you wish it. Here are two samples, one a detailed plan and one a simple acknowledgment with quick training video at the e

When puppies are round two week old we begin to noticed that the corners of the puppies eyes are opening. This is a sign that they should be fully open in the next 24 to 48 hours. At that time we need to keep the lighting down low to keep them comfortable and to protect their eyes until they adjust. When their eyes do fully open they will still not be able to focus or see very much, just lights and blurred motion for a few days however this is usually the kick start that get

Just a small compilation of the evenings activities before tucking the puppies into bed for the night. Two have left so we are down to three but the house isn't any calmer

The Puppies went for a visit with their Veterinarian today to get their health check and vaccinations. It was a very busy day!

This week the puppies will be leaving to go to their new homes and I am starting to get the usual question from my puppy buyers regarding puppy training so in today's Puppy Nuggets I would like to focus on what happens when you get your puppy home. The first few days are going to set the tone for your puppy on what is considered acceptable behaviour and how he will interact with you. Puppies bite, puppies chew, puppies jump, puppies bark and puppies get into all kinds of trou

Before I give a recommended book list I just want to issue a cautionary note on the "Written Word" and "Training Methods". -Books cannot not replace formal training classes as they cannot provide socialization, distraction, individual assessment or a hands on experience. -There are no perfect books or trainers and some are better or worse then others. -It is only the authors or trainers opinion on a method of training based in their own experiences and/or on research which th

Every day we try to introduce the puppies to an ever changing environment new experiences and age appropriate challenges . To this end building supply stores are way better then shopping in malls! A piece of lattice to block the stairs the pups should not be climbing. A left over piece of plastic culvert I snagged from a helpful road construction crew in my neighbourhood makes a great tunnel and a piece of plywood attached by thick rope to simple box made from PVC pipe makes

It was a scorcher of a week so since one of the big dogs decided to chew a hole in the little pool I had to pull out the baby tub to allow the puppies to cool down in the water. They took to it like cats! It quickly became apparent that they really were not fussy on having wet feet but one eventually couldn't resist, gathered up her courage and took the plunge. Where I would have liked to see a little less courage was when I found them on the stairs to the deck! Pardon the l

So you thought cats were curious? Wait until you see a Golden Retriever puppy in action! They love to explore and to put just about everything in their mouth. Here are a few tips for preparing your home for your curious canine: Keep your counter tops clear and food out of reach. Puppies have great noses! If they smell something enticing they are going to jump up to investigate. If you get into the habit of ensuring food is safely stored when they are small they will not have

I originally wrote this post back around 2007 because I LOVE my vets however in recent years it has become apparent that the veterinary industry is in crisis. The rate of suicide in the veterinary profession has been pegged as close to twice that of other medical professions, and 4 times the rate of the general public. As pet owners we need to do our part in being part of the solution not the problem. BUILDING A POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR VETERINARY TEAM Animal ownership

Dear puppy people of Ella's litter, it is time to pick your puppies registered name for CKC registration and pedigree purposes. In order to individually register puppies with the Canadian Kennel Club, all puppies must be have a unique registered name to go along with their microchip number. Given the state of the puppies after being at camp all week it only seems fitting that the theme for Ella’s litter is “DIRTY”. I have posted a few suggestions however you may also submit a

That hard to wipe off, slimy film on pet food bowls is Biofilm, a variety of different bacteria bound together in a thick substance that acts like a glue. While biofilm is a breeding ground for both good and bad bacteria, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) revealed that among all microbial and chronic infections, 65% and 80%, respectively, are associated with biofilm formation. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29042186/ Tips for Preparing Pet Food Begin and end with clean

It's been awhile since I was able to set up the puppy swing so last week Ian solved the problem by making us a permanent structure under the canopy. The pups found it rather a nice place to nap and I got to spend an enjoyable place to sit and watch them. The first video is of the pups at 5 week old with it low to the ground to allow them to get comfortable with minimal movement. The second video is of the pups at just over 6 weeks old. As you can see the increased height and

Sometimes when it comes down to enrichment activities you can buy puppies all kinds of toys but in the end doesn't it always come down to playing with the cardboard box? Toys and enrichment activities do not need to break the bank. Most times a simple sniffy walk where the puppy gets to decide where to go and what to investigate is a favorite no cost puppy activity. Common household items can easily be put to use as play items. While seeing a puppy run down the hall in glee w

All the things you will need for your puppy and then some. I only post what I use, know and trust. Shop local! All my listed suppliers are Canadian. I am not affiliated with any brand or company and earn no remuneration for my recommendations except for Ren's Refer A Friend -Give $10, get $10. My Go To, On-line Suppliers: Rens Pets You will get $10 to spend on your first purchase by using this link and registering for their loyalty discount program. www.rens.com/friends Pet