Reading, Training, and 4 week old Pups

It's no secret that one of my favorite books regarding raising pups is the Monks of New Skete "Art of Raising A Puppy."  In fact, it is required reading for people who buy a Brittany pup from us and written in our policies.  For those who are going to bird hunt with their Brittany, the above book is also required.  It is not that each training technique from both of the books must be implmented, it is the humane methods and common sense approach to working with young pups that is important.  There are many many methods of training a dog as we all know.  But it is important to realize what works for one dog may not work for another.  So in between updating this blog about our puppies I wanted to once more promote this book. It is available through a variety of sources at different price ranges.  I think there is a book review on Amazon about Tarrants book, and it also gives a list of the chapters, index, and a preview of the first chapter. I hope you'll take the time to look it up.

All is well here, a bit of a quiet day so far.  Pups are doing well and we have started some early sound desensitivation training.  This is simply replacing the gentle and calming music that plays continually for the puppies and playing talk radio briefly, making exagerated sounds with pails and buckets while feeding the dogs, and even the sound of the power washer.  Yesterday I played a CD of various sound effects while they were eating. With the volume turned low, the pups listened to  the sounds of crowds, cheering, cats, trucks, gunshot, music, laughter, babies, and more.  It was interesting that while they were eating there was little reaction but when they finished their meal the pups responded.  A couple of them simply walked back over to their bed and lay down.  Some pups barked and jumped playfully.  One or two sat listening intently, and a few others approached the sidewall where the sounds were coming from.  We've also started to leave the gate open inside whenever we're there so they can hop in and out.  I am learning the best way to work with the pups is in small groups based on their level of receptiveness and maturity at this early age.  There are those pups who need a little more coaxing at this age regarding new things, pups who will tackle anything head on, and those who are in the middle of the road.  By the time they are 8 weeks however they will be so well socialized and happy that these minor differences at 4 weeks will be forgotten.  I love working up to each significant "first" - including those we have already accomplished - planned or otherwise! I have all I can do to tear myself away from the pups but it is still so important that Treasure spends time with them as well.  Yet I so love to plant myself smack dab in the middle of all those Brittany pups! We have reduced the use of the overhead heat lamp significantly and on days like today the dog house is warm without running the pellet stove.  Decided to give up trying to contain the pups in the whelping box at night and used reverse psychology (DOH!).  They cannot climb back into it however Treasure can go into the whelping box and escape. It works out nicely for all concerned. The pups are very interested in the outside opening that leads to Treasures pen.  I am not quite ready for them to move that freely yet though!!! When we are ready her pen will be converted to a puppy play area and weather permitting, a new experience.  Along the way of course will be extended periods of time in the house with us as we set the X-pens up in the kitchen.  There is introduction to birds to look forward to, a romp through the leaves, and just so much more.  But one day at a time in the life of All Things Brittany!  God Bless you and yours, Ann and John and our canine crew!