ATB: Treasure at 6 Weeks (Day 42 of 63)

The beautiful Miss Treasure continues to look more pregnant with each passing day.  Most of what I have shared previously is still happening just on a bigger scale. Her appetite is very good, I am not mixing half puppy food and have regular food, daily adding a small amount of additional protein such as roasted turkey or boiled liver.  She gets a dollop of yogurt in the morning and then at night I give 3 good squirts of salmon oil in her food.  We just changed from her two normal sized meals (she gets 1 cup in morning, and 1 cup in the evening which is pretty much what we feed most of our crew to keep them healthy and fit) to several smaller ones throughout the day.  I know that in the next 3 weeks the pups will grow rapidly in size and will continue to push all organs aside. I don't want to add to her discomfort by eating large meals that will cause her stomach to be full.

She's still enjoying plenty of exercise however it's been a few weeks since we let her run as part of our crew here. Treasure does love to play and run with Hemi down around the pond and back to the house.  He adjusts his own gait to slow down with Treasure which is really very cute.  I really love it that this 'breeding pair' have always enjoyed each others company.  I tell Hemi that she is 'his girl' and that cute Brittany seems to take his role seriously.

As time goes on I am increasingly aware of how much I am looking forward to this litter.  I am of course curious about how many puppies Treasure will have.  My research and experience indicates that it is the DNA/genetics of the sire that determine the gender of the pups but it is the DNA/genetics of the dam that determine the number. I would have to say that is true for Treasure - she has had 2 litters of 11 pups - each sired by two different dogs. (She has had a litter of 8, which was a repeat breeding.)

Thanksgiving is coming up this week and we'll be preparing for two dinners, one on Thursday and one on Friday.  It will be a fun but enjoyable week. I am ready however to settle into countdown mode very soon with Treasure because I know how quickly 21 days will pass by.  Puppies cometh.

WAITING LIST UPDATE  Your deposit indicates to us your commitment to a Brittany puppy as well as your level of interest. Because there are those on our list we have not heard from we will continue to receive serious inquiries. John and I will never put pressure on anyone or chase a person done, we believe that if you are interested in one of our pups you will make the effort to stay in touch with us.  We understand that the Internet is a tool which can be used in various ways and someone looking for a puppy can reach out to multiple breeders within seconds. On the other hand, we are really only interested in working with folks who have taken the time to become familiar enough with our dogs to know we are the breeder you wish to work with.  There have been situations where we've learned the same people are on the waiting list of several people, or that people are 'shopping' [SIC] by first asking "how much are your puppies?"  All breeders work independently of each other and we all have our own methods, philosophies, and purposes regarding our breeding programs. There are times we communicate with each other in these regards and also times that we'll happily refer someone to another breeder.  To John and I the very most important thing for us to find the absolute best fit for a puppy we may have available. If we are not satisfied this is the case, we will hold back any pup(s) until we have found the best home possible for that particular pup. And in most cases that WILL be a hunting family. Thanks for understanding this and if you are not sure whether you're on our waiting list or not for this litter this would be the time to confirm your level of interest.

Thanks for your interest and as always take care and God bless! John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

ATB: Dog Talk / Dog Parks / Yellow Ribbons

These articles I would like to suggest are worth the time it takes to read them for each and every dog owner.  This first one addresses common problems and misconceptions about going to the local dog park.  The second one addresses similar concerns and situations regarding the popular use (misuse?) of dogs who have a yellow ribbon tied to their lead or collar.  Please, I encourage you to read both of these brief blog posts and consider what is being said here.  I just cannot emphasize enough the importance of learning to recognize what your dog is communicating by their body language. As breeders, we put a lot of time into early socialization before any puppy ever leaves. Contrary to popular belief, to socialize a puppy is MORE than having lots of people and children handle them at an early age. ALL of that is important of course and should be part of any early puppy development.  But there is a language which can ONLY be taught to a puppy by other dogs - beginning with that all important period of time spent with momma dog.  Far too many breeders separate their young puppies from their momma at an early age and then wonder why the pup does either gets picked on around multiple dogs or worse, tends to be aggressive towards them. The common denominator in both of these articles written by different people is the need to understand what a dog is saying.  Momma dog, when given the opportunity and with ongoing supervision of course, is the absolute BEST teacher in most circumstances to teach a puppy how to be a dog. The purpose behind socializing a purebred puppy dog is to set them up for a 100% success rate in regards to interaction with not only humans but with other dogs.  Part of our education as training our pups to grow up to be adult dogs with sound minds and excellent temperament stems from the accountability of a responsible breeder. Our puppies not only interact with their mother (within reason) right up until the day they go home but also with other juvenile and adult dogs here. This interaction goes a long way into their future with their new families continuing the socialization process by enrolling in a basic puppy kindergarten class. (We talk about this in our puppy reservation policies.) Understanding the most basic of body language of your dog is so important and it's a never ending, fascinating undertaking. One of my favorite books, courtesy of "Aunt Julie" who makes crochet puppy blankets to make the transition of breeder to hunting family home easier, is On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas. 
In the meantime please consider adding the following information to your (hopefully) never ending quest for learning more about your dog.  I know I am NEVER satisfied to accept that I know all there is to know and will forever be open to considering new studies. These two articles just make sense.

DOG PARKS:
WELL SOCIALIZED?  NO.  WELL TRAUMATIZED
"...If you took the average dog and had them stay in a poisoned environment like that for any length of time for weeks or months, I would be surprised if that dog did not develop an aggression problem. All that happens is dogs get bullied, these dogs learn that other dogs can be dangerous or threatening, my owners don’t help me at all, and the only way to get relief is to fight for it..." READ MORE AT http://www.whenhoundsfly.com/well-socialized-well-traumatized/


YELLOW RIBBON REDUX
"...My main issue with the yellow ribbon project, however, is that it supposes that every dog owner is educated to the ribbon’s meaning.  Until educational flyers appear in training classes, Petsmart, dog parks, veterinarian offices, adoption drives and shelters, and until it’s certain that every person with a dog knows the significance of a yellow ribbon tied to a leash, I, for one, am unwilling to trust the well-being of my dog to other people’s level of awareness.  Many people agreed with me, and interestingly, they come from the dog fancy, performance disciplines, or were dog trainers. The majority of people who favor the idea, however, do not come from that background, and it was that 175^th comment that tipped me over the edge enough to write about this again. I don’t intend to revisit the value of the yellow ribbon campaign. There are only so many ways I can state my opinion and I shared it in the article and in my responses to comments made to the article..."SEE MORE AT: http://dogknobit.com/2013/11/19/yellow-ribbon-redux/#sthash.mzZzUau5.dpuf

Remember dear ones, it is always ALL for the love of the dog, both given and received. Arm yourselves with knowledge, be open to new ideas, and NEVER, EVER set your dog up to fail - intentionally or otherwise. There is never going to be one sure fire, never fail, 100 % success rate with any particular training method. But please understand the importance of early puppy development, correct socialization techniques that include puppy kindergarten classes, and most importantly - learn to communicate with your dog on THEIR level.  Love them madly but also respect them for the ANIMAL they are with the understanding their language and method of interpretation is not the same as ours. Take care and God bless. As always thanks so much for your interest in All Things Brittanys.  27 days and counting for ALL THINGS HOPED FOR - puppies cometh!!!! John, Ann, and our canine crew

ATB: Treasure 5 WEEKS (Day 35)

Treasure - Summer 2013 (Training for Hunt Tests)

 

Just sitting here  at the table with "THE" second most important book in my life opened.  I'm enjoying a brief reflection back upon the whelping journal notes.  The binding is broken and torn so I took heavy, wide cellophane tape out and cut a couple of pieces to fit the binding. How can it be this book is three quarters completely filled in already?  It is so well used, so often turned to, and it shows evidence of wear. (This description also fits my Bible.)

 Informal chicken scratch in margins and random notations are sprinkled throughout pages and pages in this lab book, turned whelping journal.  The pages in the back have lists of hypothetical puppies, pairings which have occurred and those that exist only in my mind.

I turn to where the maroon ribbon book mark is.   It's  a half a page making notations about some unusual, unsettled behavior in several of the dogs during the most recent full moon. I try to write everything and anything that have something to do with our crew in one way or another in this book. Otherwise I end up with slips of paper here there and everywhere. Not naming any names but 'he' uses the back of envelopes, napkins, and an occasional piece from a tab of paper.  Everyone has their own system.

Turning to a fresh,new page there's a line at the top of each page to title it so this one is "Hemi/Treasure con't."  And todays' date.  In the margin I write the two measurements taken today of her body and also include a summary of the past 5 weeks. Wait, did I just say 5 weeks? By golly yes I did, how about THAT!  I'm thinkin' you know, yes we have a pregnancy here. But I'm also thinkin' you know, I've been wrong before.  Need to turn back to previous litters. (Did I mention how worn this book is?) As I read previous notes written in past years it is amazing to discover that what is there about Treasure is almost identical to what I have written as of late.

Okay so there is one more thing to add to morning sickness, widening of rib cage, picky appetite and the like.  The other night she went under the four poster bed and started digging around, stretching out. Treasure lay there for a few moments. Not long at all. But the fact that she did this warrants a special entry in the whelping journal.

Nutrition plays a critical and crucial part in the development of healthy, thriving puppies in utero, neo-natal, and beyond. Opinions are strong regarding which dog food to feed. But we're going to stand true to our commitment to feed Purina.  At about 3-4 weeks we began to add Purina Puppy Chow by replacing 1/2 cup per feeding of her Purina Pro Plan Select. She is fed 1 cup in the morning, and 1 cup in the evening. The food is measured not guessed at.  We add some extra protein such as boiled chicken and liver, as well as the juices they are cooked in.  She has not been 'cleaning her plate' so we may also cook something additional to feed to her if needed.  The rate of growth for puppies is the greatest during the final 10 - 14 days prior to whelping and they push against  momma's internal organs making it difficult for her to feel comfortable eating her regular amount of food.  Consequently, as we approach that time frame Treasure will still be getting the SAME amount of food but it will be given to her in much smaller measurements throughout the day - sometimes as frequently as 4 - 5 times.  In my opinion it's a mistake to increase food intake prior to whelping however as soon as pups arrive we increase the amount of food drastically, upwards to 8 cups of food a day or very often  even more.  We supplement a lot at that time with extra calcium and protein because momma is not only eating for herself, but for her new family. Her nutritional needs and that of her pups is very, very great.

This morning I had Treasure on the grooming table briefly. Her coat gets very thick, wavy and fuzzy in the winter, and especially when she is pregnant. I trimmed her ears, her tail, and the liver colored hair fuzzies around her tummy. She's such a pretty girl and her grooming is pretty straightforward.  She doesn't like to stand for very long on the table now and I can do what I need to do with her laying down on it as long as I give in to her 'requests' for a belly rub. Treasure, as well as Miss Pippin (Hemi's mother) are both very clear when they expect belly rubs.  I'd suspect the pups to possess this endearing trait.

In reality I know there are so many things to do in the coming weeks.  A bit of a rabbit trail which meanders off topic just a hare. Thanksgiving dinner will be held here and apparently we'll be having two of them. One for our son and his family and a special guest. The other for our daughter and her family. These big meals are totally John's deal just as they were also his own father's completely.  I have discovered that sincere offers to lend a hand are not the best way to help. Instead and apparently the art of reading his mind is the preferred method of assistance. John is a very good cook regarding authentic Downeast Maine cooking. The man has a plan beginning with doing all the grocery shopping right down to putting away that last piece of pie.  Speaking of pies, in the past I have been known to bake, entirely from scratch, upwards of 13 pies.  In the past few years however we have had so many desserts left over that will not be the case this time around.  I'd like to skip over the huge dinner myself.  I have always suggested we go out or even accept an invitation elsewhere. That's not going to happen.  Tradition is important here and we have the fine example of family dinners with his wonderful parents back in the day when there would be 26-30 family members at that dining room table. Work schedules have done a number on tradition however in recent years but I will remain thankful for what remains. In the meantime...

As Christmas approaches my attention and thoughts will be exclusively focused upon Treasure.  No dog shows despite several very significant ones that are coming up.  I prefer to stay away from those venues most of the time when we are expecting pups or when they are on the ground. I'm a true homebody and enjoy remaining right here as Christmas approaches anyway. I do enjoy the opportunity to get out and do some shopping but I hate the pressure and rushing about that it requires. For me Jesus is the Reason for the Season.

5 weeks away. We are more than halfway there. If you have your book "Monks of New Skete - Art of Raising a Puppy" you can read ahead and become familiar with what lies ahead for Treasure and for her anticipated pups.  I think I have loaned my two copies out which means I may need to get another one. It's fun to compare the different stages of waiting and development.

I'm excited for puppies! 

Take care and God bless, thanks for your interest in All Things Brittany - John, Ann, and our canine crew.

ATB: Treasure @ 4 Weeks

 

TREASURE:  A True American Beauty

 

John and I are pretty sure Treasure is pregnant. We both agree that physically, she looks wider through her ribcage and lower in her abdomen. She looks like she did when carrying 11 puppies and she really showed earlier than would be expected. We're still looking to confirm several of our serious inquiries and consequently still accepting them as well. 

 

I have started to make a mental list in my mind of what is needed for the puppy cave.  I love it when John reassembles the whelping box and then it is set up in the area where pups will be born. There is a new/used couch which so far as proved to be pretty comfy.  I'd love to have a twin size sofa/couch out there though! Speaking of the whelping box it is the original one which we have used for years and even loaned out a time or two.  It is well worn and if it could speak would tell wonderful stories of the beautiful puppies that were born within the safety of it's walls. We've modified it a time or two. It's sort of like the family 'cradle' that is passed from generation to generation.

 

It has spit snow a couple of times in the past few days. It is inevitable that the snow will soon come. I no longer enjoy the winter months at all so I do look forward to spending them enjoying puppies. And I love puppies. I love puppies for all the right reasons. Mostly for their puppy breath though and that's a fact.

 

I'm getting excited.  I'm looking forward to "ALL THINGS HOPED FOR"!

 

Take care and God bless,

John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

 

If you are interested in this litter or in our plans through 2014 please let us know. We have some availability! 

 

 

 

ATB: Patience grasshopper, patience!!

Patience grasshopper, patience !!!

 

The phrase 'patience grasshopper' originates from a television program that was popular in the mid 70s' called " Kung Fu."  David Carradine had the starring role and often used the phrase when speaking to his students who were studying under him. Patience is suppose to be a virtue. Walking in patience means that you have the ability to calmly enjoy waiting without complaining. Patience also means that you understand some things take time. Patience in itself takes time to develop. It is a process.  Not everyone has patience. Walking in patience is to walk hand in hand with faith, hope, and love. We shared the news rather early on about Hemi and Treasure's much anticipated puppies, the hypothetical litter was given the nickname "ALL THINGS HOPED FOR." I will remain patient while remaining hopeful.  And patience is a fruit of the Spirit, accompanied by love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control.

 

I hope for a beautiful healthy litter of Brittany puppies to arrive without issue in mid-December, before Christmas.  I hope for Treasure to have an uneventful delivery without any complications. And I will be patient for there is joy in the waiting and in the preparation. I love each and every member of our canine family including every pup that I have ever been responsible to bring into the world. They are all amazing and I think they are all my heart dogs in one way or another. Miss Treasure is undoubtedly and  especially close to me.

 

A breeder friend of mine said that she loved to have puppies arrive in the winter. Over the years we have had several well planned litters arrive during the winter months. I understand why my friend feels that way.  For me there is something very special, almost reverent about being tucked away in our 'puppy cave' waiting patiently for pups to arrive, playing instrumental music to keep laboring mother and anxious breeders calm. The lights kept low with only the soft lighting of the necessary heat lamp illuminating the private environment of the whelping box.  We have experienced the reality of pups being born in a blizzard, with the winds howling and the snow blowing fiercely just outside while we remain safe, dry, and warm with the new 'family'.  I recall walking across the recently plowed driveway and thinking winter will be past and spring well underway when the pups go to their new home.  The 9 weeks or 63 days of waiting patiently for pups to arrive pass ever so slowly.  The 8 weeks following pass by in the blink of an eye and there never seems to be enough time. 

 

I have to be patient to declare without a doubt I am certain that Treasure is pregnant.  But I have declared that I really believe she is. I was reading over my whelping notes of Treasure's first litter in 2009.  I felt I was being over confident in my notes when I said it had only been a little over a week but I was beginning to see signs that she was pregnant.  And pregnant she was indeed - with 11 beautiful puppies! Patience grasshopper, patience.

 

We are not quite 4 weeks along. The past few days Treasure has gone 'off' her food.  The first time I noticed it was when she didn't eat her breakfast at all, showing no interest.  Later in the evening I added a little yogurt to her food and she did eat all of the yogurt but still left some of her food.  The next day I mixed in some chicken. She picked the chicken out.  For her dinner I put her dish down and she totally ignored it.  Before I went to bed I handfed her some boiled chicken.  The next morning I just mixed the broth and chicken into her food, topping it with the yogurt.  Treasure nibbled away at it but still left some.  And that is how it has been. Patience grasshopper, patience.

 

Treasure can literally run circles of the rest of the crew when they are out for a run. They try to keep up with her but can't.  I have clocked her time of running the outdoor perimeter of our house, front yard, around the garage and the back of the house and returning to where she started as 7 seconds. This girl flies!  Today I thought I noticed the slightest of hesitations in this frequent daily occurrence.  Still graceful, still fast but her movement seemed to be  more of a subtle loping than her typical full speed ahead no holds barred.  I noticed too that Hemi was able to run with her, side by side.  Patience grasshopper, patience.

 

I've noticed some physical changes in Treasure as well but they are changes such as also occur following estrus. I won't dismiss them but those changes in themselves would not cause my hopes to remain high in confirming a pregnancy.

 

We continue to review our waiting list while looking over the questionnaires submitted by  those who wish to be considered as serious inquiries for not only this litter, but for the future. We are still accepting  your inquiries.   It is so important to us to have the best fit possible for each puppy and potential new owner. And we look forward to sharing this journey with all of our ATB family - past, present, and future.  I especially covet your prayers for Treasure, your support,  encouragement and friendship towards us at this time. Take care and God bless you always - John, Ann, and All Things Brittany