ATB VIDEO: 4 Week Old Brittany Pups & Sound Effects

 

For the past 8 years we have been using the Sound Effects Library CD to help introduce our Brittany pups to a variety of sounds. There are over 100 short sound bytes of varying degree ranging from street traffic, a baby crying, cat meowing, horse whinnying and of course appropriate for pups who will grow up to be hunting dogs, the sound of various guns being fired.  As the pups ears open about 2 weeks old or so, the first sound they hear is the music which plays quietly and continuously in the puppy room.  As they grow and become use to our voices and the sound of television, other dogs barking we intentionally work to help them become confident of sharper, noisier and perhaps unpleasant noises. It is amazing to watch them over the course of just a few days become nearly oblivious to sounds which may otherwise frighten a very young puppy. We've probably all seen that puppy who runs, hides, and cowers out of fear of a loud noise. Anyway, it's just plain fun and while it is done in the name of puppy development absolutely ANYTHING which gives the opportunity to spend time watching, learning, observing the puppies is a valuable experience. This brief video captures one of several structured play and activity periods for the pups throughout the day.  They are still sleeping 90% of the time but they are more active than ever and so in love with life!  I have been in love with them for a very long while but now, I do believe they are in love with me too so for the brief time that remains I will continue to give them my all.  Do I have to? No, I do not but I want to.  Would they grow into bold and confident bird dogs without this? Most likely so.  But I am proud of our puppies, happy to do all that we can to help assure that they will be well balanced all the days of their lives. For pups who will be shown, I especially find great value in using the Sound Effects Library. I've never been a fan of rushing a potential show pup off to the public arena of dog shows at a very young age for the purpose of exposing them to the sounds of a dog show.  For pups that will be hunted there is also great value in the sound desensitization training while they are this age.  Too many pups are ruined by improper introduction to the sound of gunshot. Above all, this is just a wicked cute video which we hope you'll enjoy!!! As always take care and God bless - John, Ann, and All Things Brittany