Well, it’s March again… or is it still? It’s been a crazy year for sure. We survived the Snow Apocalypses and several days with little to no electricity and a broken pipe. I never want to be that cold again. My son and his girlfriend (who is expecting) had to stay with us while all the water leaks were being fixed in their home. At the same time my hubby came home after being gone for 2 weeks only to have to isolate because he had direct contact with someone who tested positive at work. We found out after he was home for 24 hours and we were very concerned especially for my son’s pregnant girlfriend. Thankfully he never had symptoms and just to be sure he wasn’t asymptomatic he had a test done. All is well.

We have been working on our garden and of course have work still to do with the kitchen remodel. Hubby working out of town makes home projects difficult but we keep plugging along. This next project is closer to home so hopefully that means we can finish things up.

As I sip my cinnamon hazelnut coffee and rotate between social media platforms I notice a real trend in lies, exaggerations and misrepresentations. It is not new, in fact you can scroll though my past posts to see I’ve touched on many of these topics in great detail. I balance between dog breeders, dog education and dog training groups/pages, and it is everywhere.

Dog Training: At this time dog training is unregulated. That means anyone can call themselves a dog trainer and offer half assed advice or even charge you to “train” your dog. Being a dog owner who successfully trained your dog to walk on a leash and sit does not make you a trainer any more than changing your own oil makes you a mechanic or removing a splinter makes you a doctor. Dog trainers should have knowledge and experience in not just dog training but at least basic dog behavior. Some trainers choose certification courses, some trainers are self taught and use a mentor, while some watch a few YouTube videos. From adverse trainers to so called balance trainers to positive reinforcement trainers (often called force free) the philosophies and style vary not just between the type of training style but with the individual trainer as well. Please, please choose your trainer carefully.

Dog Breeding: I’m learning dog breeding is highly competitive. It’s as if breeders want to be THE ONLY ONE. Convincing protentional buyers that they are THE BEST AND ONLY OPTION means they basically become used car sales men and say whatever it takes to make that sale. I refuse to play this game. People can charge 3000 for a puppy with mediocre bloodlines, no genetic or health testing and not actively show and that’s honestly not my business. I wish you well. But if people are lying about testing, lying about puppy raising programs, lying about vetting, lying about the “socialization/training”, then that pisses me off. They hide behind the internet and that makes it’s hard to verify breeders are in fact doing what they say. So PLEASE PLEASE if testing, vetting, puppy raising programs (Puppy Culture. Avidog, Badass Breeder, etc.) and/or socialization is important ask for proof. Paperwork, certifications, receipts, videos of them doing the protocols/training/socialization, etc. I can give you a hint, Puppy Culture is not just sound desensitization and toys in pen, in fact that is the least important parts of it. Socialization is so so so much more than your puppy meeting kids and seeing a cat. NOTE: You can get a healthy puppy that’s not raised with specific programs. Often breeders have the experience and knowledge to preform similar protocols without investing in programs, but they SHOULD NOT LIE about it.

*Unfortunately, Puppy Culture (the powerful first 12 weeks that can shape your puppy) is becoming a marketing scam. Breeders say they use it to not just be competitive but to justify prices. Puppy Culture is not a casual program that you can just “say” you do, in fact many breeders discuss how time consuming it is and how they have to work to hard to get it all in. It is especially hard if they have multiple litters or work fulltime. Because there is no certification to prove we use Puppy Culture, we as Puppy Culture breeders are encouraged to document and make available to our puppy parents, video and or live feeds of us working with our litters. It is really the only way to know your breeder is in fact using the program. Please look at the website to see just how detailed the program is and or join the Puppy Culture Facebook group to ask Jane, the creator or other admin how to best verify a breeder is using Puppy Culture. Another great option is to purchase the Puppy Culture program yourself and follow along to ensure your breeder is doing the work!

*In addition to the above programs I have also completed Avidog Puppy Socialization course for breeders and owners and I have read The Ultimate Badass Breeder’s Guide. I have completed VSA Fundamentals of Dog Training and Behavior Course and plan on investing in the Dog Training Certification course this Summer/Fall. I continue my education by independent study (books, online webinars, etc.).

I started 2020 out on a huge high. I took a real course for the first time in over 29 years. I had myself convinced I would fail before I started but in a flash on January 1st I purchased the course (through Karen Pryor Academy) and dove in. I shocked myself by finishing in less than 2 weeks becoming a certified Puppy Start Right Instructor. I had goals and plans to set up my Puppy Socialization and Foundation Training business but it all came crashing down as Covid hit. I didn’t give up, I took Avidog Puppy Socialization course and a few months later took VS-Behavior and Training Foundation Course. In 2021 I am going to get my puppy socialization and training started as well as investing in and pursuing my dog training certification. While I am going to focus on puppies and currently have my education to do that, I feel a full dog training certification will give me the knowledge I need to be a more rounded trainer. Also I just really enjoy learning about things I love. In 2020 I finally have a goal, a dream and a passion. It feels great.

I am always reminded that nature is a bitch, that I don’t know the things I think I do, and that no matter how hard I try, things can and will go wrong. 2020 was no different. All we can do is try to learn, and move forward. My dogs will always be my pets, my companions, my anti anxiety helpers, and my family. I love breeding, nurturing, raising and training. I love sharing my love and excitement with puppy families. We have made decisions recently to try to do better. We added a beautiful boy who will be our main stud by 2022. Because our dog are family first we have decided we will not be adding anymore for many years to come….. if ever. My heart says “there is always room for more” but my time, energy and anxiety say otherwise. I am not sure how much longer we will do this. I know so many who are burnt out, the stress of it all becomes overwhelming. I just remind myself this is not a job it is a joy. When it is no longer a joy is when I know we are done.

In 2020, we found out our grand puppy, Belle had cancer and maybe only a few months left with us. She is still here with us fighting but we are not sure for how much longer. Months later our Nikita suddenly lost mobility in her back end. We doubted she would improve. I was determined that if I had to support her, carry her, and wheel her around I would do everything I could for as long as she was willing to fight. She surprised us all by slowly regaining movement. She was well enough to accompany us on a beach trip for our beloved Belle. 2020 taught us to cherish each moment.

2020, the year of, fires, blm, toilet paper shortage, covid and covid deniers, masks and mask deniers, elections and well, I’ll just leave it at that. I guess I can say people were defiantly passionate this year no matter what side they were on.

I hope 2021 brings peace, love, change, hope, growth, kindness and good fortune to you all!

We are currently mid way though Reign’s litter and they have all our attention. I try my best to focus on “the now’ but I have had a few questions about up coming litters.

Winter is due to come into heat next. At this point we are debating between pairing her with Tyrion or trying her with Ghost. Her pairing with Ghost would be a traditional litter. Based on pedigree there is a chance for Black and White, and Grey and White. A slim possibility for Whites. We do not expect Reds. Nothing is set in stone and we will let you know when we have made up our mind.

Week 9: Sat Oct 31 – Fri Nov 6

• Your dam, may appear restless, and will be uncomfortable, and stretch out a lot.
• She may express milk from her nipples.
• Start taking rectal temperatures. Normal is 99.5 to 101. A drop to 97 – 98 on two readings an hour apart will mean the start of pre-labor.
• She will be ‘nesting’ 12-24 hours before the birth

• Expected date of whelp. Average is 63 days but may take place from the 58th to the 68th day.
• Keep watching for temp drop.
• Appetite will disappear as whelping approaches.
• May see a clear discharge from the vulva.
• At onset of labor may pace, dig, shiver, pant and/or vomit.
• First fetus will be delivered within 4 hours of the onset of labor.

*Pregnancy Calendar thanks to Dogbreedinfo.com and www.maplesprings.com

Reign is doing great. She is choosing to spend more time in her room. Most of the hair on her tummy has fallen out. I can feel movement and at this time I am guessing litter size will be the same as previous sizes.

I will spend this last week prepping food for her. Making bone broth and yogurt and pumpkin cubes. I have goats milk on hand for making my girl’s favorite mother’s pudding. I will also being doing one last round of disinfecting and cleaning before pups due date.