FUN times!

Rose's puppies were 6 1/2 weeks (Sept., 2020), eager to explore and quick learners. Puppy Culture protocols are used for early socialization and to nurture curiosity seeking behaviors. The equipment we are using is a puppy agility set (madagility.com), clickers, & yummy treats. Several dog savvy friends (veterinarian, dog trainer, fellow breeder) & myself are gently introducing the challenges. Each station is a mere 2-3 minutes and pups are given a rest after each station. Fun for all!

HAPPY SEVEN WEEK BIRTHDAY

The “rule of sevens” is a good socialization marker for most puppies. By seven weeks of age the puppies should have experienced seven different things/people/places/experiences as outlined below. Based on my experience and research, this is not a simple check-list but a marker to track progress. The individual developmental needs must also be considered. Additionally, it is VERY important to offer quality positive experiences suitable for each puppy; one size does not fit all or is not necessarily appropriate on the same day for everyone. It is never okay to scare, overwhelm or flood a puppy. Distributive learning applies here too. That is short lessons or experiences followed by rest time. This list combined with the principals and protocols of Puppy Culture serves us well at Foxhaven. The guideline includes:

· Eat from seven different containers

o At Foxhaven treat dispensing toys and snuffle mats apply.

· Meet at least 7 different people

o Puppies born during the holidays have this one nailed; no grinches allowed.

· Ridden at least seven miles in a car

o Since we live over an hour from anywhere, we have the bonus of bumpy country roads, a two-hour road trip for eye exams, friend’s farms to visit and lots of driveway prep before we logged even a mile. Treats, snuffle mats and Adaptil spray serve to create a positive impression.

· Been in a crate at least 7 times

o Puppies play crate games, enjoy chew projects and warm milk in their crates as part of their individual time. Puppies are never forced into a crate or forced to stay. There is an open crate in their indoor and outdoor play areas for them to snuggle into for a nap. They, of course, rode in crates in the car, in small groups.

· Played with seven different toys

o As you know, we have given the puppies a novel toy or two daily; with toys removed each evening and replaced with new ones in the morning. Their brain are sponges soaking up novelty. Curiosity rules the day. So, at Foxhaven it is easily 7 x7!

· Been exposed to 7 different contexts

o With week seven, our emphasis shifts from novel things to novel experiences; although, novel experiences count as ‘novelty’ for us from 3 weeks of age plus. Experiences are always curated, positive, safe, and age appropriate. We have two different play/sleep areas, we have visited three different play yards at our ranch, we have individual training and noodle time in different areas/rooms in our home and we have visited several friend’s homes and the veterinarian eye specialist. We have eaten, played and been cuddled in many places with many very nice people; but always alongside or near our human mom & dad.

· Been played with or taken somewhere alone, without mom or litter mates, 7 different times

o Since mama Rose was done with the velociraptor puppies at about 5 weeks, this was not difficult with all we do with the Puppy Culture protocols. Fortunately, in a week or two, the puppy beasties will pretty much cease ravaging their mama, and then the fun play between mom and pups ensues.

We celebrated this week with a Puppy Party, curated by the Puppy Culture ethic. We used mini agility equipment and our clicker/treats to engage the puppy’s natural curiosity to novelty (both people and equipment). The puppies had never seen the equipment (tunnel, bridge/ramp, and tilt board) nor met the people (two dog trainers and two dog loving friends). They did great and I was so proud of my adventure-seeking, happy tail wagging proteges.

Obviously, these experiences expand and continue throughout the puppy dog’s life. The first 12 weeks is vital to a puppy’s socialization and sets up the puppy to thrive and grow into an emotionally and socially balance adult. The next several months are also key in teaching and training, further building the canine:human bond and setting into place routines and activities that serve the new family well. May many tail wags and smiles pave the way to an exciting lifetime partnership.

Resources and links:

Collie Club of America

Collie Club of Colorado

Collie Health Foundation

Canine Nutrition, Tufts University

American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (articles and training recommendations)

Puppy Culture