Apple's Cockapoo Puppies
CHC Families Only
On this page I'll be sharing with you a bit more about the 8 weeks we have raising your pup!
I'll share pictures and videos from our day - to include enrichment protocols and puppy curriculum (EPP / Puppy Culture) we use to raise happy, confident, stable, well-loved, well-adjusted, enrichment seeking pups.
Many breeders claim to use science-based curriculum and protocols (Puppy Culture, BAB) as well as ENS but not many actually do. That is why I will be sharing here, with you (transparency).
"The proof is in the puppies". ~ Jane Lindquist (Puppy Culture).
"What we do or do not do as breeders sets that dog up for a life of success". ~ Suzanne Clothier (Relationship Centered Training).
Little moments, September 24
As we head into our last week with Apple's sweet and adorable Avengers, I find myself getting a little misty. I watch as they confidently (and happily) bound about our yard - and marvel at how just yesterday (or so it feels) we welcomed them into our home and hearts.
Car ride, September 23
Let's take a ride!
The boys and I took Apple's pups for a car ride around the neighborhood.
Comfortably riding on laps, the puppies are more content and at ease, thus allowing them to process "new" in a more positive relaxed manner. We drive with a window down for them to smell new smells, feel the wind blow by them, and hear as other cars and motorcycles go past (loud and rumbling). No fussing and wagging tails tell as they were comfortable and having fun.
Sunshine & Fun, September 23
A beautiful (dry) fall day called for playtime outside. Noel and Apple's pups play wonderfully together and we are having a blast watching them approach all we (positively) expose them to.
Tunnels? ACED!
Climbing under? ACED!
Finding our way? NO PROBLEM!
Aria, Charlotte Ann, Eevee and Ridley got in on the fun too.
Back inside for some rest and then more fun to be had with a group play session.
Time for school, September 22
Cutest students ever!
Apple's pups joined us for our morning lesson. Maybe not the best students....they fell asleep during the video portion on dinos. I guess playtime before class tuckered them out.
Post dinner play, September 18
In our short 8 weeks with our pups our job is to make sure to positvely expose and introduce them to as many novel experiences as possible - working to build a robust "reference library" for them to pull from when they enter the world around them. By filling their library with many varied experiences, our pups have less "unknown" and more "known" stimuli to draw from and therefore approach "new" with confidence and ease.
Tonight after dinner, we had playtime with their new activity cube (thanks to my husband, Dave). The cube has new textures to feel as they walk by - chew on - play with, to include: straw swing, hard plastic wiffle balls, rope, soft paint rollers, plush lovey's and a large bristle brush. We all had fun, as you can see.
Learning is fun, September 13
Apple's Avengers continue to keep us entertained.
Allowing puppies to learn through play is so important for their spatial awareness, confidence to try new things, and to see that the world is FUN and not something to be scared or fearful of. Sometimes their desire to climb over / jump up on doesn't quite match their skill set (which is good for them to work through....and so adorable......see what I mean in the video where Steve tries to climb over the large green ball).
Learning is also......exhausting! ❤️🐾💙
Inside and Outside fun, September 10
SO MANY happy wagging tails! All of the puppers (Apple and Noel's litters) had playtime today. They played nicely together and enjoyed venturing further out. Each day we switch the toys (large stuffed toys, toys that crinkle, toys that squeak, toys for tug, toys to roll, toys to climb on, toys to climb under and through, textures (hard, soft, rubber, plastic), things that move (roll, wiggle).
Taking the fun outside, the pups enjoyed playing and exploring while under the watchful eyes of Charlotte Ann (ok, me too).
We keep adding to the pups reference library (of known experiences): Another texture (rocks), another sound (power saw cutting in the background), neutral dog (Charlotte Ann), and toys that roll, toys to pull.
Puppies grow and develop so quickly. There is no wasting of the short time we have to love on, care for, and positively expose our pups to safe and enriching experiences. Of course, it's not about checking boxes. It's paramount to train the pup in front of you (meaning, each pup is an individual). While we understand general age and stage - not all litters - not all pups will hit them at the same time. We make sure to keep "new" a happy and good experience that the pups will learn from and know that they CAN DO IT!
Nighttime Fieldtrip, September 9
We took Apple's Avenger litter out for a nighttime "scent walk". We held them close to our chests (to feel our heart beat and close enough to whisper to them and smooch their heads).
Exposing puppies to novel smells, sounds and experiences helps them to build their "reference library" (EPP, Suzanne Clothier) preparing them to confidently approach and handle new things bound to come their way when they venture out into the world with their new families. On our way back in, we stopped to have them explore and enjoy pavement - darkness - cool night air - crickets chirping and cars driving by (sound of and lights reflecting).
*videographer: Reid (6🥰)
*During the second video you'll see Tyler and I lengthen the distance between us, Steve gets "stuck" between and begins to whimper...WE DO NOT ASSIST! If we did, it would teach the puppy "you're right, that was scary!". We want to empower - not enable. And watch, after a little cheering on he makes his way to me where he is rewarded with much love and praise!
Check out our new space, September 3
At 4 weeks, Apple's pups are ready for their new pen set up. Larger space to play and explore, a larger litter box, and momma gets her own space allowing her to stick close or leave (whatever her desire / comfort).
We start by introducing them to their new space with us being in with them. We are a "known" and provide comfort and encouragement as they explore and settle in. I take the first time, then Devin. As they gain confidence and show comfort, we remove ourselves and allow them to explore without us (but with our continued words of encouragement).
Over the next several weeks, we will continue to increase their space and introduce them to new and novel people - toys - textures - sounds and smells.
Our puppy curriculum incorporates puppy raising practices from Suzanne Clothier's Enriched Puppy Protocol (EPP) and Jane Killion's Puppy Culture Program.
🐾 We provide age appropriate challenges to encourage the puppies as they learn to move, and in turn, they are "moving to learn".
🐾 Puppies experiences (good and bad) help shape their understanding of the world. Our goal is to make learning about new and novel a safe and enjoyable experience.
🐾 Research shows, the effects of an enriched environment (or lack of) appear to be long lasting, and possibly permanent.
"Breeders have an obligation to prepare each puppy to develop the highest degree of coping skills and adaptability possible
in that individual. This is the best insurance that a dog will have the highest quality of life possible,
free from mental or emotional distress."
Whelping Box Novelty, August 26&27
Apple's pups are now in week one of their Socialization Period. During this time, we introduce whelping box novelty items daily (for 7 days). Below are some of the items we've worked with so far.
Day 2, 8/26: Butternut and spaghetti squash (videos below).
Day 3, 8/27: Rocks (videos below).
The idea is that the more items placed in the known category (aka "reference library") of a puppies brain will prepare them for their first fear (of the unknown) period at approx. 5 weeks of age. A pup who has an extensive "library" of known is better equipped to handle the unknown and will have encountered many items prior to the onset of this fear period.
Learning is tiring!
After checking out the rocks, they were ready to rest (and for momma to come back and feed them).
ENS & ESI with Devin, August 17
Devin is such a sweet, gentle, caring boy! As his momma, I am so proud to watch him develop into a genuine and compassionate dog lover (and puppy whisperer). Below, are videos of Devin performing our daily ENS and ESI protocols.
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) are specific handling and stimulation unlike normal handling. There are 5 excercises (as you'll see in the videos below):
1. Tactile stimulation.
2. Head held erect (count of 5).
3. Head poited down (count of 5).
4. Supine position (count of 5).
5. Thermal stimulation (count of 5).
These excercises do NOT take the place of normal love and attention (touching and stroking of our pups).
Scientific studies have shown that the results & benefits of ENS are:
🐾 Improved cardio vascular performance (heart rate)
🐾 Stronger heart beats
🐾 Stronger adrenal glands
🐾 More tolerance to stress
🐾 Greater resistance to disease
For more information on ENS and Dr. Carmen Battaglia click here:
ENS - Puppy Culture (puppy program used here at CHC) - Video clip w/ Dr. Carmen Battaglia
Early Scent Introduction (ESI) was developed by Dr. Gayle Watkins, Avidog founder, Head of Education at GoodDog, and owner of Gaylan's Golden Retriever. ESI helps puppies with their nose awareness and enhances their ability to identify and react to scents. Like ENS, ESI is done days 3-16 of a puppies life and has been found to be beneficial for their development.
For more information on ESI and Dr. Gayle Watkins click here:
ESI - Avidog - Introducing Scents to Neonate Puppies