Jed Posted April 23, 2010 Share Posted April 23, 2010 One of the reasons I breed is because I like pups, and I enjoy seeing them develop into little dogs. Oh, sure, I love it when I breed a champion, or one which wins the royal, or the mother of a legend, or some fantastic pet, or a little dog which has given a whole new outlook to a child with Downes syndrome, or someone who is the enduring companion of a lonely old person, but I never cease to be enthralled to see them developing. One of the defining moments is when the pups' circle of knowledge widens, and from recognizing only their mother, they then recognize me, and rush over to me, little tails wagging for pats and attention - or food. Another is the First Time Outside. This happens somewhere around 5 weeks,depending on how forward the litter is. I have a simple system - they live inside, I pick them up, usually in pairs, and deposit them on the lawn. They are fascinated by this. Then a hairy sea envelopes them, as the rest of the dogs, who have only seen them at a distance, want to meet them, and the pups disappear in the sea. The pups, particularly the boxers, who are very confident and bold, meet the big dogs, and soon there are big dogs lying down and play fighting with pups, pups climbing on top of big dogs, an auntie lying on her back with half a pup in her mouth - and pups wagging, wagging, wagging, swaggering here and there, mostly with an adult dog as an escort. They wander around, they explore, they discover it is not wise to disturb hoary old grandmas, because they shout vile abuse -- -having been abused, the pups wander off in search of new adventures. The Cav stud dog is happy to be dragged around by his ears, but not so enthusiastic when some forward pup wants a drink. The aunties say "oh, NO, NOT my boobies" as pups latch on, and scamper off pursued by a small person who thinks all girl dogs are good for a drink. Mum usually stands back, overseeing all. I think she is heaving sighs of relief that she has found some willing sitters for the kids!! The entire litter simply abandons her for greener pastures, new faces, new experiences. After a while, several pups drop out, find a nice spot, and go to sleep. I notice the fattest ones fall over first. Then there is a heap of pups worn out and unconscious, so it's time to go back inside. There's always one who found a camping spot under something, who has to be found. Then it's time for dinner, and tomorrow - another adventure. It's great fun to watch the interaction of the babes and the adults, and each day when they go out, to see their circle widen, and their experiences grow, and to see the big dogs foster and escort them, play with them, provide a nice soft spot for a pup to lie beside, and even to see the grannies teach them reserve and respect. But the first day is the best. It's great to see them, surrounded by big dogs, bold and confident, wagging and approaching everyone. And it occurs to me that this, their first interaction with adult dogs, probably shapes the way they will interact with dogs all their lives. They discover how to approach, they discover other dogs are fun, and they discover what "NO" in dog means, when snarled by an old person. Those oldies sure teach the pups respect and circumspection!! For the first few days, they need to be carried in and out, then they learn to come when I call and follow me, so when they are tired, I call them, and walk inside - with a swarm of pups following. They line up outside their puppy pen to be lifted in for food and a nap. And when it's time to go out again, there they are, standing up to be lifted out, and they all rush for the door .... for new adventures. Pups are fun!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trisven13 Posted April 23, 2010 Share Posted April 23, 2010 Oh I so agree with you!!! Rescuing pregnant dogs, being there whilst they whelp, raising the pups and watching them learn is what has inspired me to do it properly with a breed I love. I love that first visit outside too - there are so many different smells and textures and sounds, it is wonderful to watch them soak it up. Having not been able to have baby pups here for a while I enjoyed vicariously a friend's litter recently, watching them learn all about the big outdoors for the first time. It really is a wonderful thing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wazzat Xolo Posted April 23, 2010 Share Posted April 23, 2010 That is so true and so lovely, maybe you can do a chapter on the pups going to the new homes and the saucer eyes of the new family and children and the tears of happiness and sadness of the breeder! You know what I mean I am just not as good a story teller ! Go on please!!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelpiekaye Posted April 23, 2010 Share Posted April 23, 2010 Well written. Nice to see such a positive post. Pups are cool and so are the dogs they grow into Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bisart Dobes Posted April 23, 2010 Share Posted April 23, 2010 Yes, I love the way the whole household gets excited when they know the babies are here. I sneak them in to meet the babies around day 2 when mum is outside on her toilet break (as a rule dobie girls never let others near her pups until around weaning time) and the look on their faces is one of pure joy, love, excitement, fascination, adoration - its just so precious to see, especially the boys - they all think they are dad and are proud as punch. I love babies and their journey into life as well - I love to watch those baby puppy videos and identify who is who and wonder at what they have achieved in their lives. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkey Trip Posted April 23, 2010 Share Posted April 23, 2010 Yes, I love the way the whole household gets excited when they know the babies are here. I sneak them in to meet the babies around day 2 when mum is outside on her toilet break (as a rule dobie girls never let others near her pups until around weaning time) and the look on their faces is one of pure joy, love, excitement, fascination, adoration - its just so precious to see, especially the boys - they all think they are dad and are proud as punch. I love babies and their journey into life as well - I love to watch those baby puppy videos and identify who is who and wonder at what they have achieved in their lives. You have all said this so well, and thank you to Jed for writing such a heartwarming post and sharing your delightful day with others. Yes the first day outside is really special and you are so right about the grumpy old grandmas'. If only some human children were taught basic politeness and respect for others in such a firm, clear, yet loving way. They get told off if they go over the boundaries and do not respect Grannies personal space yet at other times, are on the receiving end of much tolerance and love. I respect and admire the warn, ..warn, ...stare, ...wArrrrrNNNNNNN - ROAR/& snap!!! the air technique. (Or deliver a nip but never to do harm). Very effective and the clear lesson is delivered in just slightly increasing strength for each persistent transgression of the "rules", and so quickly learned. I love the silence during whelpings - with every furry person listening in.. not moving a hair, knowing what is going on. They wait. They share the anticipation and joy, then just as BD describes, over the next few days they are just DYING to see the new babies and are so overjoyed when allowed a sneak peak while Mum is outside. Having puppies is a very special joy and also a great responsibility. I do feel so sorry for the commercially bred puppies who never have a chance to enjoy the sense of belonging to a real and caring "family" prior to ending up in a glass box in a shop window. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jed Posted April 23, 2010 Author Share Posted April 23, 2010 Ah, the whelpings - the big ones stand outside and perve in the window!! I draw the curtains, and the really nosy one presses her face to the window, trying to peek through the curtains, until ordered away!! The heavy breathing gives her away! Grandmas are good - my grouchy one has been known to give really intrepid pups a damn good gumming if the growl doesn't work. And I love the way the mums stand back and let the lesson proceed. Not the slightest bit worried about the kid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LizT Posted April 23, 2010 Share Posted April 23, 2010 (edited) Such a lovely reflection of what is obviously a very special time for you. There is certainly a lot to be said about "The Extended Family"! How's that saying go again...A whole Village raises a child. Pity that is something we seem to have lost in our human society but lovely to see the strength of the pack in your little community. Edited April 23, 2010 by LizT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starkehre Posted April 23, 2010 Share Posted April 23, 2010 I always enjoy reading your posts Jed. Just lovely and thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flatchat Posted April 23, 2010 Share Posted April 23, 2010 Jed what a lovely description of some of the special puppy moments. Thank you for sharing it!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shellbyville Posted April 23, 2010 Share Posted April 23, 2010 What a beautiful post Jed, and really does express the joy of watching pups experiencing things for the first time. I especially love it when the pups little eyes are just open and they start to take everything in. My other favourite thing about having pups, is sitting up with mum during that first night as she feeds and cares for her little ones, such a special time! I so want more pups now!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edslaine Posted April 23, 2010 Share Posted April 23, 2010 Thank you Jed that was a lovely read. I look forward so much to having a dog from a puppy and hearing all about his first adventures from the breeder. The only dog I've owned that isn't the 'family' dog had a terrible start in life and came to me when he was 11 months old. He's now 6 so maybe it's time.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tara and Sam Posted April 23, 2010 Share Posted April 23, 2010 Jed what a lovely description of some of the special puppy moments. Thank you for sharing it!! totally agree had a smile on my face when started reading about puppies adventures thank you Jed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RallyValley Posted April 23, 2010 Share Posted April 23, 2010 This just makes me smile! Thank you Jed, it's good to hear how rewarding it is to be a breeder for once instead of how horrible it is (I was starting to contemplate never getting a bitch) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Esky the husky Posted April 23, 2010 Share Posted April 23, 2010 Awwww That's so beautiful Jed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janba Posted April 23, 2010 Share Posted April 23, 2010 Lovely post Jed. I still remember every pup I bred like it was yesterday, even though the last has long since gone from old age. There is something very special about those first 8-10 weeks of life and seeing the pups developing towards of the dogs they should become. They are still alive in my mind, destroying the newspaper I am trying to read on the lawn, hanging of my shoe laces and sleeping in a puppy pile with the older dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
furballs Posted April 23, 2010 Share Posted April 23, 2010 Yeah that's great, what about when they grow up and they're no longer with you, do you care about them then? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~*Shell*~ Posted April 23, 2010 Share Posted April 23, 2010 Yeah that's great, what about when they grow up and they're no longer with you, do you care about them then? I recently got to see what happened when a breeder was reintroduced to a pup she bred more than 2 years ago. All i can say is that it was obvious that pup (who is now definitely not a pup!) was still completely loved by the breeder. I wasn't having doubts before but after seeing that, it completely concreted in my mind that this was a breeder I wanted to get a puppy from at some stage, even if I have to wait a long time for one. Jed is obviously another one of those breeders. What part of this line: "Oh, sure, I love it when I breed a champion, or one which wins the royal, or the mother of a legend, or some fantastic pet, or a little dog which has given a whole new outlook to a child with Downes syndrome, or someone who is the enduring companion of a lonely old person, but I never cease to be enthralled to see them developing" screams "I don't care once they're not longer with me?" Obviously Jed has an ongoing relationship with the people who buy the pups. I would think that would be commendable, not something to sneer at. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crisovar Posted April 23, 2010 Share Posted April 23, 2010 Yeah that's great, what about when they grow up and they're no longer with you, do you care about them then? If we had more breeders like Jed the world would be a better place. furballs take your negativity to another place this thread doesn't need you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdierikx Posted April 23, 2010 Share Posted April 23, 2010 So eloquently put Jed... describes the joy of pups to a tee! People wonder why I foster rescue pups... I think Jed's description of the adult dogs' interaction with the littlies answers that perfectly... my girls are so good at helping raise them... T. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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