I love this photo, so I think this will be our last daily update for this litter.  I just wanted to write a quick note to all the new puppy parents.  Please give those puppers a big hug from me and know that we are always available for assistance.

The pups would like to congratulate their dad on his win at the PNW Regional this past weekend!  

Congratulations Lars and Debra!

"Iliana"

"Ike" and his nylabone

Spending some time with mom . . . 

The pups had their first shots and were microchipped on Monday.  To make up for the "ouches" we took them for a big adventure, a walk around the back pasture.  They had great fun chasing and stalking each other in the tall grass.  

"Shackleton"

There is only a week until the puppies will be going to their new homes.  So, I am including a few articles about socialization and crate training.  These were from the previous weeks, but I thought now might be a good time to review them.    

We do our best to prepare each puppy for crate training.  Each of the puppies will spend some time with their littermates in a crate.  They will also spend some time alone in a crate.  We send a blanket home with each puppy.  This blanket carries the scents of their first home and helps them to relax.  We also keep a radio playing in the dog room at night.  You can play a radio next to your puppy's crate.  The familiar noise might help him sleep.  

We try to do everything we can to make the transition as easy as possible.  But, you do need to be prepared for your puppy crying very loudly when they are first placed in the crate.  I sincerely believe this is a trait that evolved to keep pups from being lost in the wild.  Whining and barking is a pup's way of trying to reunite with their pack.  As with all dog training, we want to ignore the bad behavior and encourage the good.  So, do not coddle your puppy when they bark or whine.  Only let the puppy out when he is quiet for a moment.  (Of course the exception to this rule is just after a puppy wakes up from a nap.  Puppies need to go potty as soon as they wake up, so that's the time to scoop them up and rush out to the puppy's designated potty area.)

The puppies were temperament tested yesterday.  Overall, they exhibited confident, exploratory behavior.  The litter was very uniform in strong following instincts, lack of sound sensitivity, and lack of sight sensitivity (they all wanted to check out the umbrella).  

We woke up to snow on Wednesday morning (in June?!)  So we decided to do some indoor agility.  We scattered a little kibble in the big tunnel and let the pups explore.   

"Finnius"

The puppies did their first 'puppy track' yesterday.  We use the food drag method as puppies seem to need a continuous trail in the beginning.  I prefer to stand back and let the pups work out the track for themselves.  Once they make it to the end, they get to chew on the 'yummy sock' (a sock filled with canned food).  

We've also started some beginning obedience.  We do lots of lure sits and downs.  This involves luring the puppy into a sit or down position and then instantly rewarding with the treat.  We will also introduce the leash and some light pressure on the collar.  There are no corrections at this stage, only lots of praise and treats.  We like our obedience training to be FUN!!!   :-)

Updated photos of each puppy . . . 

"Iliana"  

"Ike" 

"Ina Mab" 

"Indiana" 

"I Sierra" 

"Isolde"  

Here are some other dog sports that you can participate in with a German Shepherd.  

    - Tracking involves a dog following a tracklayer's footsteps for a specific distance.  Click here if you would like to learn more about tracking. 

    - Schutzhund involves three phases, tracking, obedience, and protection.  Click here if you would like to learn more about schutzhund. 

     - Herding is a very exciting dog sport (Gavin does fully body puppy wiggles whenever we go herding!)  Click here if you would like to learn more about herding.

I sincerely hope you will consider getting involved with some type of dog sport.  Participation in dog sports involves mental stimulation, training, and socialization.  This will help your dog stay well-balanced. 

"Chee-arge!"

Agility is another fun sport for you and your puppy to get involved with.  Agility is basically an obstacle course that is timed.  The dog is required to perform several jumps and different obstacles.  The obstacles include a teeter, weave poles, pause table, dog walk, A-frame, chute and tunnel.  Agility can be a lot of fun and is another great way to improve upon your relationship with your dog.  Click here if you would like to read more about agility.

Puppies playing with Bindi Video

There is another type of obedience competition known as regular obedience.  This is more formal than rally and handlers typically are only allowed one command per exercise.  There are various titles including the CD (Companion Dog), CDX (Companion Dog Excellent), and UD (Utility Dog).  Click here if you would like to learn more about regular obedience competition.

Playing tug 

So, once you've found a club and taken a basic obedience class, what's next?  Getting involved with dog sports is a great way to improve your communication and relationship with your dog.  Rally obedience is considered a "stepping stone" from the Canine Good Citizen program into more formal obedience competition.  A rally course has several stations with signs indicating what action a dog and handler should perform.  Teams progress at their own pace and handlers can talk to and encourage their dogs throughout the course.  Click here if you would like to read more about rally obedience.

I hope everyone took some time and read the articles about socialization from yesterday.  You can do just about anything with a well socialized German Shepherd.  You can get involved in agility, herding, tracking, obedience, schutzhund, and many other activities.  The best place to start is by finding a training club in your area.  The American Kennel Club maintains a list of training clubs at the following link.  Many clubs offer basic obedience classes that culminate with Canine Good Citizen testing.  The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluation includes ten basic test items.  Getting involved with basic obedience and participating in a CGC test are great socialization activities.   

The pups had their first introduction to the agility pause table.  They all hopped up on it without any encouragement.  I just love to see this kind of confident, exploratory behavior!

The pups also got to explore the 'puppy chute'.  

I had a bit of a scare during our morning walk.  Three of the pups proceeded to climb right up the A-frame.  They're much too little to do this without close supervision, so I turned them all around and we found something a little more age appropriate.  I think 'pink' wants to be a utility competitor!  :-)

As you can see, I am trying to expose these pups to as many different experiences as I can.  This process of early socialization is crucial to developing intelligent puppies with confident, stable temperaments.  It's very important that the puppies' new owners continue this process of socialization.  

I wanted to share some articles about puppy socialization:  "What is Puppy Socialization?" and "How to socialize your puppy".  Please take some time and read through these articles.  It is crucial that your puppy be exposed to various sights, sounds, people, animals, flooring, puppy challenges, and situations throughout his early development.  This will help him become a stable, confident adult.  You should try to avoid areas where unvaccinated dogs might have been until your puppy has received all of his shots.   

Remember:  The first year is the most important.  Gaps in training and socialization during the first year can have lifelong effects.  

Video

The pups had a busy day yesterday.  They spent lots of time playing and exploring all around the yard.  We gave them some noisy plastic bottles with a little kibble in them.  This helps the pups begin to form a positive association with loud noises.

'Iliana' - black collar female

Puppy tunnel

Meeting the cows . . . 

Look guys!  If I run really fast, my ears stand up!

There are only three weeks until the puppies will be going to their new homes.  I hope everyone has started preparing for their new arrivals.  Here are a few reminders just in case . . . 

Have you set up your puppy's crate?  It's best if you can decide where you want the puppy's crate before he arrives.  This way he can have an established comfort zone.

Have you found a veterinarian and do you have their contact information readily available?

Have you looked into training clubs and/or puppy kindergarten classes in your area?  Remember: the earlier you start with training and socialization, the better!

Do you have all of the supplies you will need?  (collar, leash, crate for potty training, stainless steel food/water dishes, cleaning supplies including 'pet safe' cleaner, toys, grooming supplies)   You might also want to purchase some 'baby gates' to fence off the areas where you don't want your puppy to enter.  

As you all know, there was a problem this last year with items from China.  So, please avoid any toys or dishes with painted areas if they were made in China.  Lead can be easily ingested from these items.  Some fun alternatives include Kongs, Cuzes, and rubber toys from Planet Dog.  (I contacted Planet Dog during the lead paint scare and they reassured me that all of their rubber toys are made in America.)

Have you scheduled some time off for your puppy's arrival?  The puppies will be ready to go to their new homes the weekend of June 20th to June 22nd.

Have you 'puppy-proofed' your yard and home?  Remember:  puppies will chew and swallow just about anything.  Get down at puppy level and check for any hazardous items such as electrical cords, cleaning products, medications, etc.

If you would like to read more about preparing for your new arrival or just about anything to do with puppies, we highly recommend that you pick up a copy of the "Keep it Simple Series: Guide to Raising a Puppy".  Or, feel free to contact us if you would like any additional information.  :-)

When I grow up I want to be an agility dog!

Male

Female

Doug and I would like to express our sincere gratitude to all veterans, military personnel and their families.

The puppies went for their first big adventure, a walk around the training field.  We walked all around the agility equipment, even did some "puppy weaves" . . . 

This is the female that really reminds me of Helki.  She is very sassy and always in the middle of everything.

Took the pups for a nice walk this morning and then let them eat breakfast out in the middle of the yard.  Now that the puppies are getting old enough to walk short distances, I carry their food out away from them and call "Puppies, Hier!" and clap my hands.  Then, when they come running, they find their breakfast waiting.  This creates a strong interest in following and coming when called.   

"Hey, what's this?"

"Puppy Recall" video

The weather has turned cool and rainy, so the pups have been staying inside.  We added an exercise pen to the front of their whelping box.  The exercise pen is lined with newspapers which encourages the pups to eliminate away from their bedding.  

It never ceases to amaze me how early puppies will start using the newspapers.  To maintain this clean instinct, we will keep their bedding area particularly clean.  Then, we remove any damp or soiled newspapers and clean the rubber floor underneath, but leave one palm-sized spot untouched by cleaner.  We'll then cover the area with fresh newspapers.  The pups will smell out the uncleaned spot under the newspapers and eliminate there (instead of in their bedding).  

This is something to remember when potty training.  Your puppy will want to eliminate in an area that smells like a 'dog restroom'.  So, it's very important to take your puppy to the same location when you first start potty training.  The smells in the area will stimulate the puppy to eliminate there.  

Also, if three week old puppies will seek out one small spot that smells like urine, you can bet an eight week old puppy will!  So, it's important to clean up very thoroughly when an accident occurs.  We use a product called Kids n' Pets that soaks into the carpet pad and gets rid of any odors.  Nature's Miracle is another great product that has enzymatic action and is pet-safe.  

If you would like to read more about potty training, we highly recommend crate training.  (Click here for an article about crate training).  Most adult German Shepherds will need a size 500 airline shipping crate.  (An oversized male may need a size larger.)

On another note, we may have a "Helki Two" in this bunch.  I had everything nice and clean with fresh newspapers down and one of the pups ran in and stole one of the sheets of newspaper.  She gripped it in her mouth and then took off through the pen, bonking all of her siblings in the head as she went by.  After two laps, she finally slowed down enough that I could take it from her. < Sigh. >  I don't know if I can deal with two Helkis!

(We will start adding different toys and objects each day.  This early exposure enhances confidence, as well as provides mental stimulation.)

"Hey, this is like that water stuff but way better!"

"Our First Mush" Video

"Shh, don't tell anyone.  I want to keep all these toys to myself."

"Hey look!  Toys!!!"

"This one's mine!"

"Check it out . . . a puppy cave!"

A few photos from this morning . . . 

We've been having the most beautiful weather.  So, the pups spent Saturday outside in their 'mega X-pen'.  We introduced a few toys.  It was pretty funny watching a 3 week old puppy playing with Gavin's giant Jolly ball.  The ball is bigger than the puppy!  Another funny thing was watching them try water for the first time.  Bindi started drinking and her pups decided they'd try a taste too.  Here's a video:

Video #2

The puppies spent most of yesterday outside.  They had their first exposure to traffic noises (farm trucks driving by) and construction noises (we were fixing a section of fence).  They slept through most of the noise.  

The puppies had their first outdoor expedition yesterday.  

At first they were a little apprehensive about the prickly grass and bright sun . . .

then mom hopped in for a visit . . . 

and everyone settled right in for a nap.

What a beautiful little girl!

We've been handling the pups daily and we're starting to see results.  The puppies will walk over to the edge of the box and seek out human attention.  They are also becoming more active throughout the day.  They have an hour in the afternoon where they are especially active; engaging in puppy battles and barking at each other. 

Today is the last day we will be performing Early Neurological Stimulation.  We will continue handling each of the pups gently throughout the day.

This is my son's favorite puppy.  For some reason he always gravitates towards the biggest boy puppy in the litter.  I must admit I'm pretty fond of this puppy too.  He seems to have a super mellow disposition.  He doesn't even struggle during the upside-down phase of ENS, just takes everything in stride.  :-)

Video

We have the beginnings of locomotion!  The puppies are raising up on all fours and walking (with the occasional roll) around the box.  I've been trying to capture them walking on video, but no luck yet . . . 

The puppies eyes are starting to open.  :-) 

Bindi and the pups are all doing very well.  We've been performing ENS daily and the pups are becoming less reactive to the exercises.  A few of the pups are even sleeping through most of the process.  This indicates to me that ENS is helpful and does increase stress tolerance.  

The puppies had their first visitors last night.  While the puppies are young, we allow family members to visit and gently handle our pups.   Scientific studies have shown that daily gentle handling improves disease resistance, decreases emotional reactivity, and enhances learning and problem-solving abilities (1).  

There are a few tasks you can be doing in order to prepare for your new arrival.  

Have you found a regular vet and an emergency vet?  Do you have their contact information readily available?  

Have you looked into training clubs and/or puppy kindergarten classes in your area?  German Shepherds need regular training and socialization to remain well balanced.

Have you scheduled some time off for your puppy's arrival?

Have you started 'puppy proofing' your yard and home?  Remember:  puppies will chew and swallow just about anything.

If you would like to read more about preparing for your new arrival or just about anything to do with puppies, we highly recommend that you pick up a copy of the "Keep it Simple Series: Guide to Raising a Puppy".  Or, feel free to contact us if you would like any additional information.  

(You can click for a larger version.)

We will begin Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) this afternoon.  ENS has important benefits including:  "improved cardiovascular performance (heart rate), stronger heartbeats, stronger adrenal glands, more tolerance to stress, and greater resistance to disease."  (Battaglia)

If you would like additional information, here is a link to an article about Early Neurological Stimulation.

Bindi and her pups are all doing well.  The pups are gaining weight rapidly and are experimenting with their little voices.  Here are a few pics from this morning . . . 

(You can click for a larger version.)

We raise all of our litters on bath towels that are stitched together and covered with a fleece blanket.  We wash and change out the bedding 2-3 times per day.  This helps keep our puppies clean, dry, and healthy.

(You can click for a larger version.)

Bindi is so happy to no longer be pregnant.  I took her out to potty in the a.m. and she chased a stray cat out of our yard.  She came trotting back with a big sheppy grin and looked so pleased with herself.  After a good roll in the grass, she went back in and took a nap with her babies.

The puppies are here!

Bindi's temperature dropped Wednesday evening and she was very restless throughout the night.  She delivered her first puppy at 9:06 on Thursday morning.  She delivered pups throughout the day.  Her last puppy was born at 6:27 in the evening.  We have five females and two males.

Bindi is a very good mother and settled right into taking care of her pups.  Here is a photo with her first two puppies (both females).