Training snacks

I prefer to train without food incentives or 'treats.' I give LOTS of verbal praise and stroking and hugging as rewards to try to build in my dog a desire to please me.  There are, however many, many trainers who use and recommend a food treat as a reward in early puppy training and the method has proved effective for countless puppies. 

If you choose to use a snack or a treat for training, here is an inexpensive and easy way to make your own dog treats.  Slice a hot dog (all beef or chicken hot dogs work best) into 1/4 inch rounds. Place on a doubled paper towel on a plate in the microwave with a paper towel covering them. Microwave on high for 20 seconds turn over and microwave another 20 seconds. Repeat as needed until the rounds are dried and leather-like, not crispy. Different kinds of hot dogs and differing microwaves will require differing times.  Experiment with shorter times first as you can always repeat until you achieve the desired leathery consistency.  Store your home made treats in zip-loc type bags in the fridge until needed.  These make a great, inexpensive dog treat for any occasion. I haven't found a puppy or dog yet that wasn't enthusiastic about these treats.  Do not over feed! You can break the treats in half or cut them in quarters and still make your pup happy.

Until next time . . .   Eliot     www.rosehallkennel.com

Puppies coming!

We're waiting on new puppies.  We know the 'season' the pups will arrive but not the day or the hour so we wait and keep close check on the momma. 

Normal gestation is 63 days from the 1st breeding although 'full term' is 58 days.  In other words the puppies are fully developed and viable by the 58th day.  Since gestation is so short every day is important and even a couple of days short of day 58 can mean some real challenges for the puppies' well being.

Each girl seems to settle into a 'normal' gestation for them so after the 1st litter or two, we can kind of predict what day we expect whelping to occur. We're careful to start checking for body temperature and apatite  changes a couple of days before our expected date.  If the x-ray that was taken the week before our expected date doesn't give us any cause for concern about complications, we (not so) patiently wait on momma to begin her labor.  It is unlikely that serious labor is imminent if she is still eating well.  The drop in body temperature is an indication that whelping is close although even this can have a couple of 'false alarms.'

Once labor begins the 1st puppy may be hours away although some moms have much quicker deliveries.  Another variable is the overall length of the whelping process.  A litter may be completely delivered in 6-8 hours or in some cases the process goes on much longer.  The longer the labor is drawn out the more exhausting on the mom (and the human attendant.)

Once all the pups are birthed a whole new set of challanges begin for both the mother dog and the kennel attendant but life will have arrived and the thrill of new puppies begins!

Every dog owner is a vet nurse.

Such a cute puppy!  Can't imagine her getting into trouble . . .  ooops! In the blink of an eye this little cutie can end up with an 'ouchie!'  . . .  Some accidents/injuries and illnesses most definitely require the medical attention of the vetrinarian professional.  It is so very important to have good relationship with one or more competent vets who are able to communicate well with you about the needs and treatment options for the best care of your dog whether routine care or in emergencies.

There are, however, many instances where your pet will need some sort of first aid care or treatment when it's not feeling well or follow up care after being treated at the animal hospital . . .  care that you should be prepared, equipped and able to provide. 

First of all don't hesitate to ask your vet for advice while you are there for routine check ups, etc.  The vet or vet tech should be willing to provide information about your home treatments of minor cuts, scrapes, bumps, etc. and what to look for that would indicate a trip to the clinic is warranted.

Secondly, get and keep handy a good book that covers dog health issues.  Know what the 'normal' body temp is supposed to be and have a thermometer handy to use for diagnostics.  Read up on how to clean and dress a cut or wound and have supplies handy.  Also know when a wound is beyond your set of skills and when you need professional help.  Not all injuries or illnesses require a mad dash to the doctor.  You should be capable of taking care of your dear pet in most all little boo-boos and minor illnesses.  If you have raised or are raising children you know what I'm talking about.  Don't confuse the child and the dog . . .  there are some differences in some treatments but it is not that difficult to become confident in providing good treatment and care for your dog just as you did or are doing for your children.  In some cases you may be surprised at how similar the two can be!

Until next time . . .   Eliot

Rosehall Kennel carefully breeds the large, old style, family friendly straight back German Shepherds and has placed puppies with great families and in work situations throughout the US and Canada and into Mexico.  Check us out at www.rosehallkennel.com and follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/RosehallLargeGermanShepherds