Whelping Box Day 18 – Masters of Their Universe

by

After about 4 sessions over a 24-hour period, our smart and determined puppies have learned to scale the barrier. The nuance of this seemingly small feat should not be overlooked. This is the biggest challenge these pups have ever faced. Every time they scale the barrier, they build coordination and confidence. Puppy enrichment is progressive, … Read more

Of English Shepherds and Landrace Conservation

by

In this brief essay, I will describe the genetic organization of a landrace breed, and I will compare it to the closed nucleus system used by most standardized breeds.  I will touch on the surface of four possible conservation strategies for a landrace breed, and finally, I will conclude with my personal experience in breeding … Read more

Introducing the Puppy Mobile

by

During these first few days and weeks, the puppies’ process of discovery and growth is fascinating to watch and understand.  You may remember a previous post in which I stated that a primary goal of puppy enrichment is to stimulate the brain’s neurological pathways.  We know that during neonatal development, a puppy is particularly receptive … Read more

Early Neurological Stimulation

by

I don’t see any reasons we can’t start ENS on schedule tomorrow.  Why do we do ENS?[1]Gazzano, A., Mariti, C., Notari, L., Sighieri, C., McBride, E.A., 2008. Effects of early gentling and early environment on emotional development of puppies. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 110, 294–304., … Continue reading[2]Battaglia, C.L., 2009. Periods of early development and the … Read more

The Black and Tan English Shepherd Continuum – An Argument from Hypothesis

by

Purpose In the English Shepherd Breed, our “black and tans is just a coat color dogs”, other composite dogs, and our dogs for which the black and tan coat indicates a type all exist together on a continuum.  But in the interest of preserving genetic material, in the interest of effective breed management, the latter … Read more