Old-fashioned Black and Tan English Shepherd Association
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
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
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
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 countdown to W-Day has begun here at Roanoke Creek Ranch. Vixen is about 2.5 weeks from a planned whelp. For her part, Vixen received her final pre-whelp worming using puppy-safe meds. She started sleeping in the climate-controlled whelping room with veteran Nurse-dog Josie, and half her diet is now Purina Pro Plan Puppy Formula. … Read more
In the practice of Protocol-based Dog Care, dog activities get organized into repeatable processes. From each process, re-usable protocols get identified to meet an individual dog or a group of dogs specific requirements. Single Dog Protocols Single Dog Protocols include activities such as: Meals Exercise Medication Training Work Weigh-In Vet Visit Other Activities Group Protocols … Read more
Here on Roanoke Creek Ranch, there are usually three opportunities per day for goat dog training. The early morning feeding Mid-morning open range rumination Late afternoon open range rumination Generally, the youngest member of the goat dog team comes along for early morning feeding. The interaction is safe, and the pup/young dog gets face time … Read more
