Sunday afternoon found me demanding to have some time away. After using my vacation time for a few days off doing paperwork, computer work, and other things that ate into my time like an ulcer I longed for a bit of summer time bliss. To me beach time was needed. But, eh gads, it was 1 PM already.
Bless his heart, seriously. Jeff agreed to drive me to the lake to grab some much needed sun for a few hours and get away from housework and computers and technology in general. The dogs stayed with daughter since we had just a few hours of daylight left and I really, really, really wanted to just sit on a beach, with a book, and the sun. The lake I wanted to go to was about an hour away.
We left after a quick pack, Yippee..but… we detoured to check out one of the many very small county parks off on side roads. Jeff knows so many side roads. I am always amazed at his sense of direction and random bits of historically knoweldge about the area, such as the mushroom farm and the historical bench in the middle of somewhere that I would probably never be able to find again. But, I did not want a Sunday drive, I wanted sun time. Not that I did not enjoy it. I was just ansy to take a time out.
Although the detour was well intended, there was just shade of old coastal redwoods at this park. Although well meaning, I think he got it when I said, honey… I asked for water, beach, sun. Three things and a few hours of them. Well, there was a small rocky creek, a wooden bridge. Actually very quaint and a place I would love to paint.
Another couple were there with there grandkids, and for some reason she was singing an old gospel song under her breathe; one I had heard long ago. Jeff smiles and says, not the lake, hum? We smile at each other and we head back to the car.
Finally, we arrived at the lake gate. I did enjoy the drive, the fields, the nurserys and birds. As we pull out of the lake gate, Jeff is asking since we don’t have the boat where we should go. Perhaps drive around and look at the other end of the lake? …. 
As it was getting much later and I just wanted some sit next to the water and read time I said a bit huffy, just get me to the nearest patch of sun and water and beach together. And, he did.
Jeff, you see, is not a sun lover and does not appreciate my own inner truth of the the holy trinity of taking some time out. that being water, sun, and a beach. The fact they must all be attached together seems to not make sense to him. FINALLY we park and at 3:53 PM I am unloading quickly to please; just grab a bit of some sun time.
I set up a blanket, open the book and read a page and …Jeff moves to sit off in the shade. I was raised to be riddled with guilt for such selfishness. I look up to the heavens and ask God to forgive me but I just need a small break. I tell Jeff, not sure that he gets that I need some sun, water, and beach for a bit of inner refreshing.
I move my blanket towards the shade and Jeff and I make small talk about funny things of family, fishing, life. Perhaps it was just get away from the computers, phone, and final paperwork for my brother I say. He nods. He then encourages me to go back to my book for a bit. I say no and he says, I drove you all this way and your not taking the time to enjoy it. How can I enjoy it when your not, is my reply. And so it goes and I read a bit as the sun sets.
Then, as I just get to page 3 of a book (that I have been waiting to read for months)… a man walks up and says, excuse me, but we will be having a baptism right here in a few minutes. Being raised in the south, I have a vision of a teenager, reflecting back on the glorious day of their baptism and pulling out a photo that marked the occasion. I also reflect how in the middle of the ceremonially circle, in the photo lies a chubby lady in a pink polka dot tankini bathing suit reading a novel.
I look up to the heavens and grin. Jeff is sitting on the bank in the shade smiling. He reaches back and gets my tshirt cover up and shorts. I move next to him in the shade we both grin at each other and sit to watch as 7 people are born again; walking from the banks, immersed in the water, getting the Sun. Once again, someone is trying to tell me to just enjoy the experience.
I have proof, I did not make this up. “Swear to God”. He was there too, go ask him. Jeff took a cell phone picture. God has a sense of humor, as I was saying Sun time, he sent me Son time.
So, headed home from the lake and still had for me, some valuable talk time with hubby, and we both laughed about our Sunday adventure. Then, to cap it off, someone took great care to plant an old truck with flowers next to the road. There was no house near it so I am sure they have to come and water it, but it just was just another goofy thing. Do you think God was sending flowers after the whole “novel” experience? Was nice to get away even though it was a bit “not the destination but the trip that counts” kinda day. A doodle day, sans doodles for a few hours.
Jul 10
17
Yippee! I think I have it!
finally, I have the slideshow coded for photos in the blog . Here is my test:
for those using by mobile, here are pictures for you:
next after moving all the pictures, I am working on the puppy cam streaming video link. Wish me luck; I am going in!
Jul 10
16
Echo had puppies in the Netherlands!
Ah, cute babies!
We had an email today that Echo had her first litter in the Netherlands. Thank you Carolien for being such a good friend and keeping us updated on her. She looks tired, but very proud. I look forward to hearing about how they are developing. For more information, contact Carolien through her website:
http://australianlabradoodles.nl/?newlanguage=en
GHTime Code(s): 6076c 45072 d5b7c ncJul 10
15
Puppy development
Your Puppy will pass through many stages as he grows and develops. Many Puppy owners are shocked, surprised or downright freaked out about the way that their cute little Puppy is behaving. Just check the stage of development that the little guy (or gal) is in…it explains a lot (like he isn’t crazy). Behaviors can be accounted for with these stages, but a lot of these behaviors are also not acceptable and you must train and lead the way. The mother of your Puppy will start the process by building the foundation. This responsibility will then be turned over to you. It can not be expressed enough times how important is for you to train and lead your Puppy so that he will be a happy well adjusted member of your family for life.
Puppy Toddlers Period (3 – 8 Weeks)
“Mom teaches dog manners”
During the Toddler period, the doodle puppies emerge on their own from the litter. They venture into the surrounding environment. These lessons learned in the toddler stage are CRITICAL. Puppies removed too early from their litter tend to be nervous, bark inappropriately and tend to bite simply because these lessons that are taught by the mother and littermates were missed. Training problems and long-term behavior problems can often be attributed to a puppy removed from the litter much too soon.
Beginning at 3 weeks of age:
- The first lessons learned are dog specific behavioral patterns
- They will learn the meanings of various postures and the affect it has on their mother and littermates.
- They will learn how to bite and what it is like to be bitten.
- They will learn what barking and other vocalizations mean and their different uses.
- They will learn how to establish social relationships with other dogs.
Beginning at 5 weeks of age:
- Vocalization and tempered activities (dog manners) usually are learned at approximately 5 weeks of age.
- They will learn how to be submissive to the leader of the pack.
- They will learn and refine additional postures, vocalizations and acceptable dog interaction behaviors.
Actions that the mother will take:
The mother will growl, snarl and snap to communicate. With a few very clear signals and repetitions, the young Puppy will learn quickly. Soon, a mother’s glare or low growl is all that is needed to keep a young pup in line. Littermates also learn clear signals of communication to each other.
Socialization Period (7 – 12 Weeks) and First Fear Imprint Period (8-11 Weeks)
“Lasting impact, rapid learning”
Dogs that are denied socialization during this critical Socialization period often become unpredictable because they are fearful or aggressive. It is during this time, that your dog needs to have positive experiences. They need to be introduced to new things and begin the groundwork to a happy, well-adjusted dog.
Beginning at 7 weeks of age:
- Short attention spans.
- Things learned are permanent and will be more challenging to change.
- Puppy will be eager to learn.
- What he does and learns now, he will do as an adult.
- Puppy’s temperament and personality will become more apparent.
- Puppy will be transitioning his education from his mother to his human environment.
Beginning at 8 weeks and ending at approximately 11 weeks of age:
- Any traumatic, painful or frightening experiences can have a lasting impact if not dealt with right away.
What You Can Do:
- Gradually introduce your Puppy to new things, environments and people.
- Make experiences positive (provide encouragement, treats or toys)
- Don’t push your Puppy into fearful situations – take things slowly and allow him to adjust and get use to the situation.
- Do not let others push your Puppy or be forceful with them.
- Provide a secure comforting demeanor.
- Teach the Puppy you are there to protect and lead.
Seniority Classification Period (12-16 Weeks)
“You’re not the boss of me!”
The Puppy has been in the home now for a few weeks. He has been watching you and the family very closely. He is picking up on human behaviors and reactions. He is learning the pecking order of the pack. As he observes and learns, he will then attempt to figure out where exactly he stands in the pack order, and to also see if moving up in the pack will work. After all, he knows who the “weak links” are and will start at the bottom and try to move right up the pack. How could such a cute little pup be such a pistol?
What is happening:
- Puppy will begin to question authority.
- Puppy will attempt to move himself up in the pack order.
- Puppy will try to dominate.
- Puppy will grab leashes.
- Puppy will try to determine what activities are going to be done and when.
- Puppy may growl.
- Puppy may put his mouth on you.
- Puppy can often become over excited.
What you can do:
- Learn how your actions and body language communicate to your dog.
- Suggested reading: The Dog Listener – Author Jan Fennell
- Do not play aggressive games during this phase. (Tug or wrestling)
- If Puppy becomes over excited, growls or mouths you, you stop all activity.
- Be very aware of how the Puppy interacts with children – do not leave children unattended with the Puppy.
- Enroll in a Puppy kindergarten class to redirect some of the energy.
- Evaluate the whole family’s methods of interactions and corrections and make sure that all are consistent and clear. (Unified front concept here)
If you are not familiar with Cesar Millan aka ‘The Dog Whisperer” from the National Geographic Society Channel, this is a good time (if not sooner) to familiarize yourself with his techniques for establishing yourself as the ‘pack leader’ with calm assertive leadership. If you do not have the National Geographic Channel the first season of this TV show is available for purchase and I highly recommend it:
http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/. To learn more about Cesar and his sensible techniques for correcting behavior problems: http://www9.nationalgeographic.com/channel/dogwhisperer/, however, nothing compares to watching him in action, and I highly recommend seeing the show…Pam
Flight Instinct Period (4 – 8 Months)
“Fly like an Eagle, into the wind”
Your cute little Puppy has been following you around for weeks now. He has been aware of where you are and would stay pretty close. During this period that same cute little Puppy will decide that he is ready to go solo and take off running quicker than lightening. During this time, teaching the Puppy that he must stay close by or come when called is critical. The failure to do this will result in a dog that will not be reliable to come or to stay close by as an adult and very well could lead the dog into a life or death situation.
What is happening:
- The Puppy will become more independent.
- A Puppy that previously would never go very far, will venture off.
- The Puppy will ignore commands to stay close or come.
- How you handle refusal to come or stay will affect future reliability off leash.
- Puppy will be clever in attempts to run around loose.
What you can do:
- Leash on 100% of the time when not in a confined area.
- Never allow dog loose in an unconfined area. (Yes this is redundant to the above, so it must be pretty important for us to say it twice.)
- Being off leash outside of a confined area is reserved for dogs that have been well trained.
- Enroll in training class that utilizes positive training techniques.
- Reinforce and continue to train your Puppy “come”.
- Make coming a very positive experience.
- Oh… and never allow your Puppy to be off leash in an unconfined area.
Adolescence Period (7 – 10 months)
“Welcome to the Teenage Years – Enjoy the Ride”
This is one of the most difficult times for pet owners. They are so surprised when their Puppy turns into “devil dog” or “cujo”. This often is a time when many families start to worry that maybe they made a bad decision in getting a dog. Remember: you get what you put into it. You take the time right now to teach good habits, you will have the dog you always dreamed of for many years. This work will payoff.
What is happening:
- The Puppy will become a free and independent thinker.
- The Puppy will continue to review the pack order.
- The Puppy will be very energetic.
- The Puppy will be exuberant and enthusiastic.
- They turn into clowns with teeth.
- They will delight in learning new and fun things.
What you can do:
- Appreciate the humor of it all.
- Have you read the book The Dog Listener or watched The Dog Whisperer series yet? It will help.
- Understand that despite the behaviors it is your time to continue to train and reinforce the things you do want him to do.
- Reaffirm the family pack order.
- Be realistic about expectations (still very much a Puppy in a big boy body)
- Channel all that energy into positive learning experiences.
- Continue with training classes; explore options for additional training opportunities.
Second Fear Imprint Period (6 – 14 Months)
“Yikes! What’s up with that?”
You have a Puppy that is full of beans, he runs around like a clown in search of his next show. But then, BAM, he refuses to walk down some stairs, he is shaking in the car, or he jumps at the sound of the neighbor’s music. Surprise! This is normal, but you must help your dog figure out how to deal with his fears or concerns. The skills of learning how to “shake it off and keep going” will be valuable to him for the rest of his life. It will also reduce the chances that the things he fears will not be permanently imprinted for life.
What is happening:
- The Puppy that was so confident will suddenly become reluctant to new things.
- This period can be subtle.
- This period can come and go several times over this entire period.
- It may appear to be unprovoked or unrelated to any specific occurrence.
- Puppy can become frustrating to owners.
What you can do:
Avoid extremes in your response (no anger or forcing or over comforting) be calm and assertive.
- Be patient and understanding.
- Well aware of surrounding and potential triggers.
- Work on desensitizing him with gradual introductions with rewards.
- Avoid reassurance and coddling (which is a reward for this behavior)
- Don’t over react or correct the fearfulness – just make light of it and encourage him to deal with his fear (work through the fear).
- Praise with grand rewards for his attempts.
- Your dog will take his clues from you, if you act frightened or concerned he will too.
Mature Adulthood Development Period (1 – 3 Years)
“I shall protect thy kingdom!”
So the Puppy is no longer an itty-bitty baby, his is pretty much fully-grown in height. He will begin to fill out a bit and develop more muscle tone. But, mentally, the dog is still working out some last details of his life and what it means to him. He IS a member of a pack and now begins to find that his turf is worthy of monitoring and protecting. Sort of sounds nice to have your dog be protective, but don’t fall for it. You do not want you dog to take over these responsibilities because in no time you too will be under the rule of the King Dog. Which can lead to aggressive behaviors, protective to the point of creating fear or actually harming someone or another animal as he protects. This is bad news, and often the reason a dog is taken out of the home or destroyed. So, don’t allow your dog to be the King of the Castle, assign him the role of court jester – he will be happier and so will your family.
What is happening:
- The dog may become more turf protective.
- Strangers may be greeted with barking.
- Barking at noises, birds, cars, butterflies, pretty much everything he believe worthy of attention.
- Playing with other dogs may escalate to fighting.
- Same sex confrontations of other dogs can occur.
- Once again, checking the pack order to see if he can move up.
What you can do:
- Reinforce how to greet strangers into your home.
- Teach your dog to ignore dogs he cannot be nice to.
- Practice or reinforce dog manners (utilizing no threatening dogs)
- Learn to read your dog and other dogs. (Circling, walking on toes, stiff tail wags, tense facial expressions are the signs of aggressive behaviors)
- Rally your family to review that the pack order is clear and every one is consistent with training and corrections.
- Reward him for good behaviors.
- Give the dog another job, therapy work, obedience classes, agility.
by International Doodle Owners Group – IDOG.Biz – copyright 2006.
Jul 10
15
Tough day at the Dog Park
Here is Bosley Doodle after a fun day at the dog park!
GHTime Code(s): nc ada0b 22bf4Jul 10
14
Summer of Love is here!
Summer is in full swing here at Liberty Labradoodles! We have enjoyed a bit of time off from everything and Jeff and I are really looking forward to October to visit Casey in Maui and I am already compiling books to take since I have a mound by the bed. I love reading and add a tropical beach to it and I am talking vacation of glorious magnitude. And, I am packing my watercolors for some doodling between books. I just have to book Jeff on some fishing trips and he will be a happy camper.
Kyla will be overseeing everything while we are gone; because (drum roll please)…Liberty’s Muse and Liberty’s Blossom have some exciting adventures to share regarding how they spend their summer vacation. And, their first week of school might be mommies school come September; but I am ahead of myself.
Jeff and I took a bit of time to regroup and recover with some many family things happening that were pretty “heavy”. We gathered together with our children this last week and discussed life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness while together. Okay, in my mind that is what we did but actually we held our “annual meeting” and discussed our family and what we are thinking, doing, and where we want to go.
I was very proud they are with me in the “love of dog” focus. Once again I reflect on the effort to grow good things as I look at both daughter and son and am proud of them and all the family influence I see there. Grandma and Grandpa did a great job in the contribution they added to their development. Not that they are perfect; but they are growing into who they are meant to be I think… and just like Forrest (Jennie, you would be so proud…) I am so proud of who they are turning out to be. I can’t help reflect on Forrest Gump as they played the movie several times this weekend; just in case you missed it the first time.
So, back to doodles…Let’s just say Chief was busy and beside himself with joy with his summer rendezvous. Mother Nature seemed to throw it all at him at once, but Chief happily answered the call on several of occasions. He is such a wonderful guy, loving, big hearted teddy bear that does like to perform. I am thinking that Jeff wants to come back as Chief. *I can say this as Jeff does not read the blog. *
Of course, once again I ponder how I have to update the main website and change over my puppy resource page. Ugh; how I hate to do lists. I enjoy it, but it is finding the time to do it and still have happy doodles, happy me, and happy family. Many seem to be in the same boat I am as I chat with friends and co-workers. Seems the world is so busy, even following the 7 habits principals of Stephen Covey that they just want a summer vacation.
I think many look for permission. So, here. I give permission to take a break, hug your doodle and family and enjoy each other and ignore the to do list. It will be there when you get back but summer of 2010 my dears, will not be. Seize the day and the beach or where ever you bliss needs you to seize. Recoup, regroup, rejoice. You have a week; okay, okay.. 2 weeks.
Which brings me full circle to my random postings.
GHTime Code(s): fcb10 2bb59 98751Jul 10
12
Dog Day Afternoon
We have been enjoying our time off for a bit with visits from Daughter and Son after school got out. Son has left but not after he and Jeff went fishing (or to be corrected, catching) in the Ocean and then also had some time on the river.
Daughter has Daisy and Daisy visits and Chief is very smitten. One of the good things of her visits is that, sigh, Daisy sleeps in bed with her, so of course I tell Jeff that Daisy gets to sleep with us.
Chief, Libby and Belle are crate trained. And even when Jeff leaves and I try to coax them to sleep in bed they throw me a bone, climb up, but then end up back in their crates to sleep. They prefer it there. Jeff grew up with outside dogs, I grew up with dogs sleeping in bed or at the foot of the bed so it is a treat for me to show Jeff the other side.
Daisy just got her summer cut and it is always amazing to see how little they are under all that hair. She is the most dainty little thing, doodle fits her in her musings.
Izzy is blossoming under her familys doting devotion. She lives with a family that volkswalks and hikes our wonderful Oregon river, lake, and coastal trails. Many of the walks allow Izzy to attend. She also works as a spokesperson for the local no kill shelter and visits shut ins and does a bit of assistive living visits. She gets to visit Bosley and Annie at the local dog park occasionally.
Speaking of Muse she will be also having news. And so our brief summer break draws to a close.
Pictures will be coming shortly of the earlier pups growning and thriving in their new homes. I need to check in with two but I am sure that they are busy with the summer family activities that children out of school and a new puppy bring.
Enjoy the summer, stay cool, keep your ears dry and don’t forget a good nap with a doodle in your lap for a perfect summer dog day afternoon.
Jun 10
20
Echo is due in the Netherlands!
For those who follow, Echo is one of our babies that is owned by the European IALA registrar, Carolien. I got the news this week that her first breeding took, and Echo had an ultrasound that revealed 4 puppies! More to come!
GHTime Code(s): 7efbf 22fbcJun 10
20
Happy Fathers Day!
What a great day to announce that we are done with planning the next several litters. Part of our delay is in our planning for using another gold paw stud with our girls. We do the dna research, pedigree and health checks to produce the best possible puppy. Daisy and Muse are all tested out and ready to be momma dogs. We look at the calendar, the expected season for the girls, the expected whelp date and try to figure it all out. Even the best laid plans however have to work with mother nature. And, it happens when it will. With that in mind…
Belle’s final litter with Chief will be coming once Belle is in season. Chief is really looking forward to it.
For Daisy, she is smaller in frame and we are researching her first mate. We will mate her down the road with Chief, but want to use a smaller male for her “first” time. Chief adds good block to the line and Muse has great form in a smaller package.
Muse will be with Chief but her guardian family is traveling during possible heat cycle and mate date for this cycle. If the cycle works out then we will mate otherwise we will wait for the fall.
I will be updating the web page later, but thought I would post on the journal for those waiting. Happy Father’s Day!
GHTime Code(s): nc 7068dJun 10
20
Ace’s Big Adventure
Roman (new name Ace) left last night, flying from Portland to his new forever family in New Jersey. Cinnie’s family fostered him while his forever family finished with school and work travels. He has the most wonderful coloring, reverse of a phantom mismark, darker on the bottom than the top.
Happy Father’s Day! Now, go to the airport to pick up your present!
We look forward to hearing about Ace’s new adventures.
GHTime Code(s): 63f0f ac8f7 12252