Loud Puppies and Fear Periods

Fear Periods

 I want to address fear periods first, because Ziva is slowly coming out of a doozy of a fear period.  Our once bold pup is gradually returning to her previous confident self, but has been afraid of a whole lot of things in recent weeks.

Ziva bunkered down behind my desk at work

How can you tell the difference between a "fear period" and the pup being afraid of a particular "thing"?

It's best to try to avoid your pup being scared of things.  If they are frightened of something new, they will likely startle and recover quickly.  If they do not recover quickly, put some distance between yourself and whatever is challenging them and use reward based training to gradually accustom the pup to the scary new thing that is over-facing them.  You don't need to get your pup comfortable to the scary thing that very day.  You have time to work on it gradually and without pressuring the pup too much.

If your pup shows a strong fear reaction to something they have seen many times before and were unconcerned about, that is how you know they are in the throes of a "fear period".

Koll & Ziva napping

In Ziva's case, noises such as loud/fast car sounds, leaf blowers, lawnmowers etc, all suddenly started to scare the heck out of her.  She had been fine with them before.  She also became frightened of some of my co-workers that she had been interacting happily and confidently with for several months.  

How did we handle Z's sudden fear of the world?  We stopped taking her to new places where she might be overwhelmed.  We continued to take her to places she had been before that were not terribly noisy and where she would not be pressured to interact with people or things she couldn't cope with.  As she continues to gradually show us signs that she is getting bolder and more confident again, we'll expand her horizons more and more. 

We also made some use of Adaptil/Thunderease (calming pheromone) spray and L-Theanine (100 mg per 20 lbs) to help with Z's anxious behaviors.  There is an L-Theanine supplement called Anxitane that is specifically for dogs, but we just purchase the NOW brand supplement sold for human use.

It's been tough to be patient and allow her to regain her equilibrium in her own time, but it will be worth the wait once she makes a full recovery and is our bright and bold Ziva again.  

Loud Puppies

Some of thhe pups seem to have found their voices recently!

 Ziva is good about sleeping quietly in her kennel at night and riding quietly in it in the car.  She is sleeping quietly at my feet right now. When is she noisy?

She is noisy when she plays with the other dogs.  They are noisy too.  We really don't mind this and don't work on stopping it.  We do call them in off the patio if they are playing and it is early or late or loud enough that we think the neighbors will be displeased.  Sometimes, noisy, playing dogs cause us to have to pause the TV until they are either done or provided with alternative entertainment (bully stick or stuffed Toppl).  If the noise is really bugging me, I'll sometimes encourage them in a quieter game like tug of war.  It is hard to bark when you are tugging on a toy.

Ridley & Ziva - double trouble at office

The noise issue is the worst when Ziva wants something she can't have or isn't getting.  The best way to get rid of demand barking is to ignore it. As soon as you have a few seconds of quiet, give the dog what he wants – praise, a treat, a toy, attention, whatever. This starts to instill in him that quiet is how he gets what he wants.

Be warned, it will get worse before it gets better. Dogs have something called an “extinction burst” where they try a behavior harder, longer, louder, etc., before they stop trying it. So, if his current level of barking is suddenly not working, he will get louder or longer before he stops. 

Here is a blog entry on demand barking and I liked the concept of the "bark board" as a means of tracking times the dogs barking is at it's worst so you can be proactive about heading it off before it starts, while also changing the picture for the barking pup while the behavior is taking place (i.e. getting up to move across the room to note when the behavior takes place changes the dynamic).

https://orlandodogtraining.org/woofthe-barky-dog-series-attention-or-demand-barking

Work from Home PWD

The Covid virus has changed so much about our lives, including the fact that many people are now working and learning from home.   I asked Rob Newcomer, who has a pup from the Fall 2020 "Smoke" litter to share some tips on how he managed a baby puppy while working from home.

Here is what Rob had to say (the formatting did not come through perfectly, but I think Rob has lots of good advice and it comes from actual experience with his pup):

Working Virtual with Puppy

 

COVID had its benefits.  Because of the pandemic, in 2020 my job had to transition to 100% virtual which opened the door for me to get a puppy.  Lookout’s Forged in Smoke & Fire (Jaco) came home in November 2020; aged 9 weeks.  

While some of my co-workers have gone back to the office, I haven’t and won’t.  I work full-time virtual and have my buddy with me every day.  I wouldn’t want it any other way.

So, you work virtual and a new puppy has come into your home.  This is FANTASTIC!  Since dogs are pack animals, being home with your dog full-time sets you up to establish an incredibly strong (dare I say, unbreakable) bond with her.  But…it isn’t automatic.  Like any relationship, it takes WORK and TIME! This puppy is a still very young, in many ways she is just a baby.  Different species but a baby nonetheless.  She needs to be taught the rules; gently, lovingly and sometimes firmly just like you would a human baby.

1. DO…remember your puppy is a baby and experiences emotions like fear, joy, happiness, loneliness, etc.  As a puppy parent, you are a primary influencer of these emotions; cause them or alleviate them.  Your puppy has spent her life, thus far, with a number of siblings and momma nearby.  They slept, played, ate and just lived right beside each other.  She needs you to be her playmate, and parent.

             DON’T…do as a training method from the 70’s by a well know trainer of that time instructed and put your puppy alone in the kitchen overnight with paper on the floor and just let them whine and cry all night.  Think how you would feel in a strange place without your mom, in the dark hearing all kinds of strange sounds.  You would cry too!  Actually, don’t just lock your puppy up alone, anywhere for any length of time right now.  This is training time; not hard time.

2. DO…establish a routine and STICK TO IT!

o A book called “The Art of Raising a Puppy” by The Monks of New Skete influenced some of the methods I used in rearing Jaco.  Not all of their methods, mind you.  I know a lot of folks have issue with The Monks but the best advice they offer, in my opinion, is to establish a routine.  The book even includes an example to use.  I tailored it to my living situation.  

​​Mine looked something like this:

➢ 5:30am – wake and potty

➢ Breakfast (in crate, to create positive association)

➢ Playtime (15 minutes)

➢ Another potty opportunity

➢ Nap time (in crate or ex-pen nearby)

➢ Mid-morning potty break after nap

➢ Walk 

➢ 11:00am – Noon Lunch (in crate)

➢ Playtime / Training Time (15 minutes)

➢ Potty

➢ Nap (crate / ex-pen time nearby)

➢ 5-6:00pm – 3rd meal in crate

➢ Walk

➢ Play in kitchen while I prepped dinner (kitchen was gated off from rest of house)

➢ 7:00pm - After dinner walk & potty

➢ Playtime (15 minutes or so)

➢ Ex-pen while family watched TV

➢ 10pm - Before bed walk 

➢ Off to bed (Jaco’s crate was moved into my bedroom.  He slept in crate).

3. If using an exercise pen (ex-pen): - HIGHLY RECOMMEND

o DO…train your puppy to be comfortable in it like you would with crate training.

 

o DO…associate being in the crate and / or ex-pen with good & happy things.  Make it a positive experience.  I put a bed, toys and water in the ex-pen (see photo at bottom).  When training my puppy to get used to it, I would give him a special treat reserved only for the ex-pen and no other time.  It could be a bully stick, elk antler or a peanut butter filled bone from the freezer.  (Usually an elk antler.  He loves them).

 

o DO…use a phrase or command to signal your puppy to go into the ex-pen.  I would show Jaco the special treat and say, “in your pen.”  At first, you will have to lead them into the pen with the lure of the treat.  They’ll eventually figure it out.  They’re smart.  Real smart.  It won’t take long.  Close the gate behind you.  Leave them in there to chew; but supervise them. (They’re young and like young human children they do stupid things.  Like a circus, sword swallower Jaco swallowed a 4” long piece of bully stick.  It came back up later that night but I was amazed he managed it.  I didn’t think he would do such a thing but he did).  KEEP WATCH.

 

o DO…start slow. After your pup is comfortable in the crate, it is time to build up their separation tolerance. Only a few minutes, like five (literally), at a time to start and gradually build up the time your puppy is left alone in the crate / ex-pen.  They will whine and cry at first; especially if they finish their treat before time is up.  When they do, say in a firm but even voice…”Quiet.”  No emotion.  It may be challenging.  Especially if they’ve been whining for 4 minutes and 58 seconds.  But, no emotion.  Just say, “Quiet.”  When your puppy gets quiet…reward heavily with high value treat.

​

​Over several weeks, every single day have your puppy stay in the crate / ex-pen ​ ​ while you are present and can be seen.  Having pup be comfortable and quiet and accepting of their ex-pen to the point of being able to leave them alone for long periods of time doesn’t happen overnight.  Most likely, it will take a couple months and then continuous training / exposure all their life.

 

PRO TIP:   If during ex-pen time, and after finishing their special treat, they whine to get out or jump against the pen AND “quiet” doesn’t affect a behavior change you can try a spritz of water from a water bottle.  Say, “No” and give a spritz. If your water dog regards this as fun and games rather than discouragement- add 1-2 drops of vinegar. Reward with treats and positive words when she complies.

 

TIP FOR SUCCESS:  If your puppy is food motivated, this can make things easier.  For the next nine months; consider yourself a human PEZ dispenser of dog treats.  Can be a tough idea to swallow, I know.  It was for me.  

 

DO…be consistent.  Be compassionate.  Stick to a workable routine.  Reinforce with positive emotions.  Restrain the negatives.  

For me, after Jaco was 6 months and had all shots, I introduced him to a local kennel that had doggy day care with play time.  Once a week I would drop him off for one hour of playtime / kennel time.  It helped him with socialization and getting accustomed to being away from me.  Again, I built up over time.  A month or so at an hour at a time then two, three up to four.  

 

To date, though, Jaco has never been on an overnight at a kennel.  We’re working up to that.

 

Lastly, remember your puppy is learning A LOT right now: house training, socialization with family and the outside world, her surroundings, etc.  Patience is key.  

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Ex-pen nearby.  Couch is out of view to left but when watching TV, Jaco would be put into ex-pen with special treat.

After pup is accustomed to ex-pen when you are present, THEN you can move onto incrementally leaving them alone in the pen.  I would give Jaco his treat and put him in ex-pen while I went to my office in other part of house.  Started out with ten minutes at a time. Then built up.  (Prior to this I set up my work computer on a TV table in family room in front of couch.  Worked like this until he was comfortable with ex-pen).

Grab Your Gear

Here is some gear that can get your life with your NCIS litter pup (or any pup) off to an easier start.

Not necessary, but possibly useful:

Ridley in his car seat.

Calming pheromone products can be helpful when your pup is stressed by new things.  The brand we have always used is Adaptil.   Adaptil is 100 percent drug free, and mimics a mothers natural nursing pheromones, which helps dogs to feel safe and calm.  Other similar products are Thunderease and Relaxivet.  You can purchase these products in the form of spray (which can be used on a bandanna, bedding, in a crate etc), collar or diffuser.

A "snuggle pup" toy with a heartbeat can help an anxious pup settle down to sleep.  We've never used one before, but have heard good things about them, so we are going to get one for the pup we are keeping this time.  There are several brands available.

It is always safest for your pup to be confined when riding in your vehicle.  If you are in an accident, the safest alternative is for your pet to be in a crate, but if you do not have room in your vehicle for a crate, you should use a canine seatbelt.  This will prevent your pup from possibly being thrown around inside the vehicle, ejected from the vehicle or escaping through a suddenly open door or window.  The photo of Ridley shows him in an "EveryYay Road Trippin' Car Booster Seat".

Kasie on a car ride.

Below are some grooming tools that can make things easier for your pup (and groomer).

With just puppy fluff to care for right now, it's easy to not do much grooming, but do it anyway! 

Get your pup used to being handled all over, including handling his ears, putting your fingers in his mouth and messing with his feet.  Gently run a brush over him several times a week, followed by combing.

If you have clippers and a blow dryer, get your pup used to the sound of both of these before they go to the groomer for the first time.  All the pups have heard both, but they need more exposure and a strong reward history, so they are not bothered by them.  Once they are used to the sound, get them accustomed to the vibration of the clipper by holding it against their body and to the blowing of the air from the dryer.

For your first grooming appointment, focus on making it a positive experience for the pup, rather than getting a perfect haircut and full groom. 

1. This inexpensive little hair dryer/brush combo is genius for getting pups used to the dryer.  The brand name is "iPettie" and I bought mine on Amazon.  It is quiet and the air is not too forceful, perfect for drying puppy fluff.  I do use mine on my adult dogs too and it works well.
2. This "Artero" double flexible slicker brush was a recommendation from friends and is great and reasonably priced.  The smaller size and flexible design make it great for problem areas like armpits.
3. This little double sided pin brush is a good starter brush for puppies.  You can begin by using the bristle side of the brush, so it just feels like petting. 
4. This is a required tool for Portuguese Water Dogs.  You can brush your dog completely and thoroughly, but you are never done until you can run a comb entirely through their coat also.  It's difficult to see in the photo but purchase one with a rounded back (rather than square) as it's easier on your hands.
5. Not everyone is a fan of dematting combs/rakes, but I like to have one handy.  You can use them to break up/cut through a matted area and can then use your pin brush and comb to completely comb the problem area through.
6. 
   Licki-mats are fabulous for entertaining your dog and they can also work great to keep them occupied when you need them to hold still for a grooming session.  This mat has suction cups on the back so you can stick it to the wall of the bathtub during baths or on a surface adjacent to a grooming table while brushing.
7. I hesitated to buy this brush because it is expensive!  The brand is Chris Christenson and mine is a medium sized Big K.  The Big G should work also if you can't find the other brush in stock.  This brush is super-efficient and will cut your brushing time way down.
8. For right now, a human toenail trimmer sized trimmer works perfectly for your pup's toenails.  I'll post a little video of a puppy toenail trim in the next few days so you can see.  I'll also take photos of what I also to trim the adult dog's nails.  You should trim your pups nails at least every 2 weeks.

For the pups that have not left home yet, we are continuing to introduce them to new things.  Two new foods they've had recently were raw sweet potato chunks and sourdough waffles.  The pups gave both new treats a big "paws up".

Yesterday we found a wind-up mouse in the closet toy stash and all the pups had fun chasing it.  Here's a little video of Ziva chasing the mouse.  Warning: there is LOTS of noise from other jealous doggies in the background!

The Scoop

Storm helps Doug with project

Three of the pups have departed with their owners already, but two of them will be rejoining the gang briefly for their eye exams
on Monday.

"Jethro" headed to Canada.  We thought it was a good idea to get him across the border as soon as possible due to winter weather and the Covid situation.  His new name is "Storm" and his registered name is "Lookout's Port in a Storm".  Storm's owner owned handsome boy named "Port" for many years who was a half brother to their new pup.  We've gotten glowing reviews on what a nice pup Storm is and Alex and Doug's older female PWD is being an excellent playmate for the new little guy.

Ridley at the office for the day

Probie headed home with my friend and co-worker and has already joined us for a day as office dog.  He was SO well behaved.  Amelia has done an amazing job getting him off to a great start.  Probie is now "Ridley" and his registered name is "Lookout's Enigma".  Amelia has kept the pup apart from her older mixed breed boy for a bit to give them time to get used to each other gradually.  Sammy's been pretty tolerant of the little guy's intrusion into his life and even seemed happy to see him arrive home after his day at the office yesterday.

Kate headed to her new home in Yamhill, OR and is now "Frida", formally "Lookout's Leap of Faith".  Frida's new owners are finding her sweet and smart but also LOUD!  PWDs tend to have pretty strong opinions on things and Frida's opinion is that she should not have to sleep in a crate.  Frida enjoys sleeping on the couch with Joan and feels that is where she belongs.  I'll share some pointers on working through that since all of the pups will express this opinion.

Frida sleeps peacefully - on her terms!

Four of the remaining pups got to have an excellent adventure this week.  I have a friend who is a High School teacher.  Sarah has two kids under the age of four.  Two of the pups (Kasie and Breena) went to her house for a sleepover on Tuesday night and went to school with Sarah for the day on Wednesday.  She dropped those two pups off last night and took two more pups (Abby and Jenny) for an overnight last night and the day at school today.  We're getting reports from Sarah that all four pups have been super confident and happy, have been using the litter box I sent with Sarah and their tails haeve not stopped wagging.  Good puppies!  A huge thanks to my friend Sarah for this extra socialization for these pups.

Jan has been taking turns crating several of the remaining six pups when he goes out to run errands during the day.  Viewing the nanny cam footage reveals that the pups sometimes kick up a fuss for a while (sometimes QUITE a while), but fall asleep at some point.  He does not return until they are all quiet, so none are rewarded for being let out while they are screaming.

Some reports and comments from the first week:

• 

  Jenny helps with the dishes
  

  It took Ridley about  5-6 days to sleep through the night (9:30 PM to around 6:00 AM) in his crate.  Amelia puts a chew (pig's ear) in with him when he goes to bed.  His crate is right next to her bed where she could let him know she was there when he woke up the first few nights crying.  Upon waking during the night, he was only allowed out on leash to see if he needed to potty and then right back into the crate.  Covering the crate helped calm him.
• The pups may not eat with much gusto for the first day or two.  They have been eating out of metal bowls, but also like to play with them.  One pup has changed over to a ceramic bowl and is eating out of it instead of playing with it.  You can also try to give them all of some of their daily ration out of stuffed Toppl or Kong toys throughout the day. Ridley expressed a clear preference for the Toppl over the Kong.  They do like their raw meat meals better than their kibble meals and we have added a few spoonfuls of canned food in with their kibble which might entice them to eat those first few days.
  
  
• Those sharp little teeth hurt while the pups are teething and learning bite inhibition.  Some of the spray on products like Bitter Yuck or Bitter Apple can help.  Spray it on your skin or clothes to discourage the pups from chomping.  Be aware that if you get the spray in your mouth, it tastes really bad.
  
• If you are interested in pet insurance for your pup, Lemonade has been recommended and it covers these things:
  
  

  "Accident coverage is effective 2 days after your policy's start date. So if your pup hurts his paw on or after this date, his accident coverage will be active.
  
  Illness coverage is effective 2 weeks after your policy's start date. If your pup shows symptoms of an illness after that date, his illness coverage will be active.
  
  Cruciate ligament coverage activates 6 months after your policy's start date. If your pup shows symptoms or is diagnosed with this condition after that date, he should be covered."
  
  
  
  They have a "puppy package" for an additional $44 a month but since the pups already have their microchip and first round of shots, you might be better off just getting the basic coverage.
  
  
  My friend that recommended the company says: "It's a pretty good company to work with and they cover 80% of the bill in most cases. You will just need to upload the shot record to get started."
  

Puppy antics make for a Merry Christmas

This will be short and sweet, but I’ll do another post in the next day or so to get links posted to Flickr photo albums for each week and to share some other information on what the pups have been up to.

The pups turned 7 weeks old on Christmas Day (yesterday).  They are almost completely weaned and are very active.  They’ve been having quite a few visitors and also made a trip to my office last week for our holiday Pizza party.  They were a hit!

We’ve been putting lots of new toys in with them.  We borrowed a Cato plank and tilt stand and the pups learned about tippy surfaces.  They were fearless and loved it!  Today we got a tiny bit of snow and the pups played in it for a few minutes before wearing themselves out zooming on the wet patio.

Here are some holiday photos.

Breena, Abby and Kasie

Probie, Jac, Jethro

Kate, Jenny, Ziva

History of the Portuguese Water Dog

 History of the Portuguese Water Dog

A really interesting article with photos.  If the article does not appear on your screen in English, scroll to the bottom and click on "EN" for the English translation.

Can't keep up!

Things are changing so fast with the pups that it's difficult to keep up!

The tunnel is a big hit!

Last week was the beginning of weaning them, starting with some baby food chicken/rice, rice cereal etc.  They also dine on puppy kibble soaked in formula so it is mushy and have at least one meal a day of raw meat patties.  They've had some canned salmon and pumpkin as mixers with their food also.

We bookmarked a recent link on diet and how it can be a factor in the development of allergy and skin problems in dogs.  We feel strongly that at least 20% (preferably more) of your dog's diet should be raw food.  We always wean our pups with around 30% of their dietary intake coming from raw and our adult dogs get at least 50% of their diet from raw foods.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/11/211118203742.htm

Late last week, the pups moved from the back bedroom, where they've been since they were born, to the dining room area at the front of the house.  There is much more activity in the front area of the house and lots of new noises (coffee grinder, banging pots and pans, garage door opening etc)..  

Our 1st visit outside and a ramp to climb.

 Their new large area has a pellet filled litter box and they are doing a really good job learning to potty in the box instead of in the rest of their area.

The pups went on a card ride (to Starbucks and back) to get them used to this.  We have another outing planned for them in a few days which will involve another ride.

We had a rare mostly dry and sunny day last week and the pups had a short visit outside.  Jan laid a ramp from the door of their room down the short drop into the yard and they learned to use the ramp to go up and down, in addition to being out in the great outdoors for the first time.

The pups got a cat tunnel added to their pen yesterday.  It is a BIG hit!  They got several new big stuffed toys from the thrift store to snuggle and wrestle with.  They also have a small child's "piano" that plays songs and makes sounds when the keys are pressed.

Pups nap really soundly.  I took advantage of this to give them each a nail trim this weekend. Yesterday they had their first tiny experience with clippers, as I clipped a bit of hair away from the corner of their eyes to prevent build up of "eye boogers".  Since I caught them when they were sleepy both times, I was able to do these little chores by myself without having to enlist assistance.

 Registration paperwork and microchips arrived in the last week, so they are ready for when the time comes.

Our first car ride since our eyes and ears opened.

New centipede toy from the thrift store and a "piano" to play.

Our new living area and "big dog" food bowls.