Socialisation & the Impact of Well Thought out Breeding Practices
Now that you understand a bit about the importance of health testing, what health tests to look out for and how to understand the results, it’s now time to understand the critical role that socialisation plays on the upbringing of puppies.
At Sunshine Coast Golden Retrievers, we are constantly adapting our Breeding program as we learn and uncover new processes, find what works well for our environment and carefully consider what our puppies best respond to. A responsible breeding approach takes into account the breed's specific health concerns, desirable temperament, working abilities, adherence to breed standards, and ethical considerations. It aims to sustain the breed's positive qualities, while also considering its long-term health and welfare, ensuring that Golden Retrievers remain beloved companions for years to come.
Having the right approach in dog breeding is critical for several important reasons:
Health and Genetic Diversity: Golden Retrievers are susceptible to certain hereditary health issues, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, skin conditions, certain heart conditions and certain eye conditions. A responsible breeding program screens parent dogs for these conditions, aiming to reduce the risk of passing on genetic diseases and promote the breed's overall health and longevity.
Temperament and Behaviour: Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and gentle temperament. A responsible breeding approach selects parent dogs with stable and desirable personalities as puppies inherit these characteristics to some degree. Alongside the right practises such a socialisation, ESI, ENS and house training, this all assists in making them ideal family companions.
Working Abilities: Golden Retrievers are not only family companions but also working dogs and are commonly used as therapy or service dogs. A responsible breeding program focuses on producing Golden Retrievers with the intelligence and trainability required for such working roles.
Ethical Considerations: The right breeding approach prioritises the well-being of parent dogs and their puppies above all else. They provide proper care, nutrition, socialization, and medical attention to ensure the health and happiness of the animals.
Conservation: While not endangered, Golden Retrievers are a beloved breed. Responsible breeding programs help preserve the breed's positive traits and genetic diversity, contributing to the long-term conservation of Golden Retrievers as a distinct breed.
Long-Term Sustainability: A good breeding approach for Golden Retrievers considers the sustainability of the breed in terms of health and genetic diversity. It aims to maintain the breed's vitality and resilience for future generations.
How does Sunshine Coast Golden Retrievers’ Ensure Their Puppies are of the Highest Standard?
Early Neurological Stimulation
What is ENS?
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) for puppies is a set of gentle, structured exercises and stimuli that are designed to stimulate a puppy's developing neurological system during the first few weeks of life. These exercises include activities like holding the puppy in specific positions, gently touching their paws, and exposing them to mild stressors. ENS is thought to have potential benefits for a puppy's overall development, including improved stress tolerance, better health, and enhanced learning ability. It is not a substitute for proper socialization and training as the puppy grows, but merely a tool to aid the development of the puppy .
What are the benefits?
ENS is believed to help puppies develop advantages when performed during their critical early developmental stages (day 3 to 16). It should be done carefully and under the guidance of knowledgeable breeders or veterinarians. The known benefits of Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) include:
Improved stress tolerance.
Enhanced cardiovascular performance.
Stronger immune system.
Improved overall health.
Increased resistance to disease.
Better problem-solving and learning abilities.
Enhanced adaptability to various environments and situations.
Early Scent Introduction
What is ESI?
Early scent introduction is a practice where puppies are exposed to various scents from day 3 to 16, during the neonatal and early socialization stages. This early exposure helps puppies become familiar with different smells, which can benefit their future development, including enhancing their olfactory (smell) abilities and potentially making them more adaptable to specific roles or environments, such as search and rescue or hunting. It's a part of early puppy socialization and enrichment. ESI can be completed by infusing various smells on cotton balls, using the ‘smelly’ item itself or and placing it near the puppy, and making a note of their reaction. Some puppies will be unbothered by the smell, some may react negatively and some may react positively.
What are the benefits?
The benefits of Early Scent Introduction (ESI) for puppies may include:
Enhanced Olfactory Abilities: Exposure to various scents at a young age can help puppies develop a more acute sense of smell, which is valuable for tasks such as tracking, hunting, or search and rescue.
Improved Adaptability: ESI can make puppies more adaptable to different environments and situations by familiarizing them with various scents they may encounter in their lives.
Potential for Specialized Roles: For working or service dogs, ESI can help them become more adept at specific tasks that require scent detection or recognition.
Reduced Fear of Novel Scents: Puppies exposed to a variety of scents are less likely to react fearfully or aggressively to unfamiliar odours, which can be beneficial for their overall confidence and behavior.
Increased Engagement: ESI can make learning and training more engaging for puppies, as they are already familiar with some of the scents used in training exercises.
Health and Wellness: Familiarity with certain scents may make puppies more accepting of medical procedures, such as being comfortable with the scents associated with veterinary clinics.
Early Enrichment: ESI can be part of early enrichment and socialization, providing puppies with positive sensory experiences that contribute to their overall well-being.
It's important to note that the specific benefits of ESI can vary depending on the goals of the breeding or training program and the types of scents introduced. ESI is just one component of a comprehensive approach to early puppy development.
Misty Method Early Potty Training
What is Misty Method Early Potty Training?
The Misty Method relies on early introduction to promote the puppies' natural instincts for cleanliness. By separating the elimination area from their living and sleeping space and providing clear cues, puppies learn to distinguish where it's appropriate to eliminate. It's a gentle and positive method for teaching young puppies good potty habits. This does not mean a puppy will be 100% potty trained when they come home with you, but it does mean they have a foundation of great habits and are corrected from a young age about where it is and isn’t appropriate to go potty. This significantly reduces the amount of accidents (at times, there’s no accidents at all!) and helps make your puppy’s transition much more smooth for yourself and your puppy.
What are the benefits?
Breeder toilet training a puppy, also known as early potty training, can have several benefits for both the breeder and the future owner of the puppy. Here are some advantages of breeder-initiated potty training for puppies:
Cleanliness and Hygiene: Breeder toilet training helps maintain a clean and hygienic living environment for the puppies. This can lead to healthier and more comfortable living conditions during the critical early development stages.
Socialization: Potty training initiated by the breeder exposes puppies to the idea of using a designated area for elimination, which can make the transition to the new owner's home smoother. It helps puppies become familiar with the concept of housetraining.
Puppy Health: Early potty training can help reduce the risk of puppies coming into contact with waste material and potential contaminants in the whelping area, promoting better health.
Established Routine: Puppies benefit from a consistent routine. Breeder-initiated potty training introduces them to a schedule for elimination, which can make it easier for them to adapt to a new schedule in their new home.
Reduced Stress: Puppies that are already accustomed to a potty training routine may experience less stress when transitioning to a new home because they are familiar with the process.
Improved Training Foundation: Breeder-initiated potty training provides a solid foundation for future training by instilling the concept of appropriate elimination from an early age.
Less Work for New Owners: For new puppy owners, having a puppy with some level of potty training can reduce the initial challenges of housetraining, making the transition to a new home more manageable.
It's important to note that breeder-initiated potty training should not be a substitute for continued housetraining in the puppy's new home. New owners will need to maintain and build on the foundation provided by the breeder to ensure that the puppy continues to develop good bathroom habits
Socialisation
What is Socialisation?
Puppy socialisation is the process of introducing young puppies to various people, animals, environments, and experiences in a positive and controlled manner. It aims to help puppies develop into confident, well-adjusted adult dogs. Socialisation typically begins at a very young age, between 3 to 14 weeks, and involves gradual exposure to different stimuli, always with a focus on creating positive and enjoyable experiences for the puppy. Safety is a top priority during socialisation, and the process continues throughout the dog's life to maintain adaptability and positive behavior.
What are the benefits?
Breeder-initiated socialisation of puppies can offer several benefits for both the puppies and their future owners:
Early Confidence Building: Puppies exposed to socialisation by the breeder tend to be more confident and better adjusted to new experiences, people, and environments.
Improved Behaviour: Socialised puppies are often easier to train and exhibit fewer behavioural problems, making them more enjoyable and manageable for their new owners.
Positive First Experiences: Early socialization ensures that the puppies' first interactions with people, other dogs, and various stimuli are positive, which can shape their future behaviour and temperament.
Reduced Fear and Anxiety: Socialisation helps puppies develop emotional resilience, reducing the likelihood of developing fear or anxiety issues later in life.
Health Benefits: Puppies in well-socialised environments are typically healthier, as they are exposed to fewer stressors that can weaken their immune system.
Easier Transition to New Homes: Socialized puppies transition more smoothly to their new homes, adapting well to the new environment, family members, and routines.
Preventive Measures: By exposing puppies to various people and animals, breeders can help reduce the chances of behavioral problems related to fear or aggression.
Puppy Well-Being: Most importantly, breeder-initiated socialisation contributes to the overall well-being of the puppies, fostering emotional and behavioural health.
While breeder-initiated socialisation provides significant advantages, it's essential that new owners continue socialisation efforts and training in their homes to maintain and build upon the foundation established by the breeder. Socialisation is an ongoing process throughout a puppy's early life and into adulthood, and it is a collaborative effort between breeders and new owners to ensure a well-adjusted and well-behaved companion animal.