Monday, November 24, 2014

Go Home Week is HERE! The Boyz have gone to their forever homes!

Baby Tait/Lime Boy went to his forever home with Barbara. He'll be known as “Ember” (Moonlight’s True North Ember). We're looking forward to hearing about his therapy work, or seeing him in the shows but most of all knowing he's the perfect puppy for his new dog mom. 

Bye Bye Ember! We'll miss you!

---

Baby Tommy/Blue Boy went to his forever home with Natalie and Aaron. He'll be known as "Fig" (Moonlight's True Love Story) and we're looking forward to hearing about his exciting travels and seeing him strutting in the show ring. What a great family photo! 

Bye Bye Fig! We'll miss you!

---

Baby Taz/Silver Boy went to his forever home with Anna and Rob. He'll be known as “Westley” (Moonlight’s Love, True Love). We're looking forward to seeing him on birds, in the show ring and whatever else Mr. Personality gets himself into! 

Bye Bye Westley! We'll miss you!

---

Baby Tanner/Orange Boy went to his forever home with Courtney and Craig. He'll be known as “Archie” (Moonlight’s Dream Come True) we're looking forward to hearing about his adventures in multiple venues (show/agility/obedience) but mostly being an all-around handsome boy! 

Bye Bye Archie! We'll miss you!

---

Baby Trey/Red Boy went to his forever home with Joe. He'll be known as "Rowan" and we're looking forward to hearing about his therapy work or maybe seeing him in the show ring, but mostly he's his daddy's BFF! 

Bye Bye Rowan! We'll miss you!

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Our Daddy

Thought you might want to see a few more photos of daddy dog "Spenser" . . .

Spenser in the show ring

Spenser practicing ;) 

Dog Parks and Puppies -- NO!


Perfect example why I'd rather to go the dentist, than a dog park.  Read: "Well Socialized? No, Well traumatized."http://www.whenhoundsfly.com/well-socialized-well-traumatized/

In the opinion of many other dog behaviorists "dog park" is a four letter word as far as puppies are concerned.  I share these sentiments.

More reading "Welcome to the Frat Party a/k/a I'm not Socializing my Puppy that Way so Go Away" by The Dog Snob blog. Excerpt below:
"Regardless of how you feel about adult dogs at dog parks, I think there is one thing we can all agree on. Puppies do NOT belong at dog parks. Period. End of story. Why, you ask? Let us count the ways. Illness. Injury. Stress and fear responses. The list goes on and on. Dog parks are like frat parties. They are full of loud, rude, clueless, and overstimulated individuals who only get worse when part of a large group. Plus, farting and humping is not only allowed, but encouraged. "

Saturday, November 22, 2014

8 Week Headshots

The BOYZ had their evaluation today with another breeder and some Vizsla friends and family. Here are some lovely headshot of each Baby Boy taken by my friend Shirley Olsen.

Blue/Tommy

Lime/Tait

Grey-Olive/Taz

Orange/Tanner

Red/Trey

The BOYZ - 2, Their Breeder - 0


They did it again! 

Friday, November 21, 2014

We're 7 1/2 weeks old and we destroyed our Puppy Pen!


Destroyed!

Ok, let's try this again.

The BOYZ destroyed their freshly cleaned and sparkly Puppy Pen while I dressed for work.  All in a matter of about 30 minutes. This is the reason I do want any owners creating a Puppy Pen -- but rather to go straight to crate training.  

While the play area was being replaced/swept/re-organized the puppies shared a crate (with the door closed) and while there was some momentary screaming --- they all survived. 


Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Crates, Car Rides, Shots and Vets -- OH MY!



The BOYZ had a big day -- a car ride to the vet in a crate. The pups were a huge hit at Yorba Regional Animal Hospital where they got a check up and weigh in.  There was a bit more "quiet" on the way home from the vet (1.25 drive) -- yay! 

Monday, November 17, 2014

The Puppy’s Rule of Twelve - Socialization Info

The Puppy’s Rule of Twelve
Positive Paws Dog Training © 2002
Margaret Hughes - mags@positivetrainer.com

Adapted with permission from Pat Schaap’s “RULE OF 7’s” for 7 week old puppies. Make sure all experiences are safe and positive for the puppy. Each encounter should include treats and lots of praise. Slow down and add distance if your puppy is scared!

By the time a puppy is 12 weeks old, it should have: (if your puppy is over 12 weeks start right away with this socialization guide.)

  • Experienced 12 different surfaces: wood, woodchips, carpet, tile, cement, linoleum, grass, wet grass, dirt, mud, puddles, deep pea gravel, grates, uneven surfaces, on a table, on a chair, etc.
  • Played with 12 different objects: fuzzy toys, big & small balls, hard toys, funny sounding toys, wooden items, paper or cardboard items, milk jugs, metal items, car keys, etc.
  • Experienced 12 different locations: front yard (daily), other people’s homes, school yard, lake, pond, river, boat, basement, elevator, car, moving car, garage, laundry room, kennel, veterinarian hospital (stop by sometimes just to say hi & visit, lots of cookies, no vaccinations), grooming salon (just to say hi), etc.
  • Met and played with 12 new people (outside of family): include children, adults (mostly men), elderly adults, people in wheelchairs, walkers, people with canes, crutches, hats, sunglasses, etc.
  • Exposed to 12 different noises (ALWAYS keep positive and watch puppy’s comfort level – we don’t want the puppy scared): garage door opening, doorbell, children playing, babies screaming, big trucks, Harley motorcycles, skateboards, washing machine, shopping carts rolling, power boat, clapping, loud singing, pan dropping, horses neighing, vacuums, lawnmowers, birthday party, etc.
  • Exposed to 12 fast moving objects (don’t allow to chase): skateboards, rollerskates, bicycles, motorcycles, cars, people running, cats running, scooters, vacuums, children running, children playing soccer, squirrels, cats, horses running, cows running, etc.
  • Experienced 12 different challenges: climb on, in, off and around a box, go through a cardboard tunnel, climb up and down steps, climb over obstacles, play hide & seek, go in and out a doorway with a step up or down, exposed to an electric sliding door, umbrella, balloons, walk on a wobbly table (plank of wood with a small rock underneath), jump over a broom, climb over a log, bathtub (and bath) etc.
  • Handled by owner (& family) 12 times a week: hold under arm (like a football), hold to chest, hold on floor near owner, hold in-between owner’s legs, hold head, look in ears, mouth, in-between toes, hold and take temperature (ask veterinarian), hold like a baby, trim toe nails, hold in lap, etc.
  • Eaten from 12 different shaped containers: wobbly bowl, metal, cardboard box, paper, coffee cup, china, pie plate, plastic, frying pan, Kong, Treatball, Bustercube, spoon fed, paper bag, etc.
  • Eaten in 12 different locations: back yard, front yard, crate, kitchen, basement, laundry room, bathroom, friend’s house, car, school yard, bathtub, up high (on work bench), under umbrella, etc.
  • Played with 12 different puppies (or safe adult dogs) as much as possible. [This does NOT mean at the dog park.]
  • Left alone safely, away from family & other animals (5-45 minutes) 12 times a week.
  • Experienced a leash and collar 12 different times in 12 different locations.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Baby Birddogs! The BOYZ and their first bird wing!







The BOYZ had fun playing around and pointing the "bird wing on a string" with one of their future families (Anna and Rob).  Everyone was interested in the wing and showed natural instincts. Nice going BOYZ!

See the full photo album here:  http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-c9B6f/i-twGSbvs

Friday, November 14, 2014

Puppy Development - Weeks 5 to 7

Socialization Period (weeks five through week seven)

The more things the puppies can be introduced to during this period the better socialized the puppy will be and the less fearful of day-to-day encounters.  The BOYZ have had many visitors and have heard neighborhood noises like garbage trucks, tree trimmers, dogs barking, met another dog and have had tons of new experiences in and around the house. 

Under socialized dogs are shy and fearful; I work hard to make sure my puppies are well socialized. This process goes on for months after our adoptive families take their puppies’ home. As responsible owners, it is the responsibility of the new owners to continue this process and not just keep their new puppy at home.

It is VERY important that new puppy owners continue the socialization process to assure a well socialized dog when they mature.


Will Spaying /Neutering Your Dog Increase Its Risk Of Cancer?


Summary of "Evaluation of the risk and age of onset of cancer and behavioral disorders in gonadectomized Vizslas" 

Objective:
To investigate associations between age at gonadectomy and estimated risk or age at diagnosis of neoplastic and behavioral disorders in Vizslas. 

Design: 
Retrospective cohort study. Animals 2,505 Vizslas born between 1992 and 2008. 

Procedures: Data on demographics, gonadectomy status, and age at diagnosis of disease or disorder were obtained with an anonymous online survey and analyzed. 

Results: 
Dogs gonadectomized at ≤ 6 months, between 7 and 12 months, or at > 12 months of age had significantly increased odds of developing mast cell cancer, lymphoma, all other cancers, all cancers combined, and fear of storms, compared with the odds for sexually intact dogs. Females  gonadectomized at ≤ 12 months of age and males and females gonadectomized at > 12 months of age had significantly increased odds of developing hemangiosarcoma, compared with the odds for sexually intact dogs. Dogs gonadectomized at ≤ 6 months of age had significantly increased odds of developing a behavioral disorder. The younger the age at gonadectomy, the earlier the mean age at diagnosis of mast cell cancer, cancers other than mast cell, hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, all cancers combined, a behavioral disorder, or fear of storms. 

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: 
Additional studies are needed on the biological effects of removing gonadal hormones and on methods to render dogs infertile that do not involve gonadectomy. Veterinarians should discuss the benefits and possible adverse effects of gonadectomy with clients, giving consideration to the breed of dog, the owner's circumstances, and the anticipated use of the dog. 

From: BioPortfolio, http://www.bioportfolio.com/resources/pmarticle/928848/Evaluation-of-the-risk-and-age-of-onset-ofcancer-and-behavioral.html. Study originally published in J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2014 Feb 1;244(3):309-19. doi: 10.2460/ 

javma.244.3.309.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

19 Dog-Friendly Stores Where You Can Shop With Your Pup

With the intensive socialization required for Vizsla puppies --- this is helpful info.

19 Dog-Friendly Stores Where You Can Shop With Your Pup

http://barkpost.com/dog-friendly-stores/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=post

Canine Maternal Behavior -- VERY important


The BOYZ are learning valuable lessons from Zene.  Last night, I watched her take one of their chewies from their puppy playpen and instead of take it away to chew it, she sat right down in the middle of them all -- almost taunting and teasing them with it -- but also in an effort to show them it was hers (low growls) and that they should respect her.  I love seeing this approproiate behavior and I know how important it is for the puppy to have some "basic doggie language skills" before they head home.  



The below exceprt was posted in a Facebook Vizsla Group, and I was happy to see a well-known breeder on the East Coast comment that she refused to breed one of her girls because she was afraid she would not have any maternal instincts/be a poor brood bitch; much respect for her decision.   
Canine Maternal Behavior 
Maternal behavior is, thus, almost identical in wild a canids and domestic dogs. Immediately after birth, the mother dries the puppies, keeps them warm, feeds them and licks them clean. The maternal behavior right after birth is controlled by hormonal processes and problems may occur if the female gives birth too early. On the other hand, pseudo-pregnancy causes females to undergo hormonal changes which may elicit maternal behavior in various degrees. Maternal behavior seems to be self-reinforcing. Studies show that the levels of dopamine increase in the nucleus accumbens (a region of the brain) when a female displays maternal behavior. 
When the puppies become older, the mother begins to educate them. She gives them the first lessons in dog language about the time weaning begins. Growling, snarling and the various pacifying behaviors are inborn, but the puppies need to learn their function. 
The canine mother has three main tasks: (1) to feed the puppies, first with her own milk, then by regurgitation, (2) to keep them clean and warm, especially when they are very young, and (3) to educate the puppies. 
A good canine mother is patient and diligent. When the puppies grow, dog owners often misunderstand the mother’s apparently more violent educational methods. She may growl at them and even attack them, but she never harms them. Muzzle grabbing is fairly common. Without the mother’s intervention, the puppies would never become capable social animals and would not be able to function properly in a pack (a group of wild dogs living together is in English called a pack). When the puppies are about 8-10 weeks old, the mother seems to lose some of her earlier interest in them. In normal circumstances, the rest of the pack, then, takes over the continuing education of the puppies, their social integration in the group (which probably mostly consists of relatives) and their protection.
Entire article: http://rogerabrantes.wordpress.com/2014/11/11/canine-maternal-behavior/ 

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Potty training breakthrough!!!!


Woohoo a potty training breakthrough --- The BOYZ held it through the night at 6 1/2 weeks old. I was getting worried I'd be cleaning this mess up every morning until go home day. Thank you BOYZ.  


Tuesday, November 11, 2014

“New Evidence Shows Link Between Spaying, Neutering and Cancer”




“New Evidence Shows Link Between Spaying, Neutering and Cancer”

If you haven’t heard the news yet, there is a buzz in the pet wellness world happening. Boy oh boy, is it ever a hot topic! 

So what is it? 

Removing the sexual glands from our pets (aka spaying and neutering) is causing some serious cancer problems!

This is not a new debate. It has been quietly buzzing around the medical world for a while now. "We need more research”, the world exclaims!!! And research we are getting. Check out the latest study from an article posted by Dr. Karen Becker:

The study, titled "Evaluation of the risk and age of onset of cancer and behavioral disorders in gonadectomized Vizslas," was conducted by a team of researchers with support from the Vizsla Club of America Welfare Foundation. It was published in the February 1, 2014 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24432963)

Vizsla Study Results

The Vizsla study involved 2,505 dogs, and reported these results:

Dogs neutered or spayed at any age were at significantly increased risk for developing mast cell cancer, lymphoma, all other cancers, all cancers combined, and fear of storms, compared with intact dogs.

• Females spayed at 12 months or younger, and both genders neutered or spayed at over 12 months had significantly increased odds of developing hemangiosarcoma, compared with intact dogs.

• Dogs of both genders neutered or spayed at 6 months or younger had significantly increased odds of developing a behavioral disorder, including separation anxiety, noise phobia, timidity, excitability, submissive urination, aggression, hyperactivity, and/or fear biting. When it came to thunderstorm phobia, all neutered or spayed Vizslas were at greater risk than intact Vizslas, regardless of age at neutering.

• The younger the age at neutering, the earlier the age at diagnosis with mast cell cancer, cancers other than mast cell, hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, all cancers combined, a behavioral disorder, or fear of storms.

Compared to intact dogs, neutered and spayed dogs had a 3.5 times higher risk of developing mast cell cancer, regardless of what age they were neutered.

• Spayed females had nine times higher incidence of hemangiosarcoma compared to intact females, regardless of when spaying was performed, however, no difference in incidence of this type of cancer was found for neutered vs. intact males.

Neutered and spayed dogs had 4.3 times higher incidence of lymphoma (lymphosarcoma), regardless of age at time of neutering.

Neutered and spayed dogs had five times higher incidence of other types of cancer, regardless of age of neutering.

Spayed females had 6.5 times higher incidence of all cancers combined compared to intact females, and neutered males had 3.6 times higher incidence than intact males.

Yes, very scary stats! So what are the some other options for pet owner? 

According to Dr. Becker: “… sterilize without desexing. This means performing a procedure that will prevent pregnancy while sparing the testes or ovaries so that they continue to produce hormones essential for the dog's health and well-being. This typically involves a vasectomy for male dogs, and either a tubal ligation or modified spay for females. The modified spay removes the uterus while preserving the hormone-producing ovaries."

This topic has been debated on social media sites in the past, and let me tell you, all hell breaks loose between shelter organizations, veterinarians, breeders and pet parents.

However, for any pet parent in the world, there is nothing worse than unknowingly going into a situation unprepared or un-researched for the greater good of a pet. Making any decision for the overall wellbeing of your pet after researching all angles is always the best way to go!

"I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better." ~ Maya Angelou

For more info on the topic, you can visit here: http://ow.ly/xYEIk

Pet Nutrition Blogger - Rodney Habib

Monday, November 10, 2014

NO THANK YOU to jingling tags!!!

Lyra" models the collars/tags I prefer

With as active as Vizslas are (as in perpetual motion) I simply cannot take the jingling tags. I have found several nameplates (and collars) that look great and are nice and silent.

First of all, I exclusively use these nylon hunting collars. They scrub clean, are odor proof and all the colors look great on a Vizsla's coat (I know, I have almost all the colors!) and for ten bucks you can't beat the price, especially since they come with a FREE CUSTOM name plate! http://www.gundogsupply.com/k-9-komfort-center-ring-w--dee-3-4--collar.html  $9.95 - I also like these cheaper versions (less colors though)
http://www.gundogsupply.com/k9k-center-ring-3-4in-day-glow-collar.html $4.99


I have 3/4" (11-15" length) for adult girls and I usually do 1" on adult boys (or Csilla).  I like the "O" ring in the back of the collar, easier to clasp a leash in a hurry.  ASK ME about puppy sizing. 


You can also use these Boomerang "Collar Tags":


Connecting the dots between Exercise and Injuries


This diagram shows the growth plates which will close (indicated by the black lines) between 6-12 months and which joints are most vulnerable (indicated by the red circles).

The average age for injured puppy is between 9-13 months. For most owners the story is always the same, owners don't understand what happened, ". . . he's been doing (this) for months, and then all of a sudden, BANG, he came back on three legs"! Truth is, the puppy was injured because he had been exercising at levels that are only safe for mature dogs (hiking for an hour or longer / running at full tilt after Chuck-It balls or beside a bike...).

How this happened should be no mystery. The diagram illustrates all the asymmetrical development of puppy's limbs. The hips, shoulders, elbows, stifles, hocks and SPINE are all vulnerable, creating more serious risks than when the puppy was young.

Please limit the amount of exercise for your puppy (refer to my exercise guidelines).

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Six Weeks Old!

More handsome by the day -- The BOYZ turned Six Weeks Old today, Sunday November 9th.

Tanner

Tait

Trey

Taz


Tommy

Make Your Life Easier -- start training from DAY ONE


Every puppy comes to their new home with an inherent desire to follow. They are always underfoot and look to you for guidance and entertainment. Then something happens...they turn 16 weeks and realize that they can be independent. 

If you do it right, teaching your new puppy to come back when called is the easiest skill to solidify. Your puppy is already showing you the desired behaviour. All you need to do is reward it, praise it, solidify it. By rewarding their desire to follow, you are creating a solid foundation on which to build your recall. If you wait until they are 16 weeks old, you will have to work exponentially harder to make recalls fun and rewarding. 

Make life easier for you and your new pup - start training from day one and always reward the behaviors you like.

Erinn Lee Dog Training
http://www.erinnlee.com

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Adult Vizsla Dremel Nail Session - "Zene"


Dremel nail session with mommy to the True Love Litter, 4 year old "Zene". To be honest I normally take them down shorter, but this gives you the idea.

You will see she kicks her back legs in protest (something she rarely does) so I left it in this "first take" video. At the end you can see the dremel is off and she is still relaxed, then I release her and we go into the other room for a treat. Good girl!

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Top 10 Best Pet Insurance Companies

Pet insurance is a good idea for an athletic breed like the Vizsla, a broken leg will cost you a couple hundred and an obstruction surgery will cost you thousands (like $7,500).  Here's a link to the Top 10 Best Pet Insurance companies http://tinyurl.com/per6369

Fall Puppy Photos!

**** PLEASE READ AND ACKNOWLEDGE **** All photos and content © 2014 Moonlight Vizslas / Karen Lake **** Please don't use any images herein on websites, blogs or ANY media without my explicit permission. ****

Tanner

Tait

Trey

Taz

Tommy

Sunday, November 2, 2014

ATTN: Dog Owners --- Stop Being a Circus Animal

ATTN:  Dog Owners -- Stop being a circus animal.  Be a leader, a teacher, a "parent" to your dog instead of making excuses for the "tricks" they teach you to do.  Stop saying, "my dog doesn't like" or "my dog can't."  As a breeder (and dog owner) this is my #1 PET PEEVE.  Dogs are Great People Trainers:

Dogs are such good teachers, and can train people to do the most bizarre things. And in turn, people make up the most bizarre reasons for what their dogs have trained them to do.  
I've heard of dogs that can't travel in the car, or lie flat, or have their feet wiped, or wear a certain piece of equipment (or costume), or who doesn't like their people hugging .... the list goes on.  
Usually our reasons all exist because our dog's have trained us well. They have taught us that they will not cooperate if ______ is present. But really, this has nothing to do with that particular moment. It has to do with our dogs not being willing to take our suggestions. In other words, they are disrespectful. Or probably more to the point, your dog won't take your suggestion because you are not worthy of being respected. This all starts with you. 
You must be willing to change in order to get a dog that cares what you think. If you don't follow through, all of your wishes and dreams about having a happy, cooperative dog are for nought. They will not be happy and cooperative if you are not willing to change, and become worthy of being respected. 
Here is a funny video, that will prove my point! https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=799153936809005 

Monique Anstee
The Naughty Dogge
http://www.naughtydogge.com

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Introduction to the crate ....

The BOYZ have a 300 sized* plastic crate (32") in their play area now -- I think they like it!  They use it for a playroom and eventually took a nap in there, all five of them!





*Note: this crate size is too small for an adult Vizsla, plan on at least 36"


Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Puppy Housetraining -- the biggest challenge, or is it?

Successful house-training is one of the first things parents of a new puppy need to accomplish, and even though the process can be time-consuming, it does not have to be daunting. With a combination of consistency, common sense, and positive reinforcement protocols, you can quickly train any puppy to toilet appropriately.

Crate Training

Crate training is the ONLY way of encouraging puppies to hold themselves for longer periods of time and keeps puppies safe when unsupervised. If you use the crate correctly, it will become a safe space for your puppy as well as a highly effective toilet training tool.  

Stay Alert!

Regardless of which method you use to housetrain your puppy, remain especially vigilant and prepared for a pup to eliminate at the following times:
  •     Immediately after meals or water
  •     After training sessions
  •     Immediately after waking up
  •     After vigorous play
  •     When overly excited
You must have TWO EYES on the puppy AT ALL TIMES -- or they need to be in their crate. 

What Not to Do:
  • Never scold a pup or adult dog for toileting inappropriately and never rub his nose in or near his mess. Dogs do NOT toilet inappropriately out of spite. You will only cause your dog to fear you and toilet in secret or when you are out of sight.
  • Leaving poorly house-trained puppies or dogs in the home unsupervised sets them up to fail unless they are in a safe area.
Teach a "Go Potty" Command
  • You should be taking your puppy outside to eliminate so that you can offer appropriate praise. Incorporate at "Go Potty" command so the puppy quickly learns to do their business.  I find this command invaluable for travel when a quick pit stop is needed.

Keeping it all in the family, meet the 1/2 brothers . . .

While bred sparingly, True Love Litter's daddy dog "Spenser" has already produced some very handsome and accomplished boys,  I thought it would be to share some of 1/2-brothers to our True Love Litter, introducing . . . 



"Havoc"
BISS GCH CH HRQ's Guess Who's in Trouble JH OA OAJ 
DOB:  February 26, 2009
Sire: "Spenser"
Dam: BISS GCH CH Tivoliz Now Pay Attention CD RN MH AX AXJ VC TDI ROM “Q”

---


"Riot"
BISS GCH CH Zenith Red Diamond Beyond Chaos JH 
DOB: March 12, 2010
Sire: "Spenser"
Dam: BIS BISS GCH CH Tamaron's Red Diamond JH ROM "Briseis"

---


Mr. Puppy - need name ;) - 4 months old here
DOB: waiting for info
Sire: "Spenser"
Dam: BISS GCH CH Pagliacci Kizmar Wicked Brew "Wick"

---

If you'd like to know what the titles mean, refer to the AKC website: http://www.akc.org/events/titles.cfm

BIS = Best in Show
BISS = Best in Specialty Show
ROM = Vizsla Club of America Registry of Merit