Puppy Play Group - What We Do

I've been involved in the Puppy Play Group at the APS for a couple of months.  Initially, I thought it was going to be great just getting to play with puppies every week.  Who gets tired of that, right?  But it's not just play time all the time.  The APS wants all of their dogs and puppies to be the best dogs they can be before heading home with their forever families.

Part of that is helping those puppies be more "adoptable."  What that means for us is enduring scratches, nicks and those tiny puppy teeth to teach them a few basics.  Not all puppies are bundles of love and joy right out the gate.  In fact, most puppies need a little bit of help.  Marilyn Bailey, who leads Puppy Group, has taught us how to help those puppies who aren't as socially adept to become more so.  That means working on sit, down, focus, being handled, socialization with other dogs, introduction to leashes and so on.

That being said, it's not all work all the time.  Sometimes you get to experience something kind of awesome, like this little girl riding her skateboard.

Or a welcome party when you walk through the door of several puppies who all want to give you their biggest, best, slobbery kisses.

Most of the time though, you're working on getting them to learn to be calm when dealing with people.  Just learning to sit can be their best shot at getting a chance to go home.  Being introduced to something new, like a box or a hoop, and getting acclimated to new things, can make a huge difference in their performance in their new home.  Spending time with other puppies can teach them social skills so they'll know how to interact with any potential dogs in a new home as well.

Sometimes puppies don't know it's ok to be loved.  They back away from those embraces you want to give them and lack the confidence to come close to strangers.  Part of what we work on is called "Jane touch," named for Jane, the dog trainer who helps out all the dogs out at the APS.  It's all about getting a dog used to being handled and learning that it's ok and not some big, scary thing.  For some dogs, like us people, that alone can be a big deal.

But once they figure it out, they can turn into those wonderful lap dogs we all know and love.  Those moments, when you are a puppy's "home base" can be so enriching and rewarding.

It's a small group of people and we can always use more hands and bodies, especially as life situations change for some of us involved.  Marilyn leads this group and she has devoted so much time and done an amazing job.  Luckily for us, she is also always willing to teach new people (like me) that are interested in helping the puppies succeed.

It's a great feeling to know when one of the little guys you've worked with has an adoption pending (even if you'll miss them) and that part of that is because of the work you've helped do. And when they've mastered the fine art of sitting still for a photo, you just know they're going to do great in their new home.

Estelle

Today I got to spend some time with Estelle.  She's a beautiful Shepherd mix dog about a year and a half old.  After meeting her, I am really surprised to find that she has been at the APS for a while. This gorgeous girl really enjoys her toys and is smart enough to know where to find them.  She helped herself to one out of the bucket in the grassy pen and brought it to me to help her play with.




















Her amazing attitude is totally worthy of note.  As we walked out to go play, she couldn't help but think the other dogs wanted to be her friend, but was just as happy to being going outside to spend time with humans as well.  I think with a little training, Estelle will prove to be an amazing companion.

Seeing double

Luke and Lottie are a brother and sister lab mix puppies who couldn't be more similar.  These two both love a quick game of fetch and give excellent puppy kisses.  While my camera was their favorite toy, these pups were both very attention to their toys as well.  They both have sit pretty well down when presented with a treat and will happily sit in your lap and chew on a rope toy while you pet them.  These kids are going to make excellent family pets and will do well with someone who can keep up with their puppy energy.

                

Redtick puppies rock!

During my first day at puppy socialization training, I got to play with the delightful Redtick puppies.  There are three of these gals and they are absolutely adorable.  They're getting more comfortable around people, but once they spend a minute with you, they want nothing more than to never leave your lap again.  Unless, of course, there's a cool toy to fetch or chew on or a treat reward for sitting.  They're doing great at learning a few basics already and will make wonderful family friends for anyone.  Here are a couple photos and videos of two of the three girls.

Redtick puppies playing fetch and performing "sit"

Meet Becky!

Becky is an absolute sweetheart of a puppy. She's about 7-8 months old Border Collie mix who is looking for a human to love. I got a chance to take her for a walk and out to play this weekend and this girl wants nothing more than to be your best friend. She is happy to walk with you on a leash, play some fetch in the yard or sit for a treat. Who can say no to that face?!


 Here's a link to a video of her playing fetch and sitting - Becky at play

Meet Bernie

Bernie is one cool guy once you get to know him.  Initially, he seemed a little shy in his kennel.  But once I got him out and about, this boy showed he was full of love and energy.  We walked along the paths and stopped to rest at a bench for a minute where I was rewarded with lots of kisses and a new lap warmer.  Bernie is just starting to get the hang of sit, but he is eager to please and wants nothing but your love and attention.  Who can resist this expression?  This guy would do really well as your one and only since he seems way more interested in your attention than the treats I was trying to feed him.