Sweater weather is almost here. We have had a gorgeous September here, but the days are getting shorter and the warm parts of the day are beginning to fade. It’s inevitable – we live in Ontario so the warm days of summer will soon turn into colder days of fall.
The advantage to cooler days is how adorable the puppies look in their sweaters. They do serve a real purpose (besides absolute adorable-ness !!!!) -a sweater helps to keep the pups warm while they are adjusting to the lower temperatures the first few times they go outside. We don’t take the pups outdoors for their 1st month of life, as we need to wait to until they can regulate their own body temperatures. Extremes can be difficult for puppy’s well being, not to mention can turn what is supposed to be a fun experience outside into a negative association with going outdoors if they are cold and shivering.
We need to be very careful when outside. While it is beneficial for pups to go outside, they don’t have their vaccines yet.
In order to allow the pups to become socialized to the outdoors and experience the scents, sights and motion, we start off by using our puppy stroller or enclosed wagon. This keeps them safe while still experiencing many of the wonders of the great outdoors. Slowly, and safely, we do allow them to put all 4 paws on the ground. But we ensure we do this in select areas on our property where no other dogs hang out, and close enough to the house that we don’t need to worry as much about wild animal urine or feces. We always avoid mud and puddles and watch very closely what goes in their mouths. We are armed with cleaning wipes and keep those paws very clean, especially when they come back inside. We want those little paws cleaned before the pups start to lick or walk around their living area. There is a very fine line between protection and adequate socialization. With appropriate planning and infection control, it is possible (and ultra important!!!) to have both.
Entertaining your pup indoors when the weather is nasty:
Fall brings cold, rainy weather and inevitably there will be days you can’t get outdoors as much as your pup requires for entertainment and stimulation. Here are some tried & true tips we use in our home on those dreary days:
- Invest in a wet suit, because reality is, you’re going out for potty breaks at the very minimum. If you have rain gear that is easy to get on and off, and keeps you warm and dry, the outings won’t seem so bad. If you dislike cleaning your pup off and drying every time you go out, there are some really cute splash suits for dogs on the market. If putting your pup in a rain suit isn’t your deal, then be sure to hang a hook for a towel near the door, and have an absorbent mat to help contain the mess. A paw washer and a blow dryer can be very helpful too, if you have a spot to keep both at your door. The more prepared you are, the less daunting a trip outside in the wet, mucky weather will be.
- Fill Kongs and have them ready in the freezer for days like this. You can make them simple or extravagent. Simple is the goal around here, so we tend to soak their kibble in water, then fill the kong with it. Seal the hole with a piece of cheese or peanut butter. Pop several in the freezer and you’re ready anytime you need to entertain your pup indoors.
- A raw marrow bone will keep your pup occupied for a long time. Fun fact: 20 mins of chewing is equivalent to an hour long walk outdoors, so the entertainment value is also functional too. If you prefer not to use raw, then you can purchase Benebones or Nylabones to keep handy for days they need extra stimulation indoors.
- Hide your pup’s favorite treats around the house and let the sniffing begin.
- In addition to Kongs and bones, snuffle mats & puzzles manage boredom and exercise their minds.
- Load the car and take a drive. Park somewhere safe and people watch with your pup.
Our newest puppies will be arriving soon ♥
Sweater weather isn’t the only thing we’re preparing for around here. We are all ready for 2 litters of puppies in just a few weeks. Peach and Maggie are due only 3 days apart. Dads to these litters are Phoenix and Fletch. These super close due dates has caused us to come up with some very creative plans for whelping boxes and private areas for both moms, as they usually don’t want to hang out side by side when their pups are young. As the pups grow and get closer to weaning, we will be able to put them all together in a large space for play times. As the pups get bigger, moms are usually more than happy to share parenting duties and since these ones will be only mere days apart, we won’t need to worry about a size difference and the older, bigger pups dominating the younger, less experienced litter. It is definitely going to be a lot of work, but we will focus on the positives and remember the service needs, training programs and new families lives each of the pups will be touching. Reality is, every litter we have is a lot of work – we don’t take puppy raising lightly so this is just more of what we’re already doing. It is our pleasure to raise these little ones and be the first part of their exciting lives ahead.
For more information about our very unique and well respected puppy imprinting program, check out our website here
Peach is always ready to pose for the camera
When he isn’t performing dad duties, Fletch spends his days as a best friend and side-kick ♥
Phoenix keeps busy bringing hugs and smiles to first responders.
Glenannon Pup-Dates ♥
Glenannon Station Golden Retrievers 