ashley e
ashley e
WarriorCanineConnection puproar - email me at mo...@warriorcanineconnection.org
WarriorCanineConnection CherylCannone MOLLY QUESTION? If Holly is still having trouble weaning could she wear a wrap something like Rain is wearing to help her and the puppies? 11 hours ago Rain is wearing a Thundershirt to keep moderate pressure on the area that the tumor was removed. It doesn't cover the teat area. Some people use t-shirts but I am afraid of a puppy getting stuck inside.
WarriorCanineConnection klmhicks @ MOLLY QUESTION - what do you feed the pups and the big dogs? I am having some food issues with my dogs. We feed Purina Proplan.
WarriorCanineConnection elissaFleming Does anyone know what day and time the puppies will be going to their new homes? The first two will be leaving Saturday afternoon.
WarriorCanineConnection KoppyKat27 @treeski - yeah I was wondering how she was going to handle puppies in MD winter when we see how great it is they can be outside now. Did she post answers questions last night and that's how you guys have the scoop? :) I have a few options. I am the kinda girl who flies by the seat of her pants and figures it out when we get there :-)
WarriorCanineConnection celticat MOLLY, if you see this - I'm wondering if it might be possible to leave the kids uncrated on their last night together... I need to keep the structure of their day the same. Dogs like predicability and the safety and comfort of the crates. if you remember, I tried to leave them out the other night and it didn't go well. They cried and carried on all night long. Tonight I'll be adding a fourth crate and Abby and Lucy will sleep alone to help prepare them to go.
WarriorCanineConnection browneyes560 MOLLY QUESTION - or anyone who knows - did anyone find out why WCC is asking for volunteer Puppy Parents as posted on their FB page?? I thought we had vets available already for training 2 hours ago I have answered this a few different times. If it isn't clear I'll try again. Let me know.
WarriorCanineConnection LisaWisongMiller why cant Holly be allowed inside cage with her pups...? - The only time Holly isn't allowed in the pen is just after eating. At that point she is more likely to regurgitate her food for them. Today she wanted in but I had to get my old lab inside first. She isn't very patient with puppies. It seemed like we were going to let Holly in and then I had to stop the process so I could get Macy inside. That might have been what you saw. She did go with her pups and I got some good video of them playing together.
WarriorCanineConnection Storm49858 Molly mentioned that Holly is not doing it on her own, so she (Molly) is helping the process. I think Molly mentioned it is not the healthiest for Holly to be nursing this long. Does anyone remember this post from Molly? It isn't neccessarily unhealthy, but it just isn't typical that moms want to nurse for so long. If you go and get a pup from a breeder they leave home at 8 weeks and most moms are done nursing by 6 weeks. Holly just really loves her puppies and I still allow her to be with them but am trying to help along the process.
WarriorCanineConnection browneyes560 i am confused, maybe someone can clarify for me........I thought the training of the pups was done by veterans as therapy for themselves as well as prepare the pup for his final destination when permanently placed. is that correct? - That is the main premis behind our program. That our dogs are used as a therapeutic intervention. However, there are so many veterans out there awaiting a dog we can't only breed when we have slots available in those programs. That is why we might place a few of the pups from a litter in a more traditional Puppy Parent situation. However, at some point ALL of our dogs are trained by Wounded Warriors and we have that in mind at all times.
WarriorCanineConnection bobbity MOLLY, do the puppies answer to their names yet? Yes, most of the time. They also answer to "pup, pup, pup" said in a high pitched voice
WarriorCanineConnection BrendaS I still would like to know if Mia ever does dog noises, like bark or growl. No disrespect intended. They are like little parrots right? - No, but she does copy me by asking the dogs to "sit" or pretending to give them a treat (or giving the adults a whole box of milkbones as witnessed today).
WarriorCanineConnection Shdabr QUESTION for MOLLY. Someone mentioned matching up service dogs with their person based a little on the temperaments of the dogs. Do you see certain characteristics in some of the pups already that would indicate they will be a strong service dog. Thanks - While all of the pups have very different personalities, I know that as the grow and develop things like energy level, work ethic, desire to please, etc will change. I can't make any decisions right now. They are just too young. I will say that I am very happy with this litter in terms of confidence, ease of re-direction when they are doing something wrong and eye contact.
WarriorCanineConnection goldensmom How old is Mia now? - 16 months
WarriorCanineConnection Eunice Do you know wht time the pups are leaving sat.? - Puppy Parents will arrive around 1p.m. EST for a training session. I am trying to figure out a good "closing ceremony" for the pups. I am hoping to have a few future Puppy Parent classes on camera so you can see the pups as they grow.
- WarriorCanineConnection Laura13 I know a blog has been set up for Lucy, but I was thinking it might be nice for each of the puppy parents to have a FB page for each of the six pups. They can include pictures and weekly recaps of how they're doing and what funny things they've been up to. - I will be posting updates on our FB page and also our website. I don't want to have a bunch of different FB pages going at once because then it just means more time moderating.
ashley e
ashley e
Have you found homes for all your babies yet?
Warrior Canine Connection Hi Amy - I have so many applicants I am having a hard time choosing! I am thinking that Penny and Ruby will go this week. I will be keeping everyone updated.
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I'm glad you have puppy parents lined up. I have a silly question as I was considering applying for a fleeting second. Are the puppies considered "service dogs in training" at this juncture and therefore have access to all the places that have No Pets (except for service animals) signs?
Warrior Canine Connection Dogs do not have any access rights - only people with disabilities do. Some states have laws that allow certified trainers to take dogs in training into places but still not Puppy Parents. It is kind of a gray law because there is no such thing as being "certified". Anyway, most places will happily let you in with your service dog in training if they have the vest that we supply on and your Puppy Parent ID card.
ashley e
ashley e
ashley e
ashley e
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
Friday, 21 Sept:
WarriorCanineConnection celticat QUESTION FOR MOLLY - is there any way to have audio for at least part of Saturday? - I don't think so. It might cause problems with the stream and then you wouldn't even be able to see.
WarriorCanineConnection Pluto7 MOLLY QUESTION. Do you think you will have your new puppy area/garage et al done by the time Misty's litter is born? - I hope so :-)
WarriorCanineConnection jch QUESTION FOR MOLLY: Do you have any idea the approximate due date for Misty's litter? Is she even pregnant yet? - Misty has not come into season yet. Judging by some of her behaviors and her interactions with some of the other dogs I expect her in any day now. Once she comes in and has been bred we will have pups in about 9 weeks.
WarriorCanineConnection uppycat QUESTION FOR MOLLY: I’ve asked before, but I’d like to repeat. I believe I'm not the only one who would like your thoughts on what this whole experience has been like for you and your family. - almost surreal. wonderful and exhausting. amazing and unexpected.
WarriorCanineConnection LindaHirschSprague @MOLLY this is my first question.......Please can Saturday be recorded and posted? - do you mean with video camera? I don't have one but can see if someone else does.
WarriorCanineConnection CherylCannone MOLLY QUESTION: will you be allowing 'others' to be there on Saturday to observe? - there will be a few volunteers here if that is what you mean by "others"
WarriorCanineConnection celticat MOLLY QUESTION - I'm noticing that some of what you do seems to be quite different than what they're doing with the Danes - they're not crated or penned, they have a lot of bedding, things like that - would that have to do with their breed, their age, their intended purpose, or simply a different way of thinking? - probably all of the above. Goldens are VERY different than Danes. I don't know much about Danes so don't want to even try to go there. I know what I have been doing works so that is why I continue to do it. OUr dogs are also all housedogs - that is very different than a kennel dog.
WarriorCanineConnection breynolds50 MOLLY, I HAVE NEVER ASKED A QUESTION BEFORE, SO HERE GOES. WILL THE PUPPIES CONTINUE TO BE CRATED, WILL THEY SLEEP WITH THE BIG DOGS, WILL THEY CONTINUE TO HAVE A NURSERY OUTSIDE? i'M JUST CURIOUS AS TO WHAT WILL HAAPPEN AFTER THE CAMERAS GO OUT - Our puppies are crated at night until such time they prove to be trustworthy enough to not do bad things. Yes, the outside area will stay up until both pups go home. I need to keep them safe. It is not being mean by locking them away...it is just to keep them safe.
WarriorCanineConnection A few questions are asking when Grace and Levi leave. Probably next week sometime. No date set yet.
WarriorCanineConnection karmackayo QUESTION FOR MOLLY (Or Explore) do you get any input on the highlights they will show, is it a loop that just runs? Or can they start from the very beginning and show it "real time"? - I am not sure.
WarriorCanineConnection Streak QUESTION FOR MOLLY - will we see "bedtime" tomorrow?!? :-) - Sure, I think so.
WarriorCanineConnection Okay guys. I seriously can't keep my eyes open for another minute. It is a bit early but we are heading out for last potty and I am going to bed. It is going to be a LONG day tomorrow!
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
Monday, 24 Sept.
WarriorCanineConnection Labluvr FOR MOLLY- I've seen the question before but didn't see what you might have replied--have the registered names of the puppies been decided and will they be shared soon? Thanks Molly!!!! - I honestly have not had a chance to get to this. I am hoping that next week will either slow down or I will just have to MAKE time to do this!
WarriorCanineConnection himmichigal @WarriorCanineConnection~~ we have been trying to answer one another's questions here. However, I do have one QUESTION FOR MOLLY- Can Lucy's fb page which is currently private be made public for those of us not on facebook? - When Puppy Parents were given the pup I made sure they understood that these puppies were of celebrity status. I told them that their only responsibility was to communicate with me during our monthly updates and our classes. They obviously should contact me with any problems. Anything other than that was above and beyond and not required. I am not comfortable asking them to change something. If they choose to do that then great. If not, then that is how it will be. I'll soon be adding pages for each of the dogs on our website and will be posting updates there as well as sharing photos from individual FB pages.
WarriorCanineConnection oldensrule MOLLY I have heard one of the puppy parents say that the puppy had mouthing issues how would you tell them to help correct it? - redirection with a toy, settling exercises and petting below the neck. Pups will soon outgrow the mouthy stage.
WarriorCanineConnection Streak MOLLY QUESTION: Hopefully you've had say in the cam remaining. Do you feel an invasion knowing we're all here? -- Yes, I had a say in the cam staying on. Is it odd that it almost feels normal now?
WarriorCanineConnection cockermom QUESTION FOR MOLLY - will the 4 pups who are awaiting openings in training programs stay with their current foster parents when they get into training, or will they move to new puppy parents for training? - More than likely they will need to move into a Puppy Parent home that has access to the base and can drop of puppy for training. Having a Puppy Parent that works there just makes things so much easier.
WarriorCanineConnection cbwmama QUESTION FOR MOLLY -- is Olive going to be breed? Since you wait until they are 2 yrs old to breed the females -- and the female pup you might decide to breed will be from Holly's litter -- won't you go for an extended period of time without puppies to train after Misty has her next litter? - Olive...yes, my Olive. I have had hundreds, literally hundreds of dogs pass through my house. Never have I fallen as hard for one as I have for Olive. Olive will be bred in the Spring. After that we can hope that Cadence is going to pass her health clearances and can bred before being placed. I could also Lease a bitch from another organization or friend. I have no worries about having enough dogs to breed!
WarriorCanineConnection Aly14 QUESTION FOR MOLLY: I'm sure I missed the boat on questions, but have been curious to know how many pounds of dog food you go through in a week? I can't even imagine...does it arrive on a pallet? - No, I buy it at Petco. I am honestly not even sure how often I buy dog food. Maybe every few weeks? My dogs don't eat that much. Most get 2 cups and some get 3 and Olive gets 4 cups per day.
WarriorCanineConnection Aly14 @Harli's-mama or someone else who has been an OPP that might know. I've seen Huff in Molly's yard and pictures with Rick and assumed he was a "family dog," but on the video from Saturday he seemed to be working with someone else. Is he in training to serve a warrior with a mobility impairment? - Huff is used as our PR and Demonstration dog. He is also used when a Wounded Warrior with less handling ability has some type of appointment or session and would like to have a dog along. He is also used to help Novice handlers learn dog handling skills with a very easy dog. Huff was a breeder and has been neutered. He was the sire of Holly's pup Gabe. And I know the question will be asked so here is the answer...He was in the very small percentage of intact males that have prostate issues so needed to be neutered. That solved the issue.
WarriorCanineConnection Molly Question..How is Holly doing is she getting her body back in shape and I believe you said she would be fixed soon any timeline on that - The camera doesn't show that she is blowing her coat like crazy. She is a little plump because I didn't back her food off fast enough as the pups slowed down nursing. She will be spayed in the next few months. I am not in a rush. She might have another season before she gets spayed. That is not a big deal to me at all. I am used to having girls that are in season and I have no intact boys to worry about needing to separate them.
WarriorCanineConnection EPWs help me out ....which dog is Olive?? I know who Misty, Rain, Huff, Holly are ....but what does Olive look like? - She looks alot like her mom Misty but has a really funky, curly coat. We call her a La-aa-aa-brador because she looks like a sheep with that crazy coat!
WarriorCanineConnection I can't find the question - but coats will start to slowly come in around 6 months or so. Not full feathering until at least a year of age.
WarriorCanineConnection skylar sorry hit the button but the question is what makes you keep a puppy from all the puppies you see?- Do you mean when I get a puppy from a breeder or from my own litters? I keep all of my own pups in the program until such time I feel they are better suited for a different career path. Usually around 1 year old or so. If I get a puppy from a litter it is always a very reputable breeder that spends a lot of time with their pups. I tell them what I am looking for and they choose the puppy for me.
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
WarriorCanineConnection HI All. I guess you have figured out that I am traveling tonight. I am visiting family and will be back this weekend. Rick is there - but is probably working on the computer in the kitchen and doesn't realize the camera is fuzzy. I am sure there will be "bumps" over the next few days because the routine is totally off for everyone. Bear with us and we will be back to normal before you know it!
WarriorCanineConnection MOLLY QUESTION Grace is moving on 10/1. Is Levi finishingcurrent class and then moving 10/6 or 10/9 or are his parents getting him 10/1 and enrolling in a diff class - Levi doesn't have a departure date yet. I'll be talking with his parents this week. It won't be long for sure. Grace is going 10/1 in the afternoon probably.
WarriorCanineConnection Streak QUESTION FOR MOLLY - since Levi and Grace have been together for so much longer, do you think they'll have separation issues? And who did Rick break up from fighting on Saturday? - If I only left the two pups together with no big dog interaction or human interaction they might have issues. These two will be fine. I am not aware of there being a fight and I was pretty involved on Saturday. I am not sure what you are talking about.
WarriorCanineConnection Palady QUESTION FOR MOLLY - if you still are answering or when you have time. If you find a dog is not of a suitable temperament (or for other reasons) to be a therapy dog, do you have the dog neutered or spayed? - The only dogs that stay intact are those entering our breeding program. All of our dogs are spayed or neutered prior to placement or leaving the program for any reason. I keep everyone intact for at least 12-18 months as I want them to keep hormones as long as possible. It is much healthier for them. If you are interested in that type of thing I can post links to some current research.
WarriorCanineConnection Here is a summary: http://www.akcchf.org/research/funded-research/1488.html .............and here is a podcast: http://www.akcchf.org/news-events/multimedia/podcasts/early-spay-and-neuter.html...............this is just the most recent. There are other studies out there.
WarriorCanineConnection NCgirl MOLLY QUESTION, I asked this awhile back, but you've been super busy and probably missed it. How old were Holly's pups when the cam started? And, how old when they opened their eyes? I started watching a few days before they opened their eyes. Thank you! - Pups born 6/24 and Cam went live 7/5. Eyes open just around 2 weeks of age.
WarriorCanineConnection celticat MOLLY - where should we look to find out when Misty becomes pregnant and then progress reports? (hopefully you'll have time to let us know the news of all "our kids" occasionally) - Facebook and our website. I know she is very close to being in season.
WarriorCanineConnection goldensrule Molly Question..How is Holly doing is she getting her body back in shape and I believe you said she would be fixed soon any timeline on that - Holly is doing great. No date for her spay yet. I want to get pups out the door first. I will probably wait a few months until she is back to normal before putting her through another surgery.
WarriorCanineConnection KYbeagle Molly, do you think that Labs are better at certain tasks and Goldens are better at others, or is there really no difference. What about differences in sexes in training? - It is all about matching the personalties of the person and dog. Different breeds offer more options for matching.
WarriorCanineConnection Maxi QUESTION FOR MOLLY: QUESTION FOR MOLLY:What was it that made you fall hardest of all for Olive?- I have no idea. Maybe she was a pup during some pretty tough times in my life (pregnant, moving across the country away from all of my friends, mother passed away suddenly..). I just love her
WarriorCanineConnection Oh that. No biggie. At this age the pups still want to try to find their place in the pack. Think of middle school where the kids are still tying to find where they fit into the world. Ruby was testing the waters to see if she was going to be able to get away with picking on her sister. Rick stepped in and let her know it wasn't acceptable. He picked her up, told her firmly NO, held her for a moment and let her down. Problem solved and we moved on.
WarriorCanineConnection No, pups are NOT in crates. Pups are outside pottying. I have been micromanaging Rick's every move. He probably will not take any more calls from me :-)
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
Tuesday, 9 October
WarriorCanineConnection Good evening everyone! Exciting news here at WCC. I thought that Olive would be in season AFTER Misty. She decided to play by her own rules and come in today. This means that Misty won't be far behind. I am hoping that she holds off another week so I can avoid puppies right at Christmas. I'll keep everyone posted!
WarriorCanineConnection I will NEVER do two litters again! I did it once and had 17 puppies to take care of - that was pre-Mia. That was when I worked at an organization that was not at my home. I carted those puppies back and forth from home to work from birth -12 weeks old. Yes, 17 puppies in various crates in my Pathfinder. I never felt I was able to give each puppy the attention they deserved. One litter at a time for me! I had just hoped Olive would wait so if for some odd reason Misty didn't get pregnant I could breed her. We will breed Olive when she comes in sometime in April 2013 no matter what.
WarriorCanineConnection I just would like to be able to spend Christmas eve with my family as that is a long tradition of ours. It is a four hour drive to get there so don't want to take Misty that far just around the time she would be due. Fingers crossed she waits just one more week! We are super excited here. Just to give some more info...once they have been in season for about 5 or 6 days we go to the vet for a blood test. We need to test her every other day or so to find out when she ovulates. We are looking at progesterone levels in the blood. Dogs do not ovulate mature eggs. The eggs that are ovulated take about 48 hours to mature and be ready to be fertilized. Once I know she has ovulated I'll contact Rogue's owner and she will collect his semen and FedEx it overnight. That gets it here just in time for Misty to be inseminated. Then we wait 48 hours and another shipment arrives for a second insemination. THEN we wait 28 days to see if she is pregnant. Puppies are born 62 +/- 1 day from the day she ovulates.
WarriorCanineConnection Yes, the girls tend to cycle together. It is fairly expensive to breed this way. $70.00 per blood test and ill probably do at least five. The boxes for shipping are around 100 each (we need 2). Shipping is usually around 80.00 each shipment. The insemination is around 150.00 for each one..... but dogs that are bred to serve our Veterans...priceless :-)
WarriorCanineConnection We will do an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy. We will have a decent idea. At the very end of pregnancy when pups are just about developed we will do an X-ray. That gives us a pretty good idea of how many pups. The larger the litter the harder it is to get a for sure count.
WarriorCanineConnection Oh, yes, Mia is much better. She is back to her climbing, singing, naughty self!
WarriorCanineConnection lynnesky MOLLY QUESTION: With such a careful breeding program, which particular traits are you able to influence by the genetics that each dog parent has? Physical traits, I'm guessing, but are behavioral/personality traits selected for also? LYNNESKY - GOOD QUESTION! Good question – let’s start with health. Sire and Dam must have at least the following:-hips and elbows x-rayed (both x-rays were read by board certified radiologists and given a rating by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)- have had a Board Certified Veterinary Cardiologist perform a color Echocardiogram on their heart to be sure there are no abnormalities- have had a Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist check their eyes to be sure there are no abnormalities. This exam is done yearly to be sure there are no age related changes.- Labs must also have two other tests. These are marker tests so they will have the result of clear, carrier or affected. One is for PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) – causes blindness and EIC (Exercised Induced Collapse) – involves some sort of trigger that excites the dog and their back end collapses for about 10 minutes. They are fine after the episode and live normal lives.
WarriorCanineConnection oh formatting went way wrong on that post. It was supposed to be a bulleted list!
WarriorCanineConnection Palady QUESTION FOR MOLLY: When you get a chance, I would be very interested in the training of the pups/dogs as it involves the warriors with PTSD. Are the warriors involved along with a therapist (such as Rick)? I would love to know how the warriors are taught to teach the dogs, for example, not to react to loud noises. I know with PTSD comes an exaggerated startle response, so I can see the warriors must learn to calm themselves first, but don't know if that process directly involves the dogs. Thanks - The Wounded Warriors always have an instructor there. Rick doesn't focus on any particular symptom of PTS. He just focuses on getting the dogs trained. When a car backfires there is no time for a trainer to worry about it - they need to give the dog a treat and act like that was the coolest sound they ever heard. Guess what? The Wounded Warriors are focused on the dog and the dog's behavior....soon they are managing those feelings much better. Fake it until you make it? Something like that.
WarriorCanineConnection I'll do the temperament info tomorrow. Gotta keep you coming back for more :-)
Moosemom
Sunday, October 14
· WarriorCanineConnection I am sorry I have been so absent from the chat. Just really busy. – 10-14-12
· WarriorCanineConnection lynnesky MOLLY QUESTION: What are your feelings about EPWs who want to express positive thoughts to Penny's foster parents sending cards to WCC to be forwarded? Would this be too much of a burden on your organization's time? – 10-14-12 - THAT IS VERY SWEET AND KIND. IF YOU WANT TO SEND CARDS PLEASE PUT SOMETHING LIKE 'ATTENTION PENNY'S PP" ON THE ENVELOPE OR IT WILL GET OPENED BY ACCIDENT. – 10-14-12
Moosemom
WarriorCanineConnection ~ HI Everyone. I think it will be easier for me to answer all the questions at once when Alice sends them to me. I'll be back later. You guys were great today! Keep it up :-)
WarriorCanineConnection ~ Here is a great video made by a student of mine. You get to see me in various pj's as may whelps happen at night :-). The c-section you see at the end as well as the ultrasound are Rain. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QmBEBxXUfs
WarriorCanineConnectionRegarding the vet - no, there is no need to have a vet there. Unless the vet is a breeder his or herself I'd bet that Carlene (or any breeder) has whelped more puppies than them. If the bitch needs a c-section you have to take her to the vet as it is a surgical procedure. If a puppy is still born, well there isn't much anyone can do.
WarriorCanineConnection ~ Well, I am guessing many of you are also awaiting the birth of the SDP puppies. Do you want to jump forward and talk about that today? I notice Chaos resting quite a bit. I usually see that the day or two before they actually whelp. They are resting up to prepare for labor. At this point she is having contractions that you just can't see. They are small and are moving the puppies into position. Her body is working hard.
WarriorCanineConnection ~ Maybe we need to have daily topics that we can focus on. We can drift somewhat from that idea but stay mostly on topic. We could talk about the traits of a service dog, health clearances, breeding questions, puppy raising, more about our program, etc.
WarriorCanineConnection ~ Okay, folks. I actually lost sleep over the tension on this chat. I did not work so hard over the last few months to just have this turn into a place that people do not want to visit, especially people that I have welcomed into our WCC family (which is ALL of you). I am going to institute ONE rule. A rule that I expect to be followed at all times. If you do not have anything nice to say then do say anything at all ON PUBLIC CHAT! If you are upset, uncomfortable, etc send me an e-mail at mo...@warriorcanineconnection.org and I will pop on and decide if it is something that needs to be addressed. I will reply to your e-mail in acknowledgment that I received it but it won't be a novel length reply. I have a ton of emails that come in. Now, I just ask that you follow this rule and keep this board the way it was meant to be - an enjoyable place. Thank you.
Moosemom
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
WarriorCanineConnection Hi everyone. I will go into our discussion question in a bit. I wanted to give some insight to situation on the Dane cam. First, I am speaking for myself only! Not anyone else and certainly not SDP. When a bitch has a large litter it is likely that you will lose pups. When a bitch has a prolonged labor it is almost inevitable. However - you won't know if your bitch will be a fast whelper or a slow whelper until you are in the midst of it. If you have 7 healthy pups and you know there are 1 or 2 more pups in there you have a pretty tough decision to make. You know your bitch WILL deliver them, it is just a matter of WHEN and will the pups still be viable? The only way to get them out quickly would be a c-section. A C-section is a major abdominal surgery that you are then doing on a compromised bitch. She is tired and stressed - add anesthesia and a surgery and now you have an exhausted, very stressed bitch that now is in pain and must take on the role of a mother. Do you put her through the surgery to potentially save those one or two pups or do you let nature take its course, monitor her and see what plays out? It is a very individual decision and one that no breeder takes lightly. However, I will say that my bitch ALWAYS comes first. She didn't ask to be bred. I did this and I must be her guardian throughout the process. If I know that she can deliver (pup isn't stuck) and there are just one or two pups and I have a healthy litter in front of me...I am not taking her into surgery. Some breeders do planned c-sections for this very reason. That is a whole different debate and probably not appropriate for this board. Bottom line - breeding, whelping and puppy raising is NOT for the faint of hearts. It is not an easy thing to do and if you all take away ONE lesson from these chat boards is that you understand the responsibility that goes with breeding my goal will be fulfilled.
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
WarriorCanineConnection lynnesky - Since goldens require significant grooming, do the warriors get any education and/or help with costs in this regard? A PROPER COAT ON A GOLDEN RETRIEVER SHOULD NOT NEED SIGNIFICANT GROOMING. THEY SHOULD HAVE A ‘WASH AND WEAR’ COAT THAT DRYS QUICKLY AND DOESN’T MAT. HOWEVER, WE DO TEACH BASIC GROOMING AND TEACH THEM TO GROOM DAILY FOR BOTH BONDING AND CLEANLINESS.
WarriorCanineConnection goldensrule -Wondering how the garage reno is coming and will it be ready for Misty's litter? LISA AND I HAVE SPENT THE LAST TWO DAYS CLEANING AND ORGANIZING THE GARAGE. WE ARE WAITING ON GETTING APPROVAL FROM THE POWERS THAT BE BEFORE WE CAN START. WE ARE HOPING THAT WILL HAPPEN IN TIME. IF NOT, WE WILL MAKE DO – I ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN B (AND C AND D)
WarriorCanineConnection grlsctldr - the conversation on "What makes a service dog" What traits do you specifically look for in a puppy that tells you that they have those special qualifications to be a service dog, and if so, in what area. I mean, as uneducated as I am, they all look roly poly and so cute, so I don't know what you look for or how you choose.. I WILL GO INTO MORE DETIAL ABOUT WHAT MAKES A SERVICE DOG. I THINK IT IS VERY HARD TO TELL WHAT A PUPPY WILL BECOME. IF I AM GOING TO CHOOSE A PUPPY FROM A LITTER TO BRING TO OUR PROGRAM I CHOOSE THE PUP THAT IS ‘MIDDLE OF THE ROAD” IN ALL ASPECTS. NOT THE MOST DOMINANT, NOT THE MOST SUBMISSIVE, NOT THE LOUDEST, NOT THE QUIETEST, ETC.
WarriorCanineConnection CherylCannone - when a c-section has to be performed on a dog where is the incision made? IT IS MADE MIDLINE. SIMILAR TO WHERE A SPAY INCISION IS MADE BUT JUST LARGER. YOU WANT TO HAVE A VET THAT SPECIALIZES IN REPRODUCTION AND DOES MANY C-SECTIONS PER WEEK DOING YOUR C-SECTION. THEY WILL GIVE THE BITCH OXYGEN AND FLUIDS PRIOR TO INDUCING HER INTO ANESTHESIA. THEY USE ONLY CERTAIN MEDICATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN PROVEN TO BE THE BEST FOR MOTHERS AND PUPPIES. THEY WILL PUT HER UNDER AND VERY QUICKLY GET THE PUPPIES OUT. THE VET IS PULLING PUPPIES OUT AND HANDING THEM OFF TO THE VET NURSES (AND OFTEN THE BREEDER) TO REVIVE. THE GOAL IS TO HAVE THE PUPPIES HAVE THE LEAST AMOUNT OF ANESTHESIA AS POSSIBLE. IF I HAVE A SCHEDULE C-SECTION BEING DONE BY A REPRODUCTION VET I AM IN AND OUT IN JUST A FEW HOURS. AGAIN ONE OF THE REASONS BREEDERS SOMETIMES JUST PLAN C-SECTIONS. NO WAITING UP ALL NIGHT, NO LOST PUPS. IN AND OUT IN A FEW HOURS AND BACK HOME AGAIN.
WarriorCanineConnection LhasaLover - I know a lot of Aussie breeders, my daughter shows for them, and they all either x-ray or do ultra sounds so they have an idea of how many to expect, these are champion dogs. Isn’t that normal for breeders? I WANT TO BE VERY CAREFUL WITH ANSWERING THIS QUESTION. EVERY PERSON DOES THINGS DIFFERENTLY AND HAS THEIR OWN BELIEF SYSTEMS. I LIKE TO KNOW HOW MANY PUPS TO EXPECT AND I ALSO LIKE TO KNOW FOR SURE IF THEY ARE PREGNANT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I DO AN ULTRASOUND TO CONFIRM PREGNANCY. DURING THE LAST WEEK OF GESTATION I HAVE AN X-RAY DONE FOR AN APPROXIMATE COUNT. SOMETIMES WITH A LARGER LITTER IT IS HARD TO GET AN EXACT COUNT BUT USUALLY WITHIN A PUP OR TWO.
WarriorCanineConnection uppycat - You had a lot of issues around repeat questions/comments on how Hollys puppies were being handled, etc. Having been over at the Dane site (because I wanted to see the live birth) I wondered if you were working with Explore on adding some Fact and Profile tabs like they have before Mistys litter goes live? Might help if EPWs can then tell people to go read them before asking further questions. WE ARE WORKING ON OUR FAQ'S. SOON I WILL BE ANSWERING QUESTIONS VIA VIDEO THAT WILL BE POSTED ON THE DOG BLESS YOU BLOG.
WarriorCanineConnection Okay, in regards to service dogs pulling wheelchairs. Yes, they do pull them but No, it isn't what you think! They pull just to give short breaks. They don't start from a dead stop. It is more like you are rolling down the mall and then you need a break and you grab the pack and say pull. Does that make sense
WarriorCanineConnection I am hearing many great ideas about what a service dog must be. Here is a biggie. Predation - do they want to chase everything in sight? Would they rather chase that bird/squirrel/cat than stick with you? Hmmm... you are in a wheelchair holding onto the leash and your dog suddenly bolts towards a cat. Guess where you are now? Probably in the streetKris (Murphy's Mom)
WarriorCanineConnection I keep hearing that things are out of control here. I get on and look and I can't find it. Is it in the live chat? I really don't have time for this guys. What is going on?
WarriorCanineConnection I asked Explore to shut off the live chat until I can find a way to moderate it. I might see if there can be certain hours that I can be available to moderate and to answer questions in real time.
WarriorCanineConnection Back to a service dog - I mentioned predation. That isnt something you can train OUT of a dog. It is an instinctual behavior that will eventually resurface no matter what.
WarriorCanineConnection We must select (through breeding) for dogs that have the least amount of prey drive as possible.
WarriorCanineConnection There are many behaviors you can train out of a dog. However, an intelligent dog will quickly realize that the quadriplegic in the wheelchair can neither *physically make* them do something or *physically stop* them from doing
WarriorCanineConnection I will go back to the service dog stuff...but i am hearing the idea of a blog. I was actually thinking about that. I have a friend that uses her blog as a way to make her baby book. If we had a blog started for ONLY the stories and poems and such then I could eventually just print it out, put it in a folder of some sort and give to the recipient of the dogs. WCC would get to continue to read the wonderful stories, we could reduce the stuff here and keep it for just our daily topics and maybe we could please most people?
Question: PupRsq Molly, if a dog does NOT make it as a service dog for whatever issue, what becomes of the dog? WarriorCanineConnection PupRsq - Between our careful breeding and our early puppy education, most of the dogs will go on to work in some capacity. If they can't be a full fledged service dog then maybe they are the "resident dog" in a Veterans facility or the home companion of an elderly veteran. If none of those options are workable for the dog we first offer the dog back to the Puppy Parent. If the Puppy Parent is not interested we would do our best to place the dog in a military family. If there is a "match" for the dog in a non-military family then that is also a possibility. If at ANY TIME during a dogs life they need a place to go them come back here. We follow all of our dogs carefully so we would know if they need a home.
WarriorCanineConnection I have to go and get dinner started. I'll be back later and will answer questions, etc. I will also be answering questions on my webcam and then sending the video to explore to put on their blog. I have been practicing talking in front of the camera.
WarriorCanineConnection grlsctldr all your dogs are bred specifically with certain qualities, right Molly? So they all become service dogs? - JUST WANTED TO ANSWER THIS ONE REALLY QUICK AND THEN WILL GO START DINNER. I WISH THAT WERE THE CASE. GENETICS ARE NOT BLACK AND WHITE SO THINGS DO POP UP. WE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE WE HAVE THE MOST SUCCESS POSSIBLE BUT SOMETHINGS ARE JUST OUT OF OUR HANDS. SOMETIMES A DOG JUST DOESN'T WANT TO WORK - AND THAT IS OKAY. WHAT WOULDN'T BE OKAY IS MAKING A DOG INTO SOMETHING THAT HE OR SHE IS NOT.
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
WarriorCanineConnection Goldensmom: Listen to this podcast....http://www.akcchf.org/news-events/multimedia/podcasts/early-spay-and-neuter.html I have a ton of other research on this as well. I tell people that are RESPONSIBLE that leaving them intact as long as possible is best. I like to spay/neuter somewhere between 18 months and 2 years.
WarriorCanineConnection I'll be back to answer questions in a bit. I love talking about breeding stuff :-)
WarriorCanineConnection roadrunner QUESTION FOR MOLLY (OR ANYONE ELSE AT THE TRAINING); did the pups seem to remember each other and Mia? - YES, THEY DID! HOWEVER, THIS WAS NOT A DAY FOR GROUP PLAY OR INTERACTION. WE WERE IN PUBLIC, THEY WERE WEARING THIER VESTS AND WORKING. I HAD PUPPY PARENTS WORKING VERY HARD TO KEEP THIER PUPS ATTENTION ON THEM AND NOT THIER SIBLINGS OR OTHER DOGS. IT IS ALL PART OF THE LEARNING SELF CONTROL PROCESS.
WarriorCanineConnection cbwmama - when breeding a dog you stated some things are just out of your hands. If in a litter you noted a deformity -- and that pup survived -- of course you would not breed it -- BUT would you still breed the Mom again? Or stop using the Sire? - IT DEPENDS ON WHAT IT WAS. IF IT WAS SOMETHING LIKE A CLEFT PALATE OR OTHER IN-UTERO DEVELOPMENT THING THEN I WOULD USE THE MOM AGAIN. I WOULD ALSO USE THE SIRE AGAIN. PROBABLY NOT WITH EACH OTHER (BUT I VERY, VERY RARELY REPEAT BREEDINGS ANYWAY). IF A STUD DOG WAS PRODUCING HIP DYSPLASIA IN MANY OF HIS LITTERS I WOULD NOT USE HIM. IF A BITCH PRODUCED SOMETHING IN HER FIRST LITTER I'D BREED HER AGAIN TO A DIFFERENT SIRE. IF SHE PRODUCED IT AGAIN THEN I WOULD SPAY HER AND RETIRE HER. THERE IS A HUGE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HEREDITARY (GENETIC) ISSUES AND BIRTH DEFECTS.
WarriorCanineConnection eaglassSchoodic QUESTION FOR MOLLY or anyone: Anyone had to ship a dog overseas by plane? My son and his wife are moving to Dubai for 2 years and will take the dog with them. They have the special secure crate, the dog has all her papers and shots and travel permission. The flight is direct but maybe 18 hrs. I guess no one gives the dog water or feeds them. That scares me. Do you drug the dog? put a thunder shirt on the dog? It is a golden retriever. Daughter in law left today, my son will go in January. He was planning to have the dog go with him but now is considering sending the dog alone (YIKES) so his wife will have the company of a dog until he arrives. it is not my decision but I was curious as to experiences any of you might have had. In the mean time I'm dog sitting. - I HAVE NEVER SHIPPED A DOG CARGO.
WarriorCanineConnection Goldensm - My son will be getting a Golden puppy in a couple weeks. They have no intention on breeding him/her and there seems to be two thoughts on spay/neuter. One is do do it right away and the other is to wait til they are older for hormonal reasons. There is no one I trust more with this type question than you so I would love to hear your opinion. - IF A PERSON IS RESPONSIBLE, WILL TAKE THIER DOG TO PUPPY/BASIC OBEDIENCE CLASSES, AND MONITOR THIER BITCHES WHILE IN SEASON AND THIER DOGS AROUND BITCHES IN SEASON THEN I ALWAYS RECOMMEND KEEPING THEM INTACT UNTIL THIER GROWTH PLATES CLOSE (AROUND 18-24 MONTHS). I ALREADY POSTED THE LINK TO THE PODCAST. IF YOU (OR ANYONE) IS INTERESTED IN OTHER LINKS TO ARTICLES ABOUT THIS SEND ME AN E-MAIL.
WarriorCanineConnection iluvdogs MOLLY, I listened to the podcast you posted but must have missed the rationale for waiting till they are 18mos. or so...why? Vets in our area seem to recommend it early, would love your rationale. Thanks - MANY VETS WILL RECOMMEND IT. THEY ARE OBVIOUSLY CONCERNED ABOUT DOGS BREEDING RANDOMLY. I WANT THE GROWTH PLATES TO CLOSE BEFORE REMOVING THE SEX HORMONES THAT ARE NECESSARY FOR PROPER DEVELOPMENT. THERE MUST BE SOME MEMBERS HERE FROM OVERSEAS...IN MANY EUROPEAN COUNTRIES THEY NEVER SPAY/NEUTER THIER DOGS. I WONDER HOW MANY CASES OF HIP DYSPLASIA THEY SEE? OR TORN CRUCIATE LIGAMENTS (KNEE)? I BET WAY LESS THAN HERE.
WarriorCanineConnection Goldensmom - What are the breeding ages for both bitch and sire? - DO YOU MEAN FOR MISTY AND ROGUE OR IN GENERAL? MISTY IS 5 AND ROGUE..I AM NOT SURE! MAYBE AROUND 5 AS WELL? I'LL CHECK. IN GENERAL - A LARGE BREED DOG WILL HIT SEXUAL MATURITY SOMEWHERE AROUND 10 MONTHS OF AGE. A BITCH WILL HAVE HER FIRST ESTRUS CYCLE ANYWHERE BETWEEN 6 AND 18 MONTHS. I WOULD NEVER, EVER BREED A DOG OR BITCH BEFORE THEY ARE AT LEAST 2 YEARS OLD AND HAVE HAD ALL THE HEALTH CLEARANCES REQUIRED FOR THE BREED. A LARGE BREED DOG NEEDS TO HAVE BOTH HIP AND ELBOW CLEARANCES AND THOSE CAN NOT BE OBTAINED FROM THE ORTHOPEDIC FOUNDATION FOR ANIMALS (OFA) BEFORE THEY ARE 2 YEARS OLD.
WarriorCanineConnection In terms of hip and elbow dysplasia, there are also genetic factors to take into consideration. Just because the dog is intact will not prevent dysplasia. The torn CCL (cranial cruciate ligament) can also happen on intact animals but is much less likely. When you remove the sex hormones the growth plates close at rates differently than when the sex hormones are present. This can cause joints to be thrown out of whack and make the knee less stable. The other benefit that researches discovered was a decrease in certain cancers. This is across all breeds - but especially important in those breeds with orthopedic and/or cancer concerns.
WarriorCanineConnection A female dog that is left intact for many years can end up with a uterine infection called pyometra. This is very scary and often deadly if not caught right away. There are no real health concerns for not neutering a male dog with the exception of some potential enlarged prostate issues as an adult. I have had many intact boys and only ever had one with that issue. I don't want to encourage everyone to not spay and neuter - just to be responsible while they are intact and do it at the right time.
WarriorCanineConnection roadrunner - my lab tore her CCL about 6 years ago. She is now almost 12. I did the stabilization procedure on her as she is not a very active dog. She did partially tear her other about 1 year ago and I wasn't going to put her through another surgery at her age. She sometimes limps on it but rarely. When she is across the yard and not wanting to come inside she limps and walks like an old lady. However, she can still snag things off the counter and clear the baby gate when she hears a crumb fall to the floor. I keep her very thin on purpose - the less weight she has to carry the better.
WarriorCanineConnection So she hasn't had the surgery yet? I would do the surgery but have it done by an orthopedic vet (usually they are the only ones who will do the surgery). If she is that active you might consider doing a TPLO or there is even a newer surgery than than. My very favorite joint supplement for all orthopedic issues is called Phycox. I have had so much success with that particular supplement I tell everyone about it. The hardest part of the surgery (besides the hit to your bank account) is restricting activity post surgery. Crate rest and leash walking are the extend of activities for a dog post op. Post op rehab is 4-6 weeks and pretty much no running during that time. It is hard!
WarriorCanineConnection Vets are starting to get on board with this new information about waiting to spay/neuter. My current vet is certainly on board and never pressures someone to spay/neuter early. Just google "early spay/neuter" and see some of the stuff that comes up. There is a ton of research out there and people are starting to "get it".
WarriorCanineConnection Okay, off to potty dogs and then head to bed. Be good till I "see" you all in the morning! :-)
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
WarriorCanineConnection All of my dogs are on some type of glucosomine supplement. Dogs younger than 7 are on plain old human glucosomine/chondroiton from costco. Dogs older than 7 get Phycox. Everyone gets a fish oil cap as well. All of the dogs in my house except one were at one point a breeding dog or are going to be a breeding dog so I don't have any orthopedic issues. If I did I might start the Phycox younger. I think the key is to start something before they show pain. I want to protect the joint that is there.
WarriorCanineConnection Every dog is different and what works for one might not be the best for another. Dausaquin is also a very good supplement. The Phycox has some anti-inflammatory properties and along with the Rimadyl might give your dog some more pain relief. Old dogs are going to have aches and pains. It is not going to hurt to try the Phycox but I can't say for sure it will help. Phycox comes in granules as well as a "treat" that is beef flavored and yummy. I keep the box up really high for fear that they might try to get into them because they line up to eat them!
WarriorCanineConnection I am trying to decide - should I wait for each evening to answer questions when Alice sends them or answer them if I see them? I think it i will be easier to do it all at once each night. Thoughts?
WarriorCanineConnection I think it is best to answer the questions in a big chunk at night. That is what I will do.
WarriorCanineConnection For all of you with dogs that have orthopedic problems. There is ONE thing that you can do that will help all dogs with those issues. You MUST keep them thin. Thinner than you would think is idea. See this chart: http://www.purina.com/dog/weight-and-exercise/bodycondition.aspx The dog should be between a 3 and a 4. The less weight the dog has to carry the better. This is especially important for old dogs. You do not want to have an old arthritic dog that is 10lbs overweight. That is just 10 more pounds you need to haul around when they are having problems walking :-).
WarriorCanineConnection BrendaS I looked Phycox up, the differences I see from that brand and the ones my dogs took is the Omega 3...Here is what my problem was, my cocker who lived to be 18 had suffered through Lymes and a blocked liver duct episode and both left her with a really sensitive stomach..Getting little tiny thyroid pills in her was a chore let alone those big heartworm pills..So she had bad joints from the 2 happenings. .A picky eater and could smell anything you tried to hide..QUESTION, how would you go about it in this situation..Just everything made her vomit..I kept Reglan around for severe vommiting, a lifesaver.. AND ANOTHER QUESTION, when in your mind is it time to euthanize? - THAT IS NOT SOMETHING I HAVE HAD TO DEAL WITH SO CANT SAY. AS FAR AS TIME FOR THE END - THAT IS A VERY PERSONAL DECISION THAT EACH PERSON MUST MAKE FOR THEMSELVES. FOR ME, WHEN THE DOG CAN'T DO ANY OF HIS/HER FAVORITE THREE THINGS IN LIFE...IT IS TIME.
WarriorCanineConnection flipfloppingal - I know you've said this was Holly's last litter and I can't wait for Misty's litter. But do you have another golden you plan on breeding in the future? - THE NEXT GOLDEN THAT IS A POSSIBILITY FOR BREEDING IS CADENCE. SHE IS ONLY 10 MONTHS OLD SO I HAVE JUST OVER A YEAR TO WAIT TO DO HER HEALTH CLEARANCES. I DO HAVE A BREEDER FRIEND THAT I COULD LEASE A FEMALE FROM IF I NEEDED. OLIVE WILL BE BRED IN APRIL 2013, PLUS I PLAN TO BRING IN SOME UNRELATED DOGS TO ADD TO OUR PROGRAM SO WE WILL HAVE PLENTY OF DOGS.
WarriorCanineConnection Aly14 -Hope I can ask this in a way which makes sense…Let’s say a trained service dog had been placed and working with their Wounded Warrior (WW) for several years and because of a change in health the WW needs the dog to do something new i.e. take off their socks. Can a trained service dog always acquire new skills despite their age? If a learned skill (like Abby learning to open a door in one video) is not used, does a dog get “rusty” or through reinforcement does it always stay with them? (Sorry, I switched back to training from breeding, but I find it to be fascinating) Thank you Molly. - YES. WE WOULD ASSIST IF NEEDED BUT BY THE TIME THE DOG HAS BEEN WORKING FOR THE PERSON FOR A FEW YEARS THEY USUALLY HAVE IT FIGURED OUT ON THIER OWN VERY QUICKLY. THE DOG JUST KNOWS WHAT THIER PERSON IS ASKING AND THEY DO IT.
WarriorCanineConnection himmichigal - since it is important for WCC service dogs not to be predatory in nature, how do you screen for that (ie. observation or test) ? - THIS IS A TRAIT IMPORTANT FOR ALL SERVICE DOGS, NOT JUST OURS. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT YOU JUST SEE. THE DOG BOLTS TO THE END OF THE LEASH TO CHASE A SQUIRREL. THEY SEE THE CAT AND ARE SO DISTRACTED THEY CAN'T EVEN HEAR WHAT THE TRAINER IS SAYING.
WarriorCanineConnection PuppiessSocute Since you are here - quick question (maybe) We have a lab with 'certified' hips, elbows etc... certified or not je is family & we'd do whatever to keep him healthy - So the question is; He sleeps like a frog or a rubber chicken - legs sprawled out back & to the sides. is that a sign that the hips are healthier than always curled under or to the side? I see your puppies sleep that way many times too. Just curious. - SLEEPING FROG LEGGED DOESN'T MEAN ANYTHING AT ALL. I HAVE HAD DOGS WITH REALLY GREAT HIPS SLEEP LIKE THAT AND DOGS WITH CRAPPY HIPS SLEEP LIKE THAT.
WarriorCanineConnection goldenlove - Regarding Holly's last litter - how many litters does a dog usually have? I looked on the WCC site, but couldn't find the answer. Sorry if you have answered it before. - IT DEPENDS. IF I BREED A GIRL ONCE AND SHE ISNT A GOOD MOM THEN ONCE IS ENOUGH. IDEALLY I WOULD BREED A GIRL ONLY ONCE OR TWICE, SPAY HER AND THEN PLACE HER AS A SERVICE DOG. GIRLS DO MUCH BETTER WHEN YOUNG AND IF I DO MY JOB RIGHT THEIR DAUGHTERS ARE BETTER THAN THEY ARE. FOR ME, THE MOST I WOULD PROBABLY BREED A GIRL WOULD BE FOUR TIMES.
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
October, 23, 2012
WarriorCanineConnection 2rotsnayorkie - What are your thoughts on using natural foods for puppies you breed? Do you have a set regiment of that you feed all of your dogs? I recall when Gracie and Lucy(?) was throwing up you gave them probiotics. Do you ever substitute natural foods when they have problems? - I AM NOT SURE IF BY NATURAL FOODS YOU MEAN A RAW DIET. SOME PEOPLE FEEL VERY STRONGLY THAT A RAW DIET IS BEST. EVERYONE IS ENTITLED TO THIER OWN OPINION AND THAT IS FAIR. MY OPINION IS THAT THESE ARE NOT WOLVES, THEY ARE DOGS. NO MATTER WHAT MY THOUGHTS ARE ON A RAW DIET BECAUSE WE WORK IN A HOSPITAL WE COULDN'T FEED THAT ANYWAY. I THINK THAT A GOOD QUALITY FOOD THAT IS A BALANCED DIET, AND THE DOG DOES WELL ON IS THE RIGHT FOOD FOR THAT DOG. I START ALL DOGS ON PURINA PROPLAN. IF FOR SOME REASON THEY ARE NOT DOING WELL ON THAT THEN I WOULD SWITCH THEM. LUCY, ABBY AND PENNY ALL HAD A FEW BOUTS OF DIARRHEA WITH NO APPARENT CAUSE. I SWITCHED THEM TO BLUE AND ALL SEEM TO BE DOING WELL. ALL OF MY PUPPIES HAVE A PROBIOTIC (PURINA FORTIFLORA) DAILY. THIS JUST HELPS TO KEEP EVERYTHING IN BALANCE AND HAS BEEN SHOWN TO REDUCE GI ISSUES AS ADULTS.
WarriorCanineConnection cbwmama - you stated in one of your answers that if a dog was not a good mother you would not breed her again. Other than rejecting the pups -- what other signs state she is not a good mother? - MOM IS THE VERY FIRST ROLE MODEL THESE PUPPIES WILL HAVE. IF MOM IS A NERVOUS MOTHER I SEE THAT THIS CAN MAKE NERVOUS PUPPIES. OF COURSE I WANT MOM TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF HER PUPPIES BUT I DON'T WANT TO SEE NERVOUS BEHAVIOR OR CONCERN WHEN WE ARE AROUND. IF MOM DOES JUST ENOUGH FOR THE PUPPIES BUT NOTHING EXTRA OR DOESNT SEEM TO ENJOY BEING A MOM THEN THEY ARE NOT BRED AGAIN.
WarriorCanineConnection Puppyraiser - You mentioned that service dogs cannot in any way chase birds, squirrels, cats, etc....to which I *totally* agree, my question is can they be trained away from these tendencies or is the ability to ignore these distractions something that must be innate??? - I THINK YOU CAN ALWAYS TRAIN A DOG TO DO SOMETHING. THE CONCERN IS WILL THAT BEHAVIOR POP UP AGAIN. IF A DOG IS MORE WILLING TO PLEASE THEN PREDATORY THERE IS NO ISSUE. IF A DOG WOULD RATHER CHASE THAT BIRD THAN ANYTHING ELSE IN THE WORLD...WELL THAT WON'T WORK. REMEMBER, WE CAN'T PHYSICALLY CORRECT THESE DOGS. THEY NEED TO NOT DO SOMETHING BECAUSE THEY WANT TO PLEASE US...NOT BECAUSE WE CAN MAKE THEM NOT DO IT.
WarriorCanineConnection Brinsmom - Do you find goldens and labs about the same in ease of training to be service dogs, or do you find one breed takes to training a little better? Also, how do you compare the 2 breeds as to their adapting and bonding with their wounded warrior? Any differences? I have owned 3 goldens and they are such devoted dogs - am wondering if labs are similar in their desire to please their master. Thank you for sharing your wisdom! - I THINK THAT THERE ARE DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES WITHIN IN EACH BREED. JUST LOOKING AT HOLLY'S LITTER - PENNY LOVES TO BE WITH PEOPLE. HOWEVER, SHE DOESN'T WANT TO SNUGGLE THAT MUCH. SHE WILL COME FOR A HUG OR A PET BUT WHEN IT IS TIME TO SLEEP SHE IS HAPPY TO LIE NEXT TO YOU. RUBY WANTS TO BE TOUCHING YOU AND SNUGGLING ALL THE TIME. RAIN (MY BLACK LAB) WOULD CRAWL INSIDE MY SKIN IF I LET HER. SHE WANTS TO BE TOUCHING ALL THE TIME. THERE ARE OTHER LABS THAT I HAVE HAD THAT ARE MORE LIKE PENNY. THE KEY IS THAT WHEN WE LOOK AT POTENTIAL PLACEMENTS WE MATCH PERSONALTY. RICK IS HAPPY TO HAVE A DOG THAT WANTS ATTENTION CONSTANTLY (HUFF) - I PREFER A LESS NEEDY DOG (OLIVE). IF HUFF WAS MY SERVICE DOG IT WOULD NEVER WORK OUT. HE WOULD DRIVE ME CRAZY ASKING FOR ATTENTION AND I WOULD NOT MEET HIS NEEDS BECAUSE HE WOULD NOT GET ENOUGH. DOES THAT MAKE SENSE?
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
October 25, 2012 (morning)
WarriorCanineConnection Sorry I didn't make it to questions last night. I had a big project I am trying to get finished. I went to bed just after midnight and realized it as soon as my head hit the pillow. I'll add those two into the questions tonight.
WarriorCanineConnection Misty has had two progesterone tests run. The first when she was very early in her cycle and on Tuesday. The first was .3ng and the one on Tuesday was 1.2ng. We will test again today. We are looking for a number that is at least 5.0 and then that the test that very next day is much higher, like doubled. So if we test today and the number is around 5.5 and then tomorrow we have a number like 11 or 12...we know that she has ovulated. Dogs do not ovulate mature eggs - it takes 48 hours for them to be ready to be fertilized. Once we know she has ovulated we will (very quickly) alert Rogues owner to collect and overnight Fed Ex his semen. The vet (his owner is actually a vet) will collect Rogue, add an extender to help the sperm stay healthy, cool it down (like a refrigerator...NOT freezer) and ship overnight. A special box is used that is insulating and keeps things from freezing - that would kill the sperm. When it gets to us we will slowly warm the semen (hold the vial in our hand) and then inseminate into Misty. There are two kinds of insemination we might use. One is a regular vaginal insemination where we will use a pipette and put the semen just on the outside of the cervix and the other is a Trans Cervical Insemination or TCI. A TCI is when they use a very small pipette attached a an endoscope like camera. They thread that small pipette through her cervix and deposit the semen directly into the uterus. The bitch is not sedated for either procedure. We will make the decision on what method we would use once we see what the semen looks like upon arrival. Sometimes some of the sperm die and then you would want to use the TCI because they don't have to work as hard to make it through the cervix. We will do this twice, days 2 and 4 after she has ovulated. We will calculate her due date as 62 days +/-1 day after she ovulates. Approximately 28 days after the last breeding takes place we will have an ultrasound done to confirm pregnancy.
WarriorCanineConnection I am okay with her waiting until tomorrow to ovulate - that would be my guess based on her previous history and her number on Tuesday. That would mean a Sunday breeding - which can't happen with no Fed Ex. We would have to breed on Monday and Tuesday instead. The longer she waits to ovulate the better - it gives us more time after Christmas!
WarriorCanineConnection We can also freeze dog semen. It is just a different process than what we are using - fresh chilled semen. There is one other method of insemination that is a surgical insemination. This is most often used with frozen or otherwise compromised semen. They put the bitch under general anesthesia and make a very tiny incision into the abdomen and pull out the uterus. The vet will inspect the uterus for cysts or any abnormalities that might lower the probability of a successfull pregnancy. Cysts can be manually popped to remove them. Then they inject the semen right into each uterine horn.
WarriorCanineConnection One of the benefits of frozen semen is that you can hang onto it for years and years. My goal is to be able to collect and freeze the boys before they are neutered. Then I could store that semen and use without needing to keep the male from being a working dog. (all assistance dogs must be spayed and neutered). I could see how long the dog lived, what kind of worker they were, any illnesses they might develop...and then only use the dogs that lived long lives with few illnesses. That is one of the problems with breeding. I could use a 7 year old Golden male to sire a litter. He could die shortly after from cancer. I couldn't predict that and now I have a litter with a parent that had an early cancer death.
WarriorCanineConnection I don't know the answer to how long semen can be frozen. I know that I a friend of mine had a litter a few years ago from 20 year old frozen semen. It is best to freeze the semen when the dog is at his prime..like 2-3 years of age. Breeding doesn't always have to be this technical. I just have strong feelings about bringing more dogs into the world. If I am going to do it I want to ensure that I am doing it for a good reason. Of course, to provide service dogs is a GREAT reason...but I should also be improving with each generation. Genetics isn't black and white so there will always be problems. It is very easy to grab two dogs and stick them together...that is how we end up with problems.
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
October 25, 2012 (evening)
WarriorCanineConnection PuppiessSocute - Thank you for great info! I appreciate how you put things so clearly - "WE CAN'T PHYSICALLY CORRECT THESE DOGS. THEY NEED TO NOT DO SOMETHING BECAUSE THEY WANT TO PLEASE US...NOT BECAUSE WE CAN MAKE THEM NOT DO IT." That just makes so much sense now! I am trying to help my daughter to train her rescue pup with help from watching videos of you & Rick but I couldn't explain it as well as you have right there. Also reading about the cuddling personality - our puppy likes to be touching/thinks he is still lap sized - then he can he presses his chin on our chest or head if he can - would that be for attention (which he gets!) or someone told me he is trying to be dominant? Should we correct that? Thanks! - IF IT IS A BEHAVIOR THAT YOU DON'T LIKE THEN STOP IT. IF YOU DON'T MIND/LIKE IT THEN DONT' WORRY ABOUT IT. KEY IS THAT YOU ARE DECIDING WHAT IS APPROPRIATE AND WHAT IS NOT.
WarriorCanineConnection Aly14 - I know that service dogs and guide dogs for the visually impaired differ in their function.You've shared a lot about what makes a good service dog and the specific things you look for.If a dog could had the proper temperament to be trained as a service dog, would they also have what it takes to be trained as a guide dog?I imagine (thought I really have no idea) the training could be quite different, but would similar temperament and qualities be looked for in the dog to begin with?Do you ever have occasion to work with a wounded warrior with PTSD or a TBI who is also visually impaired in the training of a puppy? - GUIDE DOGS AND SERVICE DOGS HAVE MANY OF THE SAME QUALITIES BUT ARE ALSO FAIRLY DIFFERENT. GUIDE DOGS NEED TO HAVE A LITTLE MORE "OOOMPH". THEY HAVE TO MAKE DECISIONS *FOR* THE HANDLER (DON'T WALK INTO THE BUSY STREET, DON'T WALK UNDER THAT LOW POLE, ETC). I AM NOT SURE IF THIS IS A FEDERAL OR STATE THING - BUT IN CALIFORNIA YOU MUST HAVE A LICENSE TO PLACE A GUIDE DOG WITH A VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSON. THAT IS NOT THE CASE TO TRAIN/PLACE A SERVICE DOG.
WarriorCanineConnection 2rotsnayorkie - Speaking of Halloween and the distractions that come from that: QUESTION FOR MOLLY. You've talked about predation, but what about aggressiveness in a dog? Are you looking for a totally docile dog? Reminds me because Halloween and trick or treaters are very stressful for two of our dogs, but not one. I recall one day when I was watching Levi was upset by something that was going on outside the pen. Tail down, kind of hiding behind things. - A SERVICE DOG CAN NEVER HAVE ANY AGGRESSIVE TENDENCIES - EVER - NO MATTER WHAT THE SITUATION IS, NO MATTER HOW STRESSED THEY ARE - THEY CAN *NEVER* SHOW ANY AGGRESSION. THE SITUATION YOU DESCRIBE WITH LEVI WAS SHOWING FEAR - NOT AGGRESSION. THOSE ARE TWO VERY DIFFERENT THINGS. LEVI IS A SOFTER DOG. HE CURRENTLY IS EXACTLY WHAT I WANT FOR A SERVICE DOG. HE IS SOFT AND SENSITIVE, HE TAKES A VOICE CORRECTION SERIOUSLY, HE MIGHT BE CONCERNED ABOUT SOMETHING BUT HE RECOVERS AND GETS OVER IT VERY QUICKLY. HE WAS AWESOME AT OUR FIELD TRIP TO THE PUMPKIN PATCH ON SATURDAY AND AFTER THAT HE WENT TO THE NAVY FOOTBALL GAME AND HANDLED THE CROWDS, TAILGATERS, ETC LIKE HE HAD BEEN DOING IT HIS WHOLE LIFE. IF A DOG HAD TOO MUCH FEAR THEN THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE A SERVICE DOG. SO FAR NONE OF THE HALF DOZEN ARE DISPLAYING ANY INAPPROPRIATE FEARS.
WarriorCanineConnection Has the cost of freezing samples for insemination come down now that it is being used for all kinds of purposes? Or do you literally keep them in your freezer??? How are they stored? - SEMEN FREEZING TAKES VERY EXPENSIVE EQUIPMENT. THIS IS SOMETHING DOG BY THE VET AT THE VET. SEMEN IS STORED IN "STRAWS" INSIDE A LIQUID NITROGEN TANK. TO HAVE SEMEN COLLECTED AND FROZEN IT IS USUALLY AROUND 300.00 PER COLLECTION. EACH COLLECTION CAN GET ANYWHERE FROM 2-8 BREEDINGS. THEY USUALLY COLLECT THE SEMEN AND FREEZE IT. A FEW DAYS LATER THEY WILL TAKE ONE STRAW AND THAW IT OUT AND LOOK AT IT UNDER THE MICROSCOPE. THEY NEED TO SEE HOW MUCH OF THE SPERM SURVIVED THE FREEZE/THAW PROCESS. THEY USE THAT INFORMATION TO PLUG INTO A FORMULA TO SEE HOW MANY OF THE STRAWS WOULD BE NEEDED TO MAKE UP A "BREEDING'.
WarriorCanineConnection OH, AND YOU PAY A YEARLY STORAGE FEE PER DOG TO KEEP IT FROZEN. IT IS USUALLY AROUND 100.00 PER YEAR PER DOG.
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
October 26, 2012
WarriorCanineConnection Update on Misty - her numbers were still at only 1.5. We will test again tomorrow morning :-)
WarriorCanineConnection chelsie's mom - the test for Misty. Are you able to do this at home or do you have to keep taking her to the vet? Come on Misty you can do it!!!! - THIS IS A BLOOD TEST. ALTHOUGH I AM CAPABLE OF DRAWING BLOOD MYSELF, IT STILL NEEDS TO GO OFF TO THE LAB. MY VET ACTUALLY HAS THE MACHINE IN THIER OFFICE AS WELL - IT IS LIKE A 60,000 MACHINE SO NOT MANY VETS HAVE ONE. THESE TEST ARE ABOUT 70.00 EACH. SO FAR WE HAVE RUN THREE. I EXPECT TO RUN AT LEAST 2 OR 3 MORE.
WarriorCanineConnection MtM -Something I always struggled with our golden was clipping her nails. She HATED this. I was as patient as could be but she would put her mouth over my hand, as if to say NO! She had a very "soft" mouth and never bit - it was her way of showing me she wasn't happy. Eventually I got it done but it was never pleasant. We will hopefully be bringing a new pup into our home next year and I would like our thoughts/suggestions on what I can do to avoid this with the new pup. One other question, what type of shampoo do you use? A long time ago I had a shampoo that really seemed to help lessen the shedding. Is there really such a product or, is it the daily brushing that is the most helpful? I have learned so much from you and appreciate everything you and your team does for our wounded warriors. - NAILS - TOUCH FEET EVERY SINGLE DAY. MAKE IT PART OF YOUR DAILY ROUTINE. I USE A DREMMEL (NAIL GRINDER) INSTEAD OF CLIPPERS. I THINK THAT DOESNT' HURT AS MUCH. I USE A FEW DIFFERENT SHAMPOOS. I DON'T GET THE CHEAPEST AND I DONT' GET THE MOST EXPENSIVE. I ALWAYS WATER IT DOWN SO IT ISN'T VERY HARSH AND RINSES EASILY.
WarriorCanineConnection iluvdogs - WITH THE STORM "SANDY" COMING IN YOUR VICINITY, WEATHER CHANNEL (I KNOW ALL ARE PREDICTIONS) AND POSSIBLE FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS ETC, DO YOU HAVE A BACK UP PLAN IF ROGUE ISN'T ABLE TO GET THE GOODS TO YOU IN MISTY'S SHORT WINDOW OF TIME? I know you "deal with stuff as it comes" but, wondered if you had a "frozen stash" of goods close if you needed to make it happen. I know that you always have a plan A,B,C and D.........so my guess is you are prepared. LOL - WELL, USUALLY IF I HAVE EVERYTHING IN PLACE FOR MY PLAN B TO HAPPEN THEN PLAN A WILL WORK OUT. I AM STILL PLANNING ON HAVING ROGUE'S GOOD SHIPPED AND THAT ALL WILL BE FINE. JUST IN CASE I AM LOOKING AT A FEW BOYS THAT ARE WITHIN DRIVING DISTANCE AS BACKUP. HOPEFULLY IT WON'T BE NEEDED - NOT BECAUSE THE BACK UPS ARE OF LESS QUALITY - JUST BECAUSE I REALLY LIKE ROGUE AND WANT ROGUE PUPPIES!
WarriorCanineConnection puppyluv MOLLY - what preparations are you making in advance of "Sandy"? - UMM, LISA AND I PICKED UP THE TOYS OUT FRONT. I BOUGHT AN EXTRA CASE OF WATER AT COSTCO. WE SHOULD PROBABLY GET SOME GAS FOR THE GENERATOR THIS WEEKEND. THAT IS IT.
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
October 28, 2012 (Sunday evening)
WarriorCanineConnection Hi everyone. Just returned from a visit at the in-laws. So far so good. We have gas for the generator and candles and lots of firewood.
WarriorCanineConnection In other news. MISTY HAS OVULATED!! We are going to have semen shipped from CA tomorrow for a Tuesday arrival. Now we all must pray, cross our fingers, think positive thoughts - whatever it is that you do - that we get the shipment with no problem. If all goes as planned Misty will be inseminated on Tuesday and Thursday. We will do an u/s to confirm pregnancy just after Thanksgiving and pups would be born around Dec 30th. Maybe New Years babies!
October 29, 2012 (Monday morning)
WarriorCanineConnection We are all still doing fine. Soggy, but fine. No winds have started. I am taking Misty to the vet to be sure her hormone levels are climbing and we are still on track for tomorrow. I normally wouldn't worry but if we need to come up with a back up plan the number will give me more of an idea how long we have.
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
November 2, 2012 (morning)
WarriorCanineConnection Hi Everyone. I have questions to be answered and I am going to do that this morning. I have been out with a headache for about 24 hours. Ugh. I do want to clear up one comment that I read. There is NOTHING "brutal" about breeding. Someone posted that if this was Misty's first breeding it would be brutal. I have been doing this for a long time - and it is not brutal.
WarriorCanineConnection lynnesky QUESTION FOR MOLLY (no urgency-when you have time and feel like talking about breeding again) Does Nike carry the chocolate gene? Went on Blue Knights site you gave us about coat colors to see if there might be chocolate pups in Misty's litter, but don't know if Misty is an "eeBB"(no chocolate); or, "eeBb"(carries chocolate) Also, obviously, do not know Nike"s genetic makeup. Just curious...thanks so much for all you do and keeping us informed! Prayers to all who are suffering from the storm damage. - ALL OF THE PUPPIES WILL BE YELLOW.
WarriorCanineConnection Wuvtai5 QUESTION FOR MOLLY - I know how busy you are with Plan B for Misty but as you know so many of us looked forward to seeing Mia as well as the puppies and big dogs every day. If you have the time can you post of photo of her in her Hallloween custume? I completely understand if you can't due to privacy issues.-LOOKS LIKE IT HAS ALREADY BEEN POSTED.
WarriorCanineConnection jch@ MOLLY - DOES MISTY HAVE TO BE INSEMINATED TUESDAY OR DOES SHE HAVE A COUPLE OF DAYS?? - MISTY WAS BRED VIA SIDE BY SIDE AI ON TUESDAY AND THURSDAY. SIDE BY SIDE MEANS THAT THE MALE WAS COLLECTED RIGHT IN THE SAME ROOM AND THEN INSEMINATED INTO MISTY.
WarriorCanineConnection iluvdogs@ MOLLY -- DO YOU/RICK DO THE DEED OR DOES MISTY HAVE TO GO TO THE VET? P.S. - SO HAPPY YOU GUYS ARE SAFE!!! (pretty sure this refers to the FedEx delivery...) - I TOOK MISTY TO THE BREEDERS PLACE AND WE DID IT OURSELVES.
WarriorCanineConnection lynnesky QUESTION FOR MOLLY: since the new "papa" dog is local, will the two breed naturally or will insemination still be used? Are there reasons for one method being preferred over the other? Also very glad that you were all safe during the storm. Rainfall amounts in your area looked huge! - IT JUST DEPENDS ON THE BREEDER/DOG. IT SEEMS MANY LABRADOR BREEDERS PERFER TO DO ARTIFICIAL BREEDINGS. THERE ARE ALWAYS RUMORS THAT GET STARTED ABOUT DISEASES AND SUCH. PLUS, WITH ALL OF THE SHIPPING SEMEN THESE DAYS MOST MALES ARE COLLECTED MORE THAN THEY ARE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO BREED NATURALLY SO THEY GET LAZY.
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
WarriorCanineConnection Question time!!! lynnesky - After the recent scare on the Dane's site, where mom accidentally sat on puppy and it had to be saved by people, I wondered if this was something you worried about/watched for with your mom dogs & pups? Or, is it just because Danes are so huge that this becomes a problem? - IN MY EXPERIENCE IT DEPENDS MORE ON THE DAM THAN THE SIZE OF THE DOG. I HAVE HAD VERY CAREFUL MOMS AND OTHERS THAT WERE VERY CLUMSY. I HAVE LOST ONE PUPPY FROM MOM LAYING ON IT AND ALMOST LOST ONE. THE "ALMOST' WAS VERY EARLY IN MY CAREER. I HAD BEEN UP MOST OF THE NIGHT WHELPING THE PUPS. THE DAM, TAY, WAS ALSO EXHAUSTED. I WAS SITTING NEXT TO THE BOX AND MUST HAVE FALLEN ASLEEP. I WOKE UP AND DID A HEAD COUNT AND WAS MISSING ONE. I MOVED TAY AND THE PUP WAS UNDER HER AND WAS NOT RESPONSIVE. SHE HAD MILK COMING OUT OF HER NOSE AND MOUTH. I RUBBED HER AND RUBBED HER AND THOUGHT SHE WAS A GONER. RICK EVEN SAID THAT IT WAS TOO LATE. I WAS GOING TO WRAP HER UP IN A TINY SHEET AND WAS SO UPSET. THEN I FELT A HEART BEAT. I KEPT RUBBING HER AND BREATHING INTO HER (IT WAS A BLUR - THE EXACT TIMELINE WAS PROBABLY A MINUTE BUT IT FELT LIKE FOREVER) AND THE PUP STARTED SCREAMING!! THAT PUPPY WENT ONTO BE A DIABETIC ALERT DOG FOR HER OWNER AND IS DOING GREAT ALL THESE YEARS LATER. THE PUP I LOST WAS VERY SAD. I HAD TWO LITTERS AT ONE TIME. THEY WERE BORN 4 DAYS APART. I LET ONE MOM OUT TO POTTY AND WEIGHED THE PUPS. I MADE THE TERRIBLE MISTAKE OF NOT GETTING HER COMPLETLEY SETTLED BEFORE LEAVING THE ROOM FOR JUST FIVE MINUTES TO WEIGH THE OTHER LITTER OF PUPS. I CAME BACK AND MOM HAD LAYED ON THE PUP AND HE WAS GONE. IT WAS DEVASTATING. I FELT HORRIBLE AND STILL CRY ABOUT IT NOW.
WarriorCanineConnection Streak - if it does turn out that one of the pups does not do well with their initial training (heaven forbid), are they somehow trained for another "service"' perhaps companion pups or therapy pups? Somehow still trained to the benefit of Wounded Warriors? - IDEALLY ALL OF OUR DOGS WILL GO TO BE A SERVICE DOG FOR A VETERAN, A FACILITY DOG IN A HOSPITAL OR FACILITY FOR VETERANS OR ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY OR AS A PET TO A MILITARY FAMILY (IF ALL OTHER OPTIONS ARE NOT VIABLE AND WE DECIDE THE DOG SHOULD BE A PET). HOWEVER, OCCAISIONALLY A DOG NEEDS A DIFFERENT KIND OF HOME/JOB. I CURRENTLY HAVE A DOG THAT I WAS GOING TO USE FOR THE BREEDING PROGRAM BUT SHE HAS TOO MUCH ENERGY AND DRIVE. SHE WILL MAKE AN AMAZING PERFORMANCE DOG IN AGILITY OR OBEDIENCE. SHE WOULDN'T BE HAPPY BEING A COUCH POTOTATO PET OR LIVING WITH SOMEONE WHO IS AT WORK ALL DAY. I WILL PLACE HER WITH SOMEONE THAT WILL DO LOTS OF TRAINING WITH HER TO KEEP HER STIMULATED AND TO COMPETE IN SOME KIND OF PERFORMANCE EVENT. I THINK IT WILL BE EASY TO FIND SOMEONE THAT DOES THAT BUT IF I ADD A STIPULATION THAT THEY MUST BE MILITARY IT MIGHT BE HARD. I HAVE TO MAKE THE BEST CHOICE FOR THE DOG TO LIVE A HAPPY LIFE.
WarriorCanineConnection Aly14 - Did you select the puppies "official" names? Hope you're feeling better - I MUST DO THIS TODAY OR TOMORROW AND GET IT DONE!!!!
WarriorCanineConnection mhennan - How are the renovations coming on the garage? Do you anticipate it being ready for Misty's litter? And, I'm patiently waiting for post Thanksgiving news. :-) Hope you are feeling better, too. - I HOPE IT WILL BE.
WarriorCanineConnection crowie - Can you explain the differences in the training between NiCOE and Ft Belvoir also how you decide where to send each pup for their training. Thanks Molly. - THE TRAINING IS THE SAME BUT THE POPULATION OF WOUNDED WARRIORS IS DIFFERENT AT EACH LOCATION. SOME FOCUS MORE ON BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND SOME ALSO DEAL WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES AS WELL.
WarriorCanineConnection sandydogs - All good karma here! In the interim as we wait for word on Misty and other WCC goings-on, if you'd care to share we were all wondering how sweet Miss Mia made out on the plane trip? Is it your first time travelling by plane since she's been a busy toddler? Her legion of EPW fans wondered whether she liked looking out the window, slept the whole time, or was a handful for you. We can all appreciate the challenges of travelling with a little one. Glad you had a good trip! - MIA WAS A TROOPER. THE TIME DIFFERENCE WAS ROUGH ON HER BUT SHE ENJOYED HERSELF.
WarriorCanineConnection Thanks to all of you for your support! It means the world to us, the dogs and the Warrior Trainers. I will be back for questions in the morning...I need to get some sleep while I can.
WarriorCanineConnection Ugh - I forgot about the questions. I am so sorry everyone. Thanks again for all of your support. I have not entered the 25kgiveaway yet. I am going to do that this weekend. Voting doesn't open until January so we have plenty of time. PLEASE, Pretty Please...vote for us on the Walmart contest. I put it on our FB and am going to do it again. I am running out to a training class and will be back tonight to answer question. I am also going to practice some video again for answering questions...I hate seeing myself on the webcam!!!!
WarriorCanineConnection Harli's-mama QUESTION FOR MOLLY, WILL THIS COMMENT SECTION STILL BE USED FOR QUESTIONS, AND YOUR REPLIES, ONCE MISTY'S LITTER ARRIVES? I SURE HOPE SO! - I ASSUME THIS COMMENTS SECTION WILL REMAIN THE SAME.
WarriorCanineConnection luvanimals QUESTION FOR MOLLY: Do you know of any book or website where someone can learn about basic dog training and learn more about temperament and behavior? I volunteer at a shelter and would just like to learn more. - YOU KNOW, I AM NOT SURE. IT HAS BEEN SO LONG SINCE I HAVE READ A BOOK I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT IS OUT THERE.
WarriorCanineConnection LisaBG QUESTION FOR MOLLY.... is beautiful Holly a family pet... or is she going to be leaving? This question may have already come and been aanswered...shes just so beautiful.. and was wondering how is she doing? - HOLLY WILL LIVE HERE FOREVER. SHE IS DOING GREAT - ALTHOUGH HAS HAD HER "GREAT SHED" AND LOOKS NAKED. HER COAT WILL COME BACK IN SOON.
WarriorCanineConnection chelsie's mom QUESTION FOR MOLLY...have you heard if you are eligible for the local contest where we could vote so that you could possibly win $5,000 to put towards the garage? - I AM 99.9% SURE WE WILL GET THE FINAL APPROVAL TO MOVE FORWARD ON THE GARAGE SOON. UNTIL THEN I FEEL THAT I MIGHT JINX SOMETHING IF I START ENTERING CONTESTS BEFORE THAT. THE MOMENT I HEAR I'LL BE ENTERING THE CONTEST.
WarriorCanineConnection JulieMillard MOLLY - JUST WANTED TO KNOW HOW YOUR TRIP WENT & DID YOU GET SOME MUCH EARNED REST? HOPE SO :) - NOT A TON OF REST BUT GREAT TO CATCH UP WITH MY BEST FRIENDS.
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
November 20, 2012
WarriorCanineConnection Hi All - here to answer questions. Misty has been acting as if she is starving. I increased her food by a tiny amount and am feeding her and divided it so she gets an extra meal. All good signs!
WarriorCanineConnection himmichigal ~ When do you anticipate the garage renovation to be completed? - We are looking to start by mid-December. We have some moving around of things to do before we can get started. They said that a total of 3-5 days for the work. Then we will look for volunteers to help paint. Then we will start setting up the area. I want to get a few more grooming tables so the Wounded Warriors with balance issues can pet/groom the dog up on the table. We will set up the training area and get some shelving or cabinets to store all the dog program supplies. We are even thinking of looking for someone who could do a mural on the wall. I am really excited about this!
WarriorCanineConnection KYbeagle - HOLLY HAS SUCH BEAUTIFUL PUPS -- IS THERE ANY CHANCE YOU WOULD CONSIDER LETTING HER HAVE ONE MORE LITTER OR WOULD THAT JUST BE TOO MUCH FOR HER? - Holly does have beautiful and smart puppies. However, this last litter she ended up having a c-section because her uterus had actually started to tear. I wouldn't chance breeding her again. She will happily enter motherhood retirement and enjoy helping to raise future litters of puppies.
WarriorCanineConnection razorbackal - Have you had any discussions with explore.org about getting a second weather proof outdoor camera for Misty's litter. That way you wouldn't have to be moving the camera back and forth between indoor and outdoor. - We actually have two cameras. We just never got them both working on the router. I think that by the time we got the second camera it was so close to the time that the pups were leaving that we never finished.
WarriorCanineConnection Oh, I don't think that there will be much outside time for this litter being in the winter time. Maybe some quick romps in the snow but that is it.
WarriorCanineConnection streak - Seems SDP has/gets a bit more coverage and support from Explore/Dog Bless You. Are you perhaps re-working your arrangements with them so WCC can benefit from all that they share? - I think that they have been very supportive of us. Of course, I don't know what SDP has arranged with them and I think that they are more comfortable asking for things :-). I think that once Misty's litter is here things will be back to being more equal. There is no doubt there is plenty of support to go around.
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
November 26 & 27, 2012
WarriorCanineConnection WendyH - How old is Misty? - Misty is 5
WarriorCanineConnection AJules - I'm curious if you would ever consider breeding one of yor labs to a Golden, or vice versa? What would be the benefits or drawbacks? You would still know the pedigrees of both parents but when you mix breeds like that, do you have the possibility of unexpected traits cropping up?- Some organizations have great success breeding Lab/Golden crosses (often referred to as LGX). I have not ever had much success with that so I choose not to do that.
WarriorCanineConnection himmichigal ~ I realize the time would vary given a live birth or a C-Section delivery...... but when would you anticipate we would be able to view Misty's Puppies on live cam?? ☺♥ - I plan to start the camera as soon as all pups are here safe and sound. If it is a c-section it will be just after we return home. If it is a natural birth as soon as she is done.
WarriorCanineConnection ou microchip the puppies? (I asked this while the Half Dozen were still on the cam, but I don't think I ever got an answer.) - I use AVID chips. They come pre-loaded in a Syringe. The chip itself is about the size of a grain of rice. The needled on the syringe is hollow and the microchip is at the base of the needle. I insert the needle and then when I push the plunger down the microchip is pushed through the needle, out the tip and into the skin.
WarriorCanineConnection CherylCannone - Where do things stand with the garage? Have people been there working yet? Please share photos when you have time :-). Have a great day <3 - They have been out to measure once. The electrician is coming back out on Thursday. I am guessing they will start next week.
WarriorCanineConnection BrendaS - It's totally understandable to NOT want to go live with the births of Misty's litter..However can you video it like the one from Bergin?- If she has them naturally I will video it. If she has a c-section I won't video that because I don't want my vet to worry about being on camera and to concentrate on the surgery. My reasoning for not wanting the whelp on camera is because I want to focus on Misty and not where the camera is and if I am blocking it, etc. Still births are part of the process. I prefer that people see that having puppies isn't all fun and games. It might make people think twice about randomly breeding their dog. Besides bringing awareness about our organization that is the biggest thing I'd like for people to learn.
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
December 2, 2012
WarriorCanineConnection Streak - Has Misty been acting differently? I remember she was getting a little more to eat but anything else that sets her apart as a Mommy to be? Sleeping more? Moody? - She just seems to be hungrier. Most of my girls really don't show many signs of being pregnant until they are so big they feel crappy. 11 hours ago
WarriorCanineConnection bigjacqmo - Do the other dogs know that another dog is pregnant and if so how do they treat them different? - I am sure they know but don't seem to treat her differently. When a different dog is here I notice they smell her more
WarriorCanineConnection GayleW - HOW DID THE DOGS ACCLIMATE WHEN YOU BROUGT MIA HOME AFTER SHE WAS BORN? ALSO, WERE THEY AN EXTRA SET OF EYES/EARS TO HELP YOU; ALERTING WHEN SHE CRIED, NEEDED DIAPER CHANGE, ETC.? I KNOW DOGS HAVE A GREAT SENSE OF SMELL, DID IT EVER COME IN HANDY? (NOT TRYING TO BE INDELICATE, JUST THOUGHT THE AMAZING TALENT THESE FUR BABIES HAVE IS ENDLESS!) :o) - Mia was 5 weeks early and spent some time in the NICU. I was home and going back to the hospital to see her for those few days. I am sure that I brought smell home for them to start to get used to her. I honestly never even thought it about it. She came home and was right into the whelping box with me and Holly :-). Olive and Rain were the most interested and nurturing to her. It all is such a blur those early days.
WarriorCanineConnection CindyWillsSmith - I just scrolled through to see your comments about video taping the birth of Misty's pups. (I totally understand and saw most of the SDP Danes births and know that it got dicey.) I realize that still births are part of the process but, do dogs miscarry all together or do just they end up with still borns pups? - Stillborn pups are somewhat common - especially during LONG whelps were the bitch tires and they are sitting in there too long. Pups can resorb as can entire litters. I think that some puppies resorbing are fairly common (we saw one resorbing pup in Misty's ultrasound, but the pups on either side of it had nice strong heartbeats), but less common for the whole litter to resorb. Bitches actually aborting or miscarrying can happen but again, not as common.
December 5, 2012
WarriorCanineConnection Hi everyone. I have been out the last week with a terrible migraine. I am finally back to myself and trying to get caught up. That is kinda a funny idea...being caught up :-). Our room upstairs is filling up fast with all the wonderful gifts! If you sent a notice with the gift you will get a thank you note. If you send an e-mail to me then we will also send a thank you. On the larger items that won't get used (like the grooming tables or hairdryers) we will put on there "donated by.....". If for some reason you don't want your name posted just let me know! On the things that we will be using (like toys) then I will try to post pictures of the dogs using them. I just wanted to pop on and say thank you! We have a big weekend again this weekend and then construction will start on the garage. I am debating on posting progress pictures or one album so you can see it all from start to finish. Okay - back to work! Thanks everyone!
WarriorCanineConnection I guess what I am trying to say is THANK YOU!!!!! I am still not sure that this is real! It feels like a dream. I think that is why I have been so quiet. I am a very superstitious person and just feel like if I outwardly enjoy it too much then something bad will happen. I know, I am weird...
WarriorCanineConnection Someone asked about when we will use the supplies. We right now are putting the office supplies with our office supplies and then all of the dog related items are going into the spare room in the house. Once the garage is open we will be setting up grooming tables and cabinets to store things, etc. The grooming tables are used not just to groom but for the Warriors that can't get on the floor with the dog the dog can be up with them. I am saving the bones and such for the new litter as I just personally bought a bunch of Nylabones for the house dogs. The treats are getting split among the various training programs, etc. Once we get organized in the garage we will have a place for everything! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
WarriorCanineConnection REGARDING STORIES AND SUCH - I am working with explore to figure out how to handle. As it stands right now, stories and ideas are okay to post - AS LONG AS THEY ARE NICE AND RESPECTFUL!! Stay tuned...
WarriorCanineConnection jch - was Home Depot able to come through with their donation of supplies? - CONSTRUCTION STARTS MONDAY 12/10!!!!!
WarriorCanineConnection KYbeagle - I never thought about the tables being used to raise the dogs for Warriors who can't get on the floor witFFSDh them. Would there be some other items that could be re-purposed like that and would be things that you could use in the training programs? - THERE ARE MANY THINGS THAT WE USE FOR A DIFFERENT / REVISED PURPOSE THAN INTENDED. IN TERMS OF THINGS TO USE TO MAKE THINGS EASIER FOR THE WARRIORS...WELL, ONCE THE GARAGE IS DONE AND WE LOOK AT SPACE AND THE BEST USE OF IT I AM THINKING OF GETTING A FEW BEAN BAG CHAIRS SO THE WARRIORS CAN SIT COMFORTABLY ON THE FLOOR WITH PUP. AT ONE OF THE TRAINING LOCATIONS WE HAVE A XXXXXLARGE DOG BED THAT THE WARRIORS CAN SNUGGLE RIGHT UP TO THE DOGS FOR A NAP. MANY HAVE SLEEPING PROBLEMS DUE TO NIGHTMARES AND SUCH - WHEN WITH THE DOGS THEY ARE SLEEPING GREAT!
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
WarriorCanineConnection I did see two questions. 1) Brinsmom - yes we did get your grooming table! Thank you SO much!! It is possible that there was no packing material to let us know who sent it. The grooming tables didn't have any info attached to know who sent it. We figured out the other two and were pretty sure you were the third. Can you e-mail me so we can send a proper Thank You?
WarriorCanineConnection Someone asked about Misty and when she would go to the vet next. Well, typically they go for an x-ray 1 week before their due date. Thanks to the Holiday schedule I am not sure if we will go for the x-ray on the 22nd (8 days before her due date) or the 27th (3 days before her due date). I need to ask my vet so will let you know. I am more than likely going to do a c-section with Misty. She has had two prior c-sections and I just don't want to risk losing any pups. I much prefer a natural whelp and usually never default directly to a c-section - but this go around my gut is telling me that I should really do a c-section. We will make the final decision closer to the big day.
WarriorCanineConnection Question answering time :-)
WarriorCanineConnection grlsctldr What is Molly's time table for the completion of the garage remodel? In time for the new babies? Will they be there? or in the house? THE GARAGE SHOULD BE NEAR COMPLETION THE WEEK OF CHRISTMAS. PART OF THE PROBLEM IS THAT WE NEED TO GET THE ROOM CLOSED IN AND THEN HEATED BEFORE THEY CAN DO THE FLOOR OR DO THE DRYWALL. THE HEATER PROBABLY WON'T ARRIVE UNTIL THURSDAY OR FRIDAY SO THAT HOLDS US UP A BIT. THE PUPS WILL SPEND THE FIRST 2-3 WEEKS INSIDE WITH ME. DURING THIS TIME I NEED TO VERY CLOSELY MONITOR THEM AND I SLEEP IN THE SAME ROOM (SOMETIMES NEXT TO THE BOX, SOMETIMES IN THE BOX AND SOMETIMES IN THE BED NEXT TO THE BOX) SO I CAN WATCH THEM. ONCE THEY ARE UP, MOVING AROUND AND READY TO GRADUATE TO A BIGGER SPACE THEY WILL MOVE OUTSIDE. I WILL USE A BABY MONITOR SO I HAVE SOUND TO GO WITH WHAT I SEE ON THE COMPUTER FOR THE TIMES I CAN'T BE OUT THERE.
WarriorCanineConnection Deputy Dawg - Are you a Costco member? If yes could you use cash/gift cards for WCC. If not would you like to be a member? -YES!!!!! WE LOVE COSTCO AND WOULD LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE GIFT CERTIFICATES!!!
WarriorCanineConnection CherylCannone - How do you know when Misty is in labor ? Does the vet come to you or do go into the office? - THE FIRST SIGN OF IMPENDING LABOR IS A TEMPERATURE DROP. THIS IS NOT A WIVES TALKE, IT IS A HORMONAL EVENT THAT OCCURS WITH EVERY BITCH - YOU MAY NOT CATCH IT - BUT IT OCCURS. DURING THE ESTRUS CYCLE (PREGNANT OR NOT) THE BITCH IS UNDER HEAVY INFLUENCE OF PROGESTERONE. PROGESTERONE IS A VERY "HOT" HORMONE. IN ORDER FOR THE BITCH TO NOT WALK AROUND HOT FOR 2ISH MONTHS THE BODY "RESETS" ITS CORE BODY TEMP BY DROPPING IT A FEW DEGREES. ON DAY 62ISH THE PROGESTERONE SHARPLY DROPS OFF SIGNALING THE END OF THE CYCLE FOR A NON-PREGNANT BITCH OR FOR THE PREGNANT BITCH TO GO INTO LABOR. THE BODY TAKES TIME TO READJUST AND YOU WILL CATCH A TEMP THAT IS A FEW DEGREES LOWER THAN NORMAL. IF A BITCH IS GOING TO WHELP HER PUPPIES NATURALLY THEY JUST HAVE THEM HERE. IF I AM GOING TO HAVE A C-SECTION THEN THEN WE GO TO THE VET.
WarriorCanineConnection If any of our Puppy Watchers have dogs of their own and feed Purina Pro Plan you can help WCC! On the side of the bag there is a weight circle. Save those circles and send them to us. We can send those off to Purina in exchange for discounts off more food or checks to pay our vet bills. Thanks!
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
Molly Morelli, Director of Dog Programs at Warrior Canine Connection and host of our Puppy Cam, will be posting weekly puppy Q&A to this blog! If you have questions you’d like to see answered about the Puppy Cam or WCC’s service dogs, drop us an email here: feed...@explore.org.
Week 1 - Misty’s Litter / Post by Molly Morelli
CherylCannone - Are you starting to take daily temperature readings? How do you know when to start? I know this is not your ‘first time at the rodeo’ but it’s mine!!! Thanks for indulging me/us!
I typically start taking temps 5-7 days before the due date. I temp twice per day at roughly the same times each day.
SeaglassSchoodic - How soon after a C-Section can the mom start nursing the pups? Wondering what the mom dog thinks of all those new hungry pups that appeared when she was ‘sleeping.’
Once Misty has been extubated (the breathing tube is removed from her trachea) she will lay down on a soft bed in the clinic. We will start putting the pups on her right away. Misty is a seasoned mom, but if I have a first time mom that needs a C-section sometimes they are not sure what happened. Soon enough hormones and instincts kick in. For most of my girls that is right away. The longest I have had a new mom take to have those hormones kick in is about 2 days.
himmichigal - Do you have any plans to have an outside cam when Misty’s puppies are old enough to go outside & play in the snow?
Yep! I just heard last week that they are sending us a camera just like the one that the Great Danes have.
crowie - Hi Molly, how is Levi doing? It is a long time since we saw any new pics of him and I know a lot of EPW’s miss him so much. Thanks.
Levi is doing great. I’ll ask for some new pictures to post. I am sure there are some from the holidays. Rick sees him 3 or 4 times a week.
lynnesky - Did pups get their “official names” yet? Do you give all the WCC house dogs a present at Christmas?
The pups did get official names. I plan to post a pup per day with official names.
Streak - As excited as we are for the cam to come back up for Misty’s litter, what will happen to the highlights for HHD? Will they be archived for us to go back to? I don’t care how many times I watch them, they will forever be in my heart and I’d love to be able to go back to see them when I miss them.
* A note from explore.org: We will be archiving the the Holly’s Half Dozen highlights which are currently running on the website. A lot of the best highlights are already archived here.
BrendaS MOLLY - What day are you planning the c-section? I would have to agree with himmi! The 29th would be perfect.
We had all plans in place for a c-section on the 30th. On Friday (28th) morning I noticed Misty panting quite a bit. I decided to see if she would eat breakfast, take her temp and then call my vet with an update. I was thinking that even if it wasn’t that day we were not going to make it until Sunday. No sooner had I made that plan my phone alerted me to a text from my vet – she suggested we do a blood test because she wasn’t sure we would make it until Sunday. Yes- she is THAT good. She knows my dogs just as well as I do. Fast forward, the progesterone level in her blood was .61. Anything below 2.0 says labor is impending. We did an ultrasound to check that the pups were sufficiently developed and they were – so off to a c-section. The first incision was made at around 2:00p.m. and we were home by 4:00p.m.
Aly14 - Is there any difference between the bonding of the mom with her pups between a natural birth and c-section? Also, in one of the videos from a while back the mom I believe ate the placenta or afterbirth. Is this just cleaning or do they get nutrients from that? If they do get nutrients does a mom need to be supplemented in a different way if they have a c-section?
In my experience I have not had trouble with bonding after a c-section. I have had two first time moms need c-sections. One we had just one puppy so she never went into labor. She did just fine. The other was my Rain – she had had one puppy before needing the section due to a stuck puppy so she had the hormones in full gear already.
There are differing views on if the placenta offers nutritional value. I will be 100% honest…I think it just gives mom diarrhea.
CherylCannone - Any updates to share on the garage renovation? Pouring rain and driving winds here in Lubec, Maine. I hope your weather has calmed down :-)
I do have some pictures. So far the walls are framed in, about ½ of the electrical wires are run, the doors and window have been replaced. I am not sure if I want to do a big reveal at the end or just daily photos. There will be much transition this week so we will see.
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
A big thanks to all the puppy-watchers for joining Tuesday’s live Puppy Cam chat with Molly Morelli, Warrior Canine Connection’s Director of Dog Programs. If you didn’t get your question answered this week, tune in to Puppy Cam next Tuesday at 7:00 pm. Here is this week’s Q&A for anyone who missed it:
crowie: Molly, how did Misty deal with the passing of two of the pups?
WarriorCanineConnection: I made sure she saw the bodies of the two puppies once they passed. Dogs handle things differently - she just pushed them away and went back to her other pups.
rockyryan - AZ: Hi Molly! Do you know how this litter’s names will be chosen?
WarriorCanineConnection: Yes, I do know, but am not telling yet :-)
Wuvtai5: Different breeds of dogs have different traits and personalities. Is the training done any differently with Labs than with goldens?
WarriorCanineConnection: Goldens and labs are very similar breeds in many ways, however every dog is different and we have to adjust training styles for each dog. Some dogs need just a simple “uh uh” to stop a behavior and others need a very sharp, firm “nope.”
tuppycat-NZ: Hi Molly! Are you on target for the move to the garage?
WarriorCanineConnection: Yes, they should be done on Thursday or Friday and then the indoor fencing will be installed over the weekend. We will start puppy petting there next week and it will probably be around then that the pups are ready for a bigger area to run.
BobbiRhodes: Now that the pups seem to be thriving and gaining weight are you still giving them antibiotics?
WarriorCanineConnection: Yes, we will finish the course of antibiotics - I think the last day is Friday.
WendyH: How old will the puppies be when their teeth start to come in?
WarriorCanineConnection: I just felt the first of Ms. Orange’s teeth starting to poke out!
jch: How has Explore and Dog Bless You changed you, Rick and WCC? Could you have imagined that a small camera would lead to this??
WarriorCanineConnection: I could not have imagined this. I am so surprised how much it has touched so many people.
lynnesky: Do these pups nurse more “actively” than some? We all notice the yanking!
WarriorCanineConnection: No, this is how most pups tend to nurse, at least in my experience.
moosemom~WI: Once Misty’s litter is older, will you consider breeding another one of your females? If so, would Olive be the next to breed? And thank you for allowing us into your lives each and every day.
WarriorCanineConnection: In the midst of this litter I said I was never breeding again. Now that we are at this point I of course know that isn’t an option. Olive will be bred to Rogue in April when she comes in season.
2rots: Molly, in general how are the HDD pups doing? Are all still destined to be service dogs?
WarriorCanineConnection: Right now I see no reason that HHD will not make some kind of working dog.
jch: Have you (WCC) always had puppy petters? Did Home Depot donate ALL labor and supplies?
WarriorCanineConnection: Yes, we have always had puppy petters. The only thing HD wasn’t able to get donated was a heater/air conditioner that was around $2,000.
flipfloppingal: Will you announce when the Home Depot ribbon cutting will be and will it be on the live cam?
WarriorCanineConnection: Yes, we will announce the date and it will be on the live cam.
LDMom - IL: Hi Molly, I was wondering if you did any of the neurological exercises with the pups?
WarriorCanineConnection: I don’t follow the exercises exactly but do do them with each puppy each day.
Harli’s-mama: WCC had to come up with the money for the heater/air conditioner?
WarriorCanineConnection: The EPWs raised a large chunk of money on Thanksgiving day and we were able to use that to buy the heater. You all provided the “warmth” to our puppies. How sweet is that?
lynnesky: Is Penny “home” for an extended stay? How do other dogs react to her?
WarriorCanineConnection: Penny was having a hard time finding a diet that worked for her. I brought her here to have a vet visit and for me to evaluate. She is such a lovely dog. She is going back “home” on Thursday though.
Maxi: How did Misty come to live with you?
WarriorCanineConnection: Misty was a show dog. She just doesn’t have very much coat to be shown against the “big dogs.” She had her first litter (Olive’s litter) and in that litter she had a daughter that has been very successful in the show ring.
Brinsmom: Holly and Misty appear to be exceptional mothers - am I right? They both seem so caring, attentive, and nurturing.
WarriorCanineConnection: I will not ever breed a dog a second time that isn’t a good mother the first go around. Mothering has such a profound affect on these puppies.
Erin R: Molly, you said that Misty came to you after being a show dog. Was she a rescue?
WarriorCanineConnection: Not at all. She was owned by a very reputable breeder that is a friend of mine. He knew that she would produce awesome service dogs so he sent her to me.
puproar: Do you tend to use show dog lines vs. field lines for your breeding program? Or either or both?
WarriorCanineConnection: Show lines. Field dogs have too much chase drive.
karmackayo: Molly, assuming that the phenomenon of the HDD with FB pages and all is new for you… do you find it fun to watch us EPWs react to HHD adventures and what do you think of all the cool expeirences they are having?
WarriorCanineConnection: It is so amazing to me. It makes me happy to see so many people care about the dogs like I do.
chateauchocolatier: Molly, do you ever have dogs that for whatever reason don’t make it through the service dog training - and therefore need a home? (hint hint)?
WarriorCanineConnection: We do, very, very occasionally have a dog that can’t be a working dog.
gmm - MA: Are labs like goldens in that the ear color is an indicator of their adult color?
WarriorCanineConnection: Oftentimes they do end up the color of their ears.
lll644: So is Olive the only potential Mommy you have right now? Will you keep Holly and Misty?
WarriorCanineConnection: Right now Olive is the only girl I have that is of breeding age (at least 2) and has all appropriate health clearances (hips, elbows, eyes, heart and a few DNA tests). I have a few in the pipeline that are potential broods though.
baxterbear: The pups are too young to interact with the older dogs….at what age can the older dogs visit? It’s ok for the cats to come by though?
WarriorCanineConnection: It’s more that Misty wouldn’t be comfortable having adult dogs around. I just like to keep things calm and stress free for everyone.
weinke: What age do you begin brushing teeth and how often should it be done? I’ve never seen it addressed. Thanks.
WarriorCanineConnection: We start by just having our fingers in their mouth (at this age) and then introduce the toothbrush around 5-6 weeks or so.
Maxi: Are Misty and Olive closer to each other than the with the other adult pooches because of their Mom/Daughter bond?
WarriorCanineConnection: It is clear to me that mothers always “know” their children but I don’t see any real special bond with those two.
LauraBryson: What is your favorite command to teach the puppies?
WarriorCanineConnection: I like teaching the “sit” and “wait” commands because it makes my life easier.
crowie: When the pups tug on Misty when feeding, is that to squirt the milk into their mouths?
WarriorCanineConnection: It helps to bring the milk down.
tuppycat-NZ: At what age will you introduce the puppies to other food?
WarriorCanineConnection Once they have sufficient head/neck control - usually somewhere between 3 and 4 weeks.
Brinsmom: Do you have any part in the placing of the dogs with the warriors, or is that strictly Rick’s or someone else’s job? You get to know the dogs (pups) so well and know their personalities.
WarriorCanineConnection: I am very involved in the placing of the dogs.
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
This is from Molly's life chat on 1/22/13 - I'm reposting from the Dog Bless You blog.
Puppy Q&A with Molly Morelli: Week 2
Maxi - How does Olive feel about her new half siblings? Is she too mature now to feel jealousy? Misty and her pups are heaven on earth!
So far the adults only have been able to smell that there are puppies in the house but have not spent any time in the same room as the puppies. I really don’t think that any of my girls would hurt a puppy, but it certainly isn’t worth the risk of that or having Misty stress to allow it to happen. Once the pups are bigger they will interact with the “aunties.”
CherylCannone - Can they ever nurse too much? Seriously, is over eating something that has to be watched?
Puppies can overeat and get a gassy tummy, but that doesn’t happen very often. They are pretty good at self-regulating.
goldenlove - Probably a strange question, but where is Misty’s incision?
The incision for a C-section is the same as for a spay, but larger. Midline on her abdomen. It is a vertical incision (think head to toe) as opposed to a human C-section which is more of a horizontal line.
CherylCannone - Do you have any info that you can/want to share regarding the passing of beloved Ms. Pink and Mr. Black? Are there specific things that you have to be concerned with at each stage of development? Love being able to witness these miracles develop.
We do have preliminary necropsy results from Cornell University. We went to great expense to determine cause of death with these puppies. Once we have final results I will let everyone know.
LDMom - Do you do any early neurological stimulation exercises with the puppies?
We do not do the exact routine that ENS calls for but we do incorporate the exercises into our daily petting sessions.
2rots - Not being critical at all as I have never done this, but diverdown48 brings up an interesting point. Why is it necessary to keep arranging the puppies at Misty’s teets? Would they not go to her naturally? Is it because you feel they are still not out of the woods?
I have always been a very firm believer that pups should find the teat themselves or they will always need your help to get there. Well, that went out the window when nursing puppies was the only indication of health that I had. The only sign that Black and Pink had prior to dying was that they didn’t nurse. In Black’s case I noticed him slowing down nursing but he still would attempt to latch but slip right off. Pink wouldn’t nurse at all for just the 3 hours or so prior to death. Of course, this made me want to see these puppies nursing ALL the time.
LDMom - During some close up shots, it looks like their little eyes are opening some. Is it my imagination? Or maybe I need new eyeglasses?
These guys have tons of pigment like their mama. You are seeing dark eyerims come in, but no eyeball yet. I have not done any official study on this but I really think that pups development (not just whelping date) also seems to be counted from Ovulation in the bitch. I have had bitches carry pups a day or so past “due date” and those pups would have eyes open by like day 12. These pups came roughly 2 days early and they are at day 14 tomorrow and not even a crack in the corners yet.
CherylCannone - Can puppies at this stage gain too much weight too quickly? When will their legs start to lengthen?
No, they really can’t gain that fast. As soon as they start getting up on all fours you will see their legs stretch out.
Slipper - Are your females the only ones that breed for WCC?
I do not have any boys intact for breeding right now. I have two of Rain’s Patriotic Puppies that I am looking at for breeding. They will be collected and have their semen frozen before neutering. I don’t breed often enough to keep them out as stud dogs and they are so amazing they need to be out there working. A young dog that is collected can sometimes get 3 to 4 breedings out of each collection. I could collect and freeze 3 times and have plenty of semen to use in the future.
CherylCannone - Does each pup have a unique smell? How does Misty know that she’s “cleaned” each one?
Well, I can’t smell anything but I bet Misty can.
grlsctldr - How long do the pups usually stay in the box? And will they go straight from the box to the garage? If not, where will they be?
Depending on the size of the litter the pups can usually stay in the whelping box for 3-4 weeks. They will go directly from the whelping box to the new Puppy Enrichment Center. I am trying to avoid the term “garage” because newcomers might really think I am throwing puppies in the garage.
moosemom - When do the pups start pooping? I know from Holly’s pups that the Mom will clean up after her pups due to instinct, but I haven’t see any of that type of activity from Misty yet. Just wondering.
The puppies are already producing poops but Misty cleans up. Actually, due to the antibiotics they already have stinky poops.
goldenlovers - Are the puppies born with their baby teeth or do they develop after birth like human babies? I’ve never been around newborn pups and I wondered? Thanks!
Puppy teeth will start to emerge around 3.5 weeks. I will try to get some photos of them coming in for you to see.
Streak - How much did Misty weigh before pregnancy? During? And will she lose the weight from pregnancy naturally or will you put her on a diet?
Misty is a short and stocky girl. She is very heavy boned and weighs more than you would expect. I keep her around 75lbs. She weighed in at 92 before she gave birth. She had roughly 7lbs of puppy and the rest was fluid and placenta.
BrendaS - Molly, do you have any recent weights?
The pups are all at or close to 4lbs. I will post weights with the 2 week photos.
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
These are questions that Molly answered on Explore on 1/27/13:
WarriorCanineConnection 2Rots - One of the things I don't see that I saw with HHD was the little white box in the pen that played sounds I believe? You also indicated with HHD that you played conditioning sounds like thunder, etc. Is there "noise" in the Enrichment Center? – We still have not unpacked the boxes and bins that were moved to the barn while we were renovating. So much of my puppy stuff is in there…that toy being one of those things. I will be slowly unpacking and organizing over the next few weeks. Right now there is a radio out there and when I am out there working I usually play music on my computer.
WarriorCanineConnection Wuvtai5 - Will any of these kids to attending kindergarten? Thank you – I am not yet sure.
WarriorCanineConnection The Lioness Den - I was wondering if the Big Dogs who live there have outdoor kennels, and if so are they very vocal dogs? I only ask because I wondered if any of your neighbors ever complained - and if so how do you handle it. I am considering getting a dog and just trying to be prepared in case it gets really vocal while outside in the yard or kennel area. Someone did tell me from their visits that there are no outside kennels and that Huff is the only real "barker" .... Wondering if you have had any issues in the past with barking dogs and neighbors who complained. – We do not have much barking. Huff likes to bark and Olive will yap when really excited. Last week a group of people showed up unexpectedly. There were seven dogs out front. They all came into the fenced in yard and knocked on the door and I only heard one bark from Macy (my old girl). We don’t have any outdoor kennels. The dogs live in the house with us.
WarriorCanineConnection The Lioness Den - when the
dogs are being trained as service dogs for warriors with physical disabilities
- does it include any aspect of guard dog training as well? As awful as it may
be to consider I am sure there are people out there who would target a disabled
veteran for robbery because of their physical challenges - are the WCC service
dogs trained to ward off an attack - or would their instinct to defend and
fight for a member of their "pack" - actually their Alpha - take
over? – We do not and will not ever train a dog for protection. Actually, as
candidates for membership for Assistance Dogs International it is against our
code of ethics to train a dog for any kind of protection. One of the challenges
we face is that some people think that dogs for those with PTSD should be
trained to “clear a room” or “watch my back”. We feel very strongly that
training a dog to do such tasks just allows the handler to engage in unhealthy
thought processes. We prefer to use the dog to teach the handler that there is no
longer a need to “watch my back” or “clear a room” because they are not at war
anymore.
WarriorCanineConnection tinksmomMO - How many pups,(in your time with WCC) have successfully placed with a disabled Warrior? Do you have the opportunity to see them again, once placed? WCC has only been in existence for 1.5 years (although Rick and I have both been in the industry for almost 10 years and Rick started the first program that used the training of the dogs as a therapeutic intervention for Wounded Warriors). Our first graduates will be ready to go in just a few months and we will place 3 dogs with Wounded Warriors or as Facility Dogs.
WarriorCanineConnection Bentonsperson - Why is bitey-face such an important part of puppy development? – The pups are learning (and practicing) respectful play practices and bite inhibition.
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
· These are questions that Molly answered on Explore on 1/28/13:
The WarriorCanineConnection Ms.Lady -ARE THE PUPS ALL DONE TAKING THEIR ANTIBOTICS?? WAS THAT TO PROTECT THEM FROM WHAT HAPPEN TO MR. BLACK & MS. PINK?? – They are done with their Antibiotics. The Antibiotics were given as a precautionary measure. Right now it looks as if the two pups that passed away had Pneumonia that led to sepsis. While it looks as if it was a bacterial pneumonia we are still waiting on the final virology report. We know it was a pneumonia/sepsis but we do not know how they got it or even when they got it.
·
· WarriorCanineConnection Nika15 - I had seen in a post the other day that you might use the angel dog CD for your puppies. Just wondering if that's true and if you know f that CD would work for a 4 year old dog? – We do use that CD. I am not sure how it would work for an older dog.
·
· WarriorCanineConnection tinksmomMO - I noticed puppies chewing on your fingers, is this a stimulas for their teething? – they are teething and they are not allowed to bite hard. If they do they get a “nope” and a toy is given instead.
·
· WarriorCanineConnection KYbeagle - Misty seems very friendly and welcoming to new people. Is there any special procedure used to introduce her to new puppy petters? –Misty says “forget those puppies, pet me!” She is a very social dog and just really loves all people all the time.
·
· WarriorCanineConnection Maxi - Will cutie-pie Olive meet her new half siblings on camera? If so, may we have notice of the day and time? – I am not sure when big dogs will get introduced. It usually isn’t something I plan. I just happen to think of it or a big dog sneaks in when I am not paying attention.
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
WarriorCanineConnection rescuemom - Have you had any dogs that are afraid of storms and thunder? If so, how did you "treat" it? – Macy (my old, non-service dog) is terrified of storms. Interesting fact – Macy was born here on the East Coast and lived the first 3 years of her life here. The rest of our dogs were born on the West Coast where there are no Thunder Storms at all. Macy is the only one that totally freaks when a storm rolls in. I just deal with it – I am not exactly sure how to “treat” it.
WarriorCanineConnection Wuvtai5 - Just checked out Sunkissed Goldens web page - lots of pupies in those litters. How do you make sure all puppies get mommies milk when there are more little mouths to feed then faucets. Do you supplement for bottle feeding. Thank you. – Some mothers are able to keep up with the milk production and some you do need to.
WarriorCanineConnection karmackayo - I realize this might be a safety hazard.... but is there any way to keep ric rac streamers/tails on their collars? I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who can't make out collar colors. BUT IF IT ISN"t a safety concern... – yes, that might be a safety hazard.
WarriorCanineConnection moosemom - What type of stuffing is in the brown bed that the pups and Misty sleep on? – It is a regular dog bed covered in a waterproof cover.
WarriorCanineConnection Georgesmom - ARE YOU GOING TO REPLACE LISA? - Yes
WarriorCanineConnection catsdrool - Why does Misty go to the litter box and cover up the poo from the puppies? I thought only cats did that. – I have not a clue. I am trying to discourage it because she makes such a mess.
WarriorCanineConnection BettyKennedy - do mother dogs suffer from post-partum depression? – Not in the same sense that humans do. They do most certainly have hormonal imbalances. Some mothers will eat their puppies (I have never had that happen!), neglect their babies (again, not me) and I think that might be something similar to human PPD.
WarriorCanineConnection Actually dogs in the wild EAT the poop - not bury it.
WarriorCanineConnection Hi everyone. The guys are finishing up but I am heading to bed. I am leaving the area nice and small for the night. I am hoping this will contain the mess a bit so I don't have such a disaster when I wake up in the morning :-). I do get up to check on the during the night but if I am still feeling like this I won't be cleaning up poop until the morning. Tomorrow will be more rearranging and more camera moving. Never a dull moment around here!
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
These are Molly's answers to questions on 2/4/13:
WarriorCanineConnection CherylCannone - Does Mia call the puppies by name? She always looks like she's carrying on detailed conversations with them :-) – No, she just says “puppy, puppy, puppy” over and over.
WarriorCanineConnection lynnesky - (whenever you feel well enough to respond) Did pups get fed in separate bowls today to ensure each got his/her share? We've all seen the food dish "surfing" when they use the other bowls! or, was there another reason? Thanks! – I do want them just to eat their share which is why I feed in separate bowls. If I need to give them dewormer in their food and don’t want to take a chance on them getting more I just feed them in separate corners to be extra sure
WarriorCanineConnection CherylCannone - Are they eating straight up kibble now or is it still softened? Do use Greenies, specifically the ones to keep their teeth clean? – It is somewhat soft but is starting to have a crunch to it. I do not like the Greenies because they do not always chew them and the large chunks can cause intestinal issues.
WarriorCanineConnection DanaMo - I was wondering what the training process is for the puppies. I know they are in peoples homes right now, and they go to Walter Reed during the day with people who are working there, but do they come to the facility on weekends and do training exercises with you? I am referring right now to the HHD litter. How are they doing with the training? – They are all in Puppy Parent homes. Some of them go into one of the training locations for daily training. We have classes once a month as a group and I talk to them frequently. All are doing great.
WarriorCanineConnection Beagleluv - OK, I have to ask.....is there a story behind the furry hats? They keep making an appearance. :-) – Those friends are Rick’s friends from a long time ago. Actually, they are the ones that gave him the first Gabe! They were just hats that they thought were funny. No real exciting story. Just guys being guys…
WarriorCanineConnection ItsJustMe - WHEN DOES THE CRATE TRAINING BEGIN??? OR HAS IT ALREADY? – Probably around 7 weeks for this group.
WarriorCanineConnection NEWS - Misty will not be sleeping with the puppies tonight. She is showing less interest in being out here for bedtime and it is time for me to start weaning them. It won't be long before they will be in crates. Time is flying by!
DeborahBudkaLeTual one of the pups was sleeping on the bed against the wall, and their foot slipped down between the bed & the wall, I'm afraid they are getting bigger & might slip down between the wall & the bed! WarriorCanineConnection DeborahBudkaLeTual - There is not nearly enough space for that. There is a rolled up blanket to make the 1/2 inch gap smaller. It sits pretty tightly against the wall. Don't worry - got it under control ;-)
6doggiemom-AZ How is the potty training going?! WarriorCanineConnection 6doggiemom-AZ - It is getting better. Every day there are less accidents. Poop is almost 100% in the box.
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
These are Molly's answers from the live chat on Tuesday, 2/5/13 - Reposted from Explore.org
We had a great time with you and Molly Morelli during Tuesday’s Puppy Cam Live Chat! We learned about litter box training, vaccinations, and even Molly’s opinion on dog parks. Here’s this week’s chat log; we can’t wait to see you again next Tuesday at 7:00 pm ET.
iluvdogs: Molly, when Bea arrives next week, how long will she be with you before going to a puppy parent?
WarriorCanineConnection: Bea is scheduled to arrive on the 12th. I am not exactly sure when she will leave but I expect her to stay with us for 2 or 3 weeks so I can get to know her and she can get to know me.
Maxi: Misty and Holly are both very involved, patient and caring moms. Moms that I have viewed on other cams seem much less so. In your opinion, is this attributable to the individual personality of each dog or to the breed itself?
WarriorCanineConnection: Every breeder has traits that they look for in their mother dogs. It doesn’t make one breeder right or wrong.
TriciaA11: Hi Molly - will the puppies still be spending time with Misty?
WarriorCanineConnection: Misty will go back to spending time with the pups tomorrow. I wanted to give her a day to dry up a bit.
NancyBowmanPiltzecker: Will the pups stay litter box trained for their lives given the circumstances they may be going to where they won’t be able to be let out on a whim?
WarriorCanineConnection: The litter training is only for puppy hood. Of course, if you wanted/needed to train an adult dog you might be able to.
PeggyB: I have a nearly 14 year old lab, and would like to rescue my next dog. I’d prefer another female lab. Any suggestion as to how to find a rescue lab without “baggage?”
WarriorCanineConnection: I think that most rescue dogs have baggage. You could certainly check into your local lab rescue and get lucky!
brandy’smom: Is Misty nursing them at all now, and how many times a day do they get solid food?
WarriorCanineConnection: They are getting solid food 3-4 times per day depending on how hungry they are acting.
TriciaA11: What age will the puppies be when they go to their placement houses for training…or do they stay with you for that?
WarriorCanineConnection: The puppies will go to Puppy Parent homes anywhere between 10 and 16 weeks of age.
moosemom~WI: With the new space, we have new “toys.” How do you decide which toddler toys are appropriate for the pups? Why bring in the cute bear bed (not that I don’t love seeing them all up on there sleeping)?
WarriorCanineConnection: I just try different things. I have many friends that are breeders and we love to talk about our flea market finds. The bed is just something I like to keep them up off the floor and it looks pretty cute.
gr8rswisslover: What are the puppies weighing these days?
WarriorCanineConnection: I will weigh them again later in the week but probably around 9 lbs.
Wuvtai5: Have the kids shown any interest in going outside?
WarriorCanineConnection: They do not know what outside is. They can see it but vision isn’t so great yet. It is just so cold here. They might get a quick run outside when they are a bit bigger.
joene2222: Will there be updates on these pups in their new environment? We all have become attached as to what they will be doing.
WarriorCanineConnection: I do plan to keep everyone updated on the pups. We are also going to be launching a brand new website in the next few weeks that will have tons of info on all the dogs.
mhennan: Molly, I don’t remember with HHD, but when do you start loose leash training typically?
WarriorCanineConnection: I would like to start that in the next few days. I use an easy walk or sensation harness as I don’t want pressure around the neck. I hold treats by my leg and dispense as we walk. It doesn’t take long for them to get it.
moosemom~WI: Do you notice changes in their fur colors? On the cam, I notice some have darker spots in different places, but was just wondering if there is a big difference in person?
WarriorCanineConnection: Yes, they are changing. Breeze is very white like her mom and Derecho is getting darker.
GaltDaisy: Will we be able to see the pups’ first bath?
WarriorCanineConnection: They will be bathed inside the house as there is no plumbing out there. I can take pictures but can’t bring the camera in. It is way too heavy to move around and it has so many wires.
Jedi Senshi: I am curious why Misty had a C-Section?
WarriorCanineConnection: Misty had two previous c-sections before she came to me. I didn’t want to take a chance on trying for a natural whelp and have scar tissue or something cause a problem.
Okie.puppy.love: Hi Molly, greetings from Oklahoma! Thank you for all that you do; truly inspirational and do a FANTASTIC job raising the puppies, even when you feel like poo. How many of your current WCC dogs are placed with wounded warriors? Or still training?
WarriorCanineConnection: WCC has just been around for about 1.5 years. Rick and I both have been in the industry for about 10 years so we forget how new the actual organization is. Our first dogs will be graduating in the next few months. The actual date is still up in the air.
craftyr: Which dogs are the first graduates?
WarriorCanineConnection: Navi, Gabe and Ron will be first graduates.
PeggyB: I love to see them eat and to see Mia visit. Is there a set schedule? I tend to see sleeping pups. Not that they’re not cute when they’re asleep, but I love the silliness of them eating, and Mia is a doll!
WarriorCanineConnection: I wish I could hold to a schedule…but life is so crazy around here and we do what we can when we can do it.
2rots: All of your dogs look absolutely great! Can you share what kind of shampoo you use?
WarriorCanineConnection: Umm, right now I think I am using a bottle of Groomers Edge Desert Almond Shampoo. I like mid-priced shampoo…not the cheapest and not the most expensive.
KYbeagle: Has there been a litter where you had to bottle feed some of the pups? (By the way, I love the “official” names of this litter).
WarriorCanineConnection: Bottle feeding can be very dangerous, especially in a weak pup. I prefer to tube feed and yes, I have had to do that before. There are not nipples that are shaped like a dogs nipple and it can be easy for a dog to aspirate on the milk causing problems.
rockyryan - AZ: Are you noticing any individual “personality” traits yet?
WarriorCanineConnection: Yes, starting to see personalities emerge. Breeze loves to just sit and watch you and Flurry loves to snuggle.
MtM-WA: Would you please give us you opinion on off-leash dog parks? Our puppy trainer recommended NOT taking our pup to one due to possible dog agression that could traumatize the pup. Do you think they are good places for mature dogs?
WarriorCanineConnection: My opinion on dog parks. (KEY WORD OPINION) - I avoid them. I find that people do not pay attention to dog body language and things happen that are totally unfair to the dogs.
Cossack2: Mia always looks so good handling the puppies — does she ask to come by to see them?
WarriorCanineConnection: Mia asks constantly to go to see the puppies. I have to remind her that she can’t love them so hard! She just wants to hug them so tight. They keep coming back for more so they don’t seem to mind it.
PupRsq: Hi Molly. How do you choose the right food for your dogs? There is SO much out there!! I try to avoid corn as a top ingredient…thoughts??
WarriorCanineConnection: My stand by is Purina Pro Plan. I have fed it for years and years and like it. If a dog isn’t doing well on that food I try something else.
puproar: Molly, the bed with steps impresses me as an inspired way to teach them stairs and let them play. Have you used steps like this before?
WarriorCanineConnection: Yes, I used this bed with similar stairs when I worked for another program.
PuppyDogLover: What is your favorite part about watching Mia interact with the puppies?
WarriorCanineConnection: I love to see how much love she has for the puppies and how much joy she has when around them. The trainer in me is happy that the puppies are getting used to the unpredictable nature of a toddler :-)
grlsctldr: Are you finding a similarity between raising Mia and raising the puppies?
WarriorCanineConnection: Puppies and toddlers are very similar..but puppies are SO MUCH easier!!!!
KYbeagle: Will Bea strictly be a service dog or might she be a candidate to have a litter in the future? I looked at her breeder’s web site and her parents are beautiful.
WarriorCanineConnection: There is always the potential that Bea might have a litter. That is two years away and she would need to pass all health clearances and be what we are looking for breeding. If she were to be bred she would still be placed as a service dog after.
moosemom~WI: With the 3 graduating soon, have you received any feedback from the Warriors affected by PTSD? Personally, I know my day is better watching the pups than not.
WarriorCanineConnection: We get feedback all the time about how much the dogs help!
Maxi: Molly, how do you feel about vaccinations? There is controversy over too much or too little.
WarriorCanineConnection: I think vaccines are VERY important. Parvo has been rearing its ugly head recently and that scares me.
Maxi: Re the vaccines: do you prefer individual and spaced out vs. the 3 in 1, for example?
WarriorCanineConnection: I do some combo vaccines but not the crazy 5 or 6 things in one shot and I do space them out quite a bit.
cbwmama: Molly — is the garage connected to the house or do you have to fight the weather to get to it?
WarriorCanineConnection: The garage is very close to the house. Two or three steps in the weather…not bad at all.
Jessie’sMom: Molly, is there anything that surprises you with each litter?
WarriorCanineConnection: Everything surprises me :-). Nothing is ever exactly the same so they always keep me on my toes.
patte: Molly, which of the pups has the most outgoing personality… or are you able tell yet? Flurry reminds me of Levi! :)
WarriorCanineConnection: I am not sure who is the most outgoing yet.
lynnesky: Is this the first winter litter? Thinking it may be easier in better weather, or no difference from your point of view?
WarriorCanineConnection: I much prefer summer litters but can’t tell the girls when to cycle.
WarriorCanineConnection: My other “winter” litters were in California :-)
jjay-Ohio: Molly, is it easier to potty train golden or labs? Or the same?
WarriorCanineConnection: I think potty training is the same for any breed.
moosemom~WI: With training right around the corner, what “rewards” do you give your dogs when they complete the task asked?
WarriorCanineConnection: If I do not have a nasty cold and feel crappy I start training much earlier. I then use the milk replacer Esbilac made into a paste form as treats.
WarriorCanineConnection: The next step and what I will use are the Natural Balance Food Rolls cut into tiny pieces.
Maxi: When there is a very large litter vs. a very small one, what are the major pros and cons re training etc?
WarriorCanineConnection: The number of pups just changes the amount of time it takes for daily training.
Jessie’sMom: What basic command do you feel is hardest for pups to learn? My lab/doxie dog did well with most except “come”…odd, I thought.
WarriorCanineConnection: ”Wait,” meaning wait at a threshold is usually hardest.
craftyr: Are Rain’s boys being considered for future breeding?
WarriorCanineConnection: Freedom will be neutered early March. Sam and Indy will both have their semen collected and frozen before neutering. They will have all the health clearances needed for breeding as well. I will have their semen for future use but they can go be working dogs.
Erin R: How often does a female come into heat?
WarriorCanineConnection: They cycle every 6 to 9 months. I notice that my labs tend to be like clockwork every 6 months and then my goldens are longer…like every 9 or 10 months.
DaraNarsiff: Is Olive’s sire chosen yet? Do you know who he will be?
WarriorCanineConnection: Olive will be bred to Rogue, the dog that Misty was supposed to be bred to.
WarriorCanineConnection: I think Olive will be a mix between Holly and Misty.
PuppyDogLover: Being retrievers, I’m sure this comes more naturally to this breed than others, but how do you train your pups to bring you an object?
WarriorCanineConnection: I toss the toy in a hallway or corner…they have no choice but to bring it back to me then. They get tons of praise and treats.
rockyryan - AZ: What color puppies do you anticipate from Olive/Rogue?
WarriorCanineConnection: Rogue is black and Olive is yellow = black and yellow pups.
peribeth: Stupid question…these dogs are not left in a darkened room with candles and flowers and have nature take it’s course? You do it by hand?
WarriorCanineConnection: peribeth - not stupid. Sometimes that is the case, but not always. I want to have genetic diversity and produce the very best dogs possible. Distance often gets in the way of the candles and flowers.
katiehiggins: Molly, did you grow up with dog breeding and training or is this something you have learned to do in your adult years? (Sorry if this has been asked before.)
WarriorCanineConnection: I grew up with labs but not breeding and not really training.
WarriorCanineConnection: I usually had 2 labs at any given time growing up.
lynnesky: Do you (or Rick) have to maintain a “steady” supply of pups for the PTSD/TBI training? Meaning, do you have to be constantly planning in advance how many pups/when?
WarriorCanineConnection Yes, I have to always be thinking of how many dogs we will be needing for any given time. Also taking into account any new programs on the horizon.
Cossack2: The three that are graduating soon - is it known the warriors that they will be placed with?
WarriorCanineConnection: No, we will not make final placement determinations for quite sometime.
jpl: Did Rick grow up with dogs?
WarriorCanineConnection: Rick always wanted a dog but his mom wouldn’t let him have one.
katiehiggins: How far have people traveled to be a puppy petter? I live in Indiana, and I think about trying it sometime!
WarriorCanineConnection: Texas has been the farthest!
Ms.Lady: Will you do a live cam for Olive’s litter??
WarriorCanineConnection: We have not discussed it with Explore but we are not sure what we would do with pups and no live cam now! It is like or our new normal.
Wuvtai5: Does WCC help with any costs of caring for a dog after being assigned to their forever home? A dog can be very expensve and it would be a shame for a WW who needs a dog to have to not get one because of expense.
WarriorCanineConnection: We do not pay for everything when the dog is placed. There are programs to help…International Association of Assistance Dog Partners is one of those organizations.
deniseraeb: If someone wanted to get into becoming a dog breeder, what would be the best way to learn?
WarriorCanineConnection: Find a mentor in the breed. Trust me, there is so much heartache in breeding. It is a labor of love for sure.
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
These are answers to questions that Molly answered on 2/9/13:
WarriorCanineConnection karmackayo - so where does the wheelbarrow full of litter box pellets go? – the pellets are just compressed pine dust. They get dumped in the woods and just disappear. The ones from Holly’s pups are already mulched into the ground.
WarriorCanineConnection Silentbeacon - Have you considered lowering the side of the bed at some point? it seems a few times pups have gone flying over the side and i know they are bouncey and resilient, but there's always the possibility of injury...i am a worrier by nature..... – everyone that comes here comments that the puppies are smaller and things are lower to the ground than they appear on camera. The bed really isn’t high enough to be a danger.
WarriorCanineConnection Nika15 - How did they like their baths the other day? – no, they will next week. I just wasn’t feeling very good and didn’t want to stretch myself.
WarriorCanineConnection CherylCannone - It looks like the puppies are getting straight kibble, is that so and how much at each meal? Is there a reason that they bowl surf even when they haven't finished what's in their own dish? – They get straight kibble now with a probiotic powder on top. They get about ¾-1cup at each meal. They say that the grass is always greener…..
WarriorCanineConnection PatC Q - Is Derecho slightly darker than the others or is that just me? or am I mistaking him for one of the other boys? Yes, he is a bit darker.
WarriorCanineConnection Kaysy - Are you still planning on the pups going to puppy raisers between 8 and 10 weeks? I haven't watched these little ones as much as HHD and it seems Holly was more reluctant to give up "mothering" whereas Misty is like where's my toy? – Somewhere between 10-16 weeks. Maybe a little earlier for some. Holly was much more serious about motherhood. Misty is a good mom but she is less serious about her work.
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
Questions that Molly answered on Explore.org on Wednesday, 2/13/2013
WarriorCanineConnection Q & A time...
WarriorCanineConnection lovegoldens - I KNOW IT'S QUIETER IN THE HOUSE NOT HAVING THE PUPS IN THERE, BUT IS IT EASIER ON YOU HAVING THEM IN THE CENTER AND OUT OF YOUR LIVING ROOM AT NIGHT. THESE GUYS SEEMS TO SLEEP IN LATER. – Yes, it is much easier. The Holly’s pups would wake up when they heard us moving around upstairs. This left me with puppies, adult dogs and a baby all needing attention at one time.
WarriorCanineConnection CherylCannone - it appears from this side of the camera that potty training is going much better, is that so? – Yes, it is going much, much better. They are about 90% in the box.
WarriorCanineConnection grlsctldr - Was Misty's diet different when she was pregnant, and again when she was/is lactating? And was she fed separately from the other big dogs? – My soon to be bred, pregnant and lactating girls all eat Purina Pro Plan Performance Formula. Misty is back to eating regular Large Breed Formula. It is just a matter of more fat and protein in the Performance Formula.
WarriorCanineConnection sueg - When will you start crating the puppies at night? – At around 7 weeks…so very soon!
WarriorCanineConnection moosemom~WI - When do Labs stop growing? Or are they like teenage boys and NEVER stop growing ? ! ? I have a pure-bred lab (dad)mixed with border collie and australian shepard (mom) and he is just over 3 years now. The other night he was laying on the bed and he just seemed like he was fuller, taller. – They stop getting taller around 1 year or so but continue to fill out until around 2 years of age.
WarriorCanineConnection KYbeagle - Grace was looking great (and really BIG). Are she and her sibs fully grown now or will they continue to grow for a while? – They are still growing but will soon reach adult height. They will still need to fill out.
WarriorCanineConnection CherylCannone - when do they start to eat in a more relaxed way? Or do they ever? It seems like they 'inhale' their food. – Labs never eat in a relaxed way ☺.
WarriorCanineConnection karmackayo - Is Bea trained for the litter box or is she already going outside like a big dog? Someone said before your dogs all seem so happy and just welcome new dogs to the pack (i know you need them to do that) and it is nice to see the puppies acting the same way. – Bea was litter box trained but then started going outside. Poor girl is confused. I feel bad for that but know that she is really enjoying her puppy friends.
WarriorCanineConnection CherylCannone - were the edges of the steps ever painted or is that exposed wood all from the chewing pups? – That is a decorative accent provided by puppy teeth.
WarriorCanineConnection mosaic_world - will Bea now be staying with the lab puppies or is this more of a play date? – she will be in there during the day but still in her crate at night. She is doing so well in her crate I want to keep that consistency. It won’t be long before the labs are crated too.
WarriorCanineConnection BrendaS - IN YOUR OPINION IS BEA FULLY ACCEPTED BY MISTY'S GANG? What about Misty, what if the pups try to nurse? Will Bea try too? The other big dogs and Gracie seem to like her. – It seems all is well. Misty has met her and loves her but Misty will not be with the pups until she is dried up.
WarriorCanineConnection blu - do the original people who raised bea use the same type of potty training materials as wcc? – yes, from what I can see from pictures.
WarriorCanineConnection Kaysy - How do you know each pup is gettig his/her fair share? Just looking at their build and weighing them? – I measure what goes into the bowl. I try to watch to be sure that most is gone before bowl surfing begins. I’d say all are getting plenty judging by their plump tummies!
WarriorCanineConnection now I see what you mean about the edges of the stairs - no that part was never painted.
WarriorCanineConnection Bea is having a fun wrestling session with Cadence and Grace while I do a little more work and clean up a bit. She will be nice and tired and ready for bed soon.
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
This is re-posted from explore.org/Dog Bless You Blog - from Molly's live chat on Tuesday, 2/12/13.
Thanks for joining us during Tuesday’s Puppy Cam chat! We learned a lot about WCC’s new addition, Bea, and also got pumped for the Puppy Enrichment Center ribbon-cutting ceremony. We’ll be streaming the ceremony live tomorrow at 10:00 am ET on Puppy Cam, with sound. Don’t miss it!
Murphy’sMom Hi Molly. I was wondering if Bea arrived safely? She sure is cute!
WarriorCanineConnection Yes, Bea is here safe and sound. She just got here. Keek picked her up from the airport.
rockyryan - AZ Where will Bea be staying - in the house?
WarriorCanineConnection Bea will be with me where ever I am.
PatC You mentioned in the regular chat that you’re using the old camera - what happened to the new one? is it ok?
WarriorCanineConnection We were getting the audio set up on the bigger camera. During the time we were testing we were using the smaller camera. We are back to the big camera.
moosemom~WI Do you enlist PPs to help out more with Misty’s litter than you did with Holly’s?
WarriorCanineConnection We are getting our volunteer program organized so we can utilize volunteers more efficiently.
chelsie’s mom Molly, when was Bea born?
WarriorCanineConnection I don’t know her exact DOB off the top of my head…but she is about 10 weeks.
PatC I noticed this past week that all the dogs seem darker, except maybe one. How long does it take before they’re at their ‘mature’ colour?
WarriorCanineConnection I think that some dogs slowly darken all their lives. I am not sure when they really stop getting darker.
moosemom~WI Now that you have been in the PEC for a few days and have some things set up, do you see a need for anything else that would / could make your job easier? (other than another you and 12 more arms lol).
WarriorCanineConnection Actually, the PEC has way more room that I have ever had for puppies!
tuppycat-NZ Not sure if you missed the question, but were you intending to get the pups outside more now if weather permits? They had so much fun earlier with Grace and Cadence.
WarriorCanineConnection Yes, if weather permits but I don’t think we will get many warm enough days.
Maxi Molly, some dogs lighten as they grow up. (My tri color beagle, for example.) Does this vary greatly from breed to breed?
WarriorCanineConnection I am sure that the color thing varies from breed to breed.
PatC Do you find the girls are more assertive than the boys?
WarriorCanineConnection I don’t find any real differences in the girls vs. the boys.
lynnesky Why do you think that pups are driven to tear down signs? Both litters have done this with tons of toys to play with instead.
WarriorCanineConnection They want to tear down signs because they like to explore with their mouths.
Ms.Lady Molly when will Bea be introduce to the puppies?
WarriorCanineConnection I want to give Bea sometime to be sure she didn’t pick up any bugs on the flight before introducing her to the other puppies.
puppyluv Molly - where are you physically located during our live chats? In the house or just off camera keeping an eye on things?
WarriorCanineConnection I am currently at the desk in the PEC.
lynnesky Did Bea fly in the plane or in “cargo?” I don’t think you’d allow cargo, but was asked this by a friend.
WarriorCanineConnection Our dogs fly using a program called Puppies in Flight with USAirways. These are employees of USAirways that are trained to handle service dogs. They can volunteer their time and free miles to fly dogs around the world.
PuppyDogLover How are the pups doing with potty training? Are they reliable yet?
WarriorCanineConnection The puppies are doing amazing with the potty training! Very rarely is there any poop outside of the box unless it was tracked there and just a few pees. Sometimes they put their front end in the box but the business end is outside of the box.
The Lioness Den Molly, is there a benefit to having a service dog spayed or neutered versus leaving them intact? Do the males especially respond differently to training because of the hormones?
WarriorCanineConnection In order to be placed as a working service dog they must be spayed or neutered, according to our code of ethics.
tuppycat-NZ How are you doing with the selection of puppy parents?
WarriorCanineConnection I am going to hold an informational meeting next week or the week after and will start the long process of home interviews, checking references, etc.
WarriorCanineConnection It will be anywhere from 10-16 weeks. I also have a new pup arriving mid-March but he probably won’t be on camera as his PP is one of our instructors so he will go right with him.
chelsie’s mom I understand that Bea came from a liter of 13. What was your largest litter?
WarriorCanineConnection I had 11 in my largest litter. I did have two litters born 4 days apart and had 17 puppies. I will never do that again!!! I want to be sure each of my puppies gets adequate training and attention and with that many I was going nuts.
jeanbean I’m sorry to come so late to the discussion, but who is Bea?
WarriorCanineConnection Bea is a puppy donated to WCC to be trained as a service dog.
tuppycat-NZ Who’s the new boy coming mid-Mar?
WarriorCanineConnection The boy is from very nice breeding. His mom is a 3/4 sibling to Manny (the sire of Holly’s pups).
cam123 Molly are the puppies still on probiotics? I have started these with my girls as a daily routine. You have taught me so much.
WarriorCanineConnection Yes, the pups are still on probiotics.
jeanbean Do you do the training of the dogs there?
WarriorCanineConnection Yes, we do quite a bit of training here.
DaraNarsiff Molly, will Bea ever be considered for breeding a new litter or just for service?
WarriorCanineConnection I do not ever think of breeding a dog until they are much older. They have to pass health clearances at 2 and have to meet all of my criteria for breeding stock. If all goes well she could potentially have a litter before she is spayed and placed.
jeanbean Do the pups do any nursing anymore? How is Misty doing? Does she miss seeing her pups as often as she used to?
WarriorCanineConnection The pups are done nursing. Misty only misses having all the puppy petters :-)
lynnesky You stated these pups are “rough and tumble”- more so than other lab litters of yours?
WarriorCanineConnection No, these are typical labradors.
jeanbean Will it be hard to see the pups go? How long do you have them there before they leave?
WarriorCanineConnection No, it is never hard to see the pups go. I know they are off to bigger and better things.
Maxi When do you recommend a dog first visiting a dentist and/or having a professional cleaning?
WarriorCanineConnection Dogs should go to the vet for a teeth cleaning when they show signs of tartar build up.
Slipper What would you say is your biggest need right now? Besides more sleep =)
WarriorCanineConnection Funds to keep the program running. We desperately need to hire additional trainers to keep up with the demand of Wounded Warriors needing therapy and veterans needing service dogs.
patte Molly, How do you determine which of the puppies will be the first to leave?
WarriorCanineConnection The first pups to leave will be those that have a good PP match and the PP is ready to take them.
WarriorCanineConnection If I have a more active puppy they will go with a more active PP. That is what I mean by matching.
iluvdogs Will any of the HHd pups be at the ribbon cutting ceremony……Levi??
WarriorCanineConnection Many of the HHD Puppy Parents work during the day. I know that Ruby and Lucy will be here. Grace will be here but probably not on camera as I won’t be handling her as I will be busy running around. Her PP’s return soon.
mgatesy After these pups are placed, do you have a time line for another litter?
WarriorCanineConnection Olive will be bred in April when she comes into season. That means pups in June, just like HHD.
rescuemom Have you ever had 2 litters in the house at the same time?
WarriorCanineConnection I did two litters about four years ago. Actually, almost exactly four years ago! Born early Feb. Never again!
doglove Do the puppies have any Valentine’s Day plans?
WarriorCanineConnection No big plans for Valentine’s Day. Just getting ready for our big day Friday.
Maxi What do you tell little children when they inquire, “Where puppies come from?”
WarriorCanineConnection If a child asks me that kind of question I direct them to their parents. Same thing if they ask about what the pups are doing when they are nursing.
tuppycat-NZ Grace and Cadence seemed to leap over the pups a few times too :-) Is it Rogue you are still planning for Olive?
WarriorCanineConnection Yes, Rogue for Olive.
rescuemom The cycles of women who live together sometimes eventually “merge” so they have their cycles at the same time. Does that happen with female dogs that live together?
WarriorCanineConnection Yes, it does happen with female dogs and that can make things challenging.
Kaysy How do the pups always look so clean?
WarriorCanineConnection I am not sure why the pups look so clean. I guess they are clean!
jeanbean Showing my ignorance again, but does every “romantic encounter” between an in-heat female and a male result in puppies?
WarriorCanineConnection jeanbean - I am here to educate so don’t worry about asking questions. No, just ask women do not always get pregnant or sometimes miscarry, the same can happen with dogs.
doglove If Bea for example were not weaned and she were around Misty, would her instinct be to try to nurse?
WarriorCanineConnection Yes, Bea could try to nurse from Misty but she has been weaned long enough that I doubt she would.
Slipper Do these young puppies shed, or is is just an adult thing?
WarriorCanineConnection No, the puppies do not shed a whole lot yet. Misty is shedding like crazy so the puppy petters would leave with a layer of fur on them.
NormaJoe Molly, do you and Rick have access to data from studies that show the relationship from PTSD and dogs helping the healing process?
WarriorCanineConnection NormaJoe - Rick is actually working on a specific study right now about PTSD and dogs. There are not many out there as of yet.
LaurieAllen This is my first time posting, but I have been here since HHD. Is Bea going to be joining Misty’s five?
WarriorCanineConnection I am not sure yet if Bea will get mixed in with the litter or not. I want to give her a few days to settle in and I get to know her personality before making that decision.
2rots These puppies seem to be a little more “bitey” than Holly’s. I know you said they are typical labs, but do you agree they seem to be a little bit more nippy than golden puppies?
Maxi Molly, you and Rick are so young but have accomplished so very much together. Did you initially meet through a dog breeding program?
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
This is a repost from Dog Bless You blog/explore.org. Chat is from (I think) 2/26. It looks like some of the answers have posted on the blog twice. I didn't read through and try to find them all so you will see some duplicates.
Tuesday’s Live Puppy Cam Chat was bittersweet as we all anticipate the Misty’s Litter’s transition from the Puppy Enrichment Center to their new puppy parent homes. Thanks for the informed questions and for your tireless support of WCC.
rockyryan - AZ Hi Molly - How is Derecho doing?
WarriorCanineConnection Derecho is doing great. He is here in the living room with me snoozing away.
WarriorCanineConnection He has a mild form of Entropion. His eyelids roll inward and irritate his eye. As he grows and his head develops it won’t be a problem. In the meantime the vet tacked his eyelid outward so it won’t hurt his eye.
lynnesky Hi Molly, hope you are feeling better. Do you think last night’s mayhem had anything to do with Derecho being outside the main pup area?
WarriorCanineConnection I do think that the problem was that they saw him outside of the pen and didn’t understand why. I was way too exhausted to figure that out but today it was clear to me that was the problem. 30 litters later I still sometimes feel like a first time mom!
kat.e Will Derecho be able to rejoin his siblings before moving on to his PP’s?
WarriorCanineConnection Derecho will head to his Puppy Home for at least 3 or 4 weeks. He is going to a volunteer that is helping me out - she may decide to continue on as a Puppy Parent but we are not sure yet.
Cossack2 Are you surprised how easily the pups adapted to crates, except for last night of course?
WarriorCanineConnection I am surprised at how well they have done with the crates! They are doing great (with the exception of last night)
WarriorCanineConnection As sad as it is to say - it is time for these pups to slowly start to move on. They are hungry for training - more training than you can do with a pack of puppies. During leash training yesterday I saw just how much they want it.
Lorna FL What are the weights of the pups now?
WarriorCanineConnection They were all between 15lbs (Bea) and 18lbs (Derecho) at their vet visit.
Iluvdogs2 Do you have puppy parents lined up for each of them now and how soon will they leave cam?
WarriorCanineConnection Derecho and probably Flurry will head out this week sometime.
Slipper Regarding NICoE, are they going to begin visiting soon, or are they going to begin their time at NICoE once they are placed with their Puppy Parents?
WarriorCanineConnection A few pups are going to NiCOE on Thursday. They are way too big for the whole bunch to go at one time.
WarriorCanineConnection We are not taking any new Puppy Petters for this litter. Yes, we do have Puppy Petting and Appointments are required…e-mail volu...@warriorcanineconnection.org
WarriorCanineConnection You all were sad when Holly’s pups left…think of the joy you get when you get to see updates. Think about how your heart will be bursting when you see them graduate…or maybe see one of the girls with their own pups on the webcam!
tisdeh It looks like the puppies are enjoying the outdoors. What was there reaction like when they first got the scent of the great outdoors?
WarriorCanineConnection It has taken them a while to adjust to the cold, wet grass/mud!
karmackayo How did you get the much deserved publicity for the ribbon cutting? Was that the NiCOE PR folks or some other way?
WarriorCanineConnection Actually, I am not sure how the PR came our way! Our Director of Communications Patty Kennedy put together the whole ceremony.
danaguin Have you ever had a puppy that just wouldn’t accept the crate?
WarriorCanineConnection I have never had a puppy not like a crate.
razorbackal Bea seems to be a very intelligent little pup the way she sits and looks around and seems to be thinking. Do you see this in her?
WarriorCanineConnection Yes, Bea is VERY smart and very sweet. She has lots of potential. I am so lucky to have her!
DaisyDog Do you see any potential breeders in this litter?
WarriorCanineConnection Oh, they are so very young. I won’t even be able to do health clearances before they are two! Our dogs must have hip, elbow, heart and eye clearances to enter our breeding program.
WesleyMac What do they get to do while at NICoE?
WarriorCanineConnection They are learning to be service dogs, they attend appointments and such with the Service Members, and bring lots of smiles!
Baxter’s Mom Will they be going to Walter Reed soon?
WarriorCanineConnection The National Intrepid Center of Excellence is on the same campus as Walter Reed.
LeorAmikam Molly, how can we best help from afar? WCC donations, Amazon?
WarriorCanineConnection YES, YES and YES!!
danaguin Do you notice a big difference in training and development of labs vs. goldens?
WarriorCanineConnection There are many differences in lab and goldens but nothing that makes one better or worse than the other.
Lorna FL How did you learn to be so ‘in tune” with all your animals?
WarriorCanineConnection I don’t think it is something you learn. It is just something you do when you love them.
tisdeh What do you think Bea has taught the puppies, if anything?
WarriorCanineConnection Bea has taught them not to bite so hard when playing!
Paws2luv Will you please give us a heads up as the pups leave, and will you have some form of ceremony such as the HHD pups had?
WarriorCanineConnection I will give you the most advance notice as I can. I am talking with Explore about leaving the camera up in the PEC for training sessions. These pups will have weekly training sessions.
puproar Will you take additional official portraits of the pups before they leave? In their service gear, rather than the party themed photos? I love to see them in their work duds, or in simple settings that focus on the pups themselves.
WarriorCanineConnection There will be one more photo shoot this week.
2rots Realize Misty’s pups are fully weaned and on kibble. Do you and your vet subscribe to the thought that puppies should be on puppy food until they are a year old? Are HHD puppies still on puppy food?
WarriorCanineConnection I leave my pups on Puppy Food (Large Breed) until one year old.
suzyqzee Molly, are the pups being trained for vets that are physically wounded? Are they able to help soldiers that suffer from PTSD too?
WarriorCanineConnection They are being trained for mobility service dogs but can also assist with those with PTSD.
DUKE’s mom Do you match the pups with their warrior or do you do meet and greets and let the dog choose their warrior?
WarriorCanineConnection Trainers work with all different personalities. When dogs are placed with a Veteran or Wounded Warrior they are matched based on personality.
texasundog Are you going to put Derecho back out in the little pen tonight or leave him in your house?
WarriorCanineConnection Derecho will be in the house.
WesleyMac When will the other big dogs be placed?
WarriorCanineConnection Graduation is set for late spring/early summer….maybe another live-streamed event?
MtVmouse I remember you saying that there were a limited number of training spots at Natl Intrepid. Is that purely a financial issue? Finding trainers? And how can people help expand the program?
WarriorCanineConnection The space is the problem. However, new satellites are being built and we are pretty sure they are fixing that issue.
Jessie’sMom Hi Molly: In your pie-in-the-sky wishes, do you want WCC to be a national org, or localized on East Coast?
WarriorCanineConnection WE WILL BE A NATIONAL ORGANIZATION SOMEDAY!!!!!!!!!!
WarriorCanineConnection That wasn’t yelling in anger…more of a very definitive statement!
WarriorCanineConnection We just want that someday to be sooner rather than later :-)
WarriorCanineConnection We have amazing support from our EPW’s and others…we can do it!
CurlyPuppyStalker Hi Molly. I just wanted to say thank you for sharing this experience with us. Question, do you know which dog you will be breeding next and when?
WarriorCanineConnection Olive will be bred in April.
Iluvdogs2 Will you be able to use Rogue’s sample or do you need a new one for Olive?
WarriorCanineConnection Oh! Fresh Chilled semen only lives a few days at the most. We will have a new shipment.
rsky1 Not to be gloomy Molly, but how do the pending budget cuts affect you and all the great work? Military seems to be a target?
WarriorCanineConnection So far we are not affected. Fingers crossed it stays that way.rockyryan - AZ Hi Molly - How is Derecho doing?
WarriorCanineConnection Derecho is doing great. He is here in the living room with me snoozing away.
WarriorCanineConnection He has a mild form of Entropion. His eyelids roll inward and irritate his eye. As he grows and his head develops it won’t be a problem. In the meantime the vet tacked his eyelid outward so it won’t hurt his eye.
lynnesky Hi Molly, hope you are feeling better. Do you think last night’s mayhem had anything to do with Derecho being outside the main pup area?
WarriorCanineConnection I do think that the problem was that they saw him outside of the pen and didn’t understand why. I was way too exhausted to figure that out but today it was clear to me that was the problem. 30 litters later I still sometimes feel like a first time mom!
kat.e Will Derecho be able to rejoin his siblings before moving on to his PP’s?
WarriorCanineConnection Derecho will head to his Puppy Home for at least 3 or 4 weeks. He is going to a volunteer that is helping me out - she may decide to continue on as a Puppy Parent but we are not sure yet.
Cossack2 Are you surprised how easily the pups adapted to crates, except for last night of course?
WarriorCanineConnection I am surprised at how well they have done with the crates! They are doing great (with the exception of last night)
WarriorCanineConnection As sad as it is to say - it is time for these pups to slowly start to move on. They are hungry for training - more training than you can do with a pack of puppies. During leash training yesterday I saw just how much they want it.
Lorna FL What are the weights of the pups now?
WarriorCanineConnection They were all between 15lbs (Bea) and 18lbs (Derecho) at their vet visit.
Iluvdogs2 Do you have puppy parents lined up for each of them now and how soon will they leave cam?
WarriorCanineConnection Derecho and probably Flurry will head out this week sometime.
Slipper Regarding NICoE, are they going to begin visiting soon, or are they going to begin their time at NICoE once they are placed with their Puppy Parents?
WarriorCanineConnection A few pups are going to NiCOE on Thursday. They are way too big for the whole bunch to go at one time.
WarriorCanineConnection We are not taking any new Puppy Petters for this litter. Yes, we do have Puppy Petting and Appointments are required…e-mail volu...@warriorcanineconnection.org
WarriorCanineConnection You all were sad when Holly’s pups left…think of the joy you get when you get to see updates. Think about how your heart will be bursting when you see them graduate…or maybe see one of the girls with their own pups on the webcam!
tisdeh It looks like the puppies are enjoying the outdoors. What was there reaction like when they first got the scent of the great outdoors?
WarriorCanineConnection It has taken them a while to adjust to the cold, wet grass/mud!
karmackayo How did you get the much deserved publicity for the ribbon cutting? Was that the NiCOE PR folks or some other way?
WarriorCanineConnection Actually, I am not sure how the PR came our way! Our Director of Communications Patty Kennedy put together the whole ceremony.
danaguin Have you ever had a puppy that just wouldn’t accept the crate?
WarriorCanineConnection I have never had a puppy not like a crate.
razorbackal Bea seems to be a very intelligent little pup the way she sits and looks around and seems to be thinking. Do you see this in her?
WarriorCanineConnection Yes, Bea is VERY smart and very sweet. She has lots of potential. I am so lucky to have her!
DaisyDog Do you see any potential breeders in this litter?
WarriorCanineConnection Oh, they are so very young. I won’t even be able to do health clearances before they are two! Our dogs must have hip, elbow, heart and eye clearances to enter our breeding program.
WesleyMac What do they get to do while at NICoE?
WarriorCanineConnection They are learning to be service dogs, they attend appointments and such with the Service Members, and bring lots of smiles!
Baxter’s Mom Will they be going to Walter Reed soon?
WarriorCanineConnection The National Intrepid Center of Excellence is on the same campus as Walter Reed.
LeorAmikam Molly, how can we best help from afar? WCC donations, Amazon?
WarriorCanineConnection YES, YES and YES!!
danaguin Do you notice a big difference in training and development of labs vs. goldens?
WarriorCanineConnection There are many differences in lab and goldens but nothing that makes one better or worse than the other.
Lorna FL How did you learn to be so ‘in tune” with all your animals?
WarriorCanineConnection I don’t think it is something you learn. It is just something you do when you love them.
tisdeh What do you think Bea has taught the puppies, if anything?
WarriorCanineConnection Bea has taught them not to bite so hard when playing!
Paws2luv Will you please give us a heads up as the pups leave, and will you have some form of ceremony such as the HHD pups had?
WarriorCanineConnection I will give you the most advance notice as I can. I am talking with Explore about leaving the camera up in the PEC for training sessions. These pups will have weekly training sessions.
puproar Will you take additional official portraits of the pups before they leave? In their service gear, rather than the party themed photos? I love to see them in their work duds, or in simple settings that focus on the pups themselves.
WarriorCanineConnection There will be one more photo shoot this week.
2rots Realize Misty’s pups are fully weaned and on kibble. Do you and your vet subscribe to the thought that puppies should be on puppy food until they are a year old? Are HHD puppies still on puppy food?
WarriorCanineConnection I leave my pups on Puppy Food (Large Breed) until one year old.
suzyqzee Molly, are the pups being trained for vets that are physically wounded? Are they able to help soldiers that suffer from PTSD too?
WarriorCanineConnection They are being trained for mobility service dogs but can also assist with those with PTSD.
DUKE’s mom Do you match the pups with their warrior or do you do meet and greets and let the dog choose their warrior?
WarriorCanineConnection Trainers work with all different personalities. When dogs are placed with a Veteran or Wounded Warrior they are matched based on personality.
texasundog Are you going to put Derecho back out in the little pen tonight or leave him in your house?
WarriorCanineConnection Derecho will be in the house.
WesleyMac When will the other big dogs be placed?
WarriorCanineConnection Graduation is set for late spring/early summer….maybe another live-streamed event?
MtVmouse I remember you saying that there were a limited number of training spots at Natl Intrepid. Is that purely a financial issue? Finding trainers? And how can people help expand the program?
WarriorCanineConnection The space is the problem. However, new satellites are being built and we are pretty sure they are fixing that issue.
Jessie’sMom Hi Molly: In your pie-in-the-sky wishes, do you want WCC to be a national org, or localized on East Coast?
WarriorCanineConnection WE WILL BE A NATIONAL ORGANIZATION SOMEDAY!!!!!!!!!!
WarriorCanineConnection That wasn’t yelling in anger…more of a very definitive statement!
WarriorCanineConnection We just want that someday to be sooner rather than later :-)
WarriorCanineConnection We have amazing support from our EPW’s and others…we can do it!
CurlyPuppyStalker Hi Molly. I just wanted to say thank you for sharing this experience with us. Question, do you know which dog you will be breeding next and when?
WarriorCanineConnection Olive will be bred in April.
Iluvdogs2 Will you be able to use Rogue’s sample or do you need a new one for Olive?
WarriorCanineConnection Oh! Fresh Chilled semen only lives a few days at the most. We will have a new shipment.
rsky1 Not to be gloomy Molly, but how do the pending budget cuts affect you and all the great work? Military seems to be a target?
WarriorCanineConnection So far we are not affected. Fingers crossed it stays that way.
Kris (Murphy's Mom)
This is a repost from the Dog Bless You Blog on explore.org. Chat is from 3/5/13:
This was one of the last Puppy Cam live chats we’ll host for Misty’s litter. Thanks for all your great questions!
texasundog Hello Molly. Have the puppies been micro-chipped yet?
WarriorCanineConnection Yes, the pups are micro-chipped right around 8 weeks. I usually do it myself but this time I brought them with me to the 8 week vet appointment and had Dr. Gregory do it.
mhennan Molly, what is the brand of marrow bone you give to your pups and big dogs?
WarriorCanineConnection I use Redbarn Marrow bones. I trust that company and they have not had recalls.
WarriorCanineConnection I do sometimes refill with water soaked kibble, a small amount of peanut butter or maybe some canned food.
karmackayo Hi Molly. Where do you get the props for the photo shoots? Is there a puppy picture props catalog?
WarriorCanineConnection Keekaburro gets all the props. Usually Party City and Hobby Lobby. No, there are no puppy prop catalogs. She does a lot of painting and crafting.
lynnesky Hi Molly! Can you help us understand why pups go to work with their parents-don’t they go to NICoe? Or is that a bit later in their training?
WarriorCanineConnection There are only so many training spots at each of the programs (Walter Reed, NiCOE and Ft. Belvoir, VA). However, just because those spots are full I can’t stop breeding dogs.
WarriorCanineConnection The demand for service dogs is huge, as are the # of other installations wanting training programs.
WarriorCanineConnection All of the dogs get training, just only some are trained by Wounded Warriors. At some point during the training process each of the dogs will be trained by a Wounded Warrior.
Q: How are microchips inserted?
WarriorCanineConnection Microchips are inserted via a needle and syringe - the chip itself is the size of a grain of rice.
dawgmom07 Any chance of any programs coming to the NY area?
WarriorCanineConnection I need to have dogs ready to move into those daily training programs when funding is available to open new training programs.
WhatUp How is Derecho & is he with permanent PP ?
WarriorCanineConnection Derecho is doing fantastic! He doesn’t need his cone anymore and his eyes look great. The tack did what it was supposed to do and his head is developing and his eyelids are not rolling inward.
WarriorCanineConnection Mr. Derecho is with a volunteer. He will come back next week and go to his permanent puppy home sometime in the week or two following that.
Wuvtai5 How many working service vests does a dog go through as they grow? Who makes them for you and are they donated at cost or no cost?
WarriorCanineConnection A dog usually goes through 3 or 4 vests. Some can be reused because they only wear them for a short time. Some get worn out by washing and wearing. We have someone make the vests. They are made out of old uniforms of our Wounded Warrior Trainers.
KaseyL79 Hi Molly: Are “rescue” dogs ever considered as soldier canine companions? There are so many in shelters.
WarriorCanineConnection There are very few shelter dogs out there that fit the criteria needed for a working service dog. Health and temperament are a huge concern and it is hard to find that without selectively breeding.
WarriorCanineConnection Sometimes there are…but to spend so much time searching for them would leave our wait list even longer.
MusicalMillie Hello! I was just wondering what type of things would be the biggest benefit if they were donated? For puppies or you or puppy parents?
WarriorCanineConnection We love donations that support our dogs. Many non-profits do not have the funding for the “extras” and we are so lucky to have the support of all of you so our dogs get spoiled!
GaltDaisy Have you or would you ever breed a golden to a lab and vise versa?
WarriorCanineConnection I am not a fan of the Golden/Lab Crosses. I have never had success with that although some organizations have. I choose to just have purebred dogs so I have some idea what to expect!
dawgmom07 Molly, how long have you been involved with this program?
WarriorCanineConnection I have been in the service dog industry for about 10 years now. My husband and I started WCC almost two years ago.
vwester I am sort of new to all of this. Only on since end of Dec. What is HHD Raindance please?
WarriorCanineConnection HHD is Holly’s Half Dozen, our litter from last summer. All of the dogs that I breed have the prefix “Raindance” before their registered name. They are asking for the pups registered names that we decided on.
CARCA Regarding Bea’s night poops - is it possible that the crating is causing anxiety and therefore poops?
WarriorCanineConnection Bea has had two night poops. That really isn’t that much. Last night I think was due to the fact that the crate was too big and she didn’t feel secure.
Q: Do you have a limit on how many times you will breed a dog?
WarriorCanineConnection I breed a girl once. If she isn’t a good mom or doesn’t enjoy it she is done. If she is a good mom she gets bred again. If I like the pups from her first litter she would get bred a third time, MAYBE a fourth. Four is pretty much my absolute.
Q: Misty’s pups are built so well. Will she have another litter?
WarriorCanineConnection This is Misty’s third and final litter.
Q: Molly, if I may ask, what were the problems the two pups from HHD were having with their food and what adjustments were made to their diets to fix them?
WarriorCanineConnection I am not exactly sure what the problem was. They were having loose stool…not increased frequency like diarrhea. Just loose stool. We added an antibiotic called Tylan powder and all is well again.
Q: Many breeders have 5 litters, which I believe is too much. Isn’t this harmful to the mother?
WarriorCanineConnection I don’t want to comment on what others do. I make decisions on what works for me and my ethics. I don’t think it is harmful though.
Q: Probably a dumb question, but is it genetically okay for a female to be impregnated by her father’s sperm? Does incest count for dogs?
WarriorCanineConnection Yes, incest counts for dogs too.
Q: How’s my love Levi doing? How much longer until he is matched with his forever warrior?
WarriorCanineConnection Most boys are not ready to graduate until at least two. Boys take much longer to mature.
Q: Molly, the other night you made a comment about the puppies having down time and then referred to dogs who develop separation anxiety. Do you agree in some cases it is bad breeding and not poor training?
WarriorCanineConnection FOR SURE!! Fear and anxiety have a huge hereditary basis. I will never, ever breed a dog that has any kind of fear. It will surely pass down to her kids.
Q: Do you think having the big crate open all the time helped these pups adjust faster/better to individual crating?
WarriorCanineConnection I am not sure. It seems like it did…some litters just like the crate more than others.
Q: Molly, do you see any difference between Goldens and Labs and if so, what?
WarriorCanineConnection There are many differences between goldens and labs, but one is not superior to the other.
Q: Do the pups remember each other as they get older and don’t see each other for long periods of time?
WarriorCanineConnection Yes, the pups do remember each other. The sense of smell is very powerful!
Q: Molly, why is 5 weeks old the “best” age for pups?
WarriorCanineConnection 5 weeks is my favorite age because they are up and running around but they are not super bitey yet.