How am I creative
My creativity is found in how I raise my puppies to be confident and brave. I follow the Badass Breeder puppy curriculum and use their amazing guide as a foundation. I do not just use a standard kennel. I use a custom nursery in my camper where I stay with the puppies and Mama 24/7. This allows me to know the good and the bad of every single puppy. I can be completely transparent with you so we can find the perfect fit for your home.
The Foundation of Love and Trust
Everything I do is built on love and trust. Because I live with them, I can see exactly what each puppy needs on their own level:
1. The Shy Puppy: If a puppy is not feeling confident, I work with them one-on-one to boost their courage.
2. The Overbearing Puppy: If a puppy is too pushy, I teach them how to be calmer and more patient.
3. Individual Growth: I use my creativity to adjust my training for each puppy so they can be the best version of themselves.
Imprinting and Early Training
I use my background with horses to imprint on my puppies from a very young age. Just like hoof tapping with a foal, I handle my puppies and get them used to:
1. Grooming and Household Sounds: I use combs, hair dryers, and even the sounds of a hair salon. I introduce the vacuum cleaner early on so they are calm in a busy home. I also trim their nails every week so they are perfectly accustomed to it.
2. Tactile Discovery: I use different types of blankets, like silky ones and fuzzy ones, so they are comfortable with different textures from day one.
3. Sounds and Routine: I use the radio to teach them about the day. I play 80s music when it is time to be active and classical music when it is time to chill out and rest.
The Puppy Agility and Discovery Area
I am building a special area where they can learn through play:
1. Texture and Flooring: I make sure they walk on everything—cement, dirt, grass, rocks, and wood—so they are never afraid of new ground. I also use tires filled with sand and gravel.
2. Climbing and Balance: I repurposed a rock climbing wall and slides to help them build their physical confidence.
3. The Discovery List: I introduce them to anything you can think of—water bottles, styrofoam, baby toys that make noise, and even a whole watermelon for them to explore.
Socialization Adventures
I make sure they are ready for the world by introducing them to:
1. People and Children: I have friends and their children come over so the puppies learn to love people of all ages.
2. Other Animals: They meet my cats and my chickens so they are comfortable around different species.
3. Different Dogs: I introduce them to dogs of all different sizes and different ages so they know how to behave with any dog they meet.
4. New Places and Motion: We go on outings to the pond and different areas of the yard. I also take them on car rides and use a blanket swing to help them adjust to movement and prevent motion sickness.
Creative Resources for New Owners
I am creative with the paperwork I send home to make sure you have the best shot at success:
1. Daily Plans: I provide 5 weeks of puppy daily plans.
2. Guidance: I include information on everything from fear periods to “what to do” scenarios.
Continuing the Work
I put in this work so your puppy has the best possible start. However, this training is a partnership. To keep these good behaviors, you must continue the work I have started. If you keep up the routine, you will have a confident, well-adjusted companion for life.
Being creative means I never stop finding new ways to make sure my puppies are well-adjusted and ready for their forever homes.