September News
What puppies can learn from an older dog?
Research shows that puppies can learn socially by eight weeks of age. Puppies that watched an experienced adult dog solve a food puzzle were more successful than puppies that did not see the demonstration, and they retained some of the information for at least an hour. Interestingly, they paid more attention to an unfamiliar adult dog than to their mother.
In the home, an older dog may therefore help a puppy:
Become comfortable with household routines, such as going outside, coming inside, and settling at particular times.
Approach unfamiliar objects or situations more confidently when the older dog remains relaxed.
Learn appropriate play signals and when another dog wants interaction to stop.
Become interested in an activity after watching the older dog participate.
Learn where important things happen—although this is sometimes location learning rather than copying the precise behavior.
However, puppies do not automatically imitate everything accurately. In the puzzle study, puppies learned which object to investigate but did not necessarily copy whether the adult used a paw or muzzle. This distinction matters: an older dog can draw a puppy’s attention to an action or location without teaching the full behavior.
In our home, we taught Winston to stay off the furniture and the stairs to the second story. Without ever reprimanding the three younger dogs, they followed his lead. Fortunately, they didn't copy his bad habit of shredding paper towels.
Emergency Preparedness
September is Emergency Preparedness Month; let’s take a moment to review the basics on our list, Here .
Last winter, we experienced an ice storm that kept us home for almost two weeks. It was the first time in over thirty years that we were homebound for more than two days. I’m glad we recently purchased dog food; I won’t let the supply dwindle this year. My plan is to keep two weeks’ worth of food and any medications on hand. Fortunately, we have well water and a generator in case the electricity goes out. Think about what your dogs would need if you couldn’t get supplies for two weeks.
Grain-Free Apple and Sweet Potato Treats
Ingredients
1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
½ cup finely grated apple, with the core, stem, and seeds removed
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
1½ cups coconut flour, added gradually
1 tablespoon xylitol-free peanut butter (Jif or Skippy)
Water, if needed
Directions
Heat the oven to 325°F.
Combine the sweet potato, apple, applesauce, and optional peanut butter.
Gradually mix in the coconut flour until a soft, workable dough forms.
Roll into small balls and flatten slightly, or press the dough between sheets of parchment and cut it into small shapes.
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for approximately 25–35 minutes, depending on thickness.
Cool completely before serving.
Refrigerate for up to five days or freeze for longer storage.
Nursery News
We have several Moyen and mini sproodles, plus one Goldendoodle, looking for their forever homes.
The big news this month is the new litter of F1 goldendoodles from Jazz and Ronin - they were born on September 23—males and females in a range of colors from light blond to dark apricot. Photos soon.
Ginger has completed her breeding career and is ready for the next chapter of her life—as a much-loved and thoroughly pampered family pet. For Ginger’s happiness, I am looking for a carefully chosen home with another friendly doodle, a securely fenced yard, and older children or adults. These requirements matter and will help ensure a comfortable, successful transition. Rehoming one of my girls is never easy; I love them dearly. I see retirement as my final gift to them—the chance to become the center of their own family’s world and enjoy the individual attention they deserve. If your home sounds like the right fit for Ginger, please contact me so we can talk further.
