Pandemic Puppy Podcast

Raising Toy Breed Puppies with Amber Quann

In this episode of Pandemic Puppy, Kayla speaks with Amber Quann about raising toy breed puppies.

What are the differences between raising a toy breed puppy vs a larger size?

• Easier on the wallet
• Need to be creative on training and reinforcement strategies as they can’t eat as much
• Curate safe interactions that prevent potential injuries such as other dogs running them over by accident, getting on and off furniture, etc.
• Ensure you don’t bubble wrap your dog
• Prepare emergency scenarios, such as picking up your puppy when needed to protect them from getting run over
• Put picking up your dog on cue

How do we help little dogs become leash reactive?

• It is easy to manage a small dogs behavior through leash tension because of their size, and its important to work against that 
• Little dogs need to learn how to move out of situations on their own
• Be intentional to treat them like a big dog. “Would I do this with my german shepherd?” 
• Teaching them confidence is key
• As always, set them up for success, don’t push them over their threshold 
• Their needs will change with age

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

None

Where you can find Amber: Website | Facebook | Instagram

You can support the Pandemic Puppy Podcast by joining our Patreon at patreon.com/pandemicpuppy.

Puppy Raising Blueprint Course | Pandemic Puppy Raising Support Group

Introducing Puppies and Cats

In this episode of Pandemic Puppy, Kayla discusses introducing your puppy to cats. 

• Everything depends on the personality of your puppy and your cat
• Set up the environment for success: hiding places, elevation for cats; baby gates, leashes
• Ensure puppy is well-exercised but not overtired/cranky
• Younger puppies adapt more quickly/easily: with MOST really young puppies and many cats, you can allow for supervised interaction pretty quickly
• Breed will vary for dogs - if your breed is more likely to be prey driven, earlier introductions are even better and management will increase through teenagerhood
• Reward BOTH animals for calm ignoring/calm interactions
  • Suggested treats for cats: meaty baby food on a popsicle stick, tuna, store-bought treats, bonito flakes
  • Consider long-lasting chews or licki mats for puppy 
• Handicap the puppy as needed, let the cat move freely
• If the puppy is highly aroused or the cat is extra nervous, use towels over baby gates and/or two baby gates for extra distance (especially for older puppies)
• Teach both animals that the presence of the other = tasty treats!

 

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Two-Part Cat Intro Podcast

Cat/Dog Introduction Video

You can support the Pandemic Puppy Podcast by joining our Patreon at patreon.com/pandemicpuppy.

Puppy Raising Blueprint Course | Pandemic Puppy Raising Support Group  

How to Support Undersocialized Puppies

In this episode of Pandemic Puppy, Kayla discusses undersocialized puppies. 

 

How do you know your puppy may be undersocialized?

• This will vary per dog depending on breed and personality, as some breeders are generally more reserved than others
• Puppy history is important to consider. Hoarding or parvo puppies are usually very undersocialized
• It’s normal for your puppy to startle around new things or to be a little shy, but it’s not normal for extreme reactions such as urinating or trembling, or if the startle starts to escalate. If this is the case, you should seek a professional behavior consultant. 

 

What to do if your puppy is showing signs of being undersocialized?

• Go at your puppy’s pace; work harder, not faster
  • If your puppy is under extreme distress, you are going too fast
  • If you can’t find a comfortable threshold for your puppy, speak to a professional

• Learn dog body language

• “We want to find the level in which your puppy notices the thing they are concerned about and we want to be working at that level”
• If they are under threshold, let them observe the things that are concerning them
• Support and cheerlead them in ways that help them
• Adjust your expectations
• Counter-conditioning throughout their lifetime
• Is it a trend or a blip? If your puppy is continually spooking at something over and over, it might mean you need to make a more structured plan.
• Overall, please seek professional help!

 

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Find a Behavior Consultant on IAABC

Find a Certified Dog Training and Behavior Consultant 

Dog Decoder App

Canine Body Language

 

You can support the Pandemic Puppy Podcast by joining our Patreon at patreon.com/pandemicpuppy.

Puppy Raising Blueprint Course | Pandemic Puppy Raising Support Group 

Teaching Puppies to Relax (Aka Installing an Off Switch)

In this episode of Pandemic Puppy, Kayla discusses teaching your puppy to relax! 

How can you get your puppy to relax?

• First things first, you need to meet your puppy’s needs!
• Make sure they are getting enough rest
• Pay for what you like! If they lay down at your feet, reward them for it with a chew, which will help build duration.
• Be cautious of rewarding too heavily because they may start offering other behavior for rewards
• Set up the environment for success. 
• Utilize the puppy pen when you can!
• Don’t have too high of expectations at the start. They are still puppies!
• Layer in distractions and take your time
  • Take your skills on the road!
• Adjust your expectations as they age and expect the unexpected
• Again, meet your puppy’s needs! These needs will change as they age
• Utilize Karen Overall’s Relaxation Protocol

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

• Karen Overall's Relaxation Protocol

You can support the Pandemic Puppy Podcast by joining our Patreon at patreon.com/pandemicpuppy.Puppy Raising Blueprint Course | Pandemic Puppy Raising Support Group  

Mythbusting, Part 3

This episode is a re-post from Canine Conversations. Enjoy and stay tuned for new Pandemic Puppy Episodes soon!

Mythbusting, Part 2

This episode is a re-post from Canine Conversations. Enjoy and stay tuned for new Pandemic Puppy Episodes soon!

Mythbusting, Part 1

This episode is a re-post from Canine Conversations. Enjoy and stay tuned for new Pandemic Puppy Episodes soon!

Hot Takes, Part 3 (NOT GOODBYE)

This episode is a re-post from the Canine Conversations Podcast. Never fear, the goodbyes to Ursa do not have anything to do with the Pandemic Puppy Podcast!

Hot Takes, Part 2

This episode is a re-post from the Canine Conversations Podcast. Enjoy!

Hot Takes, Part 1

This episode is a re-post from the Canine Conversationst Podcast. Enjoy the hot takes!