GROWING A CONFIDENT PUP
Runamuck Pups are born in our home and live in the house with us until they go to their new families. New exposures are introduced daily starting from the second day. We break down these social experiences into small approximations, first odor and tactile, then auditory and lastly visual. This allows us to monitor all pups for any signs of concern, giving us the opportunity to change our approach to suit the needs of the individual. We do not follow any particular protocol but use current and relevant research studies to guide our development of criteria for the timing and duration of exposures. We believe in ongoing education into canine health, reproduction and most importantly, behavior.
Our proximity to The Carden Country School, which resides on our property, offers Runamuck pups access to carefully constructed social exposures. Puppies have the opportunity to interact with children when they are ready, first in our home, then at school. By allowing the pups choice, they are never forced to interact, giving them confidence in the situation. They are never overwhelmed by the students who learn how to safely interact with dogs of all ages through the puppy exposure program. Runamuck puppies interact with over 100 people of various ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds in a positive way before leaving our home. Health risks are always a concern when introducing newborns of any species to new people and new environments, but we feel that with proper preparation and risk management, socialization does not need to be compromised for the sake of health and well-being. For example, when the litter goes to our school to visit as tiny babies, they are in their whelping box on wheels, the students don't handle them, they watch from their desks. This gives us the chance to talk about how to handle and work with the puppies and practice the set up long before the students engage the first time. When taking them to construction sites, the puppies will stay in the car and just watch and listen, or play in the back of our truck while big trucks go by. Their needs are always met while intentional socialization experiences are being introduced to lower the likelihood of concern on the part of the individual pup.
Enrichment is a key element to our socialization program. We provide enrichment for the pups to encourage exploration of environments, growing in complexity as the pups skills develop. Enriching the environment gives the pups an alternative to rough play by keeping their minds engaged and challenged. The pups from Runamuck Ranch travel multiple times in vehicles, starting with short trips and building to a couple of hours. We start their vehicle trips at about 2 weeks of age, adding in car wash trips, ferry boat rides, day trips to Seattle, overnights in homes, and field trips to various venues. At 5 weeks of age, they start having small group play times with the litter divided into two changing groups to allow for even further opportunities for character development by varying the social structure. This gives any quieter pup a chance to develop confidence.
We choose our breeding females carefully with a focus on how they respond to the types of stimuli to which our litters will be exposed. We want females that LOVE traveling in the car and quickly nap, that LOVE the sight of other dogs and cats and chickens, and especially children and any visitors to our home. We realize that when the mommy's cortisol levels spike, the puppies will be paying attention to that and remembering. Choosing moms who are comfortable with the exposures that we will be introducing the litters to, gives us the freedom to incorporate them into the exposure. The pups are handled daily, beginning with holding their feet or tails while they nurse, always with the permission of their mom. Because the moms are confident and comfortable, we can introduce sounds such as fireworks while the litter is nursing, creating an early positive association with loud and unexpected sounds.
We look for homes that understand that a dog is a living and breathing member of the family. That they have needs and concerns that need to be met and addressed as they become apparent. Icelandic Sheepdogs are bright and lively and joyful, along with that comes a good deal of inquisitive behavior, which should not be punished but instead directed into positive channels. If you want a fun training buddy, one who will walk across England and back with you, just to be by your side, who wants to sleep in your bed and share the last bit of your toast, a dog who is always one step ahead of you, then this may be your breed.
WhyRunamuck is a training organization that uses positive reinforcement to develop behaviors in animals. The Icelandic Sheepdog puppies that leave the ranch will all have been exposed to early training through shaping. They will know hand targeting, sit, down, stand and crate. Their new homes will be ones who recognize that learning continues throughout the lifetime of the dog and are willing to continue the work of developing behaviors through positive reinforcement.