Canine Socialization Begins!

Dixie is not in the room, so Coco is being brave.

Ever since the puppies were born Toby and Coco have given Dixie's litter quite a bit of space.   I find it fascinating how the dogs have walked on eggshells around the litter from the beginning.    There were a few times when they came up close to the whelping box to peak in and Dixie gave them a very loud and nasty snarl.  She just loses her cool in an instant.   It makes me jump!  At the same time she throws her body between the dogs.   She is telling them in no uncertain terms to back off.

In past years, Dixie has literally jumped up on the younger kids. Pushing them back on the chest with her front paws.  Of course, that was not a safe situation.  But luckily the little kids got her message pretty quickly and we had them keep more of a distance, so Dixie never actually hurt anyone.

This year Dixie has been much more relaxed with the little kids  around the litter.  The kids are a whole year older, and less rambunctious.  I suppose Dixie has developed a level of trust with the kids now that still exceeds that of her canine companions.

 As the days go by she is less hyper about her pups.   But she still gets stressed out every now and then.   And Toby and Coco don't get too bent out of shape either.   As young as Coco is, she clearly gets the message.   Never once has she stepped into the whelping box.  Toby has been through this drill several times before, so when Dixie starts freaking he's probably thinking "Chill out woman!  We're just looking!"

The Schnoodle pups want to sniff the other dogs too!

Toby and Coco like the puppies.  Canine socialization begins!