Meryl's Wellness Waggin'
Cavachons
from
the Monarchy
Designer dogs with hybrid vigor
Choosing a Breeder
The web and the world are filled with breeders who aren’t looking to the interests of your or their puppies. Thankfully, there are plenty out there who do what they do in an up-front, honest manner. A good breeder is knowledgeable and candid about their breeding program, and will have a reputation of professionalism by working well with others and honoring their contracts.
Look for these qualities when choosing a breeder:
- Integrity - Answering questions in a knowledgeable and candid manner with a strong professional reputation. Good breeders will encourage you to get feedback from all sources, not just those they provide.
- Honesty
- Transparency
- Performs Genetic Testing such as Mitral Valve disorder in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels or juvenile cateracts exam for a Bichon Frise.
- Offers a Health Warranty of up to 2 years which ensures the puppy has met all their vaccination requirements, been socialized as well as been subject to neural stimulation for a more progressive approach to breeding.
- A good breeder is a supportive confidante and advisor who supports you whether or not problems arise and stand by their contract.
Socialization of the Puppies and Bio Sensor Exercises
It is commonly held that puppies should not be released before they have reached 8 weeks of age. A good breeder will be concerned about the puppy’s socialization, both with humans of all ages and with dogs, other puppies and other animals. As breeders, we also employ a series of of 'bio-sensory' exercises starting on 'Day 3' and continue with these very special exercises for several weeks. These very early 'sensory' exercises are depicted below (scroll down). Another type of sensory exploration we utilize can be explained by the phrase: 'the rule of 7's.' As puppies are weaned by their mother, we expose them over the next several weeks to: 7 different surfaces, 7 different sounds, 7 different scents/odors, 7 different people from different backgrounds, 7 new environments in the home and yard, 7 different tastes, etc. This period is thought to be critical in the puppy’s development. A good breeder will expose the puppies carefully, so as to not risk bringing in infectious diseases. Families want a happy, confident puppy that is well adjusted.
Super Dog - Bio-Sensor
Progressive Breeders and Bio Sensory Training
for Puppies!
Bio-Sensor Practiced by The Monarchy: We incorporate the Bio-Sensor or Super Dog Program into our Cavachons’ socialization and temperament development regimen. This has also been known by breeders and trainers as imprinting and has now been adopted by the AKC as “Early Neurological Stimulation.” The Bio Sensor program easily fits into our established puppy rearing process and supports our values. This does not replace our early socialization program.
Bio-Sensory Training for Dogs improves the development of the puppy's neurological systems by early stimulation and stress. Five benefits have been observed in dogs that were exposed to the Bio Sensor stimulation exercises:
- Improved Cardiovascular Performance
- Stronger Heart Beats,
- Stronger Adrenal Glands,
- More Tolerance to Stress, and
- Greater Resistance to Disease.
Below are the six Bio Sensor exercises designed to stimulate the neurological system of the puppy. I have incorporated these exercises into our daily puppy routine. Each puppy is put through the following exercises once daily:
1. TACTILE STIMULATION - Holding the Cavachon puppy in one hand, the handler gently stimulates the pup between the toes on any one foot using a Q-tip. Time of stimulation 3 - 5 seconds.
2. HEAD HELD ERECT - Using both hands, the Cavachon puppy is held perpendicular to the ground, (straight up), so that its head is directly above its tail. This is an upwards position. Time of stimulation 3 - 5 seconds.
3. HEAD POINTED DOWN - Hold the Cavachon puppy firmly with both hands the head is reversed and is pointed downward so that it is pointing towards the ground. Time of stimulation 3 - 5 seconds.
4. SUPINE POSITION - Hold the puppy so that its back is resting in the palm of both hands with its muzzle facing the ceiling. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds.
5. THERMAL STIMULATION - Use a damp towel that has been cooled in a refrigerator. Place the Cavachon puppy on the towel, feet down. Do not restrain it from moving. (See my notes below.) Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds.
Barbara "...It has been shown that breeders should be guided by the rule that it is generally considered prudent to guard against under and over stimulation... During their first two months of life, a conservative approach would be to expose them to children, people, toys and other animals on a regular basis. Handling and touching all parts of their anatomy is also a necessary part of their learning which can be started as early as the third day of life. Pups that are handled early and on a regular basis generally do not become hand-shy as adults."
- Dr. Carmen L. Battaglia, Comments on Early Neurological Stimulation
Testing
Genetic tests are not required for every possible genetic disorder. In fact, special testing does not exist for some of the genetic faults. However, the adult breeding dogs should be examined by specialists for any genetic fault that the purebred dog is known for. A good breeder will absolutely have no issues with producing these reports. The breeder should follow the AKC guidelines for recommended tests by breed.
For example, the Mitral Valve disorder must be ruled out, for Cavaliers.
Breed Requirements in terms of testing for the Cavalier King Charles include Eye examination by a board certified Ophthalmologist, annually until 5 years old, every two years until 9 years old; Patellar Luxation, examination annually, Congenital Cardiac Disease, examination performed by a Board-Certified Cardiologist, annually.
Breed Requirements in terms of testing for the Bichon include Eye examination by a board certified Ophthalmologist, annually until 5 years old, Patellar Luxation, examination annually.
We are proud to utilize the services of the following professionals:
Nancy Morris, DVM, DACVIM-C
Massachusetts Veterinary Cardiology Services, Inc.
305 Suffield Street
Agawam, MA 01001
Dr. Isabel Jurk, MS/VM, Dipl. ACVO
Animal Eye Care of New England
14 Sandy Lane
Whately, MA 01373
Barbara Boudreau, DVM,
VCA Palmer Animal Hospital
1028 Thorndike Street
Palmer, MA 01069
- Health Warranty
It is commonly held that puppies should not be released before they have reached 8 weeks of age. A good breeder will be concerned about the puppy’s socialization, both with humans of all ages and with dogs, other puppies and other animals. As breeders, we also employ a series of of 'bio-sensory' exercises starting on 'Day 3' and continue with these very special exercises for several weeks. These very early 'sensory' exercises are depicted below (scroll down). Another type of sensory exploration we utilize can be explained by the phrase: 'the rule of 7's.' As puppies are weaned by their mother, we expose them over the next several weeks to: 7 different surfaces, 7 different sounds, 7 different scents/odors, 7 different people from different backgrounds, 7 new environments in the home and yard, 7 different tastes, etc. This period is thought to be critical in the puppy’s development. A good breeder will expose the puppies carefully, so as to not risk bringing in infectious diseases. Families want a happy, confident puppy that is well adjusted.
- Accessibility
A good breeder will always be accessible to you for the life of the dog. They will be there to support you even if a problem arises and he/she will stand by their contract and be happy to do so!