I have written a new article!

 Please see my article at the bottom of the BLOG.  WRITTEN about anxiety and your Griffon.  I am also working madly on a new web page.  That will have updated breeder profiles, as well as the articles more readable and orderly.  

The following are some Griffon RULES. but see the article to make sense of it all.  

There are rules that will help you raise a brave Griffon

·         I and all the humans in this house are the boss and rank higher than the Griffon.

·          Babies and small children are my friends. They are prized above all other things by my adult owners, so I worship them as well.  I can play gently with them.  I never bite, or jump on them especially the baby though she is super cute.  They can greet me, and talk high because they are babies… I understand that to a degree. 

·         Teenagers… or other sub adults must adhere to similar rules as the adult owners.  They are not to teach me to play too rough, or ignore basic rules.  Most Griffons recognize sub adults as being pretty fun. 

·         Griffons do not need to make any decisions. Let your rules be clear.  IE Cats are not food…and the like. 

·          Griffons leave kids alone leave other animals alone unless I say different

·         Avoid talking in a high voice,or treating your dog like it is a baby.   Your Griffon is a dog not a child.  He takes the high voice in greeting or whatever as some kind of distress,  yours or his.

·         Try petting in an upward movement on the chest instead of the top of the head or back, or scratch a belly. Don’t stare him down in adoration or appreciation, it actually feels dominant to most griffons.   

·         Never greet or say goodbye. It is just another day. Wait for the calm after the storm to appreciate your Griff.

·         Put your puppy away lots. In the yard on his mat or kennel, with the neighbor.  He needs to be adjusted there.  If needed add an incentive to keep him there. 

·         Get your keys jingle them and happily return, don’t take the dog, unless you want to.  Get in your car come back.  Certainly don’t take your Griffon with you  every time. 

·         Everyone has the same rules in the house, no matter who you are. If the dog can’t be on the couch than not ever.

·         Send a member of the household to an obedience class with your puppy. Pick the person that feels the least control over the puppy, your 2^nd choice is the person that is vested the most, but your house will run smoother if you pick the first option.

·           Dogs should not be at your level, they are not humans, stay on the floor and off the bed.

·         Scold without penitence, and immediately.

·         Swiftly get over the anger of correction.

·         Walk with a loose lead, if you don’t know how, either YouTube it or get a trainer. Same with biting or jumping.

·         No harnesses, they incite pulling.  If you feel out of control learn to use an ecollar or a pinch collar or a gentle leader.  Used as intended they are excellent training tools.

·         Some dogs need a play collar and a different collar or set up to differentiate from anything goes to your job is to be calm. A backpack etc.  The stuff you see on service dogs is on purpose to let the dog know he is working. Use that tool.

If this article applies to you, save your dog, get a trainer today.  I am here to inspire.  Of late have had several Griffons that have struggled and it is breaking my heart. These rules could save those loads of grief. 

Please know I am not picking on any one situation or person, do not take offense, just saying things like they are. 

REMEMBER EXERCISE, OBEDIENCE then LOVE

CHRISTY

Busy Busy Busy

 That would describe your puppies as well:] I hope to have the rest of the pups photographed by tomorrow.  Due to the timing of my upcoming breedings I have to be on the road today to move some dogs around.  Great news at the Vet as all pups came back in perfect health with no anomalies besides the 2 pups with umbilical hernias.  Firefly has a small hernia, that according to the vet will either potentially close as she matures or can be closed at spay, and in any case even left as is, should pose no problem in her lifetime.  As I have noted previously I opted to have MoonShine's closed now, so her new owners will not have that to consider.   It is a very non invasive surgery and should have little impact on her then or after.  Biggest risk is as always anesthesia, so good thoughts for little Moonshine tomorrow morning.  

I took some photos yesterday but it was so hot the pups were laying down, so I opted to stop and I took some of the Proud Dad Bandit. The sun was coming down and it was a lovely evening to find some birds. SO enjoy. Very excited to meet you all later this week.  

Bandit

Hunting at the edge of the
Onion Fields

Food

 I have worked for several major pet food industries.  There are many good brands.  In general I prefer the larger name brands like Purina, Royal Canin and IAMS, Science Diet, as they have the funds to do long term studies on their foods.  I am not a trend setter,so the newest foods are of no interest to me.  I do know that there is no food at Walmart that I think is good enough.  Keep in mind the big companies try to have a food for every economic bracket. The quality follows.  

My suggestion is research your own food and look for independent reviews of the analysis.  I like Diamond Puppy as it is free of food colors, naturally preserved, smells good and adulat and puppy both like the food.   ranks as a good representative of a puppy diet.  I start them on regular Diamond puppy then switch to Diamond large breed to slow growth.  I have also had good success with the Salmon and brown rice diet that Purina has if your puppy is not settled with the Diamond/  My advice find something that you can easily source and is compatable with the digestive tract of your own puppy who is an individual.  

I have always fed twice a day early and early afternoon.  As much as they can eat then when it is gone it is gone.  I treat for training anytime I want all day long. Provide cold water except a couple hours prior to bed time.  

I will provide a transition sack or you may purchase a 40# bag from me.  I will buy it 1 week from today.  Haven't checked pricing lately but hopefully 40 will cover it or be close, petfood is on the rise as is everything else.  Send me an email Thanks