Raising a Rosewood Aussie
Here at Rosewood Ranch, we pride ourselves on not only our breeding practices but how we raise our babies too. We have schedules when litters come around that are always being updated based on the time of the year, new and improved formulas etc. We raise our babies off a mix of Bad Ass Breeder and Puppy Culture in order to socialize them and prepare them for their move into their new homes. We also regularly speak with our vet and visit our vet throughout the time the puppies are here.
Before Breeding & During Pregnancy
Before breeding any dog, we do run a full genetic and color panel on all of our breeding stock unless they have already been cleared through parentage. We have always done X-rays with our reproductive vet and gone over any and all over all issues with our repro vet for congenital issues. We also run a blood panel to ensure everything internally is showing signs of working properly. However, with more research coming out on hip dysplasia, we have decided to start submitting our X-rays to Pennhip to have them measured and evaluated. This is yet another tool we are using to ensure our puppies live happy healthy lives.
During pregnancy, we get an ultrasound around 30 days of pregnancy and an X-ray at 55-57 days pregnant. We do this in order to ensure all the babies are live, developing properly and are the appropriate size for delivery.
Raising Our
Puppies
Being a breeder is one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever had the pleasure of doing. I absolutely adore my dogs and raising puppies is one of the most joyous things I do in a year!
0-2 Weeks Old
At this stage in a puppy's life, we may dock tails and remove dewclaws depending on the litter. We weigh them daily and ensure they are gaining weight. They stay in their whelping area with mom and I wake up every single 3 hours to make sure they are all staying strong. At this point is where babies are the most fragile and would need around the clock care from mom and I.
2-6 Weeks Old
This stage is where socialization begins, we also start our health process which includes deworming, shots, health checks, and more. We start the long and crazy process of puppy culture. At 2, 4, 6 weeks old we deworm them with Panacur. This is also the time they start to be introduced outside and begin to take car rides, buggied trips to stores. We start introducing them to new sounds like the vacuum and music. They also start being introduced to their crate with the door open. Puppy Culture is so intense and I highly recommend anyone to look further into it!
6-8 Weeks Old
This is the age where we start preparing for the babies to leave the nest. We start letting them out regularly to ensure they are started on potty training. They receive their first set of shots at 7 weeks old (DHPP, Coronavirus) and also receive their 6 & 8-week old vet checkups. At their appointment, they also get their flea prevention and last deworming at 8 weeks old.