Where embraces form and function

The Tiny Yellow Puppy

A story about growth, maternal instinct, and one puppy who started life far behind. This story actually begins a generation before our tiny yellow puppy was born. Her mother, Grace, came from our Fab 14 litter—Zoey’s third and final litter and, true to its name, an extraordinary fourteen puppies. Apparently, Grace inherited her mother’s talent for doing things on a grand scale, because when her own turn came, she delivered thirteen puppies. We called them the Baker’s Dozen litter. And among that baker’s dozen was one exceptionally tiny yellow-collared girl. She weighed just 3.4 ounces. Most of the Standard Schnauzer puppies born at Steadfast have weighed somewhere in the 6-to-9-ounce range, so 3.4 ounces immediately got my attention. She was lively. She wanted to nurse. There was nothing obviously wrong with her. She was simply tiny. With twelve substantially larger siblings competing for the same milk supply, that alone gave us reason to worry. But during the puppies’ very first night, Grace did something that worried me even more. I watched her deliberately nuzzle her way through the pile of newborn puppies until she found Yellow. Then she picked the tiny puppy up in her mouth. I immediately intervened. “Grace! Put that puppy down.” She did. But the incident stayed with me. I’d heard the stories most breeders have heard about mothers recognizing something wrong with a newborn that humans cannot see. Whether all those stories are accurate or not, watching Grace single out the smallest puppy made me uneasy enough that I told my husband over dinner that evening that he should prepare himself for the possibility of a sad morning. I wasn’t sure Yellow would still be with us the next day. She was. And then Grace showed us what she had actually been trying to do. Grace Had a Plan Our whelping room has the whelping box, but I also keep an open crate nearby. It gives the mother somewhere to lie down by herself when she wants a break from her puppies while still remaining close to them. The following day, my husband called me into the whelping room to see something we hadn’t expected. Grace had apparently figured out that I didn’t approve of her carrying Yellow. So she waited until we were out of the room. Then she picked up the tiny puppy, carried her out of the whelping box, and took her to that separate crate. Grace climbed in beside her. And lay down to nurse her. Alone. No twelve larger puppies crawling over her. No competition for a nipple. No fighting to maintain her place at the milk bar. Just Grace and her smallest puppy. After Yellow had nursed for a while, Grace picked her up again, carried her back to the whelping box, and returned her to her littermates. And it wasn’t a one-time occurrence. We watched Grace repeat this behavior several times a day for approximately the next week. That was the part that astonished me. Grace hadn’t been trying to reject her smallest puppy. She appeared to be doing exactly the opposite. She had found a way to give the puppy who couldn’t compete equally with twelve much larger siblings some protected time to nurse. I’d never seen anything like it. I’m sure Grace cannot be the only mother ever to have done it, but it remains one of the most remarkable examples of maternal behavior I’ve witnessed in my own dogs. Small Didn’t Mean Stagnant I recently found myself thinking about Yellow again when another breeder was referred to me because she was struggling with a very small newborn puppy that wasn’t gaining as quickly as expected. That conversation sent me back to the weight records from the Baker’s Dozen litter. Yellow’s first days weren’t a perfectly smooth upward climb. She began at only 3.4 ounces and initially lost a little weight. But then she began gaining: The yellow line at the bottom of that chart is our little Miss Yellow, and those are her weights in ounces measured twice per day. She was nowhere close to the size of her littermates. But look at the direction of that line. By the morning of her twelfth day, she weighed 10.1 ounces—nearly three times her starting weight. Measured from one morning to the next, her growth over those first eleven days averaged approximately 10% per day. She wasn’t catching up to her littermates yet, but she was growing. And that distinction became important throughout her puppyhood. Yellow Ran on Her Own Timetable Yellow didn’t suddenly catch up at two weeks and become indistinguishable from everyone else. She remained behind. When the other puppies’ teeth began erupting, hers didn’t. Her teeth appeared a week or more later. When the others were ready to start eating puppy mush, she was still dependent on milk. When her littermates were getting their feet underneath them and beginning their clumsy newborn-puppy toddle, Yellow was still moving around largely on her belly. But the striking thing was that she did reach those milestones. She simply reached them later. Her development seemed to follow the same sequence as everyone else’s, but on her own timetable – as though she had begun the race several yards behind the starting line. And she kept moving forward. What One Tiny Puppy Taught Me Looking back at Yellow’s beginning now, there are several things I take from her story – and several things I would share with another breeder standing over a whelping box worried about one very small puppy. Follow the puppy’s own trajectory.Birth weight matters, and weight gain matters enormously. Yellow remained lively and continued moving forward, but her line never joined the pack during those first weeks. But measured against Yellow yesterday, she was growing. Development doesn’t always happen on the litter’s timetable.Yellow was late getting onto her feet. Late getting teeth. Late starting mush. Those delays certainly gave us reasons to watch her carefully, but being later than her littermates did not mean she wasn’t

Is Ear Cropping Really “Butchery”? Let’s Talk Honestly.

After someone asked why we “butchered” our dogs’ ears, we decided to respond thoughtfully. This post explores the history and purpose of ear cropping, double standards in animal care, and why we rarely recommend cropping despite supporting responsible tradition.

Embrace Chaos: Welcoming Your New Puppy Home!

At Steadfast, we wholeheartedly embrace the philosophy of letting dogs and puppies roam freely as cherished members of our family. This enriching lifestyle not only enhances their lives but also ours! By allowing them this freedom, they develop essential social skills as they intertwine in our human lives while also navigating the dynamics of the pack. While balancing the needs of multiple personalities is quite a challenge—especially when you factor in the hormonal changes of our intact breeding dogs—it’s a journey that’s absolutely worth our efforts. When puppies are raised in an environment where barking takes on meaning beyond mere excitement—where understanding cues is paramount—we believe they become more adaptable and confident adults. Of course, raising dogs and puppies in a free-roaming household does come with its fair share of pandemonium. Throughout our journey, we’ve gained experiences and invaluable lessons worth sharing. Here are a few tips: Preparing Your Home: Don’t Underestimate a Refresh of Carpets!  Cleaning your carpets before welcoming a new puppy can significantly impact your house training journey. With the possibility that previous occupants had furry friends of their own, it’s wise to think about the hidden scents lurking within the fibers. Even if you can’t see any stains, dogs have an exceptional sense of smell that might trigger them to perceive these lingering odors as signals for where to relieve themselves. By erasing these past reminders, you’re laying down a clean slate—one that encourages proper potty habits and gives your pup the best chance at success. Once you’ve made it through the initial house-training phase and feel confident in your puppy’s potty prowess, scheduling another carpet cleaning is not just practical; it’s therapeutic. Steadfast puppies are reputedly 90% potty trained when they leave our home for yours, but accidents are an inevitable part of puppy parenthood. Knowing there’s a fresh start waiting afterward will help mitigate any worries about permanent damage to your home environment. Worry Less, Play More: Benefits of a Dedicated Puppy Space! Exercise pens are your friends! Creating a designated space for your puppy—like our Puppy Palace—can be a transformative decision in your new life together. With an exercise pen, you establish a safe haven where they can explore and play without the constant worry of mischief or accidents. This controlled environment allows you to step away for a moment knowing your puppy has enough freedom for play and discovery without the constraints of a crate yet is still happily contained and out of trouble. Enhancing this space with interactive toys or puzzle feeders can stimulate their minds and keep them happily occupied. Plus, consider setting up cameras to check in on them during those moments you’re not home. Modern technology allows us to observe without intruding on their independence; just be sure the cords are safely tucked away! These versatile pens aren’t just useful at home; they’re also invaluable when traveling. Take them to a pet-friendly hotel to set up an off-leash area for potty breaks. And if you’re feeling extra creative, combine multiple pens for an expansive Puppy Palace that accommodates activities like playdates or training sessions. You can browse online images for design ideas and let inspiration guide you in crafting a sanctuary tailored specifically to your Puppy Play Zone: Safeguard Your Home with Clever Floor Solutions! When welcoming a puppy into your home, consider safeguarding your floor in your puppy play zone by investing in a linoleum remnant from retailers like Lowe’s or Home Depot. Just be sure to secure the edges with strong tape; puppies have an insatiable curiosity and love to nibble on anything they can reach. If they can get an edge, they’ll chew it to shreds! For carpeted areas, consider a product like carpet shield; it acts as a barrier to prevent stains while allowing your pup the freedom to romp about without worry. With these protective measures in place, you can foster an engaging space that protects your floors while your puppy explores! Puppies are natural explorers, and their instinct to chew is not merely a phase—it’s a fundamental way they interact with their environment! Think of your puppy as an enthusiastic little scientist, eager to taste everything in its path. Those seemingly mundane stair bannisters or enticing lamp cords aren’t just objects; they’re potential treasures waiting to be examined through the delightful process of chewing! Rather than becoming frustrated, start by redirecting your puppy’s attention instead of wrestling with them over a forbidden object. Providing appropriate chew toys can redirect that exploratory energy into something safe and satisfying; it’s all about reshaping their instinctual behaviors into something positive for both them and your home! If distraction alone isn’t going to cut it, consider harnessing the power of diluted Angry Orange. This natural citrus spray serves dual purposes: deterring unwanted chewing and adding a refreshing scent to your home. Just be cautious with its potency; diluting it correctly will prevent overwhelming their sensitive noses. Apply it strategically; don’t spray it when your puppy is standing nearby – it can trigger a sneezing fit as your puppy tries to evacuate his offended nostrils! Another affordable solution to consider is covering those troublesome wooden legs of your table or bench in PVC pipe. While it may not win any design awards, the reassurance this quick fix provides is truly invaluable. Check out my video where I demonstrate how I’ve used this clever solution to safeguard the puppy-free zone bench we have for our mama dogs in the puppy palace. Plus, this bench is a fantastic spot for us humans to enjoy time together as well! https://youtu.be/PYWudaI88Fc Ultimate Convenience: Litter Box-Ready Puppies Are Here! Your new Steadfast puppy arrives litter box-trained! Having a litter box-trained puppy opens up a world of convenience. No longer are you tethered to the outdoor routine, especially during inclement weather or those unpredictable days when you’re delayed at work. Maintaining a litter box isn’t just about practicality; having an indoor option makes life comfortable for both puppy and owner. However, it’s

Nourish to Flourish: The Raw Diet

The raw diet, often championed for its health benefits, is what we feed here at the Steadfast household. It mirrors what canines would naturally consume in the wild, promoting healthier coats, improved digestion, and enhanced energy levels. It may also be a significant part of the reproductive success we’ve had! Research suggests that pets consuming a balanced raw diet rich in essential nutrients experience improved fertility and larger litter sizes. Does that not take the mystery out of our Fab 14 and Baker’s Dozen litter sizes? If this diet is so effective for our females producing large litters of puppies, imagine the health benefits to your dog! I’m truly passionate about the raw diet, and I want to share some compelling reasons why you should consider it for your puppy. While the expense of a raw diet may initially seem daunting—especially when comparing it to mass-produced kibble—the long-term health benefits often outweigh these costs. Investing in high-quality ingredients could lead to fewer vet visits down the line due to potential health issues linked with poor nutrition, and I’m going to show you an example of how I shop smartly to keep expenses manageable—after all, feeding a whole pack of dogs fresh meat requires some savvy budgeting! Just a quick note: while I’m sharing my experience, I’m not a veterinarian or trained nutritionist. So be sure to do your own research too! Health benefits: Iron guts Raw meat, which is abundant in vital nutrients and vitamins, helps maintain an ideal pH balance in their digestive systems, thus promoting overall gut health. In their natural environment, dogs consume dead animals and other gross substances that would be harmful to humans. Two factors contribute to their ability to handle such diets: first, their digestive systems operate more quickly than those of humans, reducing the time for harmful bacteria to cause illness; second, a natural diet results in a highly acidic internal environment in dogs, which effectively neutralizes many harmful bacteria.  In contrast, kibble contains ingredients that are difficult for dogs to digest and shifts their gut environment to an alkaline state, increasing their vulnerability to health issues and skin conditions. Let me share a real-life experience with Zoey’s first litter in 2018. We had been feeding her a raw diet, which seemed to be working well for her, but then a breeder-friend persuaded me to switch her to a well-known kibble brand. That decision turned out to be a mistake. Just weeks after giving birth, Zoey slipped into a state of depression; she was perpetually exhausted. It was heartbreaking to see her wanting to engage with her puppies but lacking the energy to do so. Her change in demeanor was such a painful contrast to what we had known before! Initially, we attributed it to the demands of pregnancy and nursing. When she finally regained some energy around the time the puppies were weaned, we felt such relief that we even recorded a video celebrating her comeback. However, looking back now, it’s clear that it was the kibble diet that left her struggling all along.  Since then, I’ve made it a point to include a vet visit for a complete blood panel and nutrition analysis in our pre-breeding protocol for my girls. I’m so happy to report that their nutrition levels are always perfectly aligned for motherhood! Poop worth bragging about: As a breeder, I talk to a lot of people about their history with dogs, and often hear stories about the raw diet transforming the lives of their dogs. The journey towards a raw diet can feel daunting at first; however, it’s well worth the immense benefits beyond mere nutrition. Imagine ditching the daily chore of handling messy, soft “muck” deposits in your yard! Switching to a raw diet doesn’t just transform your dog’s overall health and energy levels; it can turn their poop routine into something you’ll brag about! Not only will you be elated seeing more manageable Tootsie Roll stools on your morning walks, but you’ll also find yourself chuckling at how something as simple as diet can revolutionize this aspect of dog ownership. With kibble, countless un-digestible ingredients go in and an unhygienic mess comes out; with raw feeding, most gets utilized for growth, energy—and yes—even poop aesthetics. Shopping and chopping: Finding high-quality fresh meat for your dog doesn’t have to break the bank. Start by taking advantage of weekly sales and promotions at local grocery stores or butcher shops. Many places offer discounts on various meats nearing their sell-by date, which can be an excellent opportunity to stock up without overspending. I’ve even seen people ask on neighborhood apps for freezer clean-outs. Think of it as a treasure hunt where you can discover premium cuts at a fraction of their usual price! This week, I found pork loin chops on sale at Costco. The regular price was $2.79 per pound, but there was a $5.00 off the package price given at the register, so I bought 5.5 pounds of chops at the sale price of $1.88 per pound. Then, at the grocery stores, frozen turkeys were on sale for $0.88 per pound, so I bought a 15-pound turkey not intended for our Thanksgiving meal, but as dog food. Finally, a good inexpensive staple is chicken leg quarters. The 10-pound bag was on sale for just $0.57 per pound. Once I thawed the turkey, I spent an hour preparing all my bargain finds by cutting the meats and bones into perfect, crunchy portions. It’s all about finding that sweet spot—if the chunks are too big, the dogs might try to bury it in the yard, but if they’re too small, they won’t enjoy the satisfying crunch of those hearty bones. By storing these portions in gallon-sized freezer bags, I’m not only making the most of our dog food budget. Go ahead and envy me for the 30 pounds of meat and bone for just $30! But just wait, there’s more! Additionally, I took advantage of every part of

Steadfast Sweeps Another Specialty Show!

Huge shoutout to two incredible Steadfast dogs and their amazing owners! Last year, Kodi & Fiona took the national specialty show by storm with Best of Breed & Best of Opposite ribbons! Their winning streak is still going strong! This year, Fiona took home Best of Breed at Westminster, while Kodi earned an Award of Merit. They’re still on fire and racking up wins! Just this weekend in Belton, they were unstoppable! They swept the regional RRSSC specialty show, winning BOTH Best Of Breed and Best Of Opposite awards at the specialty – and they snapped up those same ribbons all four days of competition! So proud of these champs – keep shining bright, you amazing pups!