Puppy Updates – Steadfast Standard Schnauzers

Sometimes it takes a village/club

To be honest, before I started down the path of showing Zoey I had never really heard of dog clubs – and even after I became aware of them, I really didn’t know what they were about or why I should join one. So, let me tell you just a little bit about my experience in being a member of the Red River Standard Schnauzer Club of Texas…

Before the COVID shutdown, I had the opportunity to volunteer as a ring steward for a club-sponsored fun match. It followed all the same processes as a regular conformation show, but it was much more relaxed, and the audience unabashedly clapped for each participant. Then I had the pleasure of attending a club-sponsored Introduction to Barn Hunt clinic. It was great fun for the dogs, and we owners hung out and socialized, shared lunch together, and traded our knowledge and experiences with our crazy furbabies. There have been other club-sponsored events that I was not able to attend, yet I enjoy hearing other members talk about the fun they had at those too. But here’s where the rubber really hits the road…

As you probably know, Zoey began whelping puppies late Friday night and all through Saturday morning – the 4^th of July. Independence Day. A holiday. That means, no vet support (except for the emergency pager number which typically means you’re headed to their office for an emergency c-section.) You might wonder, what’s that got to do with dog clubs?

Our pals, and fellow club members, Bob and Troy came over and spent the whole night providing midwifery service. My husband, Craig, and Bob handed to me fresh towels, gloves, and necessary tools while I sat in the box comforting and assisting Zoey. As each pup was whelped, they weighed the puppies, recorded gender, put on their color-coded collars, and gently handed them back to mama so she could nurse them.

Meanwhile, Troy set up the puppycam and kept the other dogs, Max and Honor, entertained downstairs. Being just 2ish, these two youngsters were not accustomed to the sounds of newborns nor the fierce protectiveness of a new mama. So, Troy’s help in keeping them company and reassuring them during this night of odd sounds and strange human behavior was fantastic. Besides that, he captured that photo above, which is now my favorite photo of our “Independence Day Whelping Party.”

And the club benefits go much deeper than that!

Around midnight, we collectively started to worry that the puppy was taking too long to come out. None of us wanted to mention “stuck puppy” but we were thinking it. A stuck puppy can be a death-sentence to the entire litter! Not wanting to wake anyone, we sent text messages to a few of the experienced breeders in our club. Within moments we had multiple calls and return messages asking for the details and offering advice. It turned out that we didn’t actually have a stuck puppy – Miss Zoey was just working to her own schedule, not ours – but I wonder if you can imagine how valuable it is to have a network of support when you need it most. These members of the Red River Standard Schnauzer Club rallied around me and buoyed our little whelping team throughout the night. It. Was. Awesome!

Alright, so you’re not a breeder. I promise you; you’ll have some incident or condition or behavior while living life with your standard schnauzer in which a network of fellow owners will benefit you. And, when you share your experiences with the club you help us all grow, collectively, into the kind of humans that our dogs just love to call their own.

They’re here!!

Steadfast Standard Schnauzer’s is proud to announce the birth of our Independence Day 2020 litter. Yes, you heard that correctly. If you have been keeping up with our kennel, then you know that our 2018 litter was born on Flag Day; thus their flag related names. This years’ All American line up was born on July 4^th, Independence Day. We couldn’t have planned this if we’d tried. Throughout the wee hours of the morning on July 4^th, our Miss Zoey (GCH CH Postem’s Zoey FDC BCAT CGC TKI) produced a beautiful litter of 6 girls and 2 boys. The proud papa for this litter is BIS, BISS, GCH CH Blackhawk Finnegan’s Wake RATN; better known as “Finn”. (Please see our blog posting of June 9^th for more info about the proud parents).

Here are a few pics of our busy night with Zoey and her new pups. Please feel free to keep up with us on our website and FB page for additional news and pics as time progresses.

Puppy Placement Process

Due to the upcoming litter, we are now starting to receive an increase in applications and inquiries. In the process of answering various questions about us, our kennel, our dogs, payment, etc., we realized that instead of writing a bunch of lengthy individual responses we needed to come up with a document that answers most prospective puppy parents’ questions, and provides more detail about us and our placement process. With that in mind, we created a document called ‘Puppy Placement Process’ which you can find it under the Litters tab on our website.

For all new puppy applications, we ask that prospective puppy parents to read the Puppy Application Process before completing an application.

For all those who have already applied, you will not need to re-submit your application in the new format. However, we encourage you to read the Puppy Placement Process since it will be relevant to you too.

Hanging out on the lawn blanket just like we did on my first day outside.

Will there be ribbons?

As we prepare for our next litter of puppies, I’m sharing some of my thoughts about the selection criteria we use when we review applications. There’s so much more to it than simply finding nice people that really want a puppy.

Obviously, we want the best possible fit for each of our puppies such that they live happy, healthy, purposeful lives. Additionally, we want to ensure we’re helping to grow an ongoing community of dedicated Standard Schnauzer owners that will help the breed thrive well into the future.

At the most basic level, that means you need to ensure your dog is a well-mannered, well-groomed ambassador of the breed so he or she makes a favorable impression on people. That’s just responsible dog-ownership. (And please understand that neither I, nor my dogs, can claim to be perfect examples of good manners – it’s a work in progress.)

Taking it to a higher level, training your dog to perform or compete in sports cultivates wider recognition of the breed’s versatile abilities. Titles on paper, trophies, and ribbons are great for sustaining a personal sense of satisfaction, but my goal in encouraging you to be involved in dog sports is so that trainers and spectators get to see how smart, agile, and personable this breed is. That is, I want us all to do our part in growing their fan base.

Make no mistake, competing can be expensive!

Entering a single competition might only cost $20 or $30, but to title in a sport might take 5, 10, 30 entries. Plus, you will likely have had training before competing, so that’s time and cost. You will probably travel to events and incur the cost of overnight stays. When you add it all up, it can be expensive, but it’s an investment that rewards you and your dog with great experiences, a tighter bond, and a network of like-minded friends …plus, there’s ribbons.

Then there’s service and therapy work. What can be better and more fulfilling than a dog that provides affection and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement and nursing homes, hospices, disaster areas, and to people with learning difficulties? Standard Schnauzers can be wary of strangers and a little self-absorbed in their own interests, but they love to train and perform their duties well. It’s in their nature to excel in this area when given the opportunity. This, to me, is one of the highest forms of purposeful dog ownership.

Finally, there’s conformation. The big show. The true dog-fanatic’s obsession. This is where we remove our blinders and expose ourselves and our dogs to the judgement of others. Think your dog has perfect structure? Perfect gait? Perfect teeth? Think you can execute every step and every turn perfectly to show-off your dog’s exquisite awesomeness? Does he or she have the genes that should be carried forth in future generations? Well then, come join me in the ring! Let’s make Champions! …plus, you get ribbons!

What about pets, you wonder? Good, old-fashioned, family-pet dogs? Yes, Standard Schnauzers are great family pets, but let’s face the fact that family-life has changed in a way that may not make it the best environment for an intelligent, active breed like the Standard Schnauzer. I loathe the idea that work and school and after-school activities, and overtime, social commitments, and then down-time in front of the TV or computer culminate into robbing the dog of adequate attention and exercise.

This is a Working Dog breed. Spending 10 minutes in the yard playing 2 or 3 times a week just isn’t going to be enough. These dogs need physical and mental stimulation. A bored Schnauzer can be a real problem. They’re purpose-driven, and if you don’t give them purpose they’re likely to assign themselves some that you may not appreciate.

Would you ever ask a toddler to just sit quietly in a space with no toys for 30 minutes? How about for 8 or 10 hours? Now imagine that toyless space has lots of breakable dishes, electric appliances, sharp objects, potted plants, etc. You may plan to keep your dog “safe” by crating him or containing him in a confined space, but consider what kind of adult would be produced from a child that was raised in solitary confinement. Puppies need crate time, but they don’t need a lot of it because it’s convenient for you.

The point I try to drive with people that tell me they have kids to keep the dog busy is that a house full of kids does not mean that the dog is getting the attention it needs and deserves. Kid-chaos does not constitute training and exercise for the dog’s mind and body.

Let me just sum-up by suggesting that before you consider applying for one of our Standard Schnauzers, make sure you can convey what you know about the Working Dog mindset; what attracts you to the Standard Schnauzer breed over other breeds; what purpose will it have, and how will you ensure he or she will be successful, happy, and healthy? What do you want to DO with your dog?

…And, of course, will there be ribbons?

We’re pregnant!

For my very first time posting on our website, I have the pleasure of announcing that our Zoey, (GCH CH Postem’s Zoey FDC BCAT CGC TKI) is pregnant, and her pups are due around the July 4^th time frame. Zoey is currently an AKC Grand Champion that holds numerous titles in companion and performance sports. In Fast CAT events, her average speed is 25.43 MPH over a 100-yard dash! Zoey is tied as the fastest female Standard Schnauzer in the nation…. Ever!

The Sire for Zoey’s pups is BIS, BISS, GCH CH Blackhawk Finnegan’s Wake RATN. Better known as Finn. Finn finished his 2014 show career as Number 1 Standard Schnauzer, Number 4 working dog, and Number 12 All-Breed in the country. You can read more about Finn through this URL: http://www.hanlonstandardschnauzers.com/hanlonstandardschnauzers/Finn/Finn.html

For those of you who would like to be considered as a new puppy parent for one of Zoey’s pups, on our website, please look under the Litters dropdown and you will find an application for a puppy. Please understand that first and foremost we are looking for wonderful homes for our puppies. We take finding the right home for our puppies very seriously as you will see during the interview process. I would encourage you to be forthcoming and be thorough when filling out your application. We insist on staying connected after you get your puppy.

Under the Pictures and Videos drop down, you can see pics and videos of our 2018 litter. That litter produced two pups that have achieved AKC Champion titles and a third pup is well on his way to achieving same. One of the pups – like her mama – is an AKC Grand Champion. Representing the breed’s versatility, the pups now hold titles in Coursing, Dock Diving, and as Trick Dogs. They’re also certified Farm Dogs, Canine Good Citizens, Temperament Tested, and Therapy Dogs serving the elderly. They love to perform, so some of them also train in Agility, Nosework, and Barn Hunt. All our pups from the Flag Day litter found wonderful homes; of which that is the most important thing to us.

To find out more about us and our dogs, please feel free to join Steadfast’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/steadfaststandards/. If you’ll go there, you’ll see where we’ve been spending most of our time as opposed to our website. But I’m going to work on keeping it more active and up to date moving forward.

In addition, you can catch up on all of our dogs videos on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDURgN4VZ1xT94EN8mf-OQQ

Darcy and I look forward to our new litter of puppies, and ultimately expanding the Steadfast family.

Thank you for reading my first posting here on our website. We’re looking forward to hearing from you and getting to know some of you.

Go fetch!

Is your puppy sitting in front of the window with a forlorn “I’m so bored” look? That’s about all it takes for mine to motivate me into a game of fetch.

Fetch is a great game that wears them out physically and challenges them mentally while they’re learning “get it,” “bring it back,” and “drop it.” Plus, your puppy won’t mind if you’re still in your jammies – anytime is a great time for fetch!

Playing fetch with Honor

First kisses

I’ve been collecting and storing the pictures new puppy parents share with me as the pups settle into their new lives. I can hardly express how important these pictures are to me. I look at them over and over …and I smile.

Breeding is extremely challenging! And I’m not referring to the sleep-deprived nights or the endless cleaning-up of poop and pee, nor even the efforts to keep house and yard somewhat in order and in tact. I’m talking about the emotional fortitude it takes to let pups go! Wow. Let me say that even when I know these little furbabies are going to great homes where they’ll be cherished and get waaaay more attention than I can give them, I cry and sulk around the house each time one of them leaves. Those pups still with me have to put up with me hugging them and crying on their beautiful coats.

What helps me get through my pity-party are the pictures and videos and updates from the new puppy parents. I love em! Seeing the pups in their new homes with happy owners reminds me of how blessed I am to be able to bring joy into these puppies lives and into the lives of dog-loving people. I thought some of you might like to see those pictures too so I added a page of some of my favorites. You can find it here: https://steadfaststandards.com/puppy-parent-pics/

Keep sending them! I never get tired of seeing them or hearing from you.

Tonsure!… and moths.

Just when I thought we were sliding into a comfortable and manageable routine everything changed again. I took several puppies in for ear cropping and over the next two weeks we had to closely monitor activity and keep them separated so none of the other puppies would chew on their little healing ears. The time impact of rotating everyone so they still got plenty of play time while being protected from rough-housing was… wow, crazy. And noisy! Our little healing pups seem to enjoy “running the fence line” outside of the Puppy Palace while those on the inside chased and barked at them. Those with cropped ears had their little heads and ears shaved by the vet and now they look like little Monks.

To make matters worse, I started working on their coats and I’m slowly stripping out the puppy coat to reveal all that gorgeous pepper/salt Schnauzer coat coming in. But you know by now that I am all about making sure new experiences are positive. So, I only work on their coats if they’re relatively still and happy with all the praise. Consequently, their coats now look like moths have attacked them. They’re all patchy and spotty!

They turned 10 weeks old and three of them have made the journey to their new lives. Of course, I cried to lose them but I’m also extremely happy that they’ve gone to wonderful people that will love them and care for them. They’re lucky dogs.

My expectation is that these dogs will go out into the world and remind us humans how to love deeply and almost unconditionally – cause that’s just what dogs do! Plus, there’s the added benefit that as puppies they provide enough chaos and destruction to our lives such that they ensure we exercise our ability to show patience and tolerance. Some people may not appreciate that service, but any doctor will tell you that exercise is important!

It’s so hard to believe that they were this puppyish just two weeks ago! Here they were at 8 weeks old:

Zoey gets her groove back!

If you read my Puppy Update blogs you know that Miss Zoey had a period where she just seemed to have the ‘blahs.’ Now she’s feeling spry again. She doesn’t get up the trees nearly as high as she did before, but you wouldn’t either if you’d birthed a whole pack of nine just a couple of months ago! Jackie isn’t related in lineage to Zoey but she’s “Aunt Jackie” to these pups anyhow.

Personal space

This is a long update because I’ve been remiss in writing.

If you didn’t discover them already, I sneaked in pictures of the puppies’ first day outside a couple of Saturdays ago. You’ll find them under Picture Gallery / Flag Day Puppies 2018. Be forewarned! The cuteness is almost too much. Here’s a sneak-peek:

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They’re big shots in the yard now. They’ve explored every nook and cranny; barked at suspicious things like water pipes and vases they broke. They learned about uppity cats that will smack a pushy, solo pup but run for the trees when the whole pack gets after him.

Climbing! Mama demonstrates “how to” climb the driftwood log and within a flash pups all over it.

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Potty-training is almost a done-deal. When they’re indoors they use the litter box. Occasionally someone misses the litter box, but for the most part they’ve got it figured out. When we’re outside, all I can say is it’s a really good thing we have a big yard because 9 puppies and 2 adults make for a lot of landmines. I feel so bad that my husband doesn’t let me do the clean-up. He says I tear-up the lawn too much with the end of the shovel. I just don’t know why I still can’t seem to get the hang of that. <grin>

I even let them venture around the house a little when we first come in from outside. They discovered that my cowhide rug was fun to chew, and so was my napping blanket that I keep folded up in a basket. The basket itself was about to be swiss cheese, but I saved it. The Sisal rug in the breakfast area was then targeted as a great tug-of-war toy, and Jackie maligned a pup that tried to steal a toy from her crate. When I caught Benny chewing the cord to the puppy-cam that was the last straw – I herded everyone back to the safe zone. It just goes to show you that no matter how puppy-safe you think an area is they always find SOMETHING THEY’RE NOT SUPPOSED TO HAVE!… But, no one pee’d or poo’d where they weren’t supposed to – so that is awesome.

Okay, so here’s what we’ve worked on over the past week:

Manners! Mama has been teaching them that “no” means “no” – the milk bar is closed. Zoey is such an incredibly good mama. I’m so pleased with how gentle but firm she is with them. She lets them play pretty darn rough with each other without interfering. Occasionally, someone cries out with the right amount of distress and its big Mama Zoey to the rescue. They’re getting valuable lessons in what constitutes “too rough” from their siblings, their mama, and us.

They’re also working on ‘sit quietly.’ I make them practice sitting still and taking food GENTLY from my hand. They must do this even if one of their brothers or sisters gets over-exuberant and tries to steal the tasty morsel. No one gets that treat until they can sit quietly and calmly. It’s precious to see that little circle of nine faces concentrating on being calm. Some of them are very relaxed about it and could easily sit for two or three minutes while others are working so hard at just being in control of themselves for twenty or thirty seconds. I’ll try to get some video of it. I’m dang proud of them for it because it’s hard work being that calm when you’re a puppy!

And nails. The dreaded nail-trimming… I use a Dremel. I’m just too much of a nervous-Nelly with regular nail guillotines. So far, I’ve let the cordless Dremel run completely out of battery power twice because I just leave it running with the pups in close proximity so they can get used to the sound of it. When I finally pressed it to a foot – not even the sanding part – you’d have thought a bee stung him. He jumped and screamed and wriggled and just generally made a big fuss. Mama came in to see what was going on, gave him a little lick on the face and then showed no more concern. He calmed down enough that I was able to sand off the ends without ever getting close to the quick. Lots of treats and praise for his bravery at the end. On to the next pup. It’s a slow process building trust in the face of something this scary. I’m going to keep working on it with them so that hopefully nail trimming won’t be a source of fear for them.

Finally, ‘Operation Me Time’ has begun.

I want them to have a gentle transition into being able to accept and enjoy having their own space in their own crate. Therefore, I’ve set up two crates with a divider in each – creating four personal spaces. The pups are taking turns spending time in those personal spaces so it won’t be such a big shock when they go to their forever homes. I let them go in there when I know they’re about to fall asleep anyhow. They get a chewable treat that is ONLY something they get when they’re in those special personal spaces. That way, it’s always a positive experience for them – except when a sibling in the personal space next door manages to thieve your chewable from under the divider. That’s not so fun.