Upon opening the door I was met with a beautiful red-gold Retriever. Her deep brown eyes shown with enthusiasm. She was definitely excited to see me, but so polite and impeccably well mannered that instead of rambunctious jumps and muddy paws all over my white sweatshirt she contained her joy in a tremendously wagging tail and a happy nose greeting.
I was awed at such a calm, elegant greeting from a 6 month old pup! Tikka was splendid!
Last week I had the great joy of visiting one of our Puppy families in Seattle. The Kreft family of 6 had welcomed into their home one of Penny’s pups “ Tikka” last November. It isn’t everyday that I get to visit my pups as they grow up. And I was overjoyed to witness Tikka’s exceptional development.
It was obvious that Tikka’s Puppy Family was doing an amazing job with her training. Tikka in return was a beloved pet, joining the family everywhere they went, including Sunday morning church.
To my delight and satisfaction I was over the course of the visit, able to discern key signs of good puppy training in all of the family’s interactions with Tikka.
First thing I noticed was that Dad was Alpha dog.
Thankfully, unlike the YouTube montage of destructive puppy antics (hilarious online, but not so much after a long day), Tikka wasn’t left to her own devices. There was a command structure. Tikka knew it and was happy to abide by Alpha dog’s boundaries. But what was just as important to see, was that the rest of the family enforced Dad’s rules. Tikka had learned early on by family reinforcement that to jump on people was a no-go. No loophole-seeking here! Consistent rules across the family meant Tikka learned “no jumping” wasn’t just Dad’s rule, it was everyone’s. Tikka accepted it and reaped the benefits- playful attention and happy smiles from all!
I noticed too that Tikka had her own spot in the house.
In her crate were balls and chew toys for quiet time. And they made it an exciting place for her by feeding her in it. So while she was allowed to lick clean a few plates after dinner Tikka wasn’t roaming the house looking for snacks out of hunger and boredom. She had her own spot. You can learn more about crate training in my other blog Crate Train Your Pup!
It was impressive to see how the family seamlessly incorporated another valuable training principle; Tikka was never allowed to build up too much puppy destructo energy. It was hilarious to see Dad and kids, hands-and-knees on the floor playing a rousing game of tug-of-war with Tikka. There were playful growls on both sides and lots of energy spent having a time of their lives. When the game was up Tikka was ready for dinner and quiet time in her crate.
The family also had an older, rescue lab “Kimber” who Tikka delighted to tease with attempts to play chase. Kimber usually wouldn’t really get into it, but would play along somewhat for Tikka’s sake. When she had had enough however, Kimber would let Tikka know with a low growl to back off and Tikka took the hint.
It warmed my breeder parent heart to see this old dog and young pup dynamic. Kimber was teaching Tikka boundaries and wise dog manners while Tikka was helping keep Kimber young at heart-perfect!
My visit was a resounding success! Seeing Tikka growing up, happy and loved, warmed my heart.
The family had asked for any advice and guidance for her training, and while I could suggest only a few tips here and there Tikka, with clear boundaries and a loving family, is a happy, obedient, playful pup, well on her way to successful doghood.
A well trained dog is such a beautiful creature to behold! I hope this story of my visit with Tikka and her family is invigorating, and encourages you with your own pets. Consistency is key!
If you are looking for a beautiful addition to your family and prepared to raise a loving, well-trained pup like Tikka, shoot me an email and I can send you our puppy application. Consider joining the waiting list for future Beagle and Golden litters. I would love to get to know you and your family.
If you have any questions or stories with your puppy let me know in the comments below!
I plan on sharing bi-monthly pup stories and training advice on the blog, please subscribe or join our Rosehaven Puppy Family page for support and puppy tails!
I am proud and happy that our Rosehaven pup is in such a great family, and looking forward to keeping in touch with Tikka and the Krefts throughout the years!
~Jenni
Rosehaven Homestead
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”
Revelation 4:11
Rosehaven Homestead 
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