Madcap Radio

This episode's question is about what to do when your “keeper” puppy starts showing significant fear issues:"…I’m really sad about my situation. I don’t want this to reflect poorly on my small breeding program that I’ve poured so much time, thought, stress, money, and emotional energy into.… my keeper puppy is now showing pretty significant fear issues…I was hoping to keep this puppy and eventually use her in my program. My biggest concern is that this is genetic fear and she will not outgrow/overcome it. This is depressing me quite honestly, and I’m feeling very deer-in-the-headlights about how to move forward…" In this podcast I address: How to tell if a fear issue is a developmental or genetic issue and what the line is between normal and pathological fear My personal experiences and outcomes in this area Words of encouragement for small program breeders, with thoughts for surviving emotional setbacks and staying in the breeding game Visit our website www.madcapradio.com for further reading.

The question is about what to do with puppies that have meltdowns at shows or trials or any socialization situation:"My 7 month old puppy just had a meltdown. At our National this past weekend he showed OK on Thursday and Friday. A little unsure. But showed. On Saturday he was amazing and took Winners Dog. Sunday, he had a complete melt down. He has shows again in 5 days my inclination is to pull him. Work with him at home. Thoughts?" In this episode I discuss: When to hold back, and when to continue exposing puppies after meltdowns Rating experiences for success Thoughts about avoiding future problems Visit our website madcapradio.com for further reading.

This episode's question is about whether and by how much we can modify temperament with protocols:"I was chatting to someone recently about nature versus nurture, and they said, you can get a bitch who has a poor temperament and using Puppy Culture, you can have pups who have great temperaments. My view is it's more complex than that.…Would love people's thoughts.​" Listen in as I discuss: The difference between temperament and behavior The ramifications of using behavior modification protocols in a breeding program Our ethical obligations as breeders vs as puppy raisers Visit our website madcapradio.com for further reading.

This episode’s question is about giving puppies double fermented fruit kefir:"Hello, We are curious about the benefits of using Mango kefir for puppies. How does it help their gut flora? What is the purpose of using it. Thanks!" Listen in as I discuss: How a second ferment with fruit transforms the nutritional profile and bioavailability of kefir Why kefir in general is such a probiotic powerhouse Why double fermented fruit kefir is particularly appropriate for puppies Visit our website madcapradio.com for further reading.

This episode answers a question about puppies who just can’t settle down in the evening: "What are your best tips for “witching hour”? We have an 11.5 week Spinone Italiano that we brought home just over two weeks ago. He settles down for naps during the day after some play and training, but after his early evening nap, some play, dinner, potty, he gets over aroused and overtired and we cannot for the life of us redirect his mouthing to a toy or chew and he cries in his X-pen and jumps at the sides. We are trying to establish a routine with a licky mat, Kong or other soothing activity to transition him and bring down his arousal. But it is a nightly struggle!" In this episode I talk about: Why it’s natural for puppies to be restless and difficult in the early evening Tips for dealing with a puppy who can’t control himself Management and bedtime routine suggestions Visit our website madcapradio.com for further reading.