hi, could you explain for the unfamiliar (me) the purpose of the trampoline of doom and other baby torture implements in the backyard?
Hello! The Baby Torture is what's called Early Exposure and is part of the puppies' socialization program.
You can learn more here: https://thedogjournal.net/2023/03/early-exposure-for-puppies/
Or, honestly, you can just google "early exposure for puppies" and you'll get lots of resources.
Essentially, all the whacky shit in their pen, in the yard, and on their field trips is meant to give them positive experiences with novel situations and stimuli before they go to their new homes. Studies show that early (positive) exposure to different textures, materials, smells, and experiences help puppies cope with stressors later in life. A common misconception is that you need to expose puppies to as many things as you can throw at them, but it's far more important to make sure every new experience is a good time. You should avoid causing any negative feelings while a puppy is experiencing something new. My goal is that by the time puppies are 12 weeks old, they understand a very simple equation: novelty = good.
At the same time, a puppy's life should not be without frustration. Offering puppies puzzles and challenges can also be valuable in teaching pups to cope with stress and delayed gratification.
So, it's not actually baby torture at all! It's Baby Adventure Land, carefully curated to mimic or prepare puppies for real world experiences later on.
Here's just some of the things the pups have been up to the past few weeks:
Getting used to clothes. This will help with harnesses, racing jackets, Halloween costumes, or anything else their owners might want to put on them.
This crazy thing is usually referred to as an "adventure box" and basically just has a bunch of random shit tied to it. It makes a lot of noises, has a lot of different textures and shapes, and is a lot of fun for puppies to run through and tug on. I attached a swing on the inside so that they also have a wobbly surface to navigate.
A bunch of other different surfaces to try out, most of which are unstable and two of which are elevated. Pilot LOVES launching off the peanut and hiding under the trampoline when his sister chases him. The dog ramp propped up in the background is meant to resemble the "dog walk" in agility. I will be introducing them to the teeter soon too!
An old cookie tray with old silverware on it and treats scattered on top. This helps desensitize puppies to abrasive sounds, like metal scraping in the kitchen, or pots and pans being clanged.
Loud, interactive toys that move and do weird things. This will help desensitize puppies to kids' toys, Halloween decorations, etc.
Trips to different parts of the house, and then later on places away from home. We don't want puppies that are scared of going everywhere with their new owners.
Things to crawl on and under, as well as more unstable surfaces and different textures. Dogs should be comfortable walking on all surfaces when out and about with their owners, and should feel safe exploring small or elevated spaces.
In their pen, they have a constantly rotating cast of toys, surfaces, furnishings, and challenges. Everything is safe for them to interact with and, most of all, everything is fun to interact with.
This barely scratches the surface, of course. They've had puzzle feeders, gone on field trips, met some cats, met unfamiliar dogs of different breeds, met chickens, met LOTS of people including kids and a baby, explored three homes that aren't theirs (with more lined up to visit), started clicker training, engaged in age-appropriate challenges such as having to go over an obstacle or around a gate for food, and much much much much more.
Brb adapting all of this for my eventual next pair of kittens.
Incredible.