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From the moment puppies are born, a mother dog is immersed in a sensory-rich world of scent, touch, and sound that ties her to her litter. Hormonal surges ensure she is hyper‑responsive to their needs, creating an unbreakable connection in the early days. So, do mother dogs miss their puppies when they’re gone, or do […]
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Okay, let's unpack this.
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Okay, let's unpack this.
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Okay, let's unpack this. >> This is a question that um I think every
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>> This is a question that um I think every
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>> This is a question that um I think every single person who's ever loved a dog or
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single person who's ever loved a dog or
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single person who's ever loved a dog or worked in rescue has asked themselves at
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worked in rescue has asked themselves at
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worked in rescue has asked themselves at some point.
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some point.
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some point. >> Oh, absolutely. It's a huge one.
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>> Oh, absolutely. It's a huge one.
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>> Oh, absolutely. It's a huge one. >> Do mother dogs truly miss their puppies
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>> Do mother dogs truly miss their puppies
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>> Do mother dogs truly miss their puppies after they're adopted and you know leave
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after they're adopted and you know leave
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after they're adopted and you know leave the home.
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the home.
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the home. >> It is the ultimate meeting point of
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>> It is the ultimate meeting point of
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>> It is the ultimate meeting point of biology and well our own human
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biology and well our own human
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biology and well our own human sentiment, isn't it?
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sentiment, isn't it?
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sentiment, isn't it? >> Totally. We want the answer to be a
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>> Totally. We want the answer to be a
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>> Totally. We want the answer to be a simple yes, she's heartbroken.
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simple yes, she's heartbroken.
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simple yes, she's heartbroken. >> We do. But the science uh it offers a
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>> We do. But the science uh it offers a
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>> We do. But the science uh it offers a much more complex and frankly a much
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much more complex and frankly a much
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much more complex and frankly a much more fascinating answer.
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more fascinating answer.
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more fascinating answer. >> And that's our mission today. We have a
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>> And that's our mission today. We have a
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>> And that's our mission today. We have a robust stack of research here.
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robust stack of research here.
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robust stack of research here. Everything from veterinary science
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Everything from veterinary science
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Everything from veterinary science articles on hormones to uh behavioral
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articles on hormones to uh behavioral
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articles on hormones to uh behavioral studies on canine recognition. Right?
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studies on canine recognition. Right?
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studies on canine recognition. Right? >> So our goal is to really extract the
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>> So our goal is to really extract the
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>> So our goal is to really extract the nuances and give you a complete picture
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nuances and give you a complete picture
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nuances and give you a complete picture moving beyond just simple instinct to
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moving beyond just simple instinct to
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moving beyond just simple instinct to maybe explore the depths of their
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maybe explore the depths of their
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maybe explore the depths of their cognition and dare I say emotion. And to
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cognition and dare I say emotion. And to
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cognition and dare I say emotion. And to do that we absolutely have to start with
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do that we absolutely have to start with
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do that we absolutely have to start with the biology. I mean the initial bond is
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the biology. I mean the initial bond is
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the biology. I mean the initial bond is so intense for a very good reason
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so intense for a very good reason
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so intense for a very good reason >> right at the beginning
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>> right at the beginning
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>> right at the beginning >> from the moment of welping the mother is
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>> from the moment of welping the mother is
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>> from the moment of welping the mother is just locked into this this sensory rich
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just locked into this this sensory rich
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just locked into this this sensory rich loop of scent and touch and sound
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loop of scent and touch and sound
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loop of scent and touch and sound >> and hormones are driving all of this
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>> and hormones are driving all of this
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>> and hormones are driving all of this >> completely. Hormonal surges make sure
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>> completely. Hormonal surges make sure
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>> completely. Hormonal surges make sure she is hyper respponsive. It's a
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she is hyper respponsive. It's a
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she is hyper respponsive. It's a maternal imperative that is centered
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maternal imperative that is centered
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maternal imperative that is centered >> really entirely on the survival of that
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>> really entirely on the survival of that
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>> really entirely on the survival of that litter. So, in this deep dive, we're
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litter. So, in this deep dive, we're
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litter. So, in this deep dive, we're going to explore how that bond evolves.
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going to explore how that bond evolves.
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going to explore how that bond evolves. Does that initial powerful physical
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Does that initial powerful physical
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Does that initial powerful physical connection truly translate into like a
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connection truly translate into like a
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connection truly translate into like a sustained emotional longing,
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sustained emotional longing,
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sustained emotional longing, >> or does nature provide a mechanism for
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>> or does nature provide a mechanism for
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>> or does nature provide a mechanism for them to just healthfully let go?
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them to just healthfully let go?
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them to just healthfully let go? >> Exactly. And understanding that
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>> Exactly. And understanding that
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>> Exactly. And understanding that distinction is so vital for every owner
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distinction is so vital for every owner
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distinction is so vital for every owner and breeder to make sure we're
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and breeder to make sure we're
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and breeder to make sure we're supporting the mother dog's well-being
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supporting the mother dog's well-being
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supporting the mother dog's well-being during and after the whole process.
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during and after the whole process.
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during and after the whole process. >> Yeah. This dive at its core is really
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>> Yeah. This dive at its core is really
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>> Yeah. This dive at its core is really about respecting the biological
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about respecting the biological
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about respecting the biological realities of canine motherhood while
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realities of canine motherhood while
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realities of canine motherhood while also, you know, acknowledging the
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also, you know, acknowledging the
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also, you know, acknowledging the potential for this sophisticated
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potential for this sophisticated
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potential for this sophisticated emotional depth that continues to
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emotional depth that continues to
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emotional depth that continues to surprise researchers.
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surprise researchers.
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surprise researchers. >> Okay, so let's begin right where that
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>> Okay, so let's begin right where that
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>> Okay, so let's begin right where that bond is strongest in the welping box in
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bond is strongest in the welping box in
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bond is strongest in the welping box in those first few days when the maternal
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those first few days when the maternal
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those first few days when the maternal drive is just intensely almost
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drive is just intensely almost
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drive is just intensely almost overwhelmingly strong.
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overwhelmingly strong.
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overwhelmingly strong. >> Overwhelming is the perfect word. This
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>> Overwhelming is the perfect word. This
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>> Overwhelming is the perfect word. This phase is dominated by chemical
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phase is dominated by chemical
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phase is dominated by chemical instructions. It's pure survival
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instructions. It's pure survival
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instructions. It's pure survival mechanism amplified by hormones like
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mechanism amplified by hormones like
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mechanism amplified by hormones like oxytocin and prolactin.
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oxytocin and prolactin.
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oxytocin and prolactin. >> The research is pretty clear on this,
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>> The research is pretty clear on this,
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>> The research is pretty clear on this, right?
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right?
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right? >> Oh, yeah. In these early hours, the
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>> Oh, yeah. In these early hours, the
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>> Oh, yeah. In these early hours, the mother's primary state is just
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mother's primary state is just
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mother's primary state is just vigilance.
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vigilance.
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vigilance. >> And we often see owners worry if a
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>> And we often see owners worry if a
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>> And we often see owners worry if a mother whines when a puppy is, you know,
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mother whines when a puppy is, you know,
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mother whines when a puppy is, you know, briefly absent. She might search around,
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briefly absent. She might search around,
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briefly absent. She might search around, she might pace,
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she might pace,
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she might pace, >> and that behavior is fundamentally
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>> and that behavior is fundamentally
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>> and that behavior is fundamentally driven by an urgent, almost
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driven by an urgent, almost
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driven by an urgent, almost instantaneous need for sensory
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instantaneous need for sensory
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instantaneous need for sensory confirmation.
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confirmation.
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confirmation. She needs to know that the entire litter
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She needs to know that the entire litter
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She needs to know that the entire litter is present and safe.
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is present and safe.
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is present and safe. >> It's interesting to distinguish that
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>> It's interesting to distinguish that
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>> It's interesting to distinguish that from what a human might call grief or
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from what a human might call grief or
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from what a human might call grief or sadness.
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sadness.
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sadness. >> It is.
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>> It is.
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>> It is. >> Because when we remove a puppy for a
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>> Because when we remove a puppy for a
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>> Because when we remove a puppy for a necessary reason like weighing or a
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necessary reason like weighing or a
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necessary reason like weighing or a quick vet check, we tend to interpret
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quick vet check, we tend to interpret
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quick vet check, we tend to interpret her frantic searching as her missing
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her frantic searching as her missing
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her frantic searching as her missing that specific individual.
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that specific individual.
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that specific individual. >> And that interpretation, while it's
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>> And that interpretation, while it's
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>> And that interpretation, while it's completely empathetic, it often misses
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completely empathetic, it often misses
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completely empathetic, it often misses the biological point.
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the biological point.
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the biological point. >> So what's the point?
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>> So what's the point?
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>> So what's the point? >> Her drive isn't really individualized
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>> Her drive isn't really individualized
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>> Her drive isn't really individualized sorrow. It's more like collective
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sorrow. It's more like collective
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sorrow. It's more like collective vigilance. The sources suggest this
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vigilance. The sources suggest this
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vigilance. The sources suggest this restlessness reflects her primal
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restlessness reflects her primal
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restlessness reflects her primal instinct to guard the integrity of the
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instinct to guard the integrity of the
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instinct to guard the integrity of the litter.
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litter.
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litter. >> The integ.
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>> The integ.
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>> The integ. >> Yeah. If one piece is missing, the
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>> Yeah. If one piece is missing, the
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>> Yeah. If one piece is missing, the entire unit is potentially compromised.
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entire unit is potentially compromised.
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entire unit is potentially compromised. It's an immediate stress response tied
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It's an immediate stress response tied
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It's an immediate stress response tied to the survival of the whole, not
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to the survival of the whole, not
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to the survival of the whole, not necessarily an emotional attachment to
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necessarily an emotional attachment to
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necessarily an emotional attachment to that one pup.
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that one pup.
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that one pup. >> So, it's less about a deep personal
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>> So, it's less about a deep personal
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>> So, it's less about a deep personal affection for an individual and more
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affection for an individual and more
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affection for an individual and more like an essential biological checklist.
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like an essential biological checklist.
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like an essential biological checklist. >> Exactly. And if that checklist isn't
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>> Exactly. And if that checklist isn't
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>> Exactly. And if that checklist isn't complete, all the alarm bells go off.
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complete, all the alarm bells go off.
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complete, all the alarm bells go off. She needs the sensory feedback, the s
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She needs the sensory feedback, the s
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She needs the sensory feedback, the s the sound, the heat to confirm order and
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the sound, the heat to confirm order and
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the sound, the heat to confirm order and safety.
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safety.
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safety. >> And this is all reinforced by the role
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>> And this is all reinforced by the role
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>> And this is all reinforced by the role of physical closeness, right?
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of physical closeness, right?
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of physical closeness, right? >> Powerfully. I mean, the relationship is
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>> Powerfully. I mean, the relationship is
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>> Powerfully. I mean, the relationship is built on constant physical proximity,
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built on constant physical proximity,
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built on constant physical proximity, nursing, licking, gentle nudging.
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nursing, licking, gentle nudging.
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nursing, licking, gentle nudging. >> It's a constant feedback loop,
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>> It's a constant feedback loop,
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>> It's a constant feedback loop, >> a self-reinforcing one. This constant
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>> a self-reinforcing one. This constant
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>> a self-reinforcing one. This constant touch provides essential physical warmth
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touch provides essential physical warmth
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touch provides essential physical warmth for the pups and it provides emotional
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for the pups and it provides emotional
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for the pups and it provides emotional reassurance which releases more oxytocin
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reassurance which releases more oxytocin
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reassurance which releases more oxytocin for both the mother and the pups.
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for both the mother and the pups.
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for both the mother and the pups. >> So if you disrupt that system by
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>> So if you disrupt that system by
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>> So if you disrupt that system by removing a pup, you're introducing a
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removing a pup, you're introducing a
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removing a pup, you're introducing a short-term stressor
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short-term stressor
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short-term stressor >> precisely. And the swiftness with which
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>> precisely. And the swiftness with which
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>> precisely. And the swiftness with which reuniting the pup restores the balance
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reuniting the pup restores the balance
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reuniting the pup restores the balance is very telling.
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is very telling.
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is very telling. >> What does it tell us?
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>> What does it tell us?
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>> What does it tell us? >> The source of the stress is the absence
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>> The source of the stress is the absence
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>> The source of the stress is the absence of that sensory confirmation, not
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of that sensory confirmation, not
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of that sensory confirmation, not necessarily the recognition of an
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necessarily the recognition of an
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necessarily the recognition of an individual loss. As soon as the scent
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individual loss. As soon as the scent
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individual loss. As soon as the scent and the heat return, the vigilance drops
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and the heat return, the vigilance drops
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and the heat return, the vigilance drops and the maternal behaviors just they
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and the maternal behaviors just they
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and the maternal behaviors just they resume.
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resume.
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resume. >> So, let's talk about managing those
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>> So, let's talk about managing those
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>> So, let's talk about managing those necessary interruptions. Even a brief
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necessary interruptions. Even a brief
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necessary interruptions. Even a brief vet exam can really unsettle her. How
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vet exam can really unsettle her. How
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vet exam can really unsettle her. How should caregivers interpret and manage
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should caregivers interpret and manage
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should caregivers interpret and manage that?
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that?
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that? >> The key really is stability. These
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>> The key really is stability. These
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>> The key really is stability. These mothers are highly sensitive during this
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mothers are highly sensitive during this
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mothers are highly sensitive during this phase. She views pretty much any change
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phase. She views pretty much any change
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phase. She views pretty much any change as a potential threat. So the people
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as a potential threat. So the people
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as a potential threat. So the people helping her
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helping her
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helping her >> the human support team as we might call
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>> the human support team as we might call
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>> the human support team as we might call them they have to work hard to maintain
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them they have to work hard to maintain
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them they have to work hard to maintain her routine and minimize environmental
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her routine and minimize environmental
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her routine and minimize environmental changes during handling
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changes during handling
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changes during handling >> and that builds trust
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>> and that builds trust
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>> and that builds trust >> does this steady routine reinforces her
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>> does this steady routine reinforces her
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>> does this steady routine reinforces her trust in the humans and allows her
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trust in the humans and allows her
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trust in the humans and allows her maternal drive to focus on nurturing not
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maternal drive to focus on nurturing not
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maternal drive to focus on nurturing not worrying about you know external threats
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worrying about you know external threats
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worrying about you know external threats her energy shouldn't be diverted to
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her energy shouldn't be diverted to
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her energy shouldn't be diverted to stress
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stress
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stress >> that makes perfect sense
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>> that makes perfect sense
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>> that makes perfect sense >> and this foundational insight that this
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>> and this foundational insight that this
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>> and this foundational insight that this first phase is all about survival and
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first phase is all about survival and
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first phase is all about survival and sensory confirmation it's the bedrock
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sensory confirmation it's the bedrock
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sensory confirmation it's the bedrock it's the platform upon which longerterm
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it's the platform upon which longerterm
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it's the platform upon which longerterm memory and uh potential emotional ties
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memory and uh potential emotional ties
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memory and uh potential emotional ties are built.
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are built.
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are built. >> So the maternal drive ensures the
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>> So the maternal drive ensures the
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>> So the maternal drive ensures the species survives, but the continuous
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species survives, but the continuous
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species survives, but the continuous positive feedback of caregiving is what
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positive feedback of caregiving is what
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positive feedback of caregiving is what creates the scaffolding for an enduring
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creates the scaffolding for an enduring
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creates the scaffolding for an enduring memory later on.
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memory later on.
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memory later on. >> That's it. It ensures physical survival
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>> That's it. It ensures physical survival
5:29
>> That's it. It ensures physical survival first and in doing so, it creates a
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first and in doing so, it creates a
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first and in doing so, it creates a powerful positive learning experience in
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powerful positive learning experience in
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powerful positive learning experience in the dog's brain.
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the dog's brain.
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the dog's brain. >> Okay, so let's move beyond the welping
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>> Okay, so let's move beyond the welping
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>> Okay, so let's move beyond the welping box because here's where we start
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box because here's where we start
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box because here's where we start looking at the true longevity of the
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looking at the true longevity of the
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looking at the true longevity of the connection.
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connection.
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connection. We need to transition from that
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We need to transition from that
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We need to transition from that immediate hormonal drive to how the bond
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immediate hormonal drive to how the bond
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immediate hormonal drive to how the bond is actually imprinted as a long-term
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is actually imprinted as a long-term
5:47
is actually imprinted as a long-term memory.
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memory.
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memory. >> And this is truly fascinating because
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>> And this is truly fascinating because
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>> And this is truly fascinating because the question of missing shifts from a
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the question of missing shifts from a
5:52
the question of missing shifts from a biological urgency to a cognitive
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biological urgency to a cognitive
5:54
biological urgency to a cognitive recollection. Dog mothers are operating
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recollection. Dog mothers are operating
5:57
recollection. Dog mothers are operating on this dynamic blend of um chemical
6:00
on this dynamic blend of um chemical
6:00
on this dynamic blend of um chemical residue and alerted responses.
6:02
residue and alerted responses.
6:02
residue and alerted responses. >> And the most powerful of these according
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>> And the most powerful of these according
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>> And the most powerful of these according to all the neurobiology is scent. The
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to all the neurobiology is scent. The
6:06
to all the neurobiology is scent. The scent imprint.
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scent imprint.
6:07
scent imprint. >> Scent is the primary currency of the dog
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>> Scent is the primary currency of the dog
6:09
>> Scent is the primary currency of the dog world. It is the absolute bedrock of
6:11
world. It is the absolute bedrock of
6:11
world. It is the absolute bedrock of long-term maternal recognition.
6:13
long-term maternal recognition.
6:13
long-term maternal recognition. >> It's so different from us
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>> It's so different from us
6:14
>> It's so different from us >> completely. In humans, scent information
6:17
>> completely. In humans, scent information
6:17
>> completely. In humans, scent information has to pass through several cognitive
6:19
has to pass through several cognitive
6:19
has to pass through several cognitive filters. But in dogs, the olfactory
6:22
filters. But in dogs, the olfactory
6:22
filters. But in dogs, the olfactory system, particularly their massive
6:24
system, particularly their massive
6:24
system, particularly their massive olfactory bulb, is wired directly to the
6:26
olfactory bulb, is wired directly to the
6:26
olfactory bulb, is wired directly to the amygdala and the hippocampus
6:28
amygdala and the hippocampus
6:28
amygdala and the hippocampus >> centers for emotion and memory,
6:30
>> centers for emotion and memory,
6:30
>> centers for emotion and memory, >> the very centers. So scent recognition
6:32
>> the very centers. So scent recognition
6:32
>> the very centers. So scent recognition is practically instantaneous and deeply
6:34
is practically instantaneous and deeply
6:34
is practically instantaneous and deeply emotional. And each puppy has its own
6:36
emotional. And each puppy has its own
6:36
emotional. And each puppy has its own unique scent,
6:37
unique scent,
6:37
unique scent, >> a unique scent fingerprint, and that is
6:40
>> a unique scent fingerprint, and that is
6:40
>> a unique scent fingerprint, and that is imprinted in her brain potentially for
6:42
imprinted in her brain potentially for
6:42
imprinted in her brain potentially for years. This mechanism ensures that
6:45
years. This mechanism ensures that
6:45
years. This mechanism ensures that recognition can and often does occur
6:48
recognition can and often does occur
6:48
recognition can and often does occur long after the physical need to care for
6:49
long after the physical need to care for
6:50
long after the physical need to care for them has gone.
6:51
them has gone.
6:51
them has gone. >> But how does this endure when those
6:53
>> But how does this endure when those
6:53
>> But how does this endure when those hormonal drivers fade? I mean, we know
6:54
hormonal drivers fade? I mean, we know
6:54
hormonal drivers fade? I mean, we know that oxytocin and prolactin, those
6:56
that oxytocin and prolactin, those
6:56
that oxytocin and prolactin, those powerful, nurturing hormones, they
6:58
powerful, nurturing hormones, they
6:58
powerful, nurturing hormones, they naturally decline as weaning progresses.
7:00
naturally decline as weaning progresses.
7:00
naturally decline as weaning progresses. >> Right. Right. And owners see this and
7:01
>> Right. Right. And owners see this and
7:01
>> Right. Right. And owners see this and they worry the mother has just forgotten
7:03
they worry the mother has just forgotten
7:03
they worry the mother has just forgotten them.
7:03
them.
7:03
them. >> Yeah. But that's the crucial detail.
7:05
>> Yeah. But that's the crucial detail.
7:05
>> Yeah. But that's the crucial detail. These hormonal changes, while they
7:07
These hormonal changes, while they
7:07
These hormonal changes, while they signal the end of the intense caregiving
7:09
signal the end of the intense caregiving
7:09
signal the end of the intense caregiving phase, they do not perform a complete
7:12
phase, they do not perform a complete
7:12
phase, they do not perform a complete cognitive wipe.
7:13
cognitive wipe.
7:13
cognitive wipe. >> So the memory outlasts the hormones.
7:15
>> So the memory outlasts the hormones.
7:15
>> So the memory outlasts the hormones. >> The memory anchored by that intense
7:18
>> The memory anchored by that intense
7:18
>> The memory anchored by that intense positive experience in the unique scent.
7:20
positive experience in the unique scent.
7:20
positive experience in the unique scent. It actually outlasts the physical
7:22
It actually outlasts the physical
7:22
It actually outlasts the physical hormonal behaviors. Imagine the hormonal
7:25
hormonal behaviors. Imagine the hormonal
7:25
hormonal behaviors. Imagine the hormonal surge as like a powerful chemical marker
7:28
surge as like a powerful chemical marker
7:28
surge as like a powerful chemical marker that highlights the memory in her brain.
7:30
that highlights the memory in her brain.
7:30
that highlights the memory in her brain. >> Okay? Once the chemical fades, the
7:32
>> Okay? Once the chemical fades, the
7:32
>> Okay? Once the chemical fades, the highlight remains. It just shows the
7:35
highlight remains. It just shows the
7:35
highlight remains. It just shows the resilience and depth of the canine
7:37
resilience and depth of the canine
7:37
resilience and depth of the canine brain's ability to store these positive
7:39
brain's ability to store these positive
7:39
brain's ability to store these positive associative memories.
7:40
associative memories.
7:40
associative memories. >> So, she may stop acting maternally, but
7:42
>> So, she may stop acting maternally, but
7:42
>> So, she may stop acting maternally, but she doesn't stop knowing who they are
7:44
she doesn't stop knowing who they are
7:44
she doesn't stop knowing who they are >> precisely. And this leads us directly
7:46
>> precisely. And this leads us directly
7:46
>> precisely. And this leads us directly into associative learning. Mother dogs
7:49
into associative learning. Mother dogs
7:49
into associative learning. Mother dogs link specific puppy sense, sounds, and
7:51
link specific puppy sense, sounds, and
7:51
link specific puppy sense, sounds, and physical interactions with the profound
7:53
physical interactions with the profound
7:53
physical interactions with the profound satisfaction of caregiving.
7:54
satisfaction of caregiving.
7:54
satisfaction of caregiving. >> That feeling of I'm doing my job and
7:57
>> That feeling of I'm doing my job and
7:57
>> That feeling of I'm doing my job and it's working.
7:57
it's working.
7:57
it's working. >> Exactly. That positive reinforcement is
7:59
>> Exactly. That positive reinforcement is
8:00
>> Exactly. That positive reinforcement is intrinsically linked to the puppy's
8:01
intrinsically linked to the puppy's
8:01
intrinsically linked to the puppy's specific scent.
8:02
specific scent.
8:02
specific scent. >> That's powerful. It suggests that when
8:04
>> That's powerful. It suggests that when
8:04
>> That's powerful. It suggests that when people ask if they miss their puppies,
8:06
people ask if they miss their puppies,
8:06
people ask if they miss their puppies, the recognition isn't merely
8:07
the recognition isn't merely
8:07
the recognition isn't merely instinctive. It might actually carry a
8:09
instinctive. It might actually carry a
8:09
instinctive. It might actually carry a true emotional weight.
8:11
true emotional weight.
8:11
true emotional weight. >> That is the implication. Yes. The
8:13
>> That is the implication. Yes. The
8:13
>> That is the implication. Yes. The resurgence of that familiar scent years
8:15
resurgence of that familiar scent years
8:15
resurgence of that familiar scent years later could trigger similar positive
8:18
later could trigger similar positive
8:18
later could trigger similar positive emotional responses that she associated
8:20
emotional responses that she associated
8:20
emotional responses that she associated with successful caregiving. Think of it
8:22
with successful caregiving. Think of it
8:22
with successful caregiving. Think of it like hearing a song from your happy
8:24
like hearing a song from your happy
8:24
like hearing a song from your happy childhood.
8:25
childhood.
8:25
childhood. >> Ah, okay. The physical need isn't there
8:27
>> Ah, okay. The physical need isn't there
8:27
>> Ah, okay. The physical need isn't there anymore, but the positive emotional
8:29
anymore, but the positive emotional
8:29
anymore, but the positive emotional resonance just comes flooding back
8:31
resonance just comes flooding back
8:31
resonance just comes flooding back >> instantly. And we do rely heavily on
8:33
>> instantly. And we do rely heavily on
8:33
>> instantly. And we do rely heavily on anecdotal evidence here. Those well
8:35
anecdotal evidence here. Those well
8:35
anecdotal evidence here. Those well doumented joyful reunions with tail wags
8:38
doumented joyful reunions with tail wags
8:38
doumented joyful reunions with tail wags and facelicking years later. These
8:40
and facelicking years later. These
8:40
and facelicking years later. These moments are concrete examples of that
8:42
moments are concrete examples of that
8:42
moments are concrete examples of that stored memory blending with biology.
8:44
stored memory blending with biology.
8:44
stored memory blending with biology. >> And just to dig a bit deeper on the
8:46
>> And just to dig a bit deeper on the
8:46
>> And just to dig a bit deeper on the mechanism, what about the vominasal
8:48
mechanism, what about the vominasal
8:48
mechanism, what about the vominasal organ, the VNO? Does that play a role
8:51
organ, the VNO? Does that play a role
8:51
organ, the VNO? Does that play a role here in distinguishing family?
8:52
here in distinguishing family?
8:52
here in distinguishing family? >> The vominasal organ or Jacobson's organ?
8:55
>> The vominasal organ or Jacobson's organ?
8:55
>> The vominasal organ or Jacobson's organ? It's fascinating because it detects
8:57
It's fascinating because it detects
8:57
It's fascinating because it detects firmones which are chemical signals
8:59
firmones which are chemical signals
8:59
firmones which are chemical signals specifically related to reproductive
9:01
specifically related to reproductive
9:01
specifically related to reproductive status and importantly kin recognition.
9:03
status and importantly kin recognition.
9:03
status and importantly kin recognition. >> So it's like a family detector
9:05
>> So it's like a family detector
9:05
>> So it's like a family detector >> in a way. Yes. While its function in
9:07
>> in a way. Yes. While its function in
9:07
>> in a way. Yes. While its function in dogs isn't as thoroughly studied as in
9:09
dogs isn't as thoroughly studied as in
9:09
dogs isn't as thoroughly studied as in some other species. Its presence
9:11
some other species. Its presence
9:11
some other species. Its presence suggests a deep primal mechanism for
9:13
suggests a deep primal mechanism for
9:13
suggests a deep primal mechanism for family identification. It could be
9:15
family identification. It could be
9:15
family identification. It could be responsible for locking in the unique
9:17
responsible for locking in the unique
9:17
responsible for locking in the unique pharmmonal signature of her offspring.
9:19
pharmmonal signature of her offspring.
9:19
pharmmonal signature of her offspring. >> So scent is not just a pleasant smell
9:20
>> So scent is not just a pleasant smell
9:20
>> So scent is not just a pleasant smell for them. It's a rapidfire emotional
9:23
for them. It's a rapidfire emotional
9:23
for them. It's a rapidfire emotional highway connected to a chemical ID card
9:25
highway connected to a chemical ID card
9:25
highway connected to a chemical ID card for each individual.
9:27
for each individual.
9:27
for each individual. >> That's a perfect way to put it. It
9:28
>> That's a perfect way to put it. It
9:28
>> That's a perfect way to put it. It confirms that this enduring bond is a
9:31
confirms that this enduring bond is a
9:31
confirms that this enduring bond is a remarkable blend of hardwired anatomy
9:33
remarkable blend of hardwired anatomy
9:33
remarkable blend of hardwired anatomy and rich life experience.
9:35
and rich life experience.
9:35
and rich life experience. >> Okay, let's move to the practical
9:36
>> Okay, let's move to the practical
9:36
>> Okay, let's move to the practical reality of separation. Weaning is that
9:39
reality of separation. Weaning is that
9:39
reality of separation. Weaning is that first major milestone that prepares both
9:41
first major milestone that prepares both
9:42
first major milestone that prepares both the mother and the pups for departure.
9:44
the mother and the pups for departure.
9:44
the mother and the pups for departure. >> It is weaning is a calculated act of
9:47
>> It is weaning is a calculated act of
9:47
>> It is weaning is a calculated act of detachment really orchestrated by
9:49
detachment really orchestrated by
9:49
detachment really orchestrated by nature.
9:50
nature.
9:50
nature. >> How so? Well, initially the mother might
9:52
>> How so? Well, initially the mother might
9:52
>> How so? Well, initially the mother might only be away from the pups for a few
9:53
only be away from the pups for a few
9:53
only be away from the pups for a few minutes at a time. But as the pups
9:55
minutes at a time. But as the pups
9:55
minutes at a time. But as the pups develop teeth and solid food is
9:57
develop teeth and solid food is
9:57
develop teeth and solid food is introduced, she starts to experience
9:59
introduced, she starts to experience
9:59
introduced, she starts to experience physical discomfort from nursing,
10:00
physical discomfort from nursing,
10:00
physical discomfort from nursing, >> right? Their little teeth are sharp,
10:02
>> right? Their little teeth are sharp,
10:02
>> right? Their little teeth are sharp, >> very sharp. So, this physical driver
10:04
>> very sharp. So, this physical driver
10:04
>> very sharp. So, this physical driver actively encourages her to spend less
10:06
actively encourages her to spend less
10:06
actively encourages her to spend less time nursing. It works in tandem with
10:08
time nursing. It works in tandem with
10:08
time nursing. It works in tandem with the pup's own growing need for
10:09
the pup's own growing need for
10:10
the pup's own growing need for independence to drive the separation
10:11
independence to drive the separation
10:11
independence to drive the separation process.
10:12
process.
10:12
process. >> But the timing and the style of that
10:14
>> But the timing and the style of that
10:14
>> But the timing and the style of that separation must be critical to
10:15
separation must be critical to
10:15
separation must be critical to minimizing stress, especially for the
10:17
minimizing stress, especially for the
10:17
minimizing stress, especially for the mother.
10:18
mother.
10:18
mother. >> Oh, absolutely critical. If the
10:20
>> Oh, absolutely critical. If the
10:20
>> Oh, absolutely critical. If the separation is sudden and complete, it
10:21
separation is sudden and complete, it
10:22
separation is sudden and complete, it can be deeply disruptive.
10:23
can be deeply disruptive.
10:23
can be deeply disruptive. >> What happens then? What are the
10:24
>> What happens then? What are the
10:24
>> What happens then? What are the immediate consequences for her?
10:26
immediate consequences for her?
10:26
immediate consequences for her? >> The source material highlights that
10:28
>> The source material highlights that
10:28
>> The source material highlights that sudden complete separation can
10:30
sudden complete separation can
10:30
sudden complete separation can definitely lead to temporary searching
10:32
definitely lead to temporary searching
10:32
definitely lead to temporary searching behaviors,
10:33
behaviors,
10:33
behaviors, >> which again isn't necessarily deep
10:35
>> which again isn't necessarily deep
10:35
>> which again isn't necessarily deep emotional mourning,
10:36
emotional mourning,
10:36
emotional mourning, >> right? It's more of a profound
10:37
>> right? It's more of a profound
10:37
>> right? It's more of a profound disruption of her daily routine. Her
10:40
disruption of her daily routine. Her
10:40
disruption of her daily routine. Her mammary glands may still be producing
10:42
mammary glands may still be producing
10:42
mammary glands may still be producing milk, which is uncomfortable. And her
10:44
milk, which is uncomfortable. And her
10:44
milk, which is uncomfortable. And her brain is suddenly missing the constant
10:46
brain is suddenly missing the constant
10:46
brain is suddenly missing the constant sensory input, the noise, the heat, the
10:49
sensory input, the noise, the heat, the
10:49
sensory input, the noise, the heat, the sense that defined her last couple of
10:51
sense that defined her last couple of
10:51
sense that defined her last couple of months.
10:51
months.
10:51
months. >> So the searching is her brain and body
10:54
>> So the searching is her brain and body
10:54
>> So the searching is her brain and body trying to reconcile the sudden absence
10:56
trying to reconcile the sudden absence
10:56
trying to reconcile the sudden absence of a major daily function.
10:58
of a major daily function.
10:58
of a major daily function. >> That's a great way to put it. Now,
11:00
>> That's a great way to put it. Now,
11:00
>> That's a great way to put it. Now, contrast this with gradual rehoming,
11:02
contrast this with gradual rehoming,
11:02
contrast this with gradual rehoming, which is much, much preferred.
11:03
which is much, much preferred.
11:04
which is much, much preferred. >> One or two puppies leaving at a time.
11:05
>> One or two puppies leaving at a time.
11:05
>> One or two puppies leaving at a time. >> Exactly. Over several days, the mother's
11:08
>> Exactly. Over several days, the mother's
11:08
>> Exactly. Over several days, the mother's adjustment is far smoother. The
11:10
adjustment is far smoother. The
11:10
adjustment is far smoother. The environmental scent cues fade out
11:12
environmental scent cues fade out
11:12
environmental scent cues fade out slowly, allowing her body and mind to
11:14
slowly, allowing her body and mind to
11:14
slowly, allowing her body and mind to adapt without the shock of an abrupt
11:16
adapt without the shock of an abrupt
11:16
adapt without the shock of an abrupt void.
11:16
void.
11:16
void. >> So, for owners managing this, how can we
11:19
>> So, for owners managing this, how can we
11:19
>> So, for owners managing this, how can we help soften that loss of scent cues?
11:21
help soften that loss of scent cues?
11:21
help soften that loss of scent cues? >> The human role here is vital. We can use
11:23
>> The human role here is vital. We can use
11:24
>> The human role here is vital. We can use comfort items. Retaining familiar
11:26
comfort items. Retaining familiar
11:26
comfort items. Retaining familiar bedding or a blanket from the welping
11:27
bedding or a blanket from the welping
11:27
bedding or a blanket from the welping area can really help soften the blow.
11:29
area can really help soften the blow.
11:29
area can really help soften the blow. >> So, she can still have that scent around
11:31
>> So, she can still have that scent around
11:31
>> So, she can still have that scent around for a while.
11:31
for a while.
11:31
for a while. >> She can she can spend time with it,
11:33
>> She can she can spend time with it,
11:33
>> She can she can spend time with it, allowing her to process the fading scent
11:35
allowing her to process the fading scent
11:35
allowing her to process the fading scent gradually. And those signs we see,
11:38
gradually. And those signs we see,
11:38
gradually. And those signs we see, snipping the bedding, visiting the empty
11:40
snipping the bedding, visiting the empty
11:40
snipping the bedding, visiting the empty space, maybe short mild vocalizations,
11:43
space, maybe short mild vocalizations,
11:43
space, maybe short mild vocalizations, they're all indicators of an awareness
11:45
they're all indicators of an awareness
11:45
they're all indicators of an awareness of the missing pups.
11:46
of the missing pups.
11:46
of the missing pups. >> And how long do those signs typically
11:48
>> And how long do those signs typically
11:48
>> And how long do those signs typically last?
11:49
last?
11:49
last? >> For a healthy, welladjusted dam, these
11:51
>> For a healthy, welladjusted dam, these
11:51
>> For a healthy, welladjusted dam, these behaviors usually fade pretty quickly,
11:54
behaviors usually fade pretty quickly,
11:54
behaviors usually fade pretty quickly, often within a few days to a week,
11:56
often within a few days to a week,
11:56
often within a few days to a week, assuming her normal routine exercise,
11:58
assuming her normal routine exercise,
11:58
assuming her normal routine exercise, feeding, human interaction resets
12:00
feeding, human interaction resets
12:00
feeding, human interaction resets promptly.
12:01
promptly.
12:01
promptly. >> And if they don't,
12:01
>> And if they don't,
12:02
>> And if they don't, >> if the behaviors persist for longer,
12:04
>> if the behaviors persist for longer,
12:04
>> if the behaviors persist for longer, that's a red flag. It could mean she's
12:06
that's a red flag. It could mean she's
12:06
that's a red flag. It could mean she's struggling with the transition and might
12:07
struggling with the transition and might
12:07
struggling with the transition and might need some veterary or behavioral
12:09
need some veterary or behavioral
12:09
need some veterary or behavioral support.
12:09
support.
12:10
support. >> So, the human role is critical in
12:11
>> So, the human role is critical in
12:12
>> So, the human role is critical in rebuilding her independence and making
12:13
rebuilding her independence and making
12:13
rebuilding her independence and making sure she adjusts emotionally.
12:15
sure she adjusts emotionally.
12:15
sure she adjusts emotionally. >> Absolutely. The focus shifts entirely to
12:17
>> Absolutely. The focus shifts entirely to
12:17
>> Absolutely. The focus shifts entirely to her. Maintaining a highly consistent
12:19
her. Maintaining a highly consistent
12:19
her. Maintaining a highly consistent schedule of regular play, rigorous
12:21
schedule of regular play, rigorous
12:21
schedule of regular play, rigorous exercise, and one-on-one companionship
12:23
exercise, and one-on-one companionship
12:23
exercise, and one-on-one companionship is essential. This reduces the
12:25
is essential. This reduces the
12:25
is essential. This reduces the restlessness
12:26
restlessness
12:26
restlessness >> and you can introduce new things too,
12:28
>> and you can introduce new things too,
12:28
>> and you can introduce new things too, right?
12:28
right?
12:28
right? >> Yes. Gradual introduction of new
12:30
>> Yes. Gradual introduction of new
12:30
>> Yes. Gradual introduction of new experiences like novel walks or training
12:33
experiences like novel walks or training
12:33
experiences like novel walks or training challenges helps her rebuild a sense of
12:35
challenges helps her rebuild a sense of
12:35
challenges helps her rebuild a sense of self and independence outside of that
12:37
self and independence outside of that
12:37
self and independence outside of that maternal role.
12:38
maternal role.
12:38
maternal role. >> Essentially, we are replacing the
12:39
>> Essentially, we are replacing the
12:40
>> Essentially, we are replacing the intense, mentally demanding job of
12:42
intense, mentally demanding job of
12:42
intense, mentally demanding job of raising a litter with engaging positive
12:46
raising a litter with engaging positive
12:46
raising a litter with engaging positive alternatives.
12:47
alternatives.
12:47
alternatives. >> Precisely. We are acting as a reliable,
12:50
>> Precisely. We are acting as a reliable,
12:50
>> Precisely. We are acting as a reliable, comforting substitute for the structure
12:52
comforting substitute for the structure
12:52
comforting substitute for the structure that motherhood provided. That
12:54
that motherhood provided. That
12:54
that motherhood provided. That supportive care ensures her adaptation
12:56
supportive care ensures her adaptation
12:56
supportive care ensures her adaptation is smooth and minimizes any real
12:58
is smooth and minimizes any real
12:58
is smooth and minimizes any real distress.
12:59
distress.
12:59
distress. >> Okay, this next section touches on what
13:01
>> Okay, this next section touches on what
13:01
>> Okay, this next section touches on what I think is the most frequently
13:02
I think is the most frequently
13:02
I think is the most frequently misunderstood aspect of dog motherhood.
13:05
misunderstood aspect of dog motherhood.
13:05
misunderstood aspect of dog motherhood. >> The mother actively preparing her pups
13:08
>> The mother actively preparing her pups
13:08
>> The mother actively preparing her pups for the world, which involves this
13:09
for the world, which involves this
13:10
for the world, which involves this necessary distancing that to human eyes
13:12
necessary distancing that to human eyes
13:12
necessary distancing that to human eyes often just looks like rejection.
13:14
often just looks like rejection.
13:14
often just looks like rejection. >> This is a critical point that really
13:15
>> This is a critical point that really
13:15
>> This is a critical point that really challenges our anthropomorphic view.
13:17
challenges our anthropomorphic view.
13:17
challenges our anthropomorphic view. >> Our tendency to see them as furry little
13:19
>> Our tendency to see them as furry little
13:19
>> Our tendency to see them as furry little people.
13:19
people.
13:20
people. >> Exactly. Wild and domestic canide have
13:22
>> Exactly. Wild and domestic canide have
13:22
>> Exactly. Wild and domestic canide have these deeply ingrained instincts and
13:23
these deeply ingrained instincts and
13:24
these deeply ingrained instincts and encourage dispersal. It's crucial
13:25
encourage dispersal. It's crucial
13:26
encourage dispersal. It's crucial evolutionarily. It reduces competition
13:28
evolutionarily. It reduces competition
13:28
evolutionarily. It reduces competition for resources and prevents inbreeding.
13:30
for resources and prevents inbreeding.
13:30
for resources and prevents inbreeding. The mother is genetically programmed to
13:32
The mother is genetically programmed to
13:32
The mother is genetically programmed to ensure her offspring become independent.
13:34
ensure her offspring become independent.
13:34
ensure her offspring become independent. >> And we as owners really need to be aware
13:36
>> And we as owners really need to be aware
13:36
>> And we as owners really need to be aware that misinterpreting those actions when
13:39
that misinterpreting those actions when
13:39
that misinterpreting those actions when she limits nursing or uses her body to
13:41
she limits nursing or uses her body to
13:41
she limits nursing or uses her body to signal enough as rejection is just. It's
13:45
signal enough as rejection is just. It's
13:45
signal enough as rejection is just. It's incorrect.
13:46
incorrect.
13:46
incorrect. >> It's fundamentally incorrect. The
13:47
>> It's fundamentally incorrect. The
13:47
>> It's fundamentally incorrect. The mother's shift in priorities is
13:49
mother's shift in priorities is
13:49
mother's shift in priorities is incredibly healthy and necessary. She is
13:51
incredibly healthy and necessary. She is
13:51
incredibly healthy and necessary. She is providing nature's curriculum. She's
13:53
providing nature's curriculum. She's
13:53
providing nature's curriculum. She's teaching boundaries, resilience, bite
13:55
teaching boundaries, resilience, bite
13:56
teaching boundaries, resilience, bite inhibition, all lessons crucial for
13:58
inhibition, all lessons crucial for
13:58
inhibition, all lessons crucial for survival.
13:59
survival.
13:59
survival. >> So when she growls gently or blocks
14:01
>> So when she growls gently or blocks
14:01
>> So when she growls gently or blocks them,
14:02
them,
14:02
them, >> she's not rejecting them. She is
14:03
>> she's not rejecting them. She is
14:03
>> she's not rejecting them. She is preparing them to thrive without her
14:06
preparing them to thrive without her
14:06
preparing them to thrive without her constant care. It's teaching toughness
14:08
constant care. It's teaching toughness
14:08
constant care. It's teaching toughness with love. Essentially,
14:09
with love. Essentially,
14:09
with love. Essentially, >> it's the ultimate act of letting them
14:11
>> it's the ultimate act of letting them
14:11
>> it's the ultimate act of letting them go.
14:11
go.
14:11
go. >> It is. If she continued to coddle them
14:13
>> It is. If she continued to coddle them
14:13
>> It is. If she continued to coddle them past a certain age, they'd be less
14:15
past a certain age, they'd be less
14:15
past a certain age, they'd be less equipped for the world and her own
14:17
equipped for the world and her own
14:17
equipped for the world and her own health would suffer. Letting go is a
14:19
health would suffer. Letting go is a
14:19
health would suffer. Letting go is a necessary part of successful motherhood
14:20
necessary part of successful motherhood
14:20
necessary part of successful motherhood across most mamalian species.
14:22
across most mamalian species.
14:22
across most mamalian species. >> Now, let's explore this idea of
14:24
>> Now, let's explore this idea of
14:24
>> Now, let's explore this idea of emotional intelligence. The outline
14:26
emotional intelligence. The outline
14:26
emotional intelligence. The outline suggests some mothers adjust behaviors
14:28
suggests some mothers adjust behaviors
14:28
suggests some mothers adjust behaviors based on individual pups needs. How do
14:30
based on individual pups needs. How do
14:30
based on individual pups needs. How do we distinguish that from just a simple
14:32
we distinguish that from just a simple
14:32
we distinguish that from just a simple conditioned response?
14:33
conditioned response?
14:33
conditioned response? >> That's where the analysis gets nuanced.
14:35
>> That's where the analysis gets nuanced.
14:35
>> That's where the analysis gets nuanced. A simple condition response would be
14:37
A simple condition response would be
14:37
A simple condition response would be treating all puppies identically based
14:39
treating all puppies identically based
14:39
treating all puppies identically based on a single stimulus like hunger. Okay?
14:41
on a single stimulus like hunger. Okay?
14:41
on a single stimulus like hunger. Okay? But observing a mother who, for example,
14:44
But observing a mother who, for example,
14:44
But observing a mother who, for example, allows the smallest or weakest pup
14:46
allows the smallest or weakest pup
14:46
allows the smallest or weakest pup continuous access to her while actively
14:49
continuous access to her while actively
14:49
continuous access to her while actively correcting the strongest pup for the
14:51
correcting the strongest pup for the
14:51
correcting the strongest pup for the same behavior. That suggests an adaptive
14:54
same behavior. That suggests an adaptive
14:54
same behavior. That suggests an adaptive strategy,
14:55
strategy,
14:55
strategy, >> one that's tailored to maximize the
14:57
>> one that's tailored to maximize the
14:57
>> one that's tailored to maximize the survival and socialization of the whole
14:59
survival and socialization of the whole
14:59
survival and socialization of the whole litter.
14:59
litter.
14:59
litter. >> Yes, this adaptability suggests a form
15:02
>> Yes, this adaptability suggests a form
15:02
>> Yes, this adaptability suggests a form of behavioral flexibility that goes
15:03
of behavioral flexibility that goes
15:03
of behavioral flexibility that goes beyond rote instinct. She's
15:05
beyond rote instinct. She's
15:05
beyond rote instinct. She's demonstrating an awareness of the
15:07
demonstrating an awareness of the
15:07
demonstrating an awareness of the relational dynamics within the litter
15:09
relational dynamics within the litter
15:09
relational dynamics within the litter and responding appropriately. It signals
15:11
and responding appropriately. It signals
15:11
and responding appropriately. It signals a higher form of cognitive awareness.
15:13
a higher form of cognitive awareness.
15:14
a higher form of cognitive awareness. >> And does breed or personality play a
15:16
>> And does breed or personality play a
15:16
>> And does breed or personality play a noticeable role in how quickly she
15:18
noticeable role in how quickly she
15:18
noticeable role in how quickly she transitions to this letting go phase?
15:20
transitions to this letting go phase?
15:20
transitions to this letting go phase? >> Absolutely. Breed predispositions are a
15:22
>> Absolutely. Breed predispositions are a
15:22
>> Absolutely. Breed predispositions are a huge factor.
15:23
huge factor.
15:23
huge factor. >> Can you give an example?
15:24
>> Can you give an example?
15:24
>> Can you give an example? >> Sure. A dam from a protective guarding
15:26
>> Sure. A dam from a protective guarding
15:26
>> Sure. A dam from a protective guarding breed might naturally extend her
15:28
breed might naturally extend her
15:28
breed might naturally extend her protective behaviors and exhibit greater
15:30
protective behaviors and exhibit greater
15:30
protective behaviors and exhibit greater vigilance during separation than say a
15:33
vigilance during separation than say a
15:33
vigilance during separation than say a dam from a more independent hunting
15:35
dam from a more independent hunting
15:35
dam from a more independent hunting breed who might return to her
15:36
breed who might return to her
15:36
breed who might return to her prematernal routine much faster
15:38
prematernal routine much faster
15:38
prematernal routine much faster >> or a high drive working dog.
15:40
>> or a high drive working dog.
15:40
>> or a high drive working dog. >> Exactly. A border collie mother bred for
15:42
>> Exactly. A border collie mother bred for
15:42
>> Exactly. A border collie mother bred for high engagement might struggle more with
15:44
high engagement might struggle more with
15:44
high engagement might struggle more with the sudden void of mental stimulation
15:46
the sudden void of mental stimulation
15:46
the sudden void of mental stimulation than a bassad hound might. So
15:48
than a bassad hound might. So
15:48
than a bassad hound might. So understanding those individual and breed
15:50
understanding those individual and breed
15:50
understanding those individual and breed traits allows owners to tailor the care,
15:52
traits allows owners to tailor the care,
15:52
traits allows owners to tailor the care, ensuring they don't force independence
15:54
ensuring they don't force independence
15:54
ensuring they don't force independence too fast on a mother who is wired for
15:56
too fast on a mother who is wired for
15:56
too fast on a mother who is wired for high vigilance.
15:57
high vigilance.
15:57
high vigilance. >> Precisely. It blends science, empathy,
15:59
>> Precisely. It blends science, empathy,
15:59
>> Precisely. It blends science, empathy, and practical knowledge. Tailoring care
16:01
and practical knowledge. Tailoring care
16:01
and practical knowledge. Tailoring care to the dam's intrinsic personality helps
16:03
to the dam's intrinsic personality helps
16:03
to the dam's intrinsic personality helps support both her adjustment and the
16:05
support both her adjustment and the
16:05
support both her adjustment and the pike's readiness for their new homes.
16:07
pike's readiness for their new homes.
16:07
pike's readiness for their new homes. >> Okay, we've established the initial bond
16:09
>> Okay, we've established the initial bond
16:09
>> Okay, we've established the initial bond is biological, the memory is cognitive
16:11
is biological, the memory is cognitive
16:11
is biological, the memory is cognitive and durable, and the separation is
16:13
and durable, and the separation is
16:13
and durable, and the separation is necessary. Now we get to the moment
16:16
necessary. Now we get to the moment
16:16
necessary. Now we get to the moment every owner dreams of the reunion.
16:19
every owner dreams of the reunion.
16:19
every owner dreams of the reunion. >> So what does this all mean when the
16:21
>> So what does this all mean when the
16:21
>> So what does this all mean when the mother and the grown puppy meet again?
16:23
mother and the grown puppy meet again?
16:23
mother and the grown puppy meet again? Does that recognition prove she was
16:25
Does that recognition prove she was
16:25
Does that recognition prove she was actively missing them?
16:26
actively missing them?
16:26
actively missing them? >> The reunion is arguably the strongest
16:28
>> The reunion is arguably the strongest
16:28
>> The reunion is arguably the strongest anecdotal evidence we have for a lasting
16:30
anecdotal evidence we have for a lasting
16:30
anecdotal evidence we have for a lasting bond. The body language is usually
16:32
bond. The body language is usually
16:32
bond. The body language is usually unmistakable.
16:33
unmistakable.
16:33
unmistakable. >> What should we look for?
16:34
>> What should we look for?
16:34
>> What should we look for? >> Soft eyes, relaxed posture, that low
16:36
>> Soft eyes, relaxed posture, that low
16:36
>> Soft eyes, relaxed posture, that low sweeping tail wag, and sometimes the
16:38
sweeping tail wag, and sometimes the
16:38
sweeping tail wag, and sometimes the offering of a soft comforting nudge.
16:41
offering of a soft comforting nudge.
16:41
offering of a soft comforting nudge. This undeniable joy is what convinces
16:43
This undeniable joy is what convinces
16:43
This undeniable joy is what convinces most people she missed them.
16:44
most people she missed them.
16:44
most people she missed them. >> And we have to honor that joy. I mean,
16:45
>> And we have to honor that joy. I mean,
16:45
>> And we have to honor that joy. I mean, the feeling is absolutely genuine.
16:47
the feeling is absolutely genuine.
16:47
the feeling is absolutely genuine. >> It is. But the science allows us to
16:49
>> It is. But the science allows us to
16:50
>> It is. But the science allows us to appreciate why that joy is occurring.
16:52
appreciate why that joy is occurring.
16:52
appreciate why that joy is occurring. It's a mix of powerful factors.
16:54
It's a mix of powerful factors.
16:54
It's a mix of powerful factors. >> A cocktail of them. Again,
16:56
>> A cocktail of them. Again,
16:56
>> A cocktail of them. Again, >> a potent cocktail of neurochemical and
16:58
>> a potent cocktail of neurochemical and
16:58
>> a potent cocktail of neurochemical and memory triggers. We can scientifically
17:00
memory triggers. We can scientifically
17:00
memory triggers. We can scientifically attribute it to three things. First, the
17:03
attribute it to three things. First, the
17:03
attribute it to three things. First, the scent recognition is instantaneous and
17:05
scent recognition is instantaneous and
17:05
scent recognition is instantaneous and identifies the individual as kin.
17:07
identifies the individual as kin.
17:07
identifies the individual as kin. >> Okay. Second, there's the powerful
17:09
>> Okay. Second, there's the powerful
17:09
>> Okay. Second, there's the powerful positive association. The memory of
17:12
positive association. The memory of
17:12
positive association. The memory of successful, rewarding caregiving is
17:14
successful, rewarding caregiving is
17:14
successful, rewarding caregiving is triggered. And third, just plain old
17:17
triggered. And third, just plain old
17:17
triggered. And third, just plain old situational excitement.
17:18
situational excitement.
17:18
situational excitement. >> Let's focus on scent again because that
17:20
>> Let's focus on scent again because that
17:20
>> Let's focus on scent again because that seems to be the trigger that just
17:21
seems to be the trigger that just
17:21
seems to be the trigger that just unlocks the memory vault. Are there ways
17:24
unlocks the memory vault. Are there ways
17:24
unlocks the memory vault. Are there ways to test how important scent is during a
17:26
to test how important scent is during a
17:26
to test how important scent is during a reunion?
17:26
reunion?
17:26
reunion? >> Absolutely. Behavioral scientists note
17:29
>> Absolutely. Behavioral scientists note
17:29
>> Absolutely. Behavioral scientists note that if you bring a familiar item, a
17:31
that if you bring a familiar item, a
17:31
that if you bring a familiar item, a blanket or a favorite puppy toy to the
17:33
blanket or a favorite puppy toy to the
17:33
blanket or a favorite puppy toy to the reunion, the dam often reacts to the
17:35
reunion, the dam often reacts to the
17:35
reunion, the dam often reacts to the item before she even visually confirms
17:37
item before she even visually confirms
17:37
item before she even visually confirms the dog is her pup.
17:38
the dog is her pup.
17:38
the dog is her pup. >> Wow.
17:39
>> Wow.
17:39
>> Wow. >> She may approach the item first,
17:40
>> She may approach the item first,
17:40
>> She may approach the item first, inhaling deeply along the scent to
17:42
inhaling deeply along the scent to
17:42
inhaling deeply along the scent to trigger the memory immediately. This
17:44
trigger the memory immediately. This
17:44
trigger the memory immediately. This immediate previsual reaction proves that
17:46
immediate previsual reaction proves that
17:46
immediate previsual reaction proves that scent is the strongest and most reliable
17:48
scent is the strongest and most reliable
17:48
scent is the strongest and most reliable link.
17:49
link.
17:49
link. >> That's incredible that she can identify
17:50
>> That's incredible that she can identify
17:50
>> That's incredible that she can identify the individual before even looking at
17:52
the individual before even looking at
17:52
the individual before even looking at them. It truly emphasizes how deeply
17:54
them. It truly emphasizes how deeply
17:54
them. It truly emphasizes how deeply scentd driven the canine world is. And
17:57
scentd driven the canine world is. And
17:57
scentd driven the canine world is. And once that recognition kicks in, the
17:59
once that recognition kicks in, the
17:59
once that recognition kicks in, the social behaviors reemerge instantly.
18:01
social behaviors reemerge instantly.
18:01
social behaviors reemerge instantly. >> What kind of social behaviors?
18:02
>> What kind of social behaviors?
18:02
>> What kind of social behaviors? >> You'll see gentle grooming, particularly
18:04
>> You'll see gentle grooming, particularly
18:04
>> You'll see gentle grooming, particularly muzzle nudging. That's a submissive,
18:06
muzzle nudging. That's a submissive,
18:06
muzzle nudging. That's a submissive, affectionate gesture. The body posture
18:09
affectionate gesture. The body posture
18:09
affectionate gesture. The body posture will be relaxed and they might initiate
18:10
will be relaxed and they might initiate
18:10
will be relaxed and they might initiate soft play. All trust signals.
18:13
soft play. All trust signals.
18:13
soft play. All trust signals. >> And you mentioned teaching behaviors can
18:15
>> And you mentioned teaching behaviors can
18:15
>> And you mentioned teaching behaviors can reemerge even toward a grown dog.
18:18
reemerge even toward a grown dog.
18:18
reemerge even toward a grown dog. >> Yes. This is perhaps the most telling
18:20
>> Yes. This is perhaps the most telling
18:20
>> Yes. This is perhaps the most telling part. If the now adult offspring is
18:23
part. If the now adult offspring is
18:23
part. If the now adult offspring is overly excited or exhibits poor social
18:25
overly excited or exhibits poor social
18:25
overly excited or exhibits poor social manners, the mother might correct them
18:27
manners, the mother might correct them
18:27
manners, the mother might correct them with a swift, calm firmness.
18:29
with a swift, calm firmness.
18:29
with a swift, calm firmness. >> Like what?
18:29
>> Like what?
18:29
>> Like what? >> A short muzzle pinch, a body block, or a
18:32
>> A short muzzle pinch, a body block, or a
18:32
>> A short muzzle pinch, a body block, or a low growl. It mirrors the boundary she
18:34
low growl. It mirrors the boundary she
18:34
low growl. It mirrors the boundary she established during weaning.
18:35
established during weaning.
18:35
established during weaning. >> Which suggests the memory is not just
18:37
>> Which suggests the memory is not just
18:37
>> Which suggests the memory is not just who they are, but what our relationship
18:39
who they are, but what our relationship
18:39
who they are, but what our relationship was, complete with rules and rules.
18:41
was, complete with rules and rules.
18:41
was, complete with rules and rules. >> Precisely. It's a dynamic social memory.
18:43
>> Precisely. It's a dynamic social memory.
18:43
>> Precisely. It's a dynamic social memory. So to ensure these meetings go well,
18:45
So to ensure these meetings go well,
18:45
So to ensure these meetings go well, they need to be managed. Over
18:47
they need to be managed. Over
18:47
they need to be managed. Over stimulation can ruin it.
18:49
stimulation can ruin it.
18:49
stimulation can ruin it. >> So controlled reunions are essential.
18:51
>> So controlled reunions are essential.
18:51
>> So controlled reunions are essential. What does a controlled environment look
18:52
What does a controlled environment look
18:52
What does a controlled environment look like?
18:53
like?
18:53
like? >> It means neutral territory like a quiet
18:55
>> It means neutral territory like a quiet
18:55
>> It means neutral territory like a quiet yard or a calm park, not the mother's
18:58
yard or a calm park, not the mother's
18:58
yard or a calm park, not the mother's home where she might be defensive. They
19:00
home where she might be defensive. They
19:00
home where she might be defensive. They should approach at their own pace.
19:02
should approach at their own pace.
19:02
should approach at their own pace. Owners must avoid forcing it. The focus
19:05
Owners must avoid forcing it. The focus
19:05
Owners must avoid forcing it. The focus has to be on positive interaction,
19:07
has to be on positive interaction,
19:07
has to be on positive interaction, allowing the scent cues to work their
19:09
allowing the scent cues to work their
19:09
allowing the scent cues to work their magic in a low pressure context.
19:11
magic in a low pressure context.
19:11
magic in a low pressure context. >> We've established that the maternal bond
19:12
>> We've established that the maternal bond
19:12
>> We've established that the maternal bond leaves this cognitive and allactory
19:15
leaves this cognitive and allactory
19:15
leaves this cognitive and allactory imprint. Now, let's zoom out a bit and
19:17
imprint. Now, let's zoom out a bit and
19:17
imprint. Now, let's zoom out a bit and look at how this memory manifests in
19:19
look at how this memory manifests in
19:19
look at how this memory manifests in other contexts, okay? Particularly when
19:21
other contexts, okay? Particularly when
19:21
other contexts, okay? Particularly when the mother is exposed to the scent or
19:24
the mother is exposed to the scent or
19:24
the mother is exposed to the scent or presence of other puppies that aren't
19:26
presence of other puppies that aren't
19:26
presence of other puppies that aren't hers.
19:27
hers.
19:27
hers. >> This phenomenon is often categorized as
19:29
>> This phenomenon is often categorized as
19:29
>> This phenomenon is often categorized as maternal echoes.
19:30
maternal echoes.
19:30
maternal echoes. >> Maternal echoes. I like that.
19:32
>> Maternal echoes. I like that.
19:32
>> Maternal echoes. I like that. >> Even years after her last litter, if a
19:34
>> Even years after her last litter, if a
19:34
>> Even years after her last litter, if a dam is exposed to another female's
19:36
dam is exposed to another female's
19:36
dam is exposed to another female's puppies, she may display visible
19:38
puppies, she may display visible
19:38
puppies, she may display visible interest and restlessness.
19:39
interest and restlessness.
19:39
interest and restlessness. >> How does this echo typically manifest?
19:42
>> How does this echo typically manifest?
19:42
>> How does this echo typically manifest? Does she try to care for them? It
19:43
Does she try to care for them? It
19:43
Does she try to care for them? It varies, but the reaction often involves
19:45
varies, but the reaction often involves
19:45
varies, but the reaction often involves the reactivation of those powerful
19:47
the reactivation of those powerful
19:47
the reactivation of those powerful maternal memories. You might see
19:49
maternal memories. You might see
19:49
maternal memories. You might see cautious attempts to engage in gentle
19:51
cautious attempts to engage in gentle
19:51
cautious attempts to engage in gentle care, like licking the pups or their
19:53
care, like licking the pups or their
19:53
care, like licking the pups or their bedding,
19:54
bedding,
19:54
bedding, >> or she might just seem agitated.
19:55
>> or she might just seem agitated.
19:56
>> or she might just seem agitated. >> Sometimes it's simply restlessness,
19:57
>> Sometimes it's simply restlessness,
19:57
>> Sometimes it's simply restlessness, pacing, or soft whimpering
19:59
pacing, or soft whimpering
19:59
pacing, or soft whimpering vocalizations. The sounds associated
20:02
vocalizations. The sounds associated
20:02
vocalizations. The sounds associated with tending to her own young. It's
20:04
with tending to her own young. It's
20:04
with tending to her own young. It's evidence that the maternal script is
20:06
evidence that the maternal script is
20:06
evidence that the maternal script is still active in her brain, waiting to be
20:08
still active in her brain, waiting to be
20:08
still active in her brain, waiting to be triggered. So the brain chemistry and
20:10
triggered. So the brain chemistry and
20:10
triggered. So the brain chemistry and hormonal residue even if faint can be
20:13
hormonal residue even if faint can be
20:13
hormonal residue even if faint can be reactivated by the environment.
20:14
reactivated by the environment.
20:14
reactivated by the environment. >> Yes. And it speaks volumes about the
20:17
>> Yes. And it speaks volumes about the
20:17
>> Yes. And it speaks volumes about the longevity of that maternal programming.
20:19
longevity of that maternal programming.
20:19
longevity of that maternal programming. It reminds us that instinctual memory
20:21
It reminds us that instinctual memory
20:21
It reminds us that instinctual memory doesn't just fade, it becomes latent,
20:24
doesn't just fade, it becomes latent,
20:24
doesn't just fade, it becomes latent, ready to resurface under specific
20:26
ready to resurface under specific
20:26
ready to resurface under specific stimuli.
20:27
stimuli.
20:27
stimuli. >> So let's discuss the evolution of the
20:28
>> So let's discuss the evolution of the
20:28
>> So let's discuss the evolution of the bond in households where some older
20:30
bond in households where some older
20:30
bond in households where some older offspring remain. Does the maternal bond
20:32
offspring remain. Does the maternal bond
20:32
offspring remain. Does the maternal bond just dissolve into standard pack
20:34
just dissolve into standard pack
20:34
just dissolve into standard pack dynamics or does something unique
20:36
dynamics or does something unique
20:36
dynamics or does something unique persist?
20:37
persist?
20:37
persist? >> It absolutely evolves. It does not
20:38
>> It absolutely evolves. It does not
20:38
>> It absolutely evolves. It does not disappear. The mother retains a
20:40
disappear. The mother retains a
20:40
disappear. The mother retains a permanent specialized recognition of her
20:42
permanent specialized recognition of her
20:42
permanent specialized recognition of her own adult offspring.
20:43
own adult offspring.
20:44
own adult offspring. >> How can we tell?
20:44
>> How can we tell?
20:44
>> How can we tell? >> She usually exhibits a unique tolerance
20:46
>> She usually exhibits a unique tolerance
20:46
>> She usually exhibits a unique tolerance for them, allowing behaviors or
20:48
for them, allowing behaviors or
20:48
for them, allowing behaviors or closeness that she would strictly forbid
20:49
closeness that she would strictly forbid
20:50
closeness that she would strictly forbid in unrelated dogs. This selective
20:52
in unrelated dogs. This selective
20:52
in unrelated dogs. This selective behavior is compelling proof of
20:53
behavior is compelling proof of
20:53
behavior is compelling proof of long-term kinship recognition.
20:55
long-term kinship recognition.
20:55
long-term kinship recognition. >> So, the initial link translates into a
20:57
>> So, the initial link translates into a
20:57
>> So, the initial link translates into a sort of enduring social exception within
20:59
sort of enduring social exception within
20:59
sort of enduring social exception within the pack structure years later.
21:01
the pack structure years later.
21:01
the pack structure years later. >> Exactly. Her formal role shifts from
21:03
>> Exactly. Her formal role shifts from
21:03
>> Exactly. Her formal role shifts from primary nurturer to pack leader and
21:05
primary nurturer to pack leader and
21:05
primary nurturer to pack leader and social guide. She maintains stability by
21:08
social guide. She maintains stability by
21:08
social guide. She maintains stability by enforcing household rules, but the
21:10
enforcing household rules, but the
21:10
enforcing household rules, but the underlying familial affection ensures a
21:12
underlying familial affection ensures a
21:12
underlying familial affection ensures a higher degree of group harmony.
21:14
higher degree of group harmony.
21:14
higher degree of group harmony. >> And finally, let's bring the human
21:15
>> And finally, let's bring the human
21:15
>> And finally, let's bring the human factor back in. We discussed that the
21:17
factor back in. We discussed that the
21:17
factor back in. We discussed that the mother learns to rely on her human
21:19
mother learns to rely on her human
21:19
mother learns to rely on her human companions for social fulfillment after
21:21
companions for social fulfillment after
21:21
companions for social fulfillment after separation. How significant is this?
21:24
separation. How significant is this?
21:24
separation. How significant is this? >> It is profoundly significant for her
21:26
>> It is profoundly significant for her
21:26
>> It is profoundly significant for her emotional health. I mean, the intense
21:28
emotional health. I mean, the intense
21:28
emotional health. I mean, the intense cognitive and physical work of
21:30
cognitive and physical work of
21:30
cognitive and physical work of motherhood is suddenly gone.
21:31
motherhood is suddenly gone.
21:31
motherhood is suddenly gone. >> It's a huge void.
21:32
>> It's a huge void.
21:32
>> It's a huge void. >> A huge void. And without supportive
21:34
>> A huge void. And without supportive
21:34
>> A huge void. And without supportive human interaction, consistent routines,
21:37
human interaction, consistent routines,
21:37
human interaction, consistent routines, engagement, affection, the dam can fall
21:39
engagement, affection, the dam can fall
21:39
engagement, affection, the dam can fall into lethargy or destructive boredom
21:41
into lethargy or destructive boredom
21:41
into lethargy or destructive boredom related behaviors.
21:42
related behaviors.
21:42
related behaviors. >> So we're not just comforting her. We are
21:44
>> So we're not just comforting her. We are
21:44
>> So we're not just comforting her. We are providing the essential framework for
21:46
providing the essential framework for
21:46
providing the essential framework for her mental stability.
21:47
her mental stability.
21:47
her mental stability. >> We are replacing the purpose and
21:48
>> We are replacing the purpose and
21:48
>> We are replacing the purpose and fulfillment that the intense caregiving
21:50
fulfillment that the intense caregiving
21:50
fulfillment that the intense caregiving role provided. The dam learns that her
21:52
role provided. The dam learns that her
21:52
role provided. The dam learns that her primary source of security and
21:54
primary source of security and
21:54
primary source of security and companionship has now fully reverted to
21:56
companionship has now fully reverted to
21:56
companionship has now fully reverted to her human family, which is the key to
21:58
her human family, which is the key to
21:58
her human family, which is the key to minimizing distress. Okay, let's turn
22:01
minimizing distress. Okay, let's turn
22:01
minimizing distress. Okay, let's turn all of this rich information into
22:03
all of this rich information into
22:03
all of this rich information into concrete actionable steps for the
22:06
concrete actionable steps for the
22:06
concrete actionable steps for the listener who is managing this
22:07
listener who is managing this
22:07
listener who is managing this transition. What are the most critical
22:09
transition. What are the most critical
22:09
transition. What are the most critical elements of postsepparation care?
22:12
elements of postsepparation care?
22:12
elements of postsepparation care? >> The first priority is always physical
22:14
>> The first priority is always physical
22:14
>> The first priority is always physical recovery. You cannot address the
22:16
recovery. You cannot address the
22:16
recovery. You cannot address the emotional transition if the physical
22:17
emotional transition if the physical
22:17
emotional transition if the physical recovery is incomplete.
22:19
recovery is incomplete.
22:19
recovery is incomplete. >> And what does that look like?
22:20
>> And what does that look like?
22:20
>> And what does that look like? >> High quality nutrition. This means high
22:22
>> High quality nutrition. This means high
22:22
>> High quality nutrition. This means high calorie, highly digestible food to
22:25
calorie, highly digestible food to
22:25
calorie, highly digestible food to replenish the immense energy reserves
22:27
replenish the immense energy reserves
22:27
replenish the immense energy reserves lost during pregnancy and nursing
22:28
lost during pregnancy and nursing
22:28
lost during pregnancy and nursing >> and rest. I imagine
22:30
>> and rest. I imagine
22:30
>> and rest. I imagine >> absolutely
22:31
>> absolutely
22:31
>> absolutely >> adequate rest is non-negotiable. She's
22:33
>> adequate rest is non-negotiable. She's
22:33
>> adequate rest is non-negotiable. She's essentially been on 247 duty for months.
22:37
essentially been on 247 duty for months.
22:37
essentially been on 247 duty for months. A well-rested, well-fed dam is just
22:39
A well-rested, well-fed dam is just
22:39
A well-rested, well-fed dam is just exponentially better equipped to handle
22:41
exponentially better equipped to handle
22:41
exponentially better equipped to handle the emotional adjustment.
22:42
the emotional adjustment.
22:42
the emotional adjustment. >> So once the body is recovering, the
22:44
>> So once the body is recovering, the
22:44
>> So once the body is recovering, the focus shifts to the mind. How do we keep
22:46
focus shifts to the mind. How do we keep
22:46
focus shifts to the mind. How do we keep her mentally engaged the litter?
22:48
her mentally engaged the litter?
22:48
her mentally engaged the litter? >> Mental enrichment is key to successfully
22:51
>> Mental enrichment is key to successfully
22:51
>> Mental enrichment is key to successfully redirecting her focus. We have to
22:53
redirecting her focus. We have to
22:53
redirecting her focus. We have to strategically fill that cognitive void.
22:55
strategically fill that cognitive void.
22:55
strategically fill that cognitive void. >> How? What kind of thing? implement new
22:58
>> How? What kind of thing? implement new
22:58
>> How? What kind of thing? implement new demanding activities, scent work trails
23:00
demanding activities, scent work trails
23:00
demanding activities, scent work trails where she has to use her powerful nose,
23:02
where she has to use her powerful nose,
23:02
where she has to use her powerful nose, advanced puzzle feeders that require
23:04
advanced puzzle feeders that require
23:04
advanced puzzle feeders that require problem solving, learning new tricks.
23:07
problem solving, learning new tricks.
23:07
problem solving, learning new tricks. These activities replace the mental
23:09
These activities replace the mental
23:09
These activities replace the mental engagement she had and prevent boredom
23:11
engagement she had and prevent boredom
23:11
engagement she had and prevent boredom or fixation on the empty welping box.
23:13
or fixation on the empty welping box.
23:13
or fixation on the empty welping box. >> So, the goal is to occupy her impressive
23:15
>> So, the goal is to occupy her impressive
23:15
>> So, the goal is to occupy her impressive intelligence with positive challenges.
23:17
intelligence with positive challenges.
23:17
intelligence with positive challenges. >> Precisely. And while you are
23:19
>> Precisely. And while you are
23:19
>> Precisely. And while you are implementing these new routines,
23:21
implementing these new routines,
23:21
implementing these new routines, vigilant observation is crucial. Owners
23:24
vigilant observation is crucial. Owners
23:24
vigilant observation is crucial. Owners should monitor her behavior daily in the
23:26
should monitor her behavior daily in the
23:26
should monitor her behavior daily in the weeks after separation to catch subtle
23:29
weeks after separation to catch subtle
23:29
weeks after separation to catch subtle signs of distress early.
23:30
signs of distress early.
23:30
signs of distress early. >> What are the specific red flags that
23:32
>> What are the specific red flags that
23:32
>> What are the specific red flags that owner should be looking for?
23:34
owner should be looking for?
23:34
owner should be looking for? >> Look for changes in appetite or water
23:36
>> Look for changes in appetite or water
23:36
>> Look for changes in appetite or water intake. A sudden drop is concerning.
23:38
intake. A sudden drop is concerning.
23:38
intake. A sudden drop is concerning. Watch for excessive pacing, persistent
23:41
Watch for excessive pacing, persistent
23:41
Watch for excessive pacing, persistent searching that doesn't fade after the
23:42
searching that doesn't fade after the
23:42
searching that doesn't fade after the first week, lethargy, or a refusal to
23:45
first week, lethargy, or a refusal to
23:45
first week, lethargy, or a refusal to engage in activities she once loved.
23:47
engage in activities she once loved.
23:47
engage in activities she once loved. >> So, you need to know her baseline
23:48
>> So, you need to know her baseline
23:48
>> So, you need to know her baseline behavior.
23:49
behavior.
23:49
behavior. >> Yes. Establishing a baseline before
23:51
>> Yes. Establishing a baseline before
23:51
>> Yes. Establishing a baseline before separation allows you to identify
23:53
separation allows you to identify
23:53
separation allows you to identify concerning changes immediately. Early
23:55
concerning changes immediately. Early
23:55
concerning changes immediately. Early intervention prevents minor issues from
23:56
intervention prevents minor issues from
23:56
intervention prevents minor issues from escalating.
23:57
escalating.
23:57
escalating. >> And finally, the ultimate goal of
23:59
>> And finally, the ultimate goal of
23:59
>> And finally, the ultimate goal of strengthening the human dog bond.
24:01
strengthening the human dog bond.
24:01
strengthening the human dog bond. >> This period is a prime opportunity to
24:03
>> This period is a prime opportunity to
24:03
>> This period is a prime opportunity to deepen your relationship. By focusing on
24:06
deepen your relationship. By focusing on
24:06
deepen your relationship. By focusing on reliable companionship, clear
24:08
reliable companionship, clear
24:08
reliable companionship, clear communication through training, and
24:10
communication through training, and
24:10
communication through training, and predictable routines, you reinforce her
24:13
predictable routines, you reinforce her
24:13
predictable routines, you reinforce her sense of security.
24:14
sense of security.
24:14
sense of security. >> You're telling her, "Your job has
24:16
>> You're telling her, "Your job has
24:16
>> You're telling her, "Your job has changed, but our partnership is constant
24:18
changed, but our partnership is constant
24:18
changed, but our partnership is constant and secure." Exactly. That consistency
24:21
and secure." Exactly. That consistency
24:21
and secure." Exactly. That consistency sets the stage for her long-term
24:22
sets the stage for her long-term
24:22
sets the stage for her long-term well-being and stability. We transition
24:25
well-being and stability. We transition
24:25
well-being and stability. We transition from being her support team to being her
24:27
from being her support team to being her
24:27
from being her support team to being her stable, trusted leader in this new phase
24:29
stable, trusted leader in this new phase
24:29
stable, trusted leader in this new phase of her life.
24:30
of her life.
24:30
of her life. >> So, if we connect all this to the bigger
24:31
>> So, if we connect all this to the bigger
24:31
>> So, if we connect all this to the bigger picture, we see that the question, do
24:33
picture, we see that the question, do
24:33
picture, we see that the question, do mother dogs miss their puppies? It just
24:35
mother dogs miss their puppies? It just
24:35
mother dogs miss their puppies? It just has no single absolute answer.
24:37
has no single absolute answer.
24:37
has no single absolute answer. >> No, it's a nuanced spectrum. It's
24:39
>> No, it's a nuanced spectrum. It's
24:40
>> No, it's a nuanced spectrum. It's dictated by these powerful forces of
24:41
dictated by these powerful forces of
24:41
dictated by these powerful forces of biology, deep-seated instinct, and a
24:44
biology, deep-seated instinct, and a
24:44
biology, deep-seated instinct, and a remarkable capacity for learned
24:46
remarkable capacity for learned
24:46
remarkable capacity for learned association and long-term memory. The
24:47
association and long-term memory. The
24:48
association and long-term memory. The initial bond is all about survival.
24:49
initial bond is all about survival.
24:49
initial bond is all about survival. >> It's physiological, yes, but the
24:52
>> It's physiological, yes, but the
24:52
>> It's physiological, yes, but the subsequent memory is cognitive and
24:53
subsequent memory is cognitive and
24:53
subsequent memory is cognitive and lasting, anchored by the unique power of
24:55
lasting, anchored by the unique power of
24:55
lasting, anchored by the unique power of scent. For many dams, the transition
24:58
scent. For many dams, the transition
24:58
scent. For many dams, the transition back to independence is swift and
24:59
back to independence is swift and
24:59
back to independence is swift and healthy.
25:00
healthy.
25:00
healthy. >> But something remains.
25:01
>> But something remains.
25:01
>> But something remains. >> For all of them, the enduring awareness
25:03
>> For all of them, the enduring awareness
25:03
>> For all of them, the enduring awareness remains, the recognition upon reunion,
25:07
remains, the recognition upon reunion,
25:07
remains, the recognition upon reunion, those moments of apparent reflection
25:09
those moments of apparent reflection
25:09
those moments of apparent reflection when a familiar scent surfaces in a
25:11
when a familiar scent surfaces in a
25:11
when a familiar scent surfaces in a permanent specialized place in their
25:13
permanent specialized place in their
25:13
permanent specialized place in their heart for their grown offspring. And
25:15
heart for their grown offspring. And
25:15
heart for their grown offspring. And that complexity really defines our
25:17
that complexity really defines our
25:17
that complexity really defines our responsibility as their guardians.
25:19
responsibility as their guardians.
25:19
responsibility as their guardians. >> We have to honor the bond by supporting
25:21
>> We have to honor the bond by supporting
25:21
>> We have to honor the bond by supporting her through the process, respecting both
25:24
her through the process, respecting both
25:24
her through the process, respecting both her instinctive need for a healthy
25:26
her instinctive need for a healthy
25:26
her instinctive need for a healthy release and the emotional capacity she
25:28
release and the emotional capacity she
25:28
release and the emotional capacity she demonstrates.
25:29
demonstrates.
25:29
demonstrates. >> Ultimately, the profound love of a
25:31
>> Ultimately, the profound love of a
25:31
>> Ultimately, the profound love of a mother dog is expressed not just through
25:33
mother dog is expressed not just through
25:33
mother dog is expressed not just through nurturing and teaching, but through that
25:35
nurturing and teaching, but through that
25:35
nurturing and teaching, but through that final crucial act of releasing her
25:37
final crucial act of releasing her
25:37
final crucial act of releasing her offspring into the world so they can
25:38
offspring into the world so they can
25:38
offspring into the world so they can thrive. Her impact rooted in scent and
25:41
thrive. Her impact rooted in scent and
25:41
thrive. Her impact rooted in scent and memory leaves a mark that lasts far
25:43
memory leaves a mark that lasts far
25:43
memory leaves a mark that lasts far longer than the few weeks they
25:45
longer than the few weeks they
25:45
longer than the few weeks they physically shared.
25:46
physically shared.
25:46
physically shared. >> It really does.
25:46
>> It really does.
25:46
>> It really does. >> And as we close this deep dive, we'll
25:48
>> And as we close this deep dive, we'll
25:48
>> And as we close this deep dive, we'll leave you with one final thought to
25:50
leave you with one final thought to
25:50
leave you with one final thought to explore on your own. We've discussed how
25:52
explore on your own. We've discussed how
25:52
explore on your own. We've discussed how memory and recognition in dogs are so
25:54
memory and recognition in dogs are so
25:54
memory and recognition in dogs are so powerfully tied to scent, capable of
25:56
powerfully tied to scent, capable of
25:56
powerfully tied to scent, capable of bypassing visual confirmation years
25:58
bypassing visual confirmation years
25:58
bypassing visual confirmation years later by triggering those emotional and
26:00
later by triggering those emotional and
26:00
later by triggering those emotional and memory centers in the brain directly.
26:02
memory centers in the brain directly.
26:02
memory centers in the brain directly. >> So consider this. If those chemical
26:04
>> So consider this. If those chemical
26:04
>> So consider this. If those chemical scent signatures are so durable, what
26:07
scent signatures are so durable, what
26:07
scent signatures are so durable, what everyday objects in your own home, a
26:09
everyday objects in your own home, a
26:09
everyday objects in your own home, a specific leather couch, the scent of a
26:11
specific leather couch, the scent of a
26:12
specific leather couch, the scent of a certain cleaning product, a favorite
26:13
certain cleaning product, a favorite
26:13
certain cleaning product, a favorite blanket, or even a smell carried in on
26:15
blanket, or even a smell carried in on
26:15
blanket, or even a smell carried in on the breeze, might silently be triggering
26:17
the breeze, might silently be triggering
26:17
the breeze, might silently be triggering profound long-term memories in your dog
26:19
profound long-term memories in your dog
26:19
profound long-term memories in your dog right now.
26:20
right now.
26:20
right now. >> Memories of past litters, lost litter
26:22
>> Memories of past litters, lost litter
26:22
>> Memories of past litters, lost litter mates, or perhaps a long ago joy.
26:24
mates, or perhaps a long ago joy.
26:24
mates, or perhaps a long ago joy. Memories anchored to a history we
26:26
Memories anchored to a history we
26:26
Memories anchored to a history we rarely, if ever, stopped to consider
26:27
rarely, if ever, stopped to consider
26:27
rarely, if ever, stopped to consider they might still carry.