Reflections on the Canine Mind
Adapted from Gregory Berns, Emory University

A Quiet Mystery
There is a quiet mystery in the way a dog waits. Not impatiently. Not demanding. Simply present—anchored at the threshold between worlds—watching, listening, knowing.

For thousands of years, dogs have walked beside us, yet only recently have we begun to understand what lives behind their eyes. Modern neuroscience suggests something remarkable: dogs are not merely trained to respond to us—they are biologically shaped to connect with us.

Dogs carry the same emotional architecture we do. Memory. Fear. Joy. Attachment. Their brains, though smaller, hold the same essential structures—suggesting that what they feel may not be so different from what we feel.

I don't often purchase "signage" for the house, but when I saw this one I just had to get it. It brings a smile to my face every time I see it ... for $2, a steal!

In truth, however,while we all "think" we know what our dog is thinking (Oh, and our pug Sebastian has a French accent), in truth little is actually known about what is going on in dogs' heads. As Gregory Berns explains, "This may be surprising because the field of experimental psychology had its birth with Pavlov and his salivating dogs. But as dogs gained traction as household pets, in many cases achieving the status of family members, their use as research subjects fell out of favor. In large part, this was a result of the Animal Welfare Act of 1966, which set standards for the treatment of animals in research and put an end to the practice of stealing pets for experimentation. How strange it is then that these creatures, whose nearest relatives are wolves, live with us and even share our beds, yet we know almost nothing about what they’re thinking. In the last decade or so, however, the situation has begun to change, and we are in the midst of a renaissance of canine cognitive science. Research labs have sprung up around the world, and dogs participate not as involuntary subjects, but as partners in scientific discovery. This new research is beginning to shed light on what it’s like to be a dog and the nature of the dog-human bond.

More Than Food
One of the most striking discoveries in recent research is this: Many dogs respond to human praise as strongly—or even more strongly—than food. The dog does not simply eat. The dog belongs. They know us not only by sight, but by scent. In studies, a dog’s brain responds most strongly to the smell of its own person—more than to other dogs or unfamiliar humans. You are, quite literally, their center.

No Such Thing as “Just a Dog”
And yet—there is no “generic dog.” Each one is an individual, shaped by breeding, environment, and something deeper that is difficult to name. Some are bold. Some are sensitive. Some live for play. Others live simply to sit beside you. Understanding this individuality is part of honoring the dog.

What This Means for Pug Breeders
The pug, perhaps more than any breed, lives at the heart of this human–canine bond. If dogs are tuned to us, pugs are finely tuned instruments—bred for companionship, expression, and presence.

1. Social connection is foundational
Pugs are not meant for distant living. Their brains are wired for relationship. Human interaction is not a luxury—it is essential to their well-being.
2. Temperament matters as much as structure
We are not only preserving physical traits—we are shaping emotional lives. Stable, affectionate, resilient temperaments must be bred with intention.
3. Airway is quality of life
A pug that breathes well can engage fully—with people, play, and the world around them. Prioritizing better airway and BOAS awareness is not optional—it is foundational to humane breeding.
4. Honor individuality
Not every pug will respond the same way to training, food, or praise. Some are comedians. Some are philosophers. A good breeding program allows room for personality within soundness.
5. The bond is the purpose
Beyond type, coat, and movement—this is the heart of the breed:
The way a pug looks at you… and stays.

The Door
And so, the pug waits.
At the door.
At the gate.
At the edge of whatever room you have just left.
Not because it cannot be alone--
but because it would rather be with you.
Science is only beginning to explain what we have always known:
The dog does not theorize harmony.
The dog lives inside it.
And the pug--
the pug waits at the door…
already listening for your return.

About This Reflection
If you are interested, I highly recommend checking out this article inspired by research into canine cognition and the human–dog bond, particularly the work of Gregory Berns at Emory University, whose studies using fMRI have helped illuminate how dogs experience the world and their relationships with us. But, for now, I will circle back to our goal at Pickwick Pugs which is actually simple: to honor both the structure and the spirit of the pug. Because in the end, they are not just dogs. They are companions, confidants, and quiet witnesses to our lives-- waiting faithfully at the door.

The Wondercide smells great, but the pawTree really smells even better, works, and also doesn't seem to affect the coat like Wondercide does. We spray it before hikes, or outings (except dog shows before going in ring etc.). It is non-toxic and repels fleas, ticks, AND mosquitos without harsh chemicals --- it's a blend of Cedarwood, Peppermint, Rosemary, Clove, and Cinnamon oils. You can spray the pug directly, the bedding, and around the home. Highly recommend. Order here: https://pawtree.com/PickwickPugs/product/Flea-Tick-Spray-10-oz-2476

Mops of Middle-Earth Front Yard Renovation . . . .
Where fairies, tomtes, and the Mops of Middle-earth weave together mischief, magic, and a hint of mayhem.

Goal = Not just building a yard… but turning a hill into a story.  The "nice" photos in this video are the goals ... AI images. The dirt photos are, well, the current reality ha. (You know, after you remove everything that is toxic to dogs, with thorns, or pointy leaves, you're left with dirt, right? ha). 

My grandmother always said Bloom where you are planted", so that is exactly what we’re going to do—only, in our case, we’ll be blooming into a bit of Hobbit-land… for pugs.

The Mops of Middle-earth, as you may know, are firm believers in second breakfast—and third, if circumstances allow. In fact, the entire rhythm of pug life revolves around meals: breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner, and supper. It only seems fitting that the garden should follow suit.

The fairy garden and Tomte Trail are already in place, quietly tucked into their corners. Now the vision expands: a Shire-inspired landscape with a hobbit house, creeping thyme “roof,” soft ground coverings, winding paths, and a small bridge to cross from one bit of magic to another.

But from that blank slate comes possibility. And if we’re designing for pugs, why not design for their priorities? I’m imagining little destinations throughout the garden:

• The Second Breakfast Bench
• Elevenses Under the Magnolia
• Afternoon Tea by the Bridge
• The Supper Table at Pugshire

All connected by winding, storybook paths, hidden doors, and soft, resilient groundcover that can withstand enthusiastic pug paws.

Some scenes along the way ... I'll be updating this post over time.

• painted the cheap plastic planter boxes black with a dusting of bronze - ultimately they will have lavender, oregano, creeping thyme, a few flowers, and now have creeping jenny in a few pots which will cascade over the bricks. (Incidentally, I used a tube of Loctite PL Premium Construction Adhesive instead of mortar. Worked like a dream -- easy, set fast, and super strong.) The idea is that the plants will be a buffer (instead of the ugly xpen that used to be there) so the pugs won't jump off the planter. Of course Miss Dior and Parker had to be the first to checkout the new planters.

Riga has been tremendously helpful "compressing" the dirt for the creeping Jenny plants 😄 . . . .

The bedrock chapter (making the land usable) is the most challenging as we stabilize the slope, create 3 platforms (mini patios so to speak), pour cement foundations , add stepping stones and such. The hardest part was definitely shoveling out a "shelf" for the patio. Then rocks, crushed gravel, and then cement. This is where the hobbit house will be built. You can see the spot where the house will go in the middle of the yard.

To determine the natural paths of the yard we let nature and the pugs design the map. We let a hose run for a while to see where the water ran. Of course all the pugs enjoyed the resulting mud puddles! There will be some paths for the pugs (the ones they already use for the pug patrol ;), and a path for a dry creek rock bed where the bridge will go over, and of course some paths for the humans for the daily "poop cleanup" ;) Spray paint then marked these paths so we can start "terracing" and placing the stones, mulch, and pebbles over time. I found it quite fascinating that, indeed, the water chose to curve and meander down the hill, never in a straight line. So, the paths will be curvy as well. The stepping stones we're making with cement really look nice! Like actual slices of wood! 

The focal point of the yard will be the Hobbit House.  Everything will orbit this. We will start with a dog house that I got years ago for Lexi, our golden retriever/chow/dachshund interstate rescue. She lives inside, and even sleeps with me at night, but I thought she might like a cozy little retreat when she and Jerry lounge on the back porch on pleasant days. But, she had other ideas. The house? Never used.

I don't want to sell it—because I couldn’t bear the thought of it becoming a place where a dog might be made to live outside. So instead, it gets a second life. A far better one.

It will become a Hobbit House! And somehow, that feels exactly right for Pickwick Pug Haven. This is how I "imagine" it might transform gradually . . .

Instead of a door (which would be beautiful, but) I will probably build the stones up around a bucket and just have an open round hole. Incidentally, I will be making all of the stones out of concrete. Whew. And this is how I "imagine" it might transform gradually . . .

Now that spring is upon us, it finally feels safe to go ahead and start some planting. This will happen gradually because of cost, but we've already planted a lemon tree, some creeping jenny, a few flowers, and some mondo grass. Ultimately, the goal will be to lay plantings in winding pathways, creating a dry creek bed beneath the little bridge, and tucking in generous drifts of creeping thyme, creeping jenny, and all sorts of delightful dog-friendly plants.It's starting to move from idea ... to place.

Here are some of the plants we will be using: Lysimachia 'Aurea' - Golden Creeping Jenny, Chrysogonum virginianum, of course mondo grass, Sweet Pea Jewels of Albion Mix (Lathyrus odoratus) (my father called me Sweet Pea ... so, of course I have to include these. I also love them), Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea' (golden creeping Jenny), Nepeta x faassenii 'Walker's Low' (Walker's Low Catmint), Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears', Italian Oregano, Thymus serpyllum 'Albus (creeping thyme, which will be on the top of the dog house/hobbit house and other areas of yard) .....

Today I have become Mistress of the Forge of Pickwick Haven -- lolz. A medieval blacksmith meets landscale architect meets pug queen...."She who shapes the tunnel that guards the Shire...druid engineer. ha"

Obviously I am NOT an engineer (I did not inherit those genes of my father) but it just doesn't make sense that those stones will remain in place once I remove the bucket of the hobbit door. So, I have decided to cut the bucket -- then sand so no rough edges -- so it remains as a frame of sorts. Nowadays, just because you watched a YouTube DIY video and it succeeded for them, does NOT mean you'll have similar results in real life because, honestly, it could be AI! So, I am erring on the side of caution. I have never heated a knife before and I know melting plastic can be carcinogenic, but it is outdoors and I will not inhale during the critical burn moments. Perhaps I should wear a mask, too.

The plan: Heat → cut → reheat → repeat
(same rhythm as forging metal, just less dramatic anvil sounds)
A quick finishing pass with warm blade to smooth everything. Meanwhile the pugs are thinking "Why is she making a glowing cave?" 

Update: The hot knife did the work! I had to reheat it frequently. So, my instinct was right and all the upper blocks came tumbling down. I replaced the hole/doorway entrance with the cutoff pot and I am also going to adjust the subsequent layers. I will add some spray foam mortar along the back and, for the next layers along the side of the house, I will let each stone dry and go ahead and remove trash bags once dried, then add some strips of Loctite PL 500 Landscape Block Adhesive. 

Saturday, 3/21/26, I had the privilege of attending an intensive breeder seminar at Auburn University—a full day that meant 4.5 hours of driving and 7.5 hours of deeply focused lectures. It was absolutely worth it.

I’m incredibly grateful to the outstanding team of veterinarians, theriogenologists, neurologists, and other specialists who shared their expertise and time. Dedicated breeders traveled from many states to attend and the day was packed with cutting-edge information—from the latest health screening tools and reproductive infectious disease concerns (including CHV, brucellosis, and more), to advances in genetic science such as EBV, selection indices, heritability, and genome-based testing.

We explored how science can guide better breeding decisions—through pedigree analysis, GWAS studies, and genetic interpretation—as well as practical topics like progesterone timing, stud dog management, neonatal care in the critical first 48 hours, and comparing OFA and PennHIP evaluations.

Perhaps most importantly, the seminar emphasized that breeding healthier dogs is a complex, evolving responsibility—one that requires thoughtful consideration rather than one-size-fits-all answers. I left both inspired and challenged, with a renewed commitment to continual learning and to the long-term health and preservation of the breed. 

Oh -- and on a very practical note for fellow breeders (and dog owners): when disinfecting, the solution must remain on the surface for a full 10 minutes before rinsing (whether mopping, wiping down, or otherwise.) This is not optional -- it's required for the disinfectant to actually work.

Of course, after the lecture on brucellosis -- and the thought of having to euthanize every single member of our grumble of pugs (I can't fathom this) -- I ordered new hazmat suits for all our pugs on Amazon.

It's good to be reminded of these things, though, and to take screening for brucellosis seriously as well as isolating the dam 3 weeks prior and 3 weeks after birth at minimum. Potty different places from other dogs, stay in separate room etc. 

It is important to test everyone -- including outside studs -- and test regularly. Test BEFORE you bring a new dog (new purchase etc.) in to your home. This disease spreads easily through bodily fluids (even something as simple as environmental exposure), can be carried WITHOUT OBVIOUS SYMPTOMS, and is zoonotic. There is NO RELIABLE CURE, and infected dogs may continue to shed the bacteria even after treatment. Forever. 

One sniff of urine (the wrong urine) at a dog show. Boom.

In breeding environments, an outbreak can be devastating -- often leading to euthanasia of infected dogs and, in worst case scenarios, LOSS OF AN ENTIRE PROGRAM.

The thought of losing an entire grumble is unthinkable… so yes, naturally, I coped by writing a tongue-in-cheek song . . . .

There were some great takeaways - and things I will be rethinking after the seminar . . . .
• No probiotics for neonates until at least 1 week old (we usually load all up pups and dam with benebac .. but then again, we are often dealing with antibiotics if a c-section))
•And, while on that subject, the vets at Auburn do NOT give antibiotics after routine c-section (unless complications - unique situation)
•Disinfectants must sit for 10 minutes before wiping 
• Always ask for brucellosis test results—no exceptions 

• Female dogs every 6 months if breeding
• Male dogs twice a year if breeding in a closed colony, but within month of cool shipping semen and at time of freezing semen (insist on this with any male you use as a stud!)
• ALL NON-BREEDING DOGS in kennel ONCE A YEAR
• Any new dog -- quarantine, test, and retest in 1 month

• Some good charts for APGAR scores etc. (included at end of this blog post)
• Stopwatches! (next time ) during whelping ... very easy to lose track of time. details needed for records

Neonatal Animal Feeding Safety Guidelines - Core Rules and Recommendations 
Key Safety Rule: Avoid Unpasteurized Food for Neonates -
Neonates (e.g., newborn puppies) have underdeveloped immune systems and permeable guts, making them highly vulnerable to bacterial overgrowth. Their gut acts as the "shock organ," where most damage occurs, often leading to severe diarrhea.   
Provide only **pasteurized products** (e.g., commercial milk replacers or colostrum made with pasteurized ingredients) to neonates. Unpasteurized items are strictly prohibited due to overwhelming bacterial loads that neonates cannot tolerate.

Raw Diet Restrictions -Raw diets are not recommended for pregnant or nursing animals. This restriction aligns with the need to protect both the mother and offspring from bacterial risks, as raw food may introduce pathogens harmful to their sensitive digestive systems. 
Varying perspectives on raw feeding practices, though the safety guidelines for neonates and pregnant/nursing animals remain firm.     

This guidance focuses on preventing bacterial harm to neonates and vulnerable animals by emphasizing pasteurized food sources and restricting raw diets during critical life stages (neonatal, pregnancy, nursing). The core logic flows from understanding neonates’ physiological vulnerabilities (permeable gut, underdeveloped immunity) to practical feeding recommendations, ensuring their health and reducing diarrhea-related complications. 

Dangers of unpasteurized and raw foods for dam and pups:

Reflex irritability . . . .

APGAR  . . . .

Umbilical stimulation/accordion method neonates

Acupuncture Point:

Huge congrats to Griffin, from the Adirondack Litter, and his owner RhaeAnn Thompson Griffin for earning his very first official “Q” in AKC Novice Standard Agility last Friday!

Here are few of his other awards . . .

His brother, Bumi, owned by Tara Helwig, also has adventures in fun sports like agility and fastcat, too:

Lola, Cindy, and Umberto traveled to The Pug Dog Club of America's National Specialty in Bowling Green, Kentucky this past week. Lola brought home a ton of ribbons which means she was able to place in very competitive lineup. She showed to 4 different judges and won 2nd place under Judge Michael Faulkner which we were especially proud of and thankful for. Cindy had not shown for almost a year since she finished her championship but she entered BOB for a sweepstakes and just looked stunning. We had to leave early for work so she was not able to show on Saturday for the breed but it was wonderful seeing her standing alongside such magnificent pugs. Here is a shot of her moving and then some photos of Lola. Umberto and Lola completed their BOAS and cardiac, and patellar OFA screening and both received perfect scores -- a 0 in BOAS means there was no evidence at all of any breathing issues. Dr. Mack even commented on how fit Umberto was and how wide and open his nares were. She also was impressed with Lola's nares. 

Just a reminder that you should never shave a pug. Chapter 8 in The Pug Bible addresses this further. Thankfully, we were advised against this early on so we never had to suffer through a pug having to go through this. KK's breeder (our foundation bitch, and the grandmother or great grandmother to most of the Pickwick pugs out there) shaved one of her pugs once. We saw this pug as an adult, 10 years after it had been shaved, and the fur had only grown back in a few random patches ... she was bald all the rest of the places. Honestly, the poor pug, (a former show pug and champion), looked like a holocaust victim. It was so sad. Aside from looks and vanity, though, pugs need their fur for protection.

Shaving will not help the pug be cooler in the summer. The opposite is true, in fact.

Shaving will not help with shedding.

Shaving is actually harmful to the pug.

Why? Pugs have a double coat that acts as insulation, protecting them from both heat and cold. Shaving disrupts this natural cooling and warming mechanism, potentially causing them to overheat in the summer and become too cold in the winter. Additionally, shaved pugs are more susceptible to sunburn and skin damage. 

A pug's double coat helps regulate their body temperature by trapping cool air in the summer and insulating them from the cold in the winter. Shaving removes this protective layer and makes it harder for them to stay comfortable in various temperatures. 

Pugs' skin is sensitive, and their fur provides a natural barrier against the sun's harmful UV rays. Shaving exposes their skin, making them more vulnerable to sunburn, which can be painful and increase the risk of skin cancer. 

The reason the fur of KK's breeder's pug never grew back completely was because shaving can damage the hair follicles which leads to uneven, patchy, or altered coat texture. Too often, the hair may not grow back the same way, affecting the pug's appearance.  A risk of the uglies for life

To control shedding, just make sure to finish up their weekly or bi-monthly baths with a conditioner and brush them (after misting lightly with water or a conditioning spray -- never brush a dry coat) every morning, or every other morning at minimum. 

And, once again, shaving does NOT make the pug cooler. The reverse is true. Invest in cooling mats or vests, make sure your pug has access to cool, clean water ALWAYS, and keep in AC indoors during hot summer months. When traveling, bring protable fans (we always have one in our car crate). On super hot days, we have cooling mats and an ice chest for traveling in case the car breaks down. And always fans.  

Here are some excerpts (screenshots) from the beginning of Chapter 8 in The Pug Bible (and there is more on shampoos, toenails and other grooming concerns later in the chapter).

(with the help of Fotor app ;) ) The following 3 photos were submitted and the directives added describing the scenes (i.e. driving in white convertible along the Pacific Coast highway)