Millies’ adorable puppies are now three weeks old and have progressed rapidly this week. They have gain weight and grow bigger with each passing day,thanks to Millie’s dedication and me helping her out with puppy formula feedings. Although later than most of our litters, their eyes have finally opened, and their vision is improving. Also, the puppies’ ears have opened and are beginning to hear and react to sound.
Puppy Culture
This week the puppies were in the Transitional Period. We continued our ENS exercises which cause tiny stresses to benefit our puppies with greater tolerance to stress, greater resistance to disease, faster adrenal system, stronger heart rate and stronger heartbeat. Thursday was Day 16 of the puppies life and the final day for our ENS exercises.
Critical Socialization Period (weeks 3 – 12)
The next period for Piper’s puppies is the Critical Socialization Period. We know that puppies have entered into this period when the react to sounds. We raise our puppies following many of the Puppy Culture protocols. These protocols helps us reach our goal “To Raise Healthy, Calm, Confident, Well-Adjusted Puppies“.
Over the remaining weeks we will be working on new experiences for the puppies by exposing them to as many new experiences as possible in order to raise the best possible companion for their forever families.
Emotional Intelligence
Because Goldendoodles are companion dogs, it is important to teach emotional intelligence from young puppies and start them on a great beginning. With this intention we follow 7 key things that will nurture the emotional intelligence of a puppy.
- Communication – giving a puppy his own voice i.e. Communication Trinity: power up clicker, box game, manding and attention/distraction protocols
- Emotional stability – the ability to recover easily from fear as well as stress i.e., startle recovery, barrier challenges etc
- Habituation – familiarize the puppies with the maximum number of things during their Critical Development Period. In particular, Puppy Parties, sound protocols, household noises as well as meeting different people and dogs.
- Enrichment – teach the puppies that novelty and challenges are opportunities for enrichment not things to be feared or avoided. For example, ongoing introduction of new novelty items, activity centre, car ride, outdoors, etc.
- Health – physical wellness and motor skills that will allow the puppy to develop in a neurologically and physically sound way . For instance, daily weight checks, grooming, proper nutrition, fecal checks, and deworming, if necessary, vet health checks and vaccinations)
- Skills – learned behaviors which teach the puppy to function in human society i.e. recall, manding, simple commands, potty box training, crate introduction, resource guarding, bite inhibition etc.
- Love – teach puppies to seek out the company of both dogs and humans as emotionally positive experiences: i.e., Daily cuddles with humans and puppy’s mom.
- Shaping emotional responses: happy and calm CER (Conditioned Emotional Responses). For instance, treats and encouragement during puppy training.
Eyes Opened
All litters reach milestones at different times, and Millie’s litter was slow to open their eyes. It wasn’t until Saturday (day 18) that all the puppies had their eyes open. Delivering early may contribute to the delay. It is always a highlight when the puppies look back at me!
Socialization
As I have said many times, we are blessed with a big family. We have thirteen grandchildren, with two more on the way. They are always eager to help me with puppy cuddles. It is very important to socialize the puppies at this early stage.
Interacting and Vocalizing
The puppies are more aware of their surroundings and have begun to play with each other during their short “awake” periods. During this time, they become quite noisy as they practice vocalizing.
However, they still sleep much of the day and night
The puppies are always excited when their mama enters the puppy room. Watch Dark Blue boy climb out of the whelping box to reach his mama LOL.
Changes to the Whepping Box
- Another door panel was added to the entrance to keep the puppies inside.
- Pig rails removed—puppies are too big to fit under, so it gives a little more space for them.
- The whelping box has been divided into a sleep/play area and a potty area.
- We have added bolster beds and potty pads.
Millie’s Three Week Old Puppies
- Most of the litter, like all Goldendoodles, will experience clearing (lightning) as they mature.
- Please check the FAQ tab on our website. The clearing process is explained there, along with pictures showing the progression of the puppy’s clearing from birth to adulthood.
Dark Green Boy – Dark Apricot Abstract- brown points – wavy to loose curls
White Boy – Blue Merle Abstract – black points – looser curls
Turquoise Blue Boy – Blue Merle Abstract – black points – looser curls
Brown boy – Cream – black points – curly
Yellow Boy – Chocolate – brown points – wavy to looser curls
Red Girl – Apricot Abstract – brown points – wavy – looser curls
Black Girl – Apricot Abstract – black points – looser curls
Grey Girl – Apricot – brown points – curly
Fluorescent Green – Blue Merle Abstract – black points – looser curls
Purple Girl – Cream Abstract – black points – looser curls
Pink Girl -Cream Abstract – black points – looser curls
Looking Ahead to Week Four
- Puppies will still sleep much of the day/night as they continue to grow rapidly
- Interact with littermates through play which will help develop important social skills
- Whelping box will expand with the addition of the litter box attachment
- Becoming steadier on their feet
- Practicing walking on all fours strengthens their hind legs
- Hearing will improve
- Puppy milk teeth will erupt
- Puppies will be moving to the main floor towards the end of the week
