Day 42 – Six weeks old today. We have had another busy week caring for the puppies and introducing them to so many new things. They have grown bigger and you can see each unique personality developing. Ellie continues to wean her puppies and they have now progressed to eating softened kibble. We continue to work on potty training. Ellie’s babies do well in their puppy enclosure which is a smaller area but, still need to work when they are in a larger area in the outdoors. They enjoy running and chasing each other during outside play time and also have fun inside with their activity centre.
This past Saturday was selection day. It was a cool, wet day but excitement was in the air as we met each forever family and introduced them to their new puppy! It brings me joy to know that all our puppies are joining such amazing families and will be loved!
Puppies six weeks old today
LOOKING AHEAD TO WEEK SEVEN
Puppies time spent awake will continue to increase
Puppies will begin dry kibble by the end of week seven
We will continue to encourage puppies to use potty area
Puppies will continue to socialize and learn from each other through play
Puppies will continue exploring and playing together outdoor as weather permits
Puppies will continue learning from their mama as she disciplines them and teaches them to behave
As always, puppies will continue to get lots of cuddle time.
Outdoor Play
Both Willow and Ellie’s puppies love outdoor play and have done very well interacting with each other. Today we gave the puppies a raised bed in the centre of their outdoor play area. They loved jumping up and down from it, and lounging and wrestling on it. Ellie’s puppies need more practice with using the potty box outdoors so, I thought it might be helpful if I added a second potty box on the other side of the deck. It was successful – Lots of puppies used it! Near the end of the video, watch for Ellie nursing her puppies. A couple of Willow’s puppies wanted some milk too and didn’t seem to mind that it wasn’t from their mama – LOL!
Thursday was a rainy day – The saying goes “April showers bring May flowers” may be true but, it also brings muddy floors. I have four “Dirty Dog Mat” runners at my sliding door hoping to absorb my dogs wet, dirty feet. It does help but, still my floors are impossible to keep clean. I can’t wait until May flowers arrive and my yard dries out. Until then, I have to live with dog prints on my floors!
It did finally stop raining in the late afternoon so, I took both Willow and Ellie’s litter of puppies outside for play time. Watch the video below as the puppies explore a new toy – an empty water bottle covered in an odd sock.
A new toy – an empty water bottle coved with an odd sock, The puppies loved the “crinkle sound”
Selection Day for Ellie’s pups tomorrow – Saturday, April 23rd
We are excited and looking forward to meeting our Forever Families tomorrow and introducing our puppies to you. Until then, a little video of these sweet puppies!
Thursday Outdoor Play – I left the gate open on the puppy enclosure for the puppies to practice going up a couple steps. They enjoyed this new area to play and found a hiding spot behind the BBQ. The puppies had a great time chasing each other around it!.
Six weeks old today. We have had another busy week caring for the puppies and introducing them to so many new things. They have grown bigger, and you can see each unique personality developing. Puppies have now progressed to eating softened kibble. They enjoy running and chasing each other during outdoor play time and have fun inside with their activity centre. They are doing very well using their potty box. We still have an accident here and there but for the most part they are fairly consistent. We are working on teaching the puppies recall, with our “puppy call”. When the puppies hear “puppy puppy” they are alerted and come to me – but sometimes they get distracted on the way LOL. Recall is an ongoing learning lesson which our forever families will continue teaching their puppy when they take them home. This week we have been working on obstacles – the puppies must use their brain and figure out how to maneuver around them. The puppies have also been learning how to go down a few steps. Some puppies are braver than others but all puppies are learning.
Last night we returned to winter weather with a snowfall. I thought the puppies would enjoy playing in the snow so, this morning we went outside for some exercise. Willow has begun teaching her puppies manners – to listen. In the video you can see her with her puppies as she is beginning her teaching phase. I kept the other dogs in the yard but, Maui jumped the fence and joined in the teaching session.
LOOKING AHEAD TO WEEK SEVEN
Puppies time spent awake will continue to increase
Puppies will begin dry kibble by the end of week seven
We will continue to encourage puppies to use potty box
Puppies will continue to socialize and learn from each other through play
Puppies will continue exploring and playing together outdoor as weather permits
Puppies will continue learning from their mama as she disciplines them and teaches them to behave
As always, puppies will continue to get lots of cuddle time.
Ellie’s Puppies
Yesterday was an exciting day for Ellie’s puppies – they had their first outdoor adventure. We began by taking Ellie’s puppies out to the enclosed deck with their mama. I began by putting each puppy into the potty box so they would know where it was. This is a true test to see if they still go to the potty box in such a large area. Some puppies did wander over to the box when needed but not all. Still some work to do in that area.
After Ellie’s puppies had time to explore and play, I brought Willow’s litter outside to join them. They are only six days older but, to a five-week-old puppy there is a difference. My daughter and I watched carefully and when we thought one of Willow’s puppies got too rough, we stepped in. All in all, the puppies from the two litters did well together. After a while, all the puppies but two, curled up in one puppy huddle to sleep. The remain two puppies that were awake still were “Blue Collar Boy” from both Ellie and Willow’s litter. They were still awake and hanging out with Maui the nanny!
The two “Blue Collar Boys” are still awake – (1st pic)Maui with Willow’s Blue Boy and Ellie’s Blue Boy who are still awake as (2nd pic) the other 12 puppies from our two litters huddle together for a nap.
How quickly time passes and how quickly puppies grow! Ellie’s sweet puppies are now five weeks old today. The puppies have developed from helpless newborns to “mini dogs”. They have learned so much over the past five weeks. This past week we have been working hard on training the puppies to use the potty box. They still have a long way to go and some of the puppies are more consistent than others, but all are making great progress! The puppies are now awake for longer periods and enjoy playing in the play area with their littermates. Nursing time from mama has decreased and the puppies continue to enjoy eating puppy mush and drinking from their water dish.
New Puppy Area
On Friday we changed up Ellie’s puppies’ area. The puppies went to the Play Area for some exercise while we worked on their sleeping area. We removed the puppies’ whelping box and added crates. We covered the crates with blankets to mimic a “den”. There is a potty box in the corner across from the crates and a small area in the middle for play. The puppies were curious when we introduced them to their new area and they can now see Willow’s puppies with just a fence separating them. The puppies smelled around checking things out, looked at Willow’s puppies and explored the crates. They must have approved of the new sleeping arrangements because the puppies took a nap in their new crates – sweet dreams!
Ellie’s puppies checking out their new crates
Every puppy (except Black Collar Girl) took a nap in the crates – SWEET DREAMS!
Ellie’s Purple Collar Girl talks with her neighbours LOL!
LOOKING AHEAD TO WEEK SIX
Puppies time spent awake will continue to increase
Puppies food will become much thicker progressing toward the goal of eating dry kibble
Puppies will continue learning to use potty potty
Puppies will continue to socialize with each other through play
Puppies balance will continue to improve.
Puppies will begin daily outdoor playtime as weather permits
Puppies will continue learning from their mama as she disciplines them and teaches them to behave
As always, puppies will continue to get lots of cuddle time.
Ellie’s puppies are growing up. They have started eating puppy mush – they did such a good job at eating that I had to fill their bowl again. After they were finished we put them back in the whelping box and Ellie joined them. First she cleaned their face and then they nursed. Mama’s milk is so good!
Watch Ellie’s puppies enjoying their puppy mush. As you can see it gets quite messy the first few times before they get the hang of just eating it and not stepping all in it. Lol!
Ellie’s puppies are getting lots of exercise when they visit the play area. This time I made sure they weren’t distracted by their mama. She was outside when they first went into the enclosure. They had a great time running, wrestling, and playing with the activity centre. (Mama joined them later) Puppies play hard, tire quickly, and sleep lots!
Willow’s Puppies
Willow’s puppies love their play time outdoors. They have lots of room to run, wrestle and explore. Thursday we added a water feature to the outdoor play area. Some of the puppies thought it was a big water bowl, a couple puppies put a foot in the water but no puppy went right in to explore the water – I’m sure In time they will. Puppies play hard, tire quickly, and sleep lots!
I like to put a post out the day the puppies turn a week older. Yesterday Willow’s puppies turned 5 weeks old and we had an extra busy day. By the time I had fed all the dogs/puppies and eaten dinner I was too tired to tackle a post. Sorry to those that were expecting Willow’s Puppies five week post yesterday – but, here it is – one day late.
Willow’s Puppies
Five-Week-Old Puppy Huddle
LOOKING BACK
Willow’s puppies are now five weeks old. The puppies have developed from helpless newborn puppies to the “mini dogs” they are today and their personalities are developing. The puppies have learned so much over the past five weeks. We have been working hard on training puppies to use the potty box. It’s amazing to watch puppies wake up or stop playing and walk over to use their potty box. They still have an accident here and there but, all our puppies are making great progress. Nursing time has decreased, and they can now eat puppy mush, and drink their water. They love playing with my grandchildren and interacting with people of different ages. The puppies are now awake for longer periods and enjoy playing with their toys, each other, and cuddle time. They play hard, tire quickly and drop off for more sleep.
Outdoor Adventure
Yesterday the puppies had their first taste of the outdoors. My husband Tom spent the morning enclosing our deck in fencing. We then added a potty box, an activity centre, some toys, and then the puppies. It was a beautiful warm day, and the puppies had a great time exploring a new area. I was impressed with how well our puppies did using the potty box. This was the first time they have had such a big space and the puppies still ran over to their potty box when they need to – such smart puppies! Maui the nanny was on duty and the puppies loved playing with her too. The puppies even had their lunch outside. Tom and I enjoyed an afternoon of sunshine and watching Willow’s sweet five-week-old puppies play.
First Taste of the Outdoors! Notice the puppies have new collars.
LOOKING AHEAD TO WEEK SIX
Puppies time spent awake will continue to increase
Puppies food will become much thicker progressing toward the goal of eating dry kibble
Puppies will continue learning to use potty box
Puppies will continue to socialize with each other through play
Puppies balance will continue to improve.
Puppies will continue to have outdoor play time as weather permits
Puppies will continue learning from their mama as she disciplines them and teaches them to behave
As always, puppies will continue to get lots of cuddle time.
Ellie’s Puppies
We are still working on trying to get Ellie’s puppies to use their litter box. The puppies still have access to the Whelping Box and Potty Box. It takes time and I always get impatient thinking, will they ever get it? I know that they always do – something just clicks and progress is made. In the mean time, we continue to put them into their potty box when they wake and after they eat. I change out their vet bedding multiple times a day. It is important that the Whelping Box smells clean and the potty box smells like a potty box.
puppies first visit to play area
Yesterday I thought it would be fun for the puppies to visit the play area. I started off putting each puppy in the potty box we have in the corner to show them where to go potty. Then they started to explore and play. Soon after, Ellie wanted into play area to check things out. I let her in and of course her puppies were all over her – they thought it was time to eat again. She decided to jump out of the enclosure and went out of sight. But, a minute later she returned to watch her puppies on the other side of the fence. That was the end of play time in the enclosure. – the puppies were only interested in their mama. I took the puppies back to their Whelping Box and gave them some new toys to play with.
Four week old puppy huddle – or should we say spread.
LOOKING BACK – APRIL 5, 2022 – FOUR WEEKS OLD
Today Ellie’s sweet babies turned four weeks old and oh, how they have grown. As I have said it before, Ellie is a wonderful mama. She loves her babies so much and still will go into the whelping box to nurse and cuddle. This past week has been another busy one. The puppies moved to the main floor, and started on potty training. They have become steadier on their feet as their hind legs strengthen. Puppies are vocalizing more and as you may have heard from our previous post, they have perfected their whine. Their milk teeth are now in, and the puppies are teething so, we added a couple of toys to their whelping box for them to chew on. The puppies are awake more and spending this time socializing with each other through play. One of my favourite thing to do is go into the whelping box for puppy cuddles. Ellie’s puppies love their cuddles!
POTTY TRAINING
Potty training has started. We have set ups the potty box just outside the whelping box. I am spending my time putting the puppies in the box when they wake or after they nurse. It takes a while for the puppies to get it but well worth the effort when you have puppies going potty in one place!
Puppy four week singles
It is always a challenge to take puppy pictures and today was no exception. During the photo shoot I took over 300 pics. Those beautiful little puppies just wanted to come see me and explore. After seven puppies my patience was wearing thin. I took the last puppy, Yellow Collar Girl out of the whelping box, put her flower on and put her in the basket. She did the usual, walked around and sniffed the basket. I readjusted her in the sitting position – she stayed sitting and looked directly at me while I snapped a few pics. It was that easy! Gold Star for our Yellow Collar Girl – what a good girl!
We have been busy the past couple days preparing to move Ellie’s litter to the main floor. We set up two separate areas for each litter in our kitchen breakfast room – AKA The Puppy Room. This will give the puppies a sleep area with their potty box. and a small area for play.
Puppy area is set up in my kitchen breakfast room. Willow’s puppies’ area at the front, and Ellie’s puppies’ area is at the far end.
Willow’s Puppies
The puppies are making good progress with their potty training so, we can give them more room. We have set up a row of crates on one side of their enclosure. Notice that I have covered the crates with blankets, making their crates more den-like. The puppies love to sleep in their crates alone or with a buddy. The potty box is in one corner, water in the other corner and, a small area in the centre to play.
The front entrance of our house has now become the Indoor Play Area. Today Willow’s puppies had their first visit, and they had a blast. The play area includes an activity centre, a tunnel, toys, and of course we must have a potty box in this area too.
Puppies had their first visit to the new play area. Watch for a couple puppies make use of the potty box. Yah, what smart puppies!!!
Puppies have a blast in their new play area. Watch for Maui going in to play with the puppies. She loves the puppies and is learning to be a great nanny.
Ellie’s Puppies
Today Ellie’s puppies made the big move to the main floor. It is always exciting and a little stressful on the mama and her babies. We packed the puppies into a large crate and moved a noisy litter of eight puppies to their new area. Ellie watched closely as we carried her babies and put them back into the whelping box. The puppies continued to make a fuss and didn’t settle until their mama joined them in the whelping box and fed them.
Ellie’s puppies cry for their mama
The puppies will sleep and play in their whelping box and have access to their potty box just outside the entrance. I will leave the fence gate open so Ellie will still be able to come and go as she pleases to care for her puppies. Notice Ellie’s bed next the the whelping box – she can sleep there if she wants. Next for Ellie’s puppies – potty training begins.
Ellie’s puppy area enclosure
The big move to the main floor – Notice our Orange collar girl in the video. All the puppies are tired and want to sleep but she wants to play. Watch as she tries to wake the other puppies up. 😂 I finally put her in the potty box to distract her. She sniffed around a bit and then decided to come back into the whelping box (with a little difficulty) but, finally whet to sleep with the rest of her littermates.Finally, Orange Collar Girl went to sleep – sweet dreams sweet baby girl 💕
Well, I have had at busy day – looking after grandchildren, puppies and trying to get a post out. Throw in technical problems getting your iPhone and computer to communicate. I was a little frustrated but, finally was able to work thing out and get our post out! 😅
Both our litters are growing more adorable each day and getting lots of love and attention. All our puppies love to cuddle on our lap! 🐾
Willow’s Puppies
Four weeks old singles
Blue Collar BoyRed Collar BoyOrange Collar BoyMagenta Collar GirlGreen Collar GirlBlack Collar BoyThe puppies Four Week photo shoot turned out well. — Don’t Willow and Brinkley’s puppies look adorable!!! And look at our Red Collar Boy waving – too cute!
We have been working hard on trying to teach Willow’s puppies to use their potty box. Puppies still need more work but are making progress Yesterday, we added a play area for the puppies to get some exercise. We put in a crate and new toys for puppies to explore and play with. They had lots of fun playing with the toys and their littermates. Some of our puppies even ran back to use the potty box. A few puppies ventured into the crate to play and then fell asleep.
THINGS TO WATCH FOR IN THE VIDEO Green Collar Girl picking up the Kong tennis ball Orange Collar Boy’s “soccer kick” Red Collar Boy “waves” Black collar boy playing with grey elephant stuffie Magenta collar girl running back to the potty box Blue collar boy lounging in the whelping box, showing off his beautiful eyes!
Ellie’s Puppies
A Visit to the Main Floor
Ellie’s puppies are growing and becoming more active. So, today, I decided to take them downstairs to the main floor for a little exercise. Everyone was very excited – my two grandchildren along with Ellie, Ruska, Willow and, Maui followed me down stairs carrying my basket of puppies, After the puppies nursed, I put the big dogs outside and we spent the next while playing with puppies. My three-year-old grandson said to me, “Gran, I just love having the puppies downstairs!” 🥰 I’m sure you can see how much they loved playing with them. Even my one-year-old granddaughter enjoyed herself. They only needed a few reminders to be “gentle” The puppies enjoyed exploring and playing but after a while, the puppies dropped off to sleep one by one. I then took them back upstairs and they went for a proper sleep in their whelping box.
Puppies get lots of socialization today from my 1-year-old and 3-year-old grandchildren
Four weeks old already, how the time has flown by! This past week has been another busy one. The puppies moved to the main floor, started on solids, and started on potty training. They have become steadier on their feet as their hind legs strengthen. Puppies are vocalizing more and are beginning to bark, and growl in addition to their perfected whine. Their milk teeth are now in, and the puppies are teething so, we added a couple of toys to their whelping box for them to chew on. The puppies are awake more, spending this time socializing with each other through play. All the puppies enjoy cuddle time……when we go into the whelping box, it doesn’t take long before you have a lap full of puppies!
Potty Training
Wild dog species have an instinct to keeping their den clean so that the smell doesn’t attract predators. A domesticated mama dog also has the same instinct to keep her puppies and puppy area clean. When puppies can start to go potty without the help of their mother, they have a natural instinct to move away from the area where they sleep and eat to go potty.
After puppies are moved to the main floor, we begin potty training. I spend most of my time during the next three days, putting each puppy in the potty area each time they wake and after they eat. This teaches them there is a “place” to go potty.
With previous litters I have used potty pads in the potty area. This year I decided to try something new – a litter box. I have a large container with pine pellets in it. I’m very happy with this decision and pleased at how well it is working out……………..and as a bonus, this method is environmentally friendly as the pine pellets are biodegradable.
Potty Training
Puppy area set-up
Two puppies in potty box
Consistency
These pics show how we have set up our puppy area. Until the puppies get more consistent, it is best not giving the puppies too much room.
Constant Cleaning
The potty area must smell like a potty area and the whelping box must smell clean. If a puppy has an accident in the whelping box, it must be cleaned right away . We replace the Vet Bed liners multiply times a day to keep it fresh and clean. Lots of Laundry!!!
The Goal
The goal is for puppies to sleep and play in their whelping box and move to the potty box on their own, when needed. The puppies are learning quickly but still have some work to do before we can trust them with a larger area.
Watch as our Green Collar Girl decides to use the potty area on her own… …it is truly amazing!
(Note: You can hear my granddaughter crying in the background of the video. The puppies will definitely be accustomed to crying babies! – LOL)
Willow’s puppies turn four weeks old today
LOOKING AHEAD TO WEEK FIVE
Puppies time spent awake will increase
Puppies will continue to socialize with each other through play
Puppies balance will continue to improve and they will begin to run
Puppies will continue learning to use potty area
Mama will now add the invaluable teaching phase to her caring & protecting responsibilities over the next weeks.
ELLIE’S PUPPIES
The Photo Shoot
Taking Ellie’s “Three Week Puppy Portrait” was a difficult task and tested our patience. After lunch, I put our granddaughter down for her nap and proceeded to do our photo shoot. I thought because Ellie’s puppies look so much alike, I would put a flower on their collar (bowtie for our little man) to make it easy to tell who was who. We had just finished attaching the flowers to their collar and were all set up when Ellie came into the room. The puppies could smell her and wouldn’t settle, so even though they had just nursed 45 minutes ago, I gave in and let her feed them. When they finished, Ellie left and we had to reattach a couple flowers that had fallen off, and started again. Trying to get eight puppies in a photo is not an easy task. After more than two hundred pics, we finally had one that we could use. All the puppies weren’t in perfect position, and our little green collar girl was so tired she laid down on her flower but, we had our pic.
The Photo ShootEllie and Brinkley’s puppies Three Week Portrait
