Home is where the dog is
It has been on my “TO DO LIST” for the past few days to take updated puppy pic’s. Finally this morning we undertook the task. I am definitely not a photographer and the puppies never stay still long enough to get a good picture without a blur, however after many takes, we accomplished the task! I know that I am a bit bias, but don’t you think these puppies are so adorable!!!
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. The food which we switched them to seems to be agreeing with them. They enjoy running and chasing each other during outside play time and also have fun inside with their activity centre. Ruska is now teaching them to submit and our other dogs are helping out with this.
This week we have had a couple technical difficulties making life a little more challenging. On Tuesday we had a power outage lasting eight hours so we had to feed and care for the puppies by candle light. Then Wednesday my computer developed a sudden problem. I opened it up and got a black screen even though the power was on. Since then, I have been using my phone for emails but I am borrowing my daughters computer to post our blog. (Hopefully my son will be able to figure out the problem and get my computer working again.)
The puppies are growing bigger and more active by the day. Even though this morning was a cold one, Ruska wanted her puppies outside. They got some exercise running and playing on the deck before they came back inside for their breakfast. The puppies enjoyed their morning playtime in our front hall.
Yesterday was an exciting day for our puppies, We were blessed with a warm sunny day, so I decided to take the puppies outside for some exercise. We set some fencing up on our deck and then brought the puppies out. Ruska was so excited that her puppies were finally able to go out with her and our other dogs joined in the excitement as well. The puppies enjoyed their time exploring, running, playing together and even ate their lunch outside.
Five weeks old today. The puppies have developed from helpless newborns to “mini dogs”. They have learned so much over the past five weeks. We have been working hard on training the puppies to use the potty area. I was wondering if they would ever “get it” but finally is started to click. It’s amazing to watch puppies wake up or stop playing and walk over to use the potty area. They still have a long way to go and some of the puppies are more consistent than others but all are making progress! The puppies are now awake for longer periods and enjoy playing with their toys and each other. Nursing time from mama has decreased and the puppies are now eating puppy mush and drinking their water. During this past week, Mama has begun teaching her pups to listen to her. Ruska will go into the puppy area, let the puppies start to nurse and then start barking at them to stop. Most of the puppies listen on the first warning but we do have some persistent puppies that try a few more time before they listen.
Socialization for puppies is an important part of their development. My Grandchildren are a big part in this socialization which will make it easier when puppies head home to families with children! A watchful eye is always necessary when children are playing with the puppies – they have to be reminded to “Be Gentle”. The puppies love playing with my grandchildren!
Ellie is now in the last trimester of her pregnancy with under two weeks left until her due date. I took a pic of her as she rested on the living room floor. It is hard to see with all her fur, but her tummy is noticeably larger. Ellie is now eating more and continues to get lots of rest – it takes lots of energy to carry puppies! She will continue to get pampered and spoiled until her puppies arrive.
When Covid lockdown restrictions went into place, our dogs missed their regular grooming appointment. By the time our groomers opened again, we had some very shaggy dogs. Ellie went to the groomers yesterday for a much needed hair cut and got a tummy shave to make it easier for her puppies to nurse when they arrive.
Ruska’s puppies continue to grow and are now spending longer periods of time awake, so we have set up a play area in our front hall for them. They are so much fun to watch!
We have had a busy week so far! The puppies are enjoying their puppy mush and nursing from mama, and we have been working hard trying to teach them “where to go potty”. The first week I always feel “Will they ever get this?” It is slow going but I think we are making progress. Today while playing, a few of the puppies stopped and ran to the potty area on their own! Yeah, I am always encouraged when they begin to get it. I’m sure as the days go by, all the puppies will make steady progress in this area.
Last night I introduced our puppies to water. Some puppies were curious and started to lap up the water right away while other puppies explored by putting their feet in it. The puppies will increase their water intake as nursing decreases.
The Puppies have reached another milestone….today they started eating solids. I make a soft mush from ground kibble and warm water.
It didn’t take long for the puppies to know what to do. They did a great job eating their first meal!
Ruska loves to finish any leftovers but, the puppies did such a good job eating there wasn’t much left for her! Ruska will continue nursing her puppies and gradually wean them over the next couple weeks.
After their first solid meal the puppies fell fast asleep for a good long nap.
Our puppies are four weeks old already, how the time has flown by! This past week puppies have become mini dogs. They are now on our main floor and starting to learn to use the potty area. Their walking has improved and they are more steady on the feet. The puppies are vocalizing more and can now bark and growl. Their milk teeth have come in which are sharp. One of the puppies thought my big toe looked good to chew Ouch!!! The puppies now spend more time awake socializing with each other through play. All of the puppies have so much love to give….……when we go into their puppy area, it doesn’t take long before you have a lap full of puppies wanting to cuddle!
I hope everyone is having a good weekend……….I thought a little video of our puppies at play this morning would make it a little brighter!
