Nova’s sweet babies are now five weeks old and have developed from helpless newborn puppies to the “mini dogs” they are today. The puppies are now awake for more extended periods and enjoy playing with each other, their toys, and cuddle time. We are starting to see their personalities develop.
It is important when raising puppies to socialize them, which means introducing them to as many new experiences as possible when they are young. The puppies have been introduced to different floor surfaces, new toys, our other adult dogs and Paisley, our eleven-week-old puppy. The puppies continue to get lots of interaction with humans of all ages.
Our main focus this week was teaching the puppies to go potty on the grass in their potty box and outside in the play area. They have done a great job of going in the right spot, so now it is time to remove the whelping box and add crates.
Introduction to Solids
This week, the puppies began eating puppy mush. Each meal we gradually increased the thickness.
The puppies have now advanced to softened kibble. Initially, it is very waterlogged. Over the next two weeks, we will gradually decrease the soaking time until the puppies are seven weeks old and ready for hard kibble.
The puppies are still nursing from their mama any chance they get but, Nova limits this and makes a quick exit from the puppy area. They also get plenty of fresh water
Looking back at week five
Looking Ahead to Week Six
- Crates introduced
- Awake time will continue to increase
- Socialize with each other through play
- Daily Outdoor play time as weather permits
- Puppies will continue learning from their mama and our other adult dogs as they teach them dog manners
- As always, puppies will get lots of cuddle time.
- Puppies will meet their forever families in one more week ❤️
