Tag: Goldendoodle puppies

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Look At Us At One Week Old !

One Week Old

Ellie and Brinkley’s Litter
Willow and Brinkley’s Litter

LOOKING BACK 

Wow, our precious puppies are now one week old. We have had a busy week! For the first few weeks of life, a puppy cannot regulate their own body temperature. We have added an electric heater to our rooms to help keep the temperature at a warm 28 – 29 degrees C. We gradually reduce the temperature as the days pass.

First 72 Hours

Willow and Ellie are great mamas. For the first 24 hours, I had to force them away from their puppies for a potty break. Then they went right back inside to their babies. I even had to feed them inside the whelping box. The next 24 hours, they would willingly leave when I called them to go outside but, still went right back to the whelping box after their short break. After 72 hours, they spent a little time away from their puppies to run the yard for exercise and eat a meal. As the days pass, time away from their puppies will gradually increase. We place an evaluated bed just outside the whelping box for our mamas to rest on. This allows them their own space away from their puppies but they can keep a watchful eye on them.

Neonatal Period

The puppies are in the Neonatal Period which is from day 0 to day 14. During this period, puppies spend their time eating and sleeping. On day 3 we begin ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) which continues through day 16. We preform ENS daily during our weigh-in time. Research shows these tiny struggles and stresses in small doses are good for puppies. Benefits from ENS include greater tolerance to stress, greater resistance to disease, faster adrenal system, stronger heart rate and stronger heartbeat. This is a gift that a breeder can only give their puppies during the 3 to 16-day window.

PUPPY TWITCHES – The above videos show sleeping puppies “twitch” This is a sign of a healthy puppy.

Puppy socialization

Puppy socialization starts at birth. We handle our puppies as soon as their mamas feel comfortable and give them all daily cuddles. My grandchildren love to help me cuddle puppies!

Feeding

Before puppies are born, they receive immunity and everything they need to grow from the placenta. After birth newborn puppies do not possess immunity. A mothers first milk called colostrum is a protein-rich, nutritious, balanced, and protective food. The special milk provides passive immunity which can last several weeks and protect them from various infections and diseases. For this reason, the first twelve hours after birth it is vital for the puppies to nurse frequently and build up their passive immunity. (Passive immunity is the short-term immunity which results from the introduction of antibodies from the puppy’s mother. Compare with active immunity – the immunity which results from the production of antibodies by the immune system in response to the presence of an antigen)

Weigh-in

We weight our puppies and keep daily records. In the first 24 hours, it is not uncommon for puppies to loose up to 10% of their birth weight. We were very pleased at our first 24 hour weight-in, all our puppies had gained weight. Our mama’s are doing an amazing job feeding their babies.

Puppies are born with their eyes and ears sealed shut; they cannot see or hear. They have to rely on “smell” and “touch” to find their mother. Puppies are born with a natural instinct to nurse but as the days pass, they have become more proficient at it. The puppies are now experts at nursing! As you watch the videos below, listen to the cute little sounds the puppies make as they nurse – so precious !

LOOKING AHEAD TO WEEK TWO
  • Much the same as week one – Eat, Sleep, Repeat!
  • Puppies will continue growing 
  • Puppies still crawl; hind legs will become stronger
  • Eyes should begin to open towards the end the week – so exciting !!!

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The Excitement of Whelping Day

The emotions of Whelping Day is always nervous excitement! You plan the breedings and then wait nine weeks for the puppies to arrive.

Breeding Plans

When female dogs live together, their heat cycles sync-up. This was the case with Ellie and Willow. To avoid raising two litters together, the plan was to breed Willow and Brinkley for a Christmas Litter, then six months later, breed Ellie on her next heat cycle for a spring litter. Raise ONE litter of puppies at a time. So, when the girls went into heat, we sent Brinkley away to stay with one of my son’s in Brooklin. After about 10 days, Brinkley changed locations and went to stay at another of my son’s house; this time in Claremont – half a kilometre away from our house.

What happened next?

I am reminded of those words written over 200 years ago by the Scottish poet Robert Burns “the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry”.

My plans for one litter went awry – Brinkley made his escape from my son’s house, crossed our main road and came back home to be with his sweet Ellie. The result – Two litters of puppies.

Preparing

With two litters due together we needed two spaces for our whelping boxes. We set Willow’s whelping box in my bedroom and Ellie’s Whelping Box in another bedroom we use as our walk-in closet. I prepared my whelping cart with all our supplies and made sure everything would be ready. My “Whelping Cart” is on wheels making it is easy to move between the two rooms.

Whelping cart ready and waiting

Whelping Day

Whelping Day is always so exciting and this was no exception. We had double the excitement and whelped two litter in under 17 hours.

Ellie’s Whelp

When due dates are getting close, we keep our expectant mamas in our room with the door closed. We have learnt over the year that sometimes mama’s want to go off on their own LOL! Thursday night, Willow slept in her whelping box in our bedroom and Ellie had a little bed beside my bed that she likes to sleep on. Ellie was restless throughout the night and in the morning, it was obvious she was in labour.

Mid-morning, I took Ellie up to her whelping room and Tom took over caring for our two grandchildren and the rest of our dogs. I didn’t have my daughter’s help as I usually do because she was at her teaching practicum placement – I would have to go solo. At 11:42 am, Ellie’s first puppy arrived – a girl weighing 391 grams. When Tom came to see the newborn puppy, he told me that he thought Willow was also in early labour. Oh well, nothing we could do but press on. Over the next few hours while I continued helping Ellie deliver her litter and in-between puppy births, I popped in my bedroom to check on Willow who was staying in her whelping box. Yes, she was in labour, and I think she was missing me – she dragged my jeans into the whelping box with her to lay her head on. Tom kept Willow company while Ellie whelped.

Ellie’s newborns nursing

Ellie’s puppies in the warming box while she delivers another puppy

Below is a video of Ellie giving birth. NOTE: May not be suitable for children to watch or if you are a little squeamish (Like one of my son’s LOL)

Ellie gives birth
Ellie cleans her newborn baby – notice her tail is wrapped with compression tape to help keep it clean

At 2:48 pm, Ellie delivered her last puppy – a girl weighing 441 grams. Ellie is such a calm dog, even when she is whelping. Her whelp went very smoothly and she delivered eight puppies in just over three hours. Ellie did amazing!

Pics of Ellie’s Whelp

Ellie and Brinkley’s Newborn Litter Huddle

Willow’s Whelp

Willow started labour when Ellie started delivering her puppies. I went back and forth in-between the two rooms checking on Willow and Tom kept Willow company when I wasn’t there. (Our grandchildren are now down for their naps) Willow dragged my jeans into her whelping box – I guess my “scent” was a comfort for her.

In-between the births of Ellie’s puppies, I went to check on Willow.

Willow continued to labour throughout the afternoon and evening, staying in her whelping box in our bedroom. Finally, just after midnight at 12:30 am, Willow’s first puppy arrived – a chocolate male weighing in at 393 grams.

I know I say it after every whelp, but it still holds true! I am so in awe at the instinct God has given animals. They just know what to do! The miracle of birth is so amazing, and I am moved each time I experience it.

Willow is protective of her newborn
Willow cleans her baby

After a puppy is born it is important to get them nursing. New puppies receive important antibodies in colostrum – their mother’s milk during the first few days of nursing. Just like humans, mama dogs produce a milky-textured substance called colostrum which contain the mother dogs antibodies that give puppies’ bodies the ability to fight off infections in the first weeks of their lives.

As the puppy nurses, you can observe Willow’s contractions

Willow is very protective of her babies and didn’t want me to handle them right away. Each mother is different, and we interact with the newborn puppies as our mama’s allow. After Willow’s second baby arrived and she was occupied with his care, I was able to look after the first puppy. We first make sure their nose and mouth are cleared of fluid then, dry them with a towel. This process makes them cry which is good to help get them exercising their lungs by taking deep breaths. Next is weigh in and observation.

Whelping can be messy business. Willow is white and gets very dirty throughout the whelping process. I opted to give her face a clean shave, making it easier to cleanup. Below are a couple videos of the birth of one of Willow’s puppies NOTE: May not be suitable for children to watch or if you are a little squeamish

Willow gives birth
Willow cleans her newborn puppy

At 4:15 am, Willow delivered her last puppy – A chocolate merle weighing 378 grams.

Willow feeding all her newborns

Willow’s whelp lasted just under four hours. She had nine puppies in total – five girls and four boys. Willow did an amazing job and deserves a good rest!

Willow and Brinkley’s Newborn Litter Huddle
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Raising a Singleton Puppy – Week 6

Six Weeks Old

Echo’s puppy is six weeks old today. As I mentioned in our previous post, her forever family has named her Finley. We have had another busy week introducing Finley to so many new things. All the challenges and hard work for the first three weeks of raising a singleton puppy has paid off!!! Finley continues to grow bigger and stronger and may even be ahead of our previous puppies from normal size litters navigating the yard because she tries to keep up with the BIG dogs.

This past week, Finley was introduced to the outdoors and enjoys exploring the yard during this time. She is always keen to join the big dogs outside. If she hears the bells on our sliding door jingle, she lets me know she wants outside too. All our dogs are giving Echo a hand keeping watch over Finley in the yard and teaching her dog manners.

Echo is weaning her puppy – she feeds her in the “standing position” for a very short time and then makes a quick get-away. Finley has now progressed to eating softened kibble.

Learning to Submit

Echo has a laid-back personality and is not as strict as some of our previous mama’s. I have never heard Echo growl at Finley for discipline. Not to worry, our other dogs have taught her what a growl means – LOL! Echo is getting a hand from the nanny Maui in teaching Finley to “submit”. The goal is to get the puppy to lay on her back in the “submit” position.

Learning Commands

Teaching Finley her name and working on some commands – sit and come.

FUN OUTDOORS
LOOKING AHEAD TO WEEK SEVEN
  • Puppy time spent awake will continue to increase
  • Puppy will begin dry kibble by the end of week seven
  • We will continue to encourage puppy to use potty area
  • Puppy will continue to socialize and learn from our dogs
  • Puppy will continue exploring the outdoors as weather permits
  • Puppy will continue learning from her mama as she disciplines and teaches acceptable behaviour (dog manner) 
  • As always, puppy will continue to get lots of cuddle time.
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Raising a Singleton – Week Four – Look At That Adorable Face!

Our Adorable Four Week Old Singleton

Wow, four weeks old already – this week our singleton puppy has progressed so much. Echo continues to be an amazing mama, loving and caring for her baby. This past week has been a busy one. Echo’s puppy moved to the main floor, her milk teeth erupted, and she is beginning to learn to use the potty area. Echo’s puppy’s hind legs have become much stronger, and her walking has greatly improved. The puppy is vocalizing more and can now bark and growl . Although the puppy still sleeps much of her time, she spends longer periods awake socializing with her mama Echo, our dog nanny Maui, and her many stuffies through play. She also has lots of attention from our family – both canine and humans including my grandchildren who love to play with the puppy.

Critical Socialization Period

Echo’s puppy is now in the Critical Socialization Period. We raise our puppies using Puppy Culture protocols. Socializing puppies by exposing them to as many new experiences as possible while the puppy is young is only part of the process of Socialization. Our goal is to raise dogs that have the emotional intelligence to connect with you. Emotional intelligence can be taught to young puppies and is one of the goals of the Puppy Culture Program. (For more details, see Puppy Culture Page )

Moving To The Main Floor

Since birth the puppy has only know the cozy quiet space inside the whelping box in my bedroom. The main floor is very different so, I like to expose our puppies gradually for a few days before the big move. On Friday we took the puppy for a short period of time to the main floor for some exercise.

Basket Challenge

Just as physical exercise builds strong muscles, challenging puppies works on building the brain. This basket challenged the puppy to get out of the basket to get to her mama Echo. The puppy was a little timid at first, but she finally made it out to her mama.

Having the puppy area on the main floor exposes the puppy to many different household sounds. Not only is Echo’s puppy exposed to the normal sounds of a busy household, because we are in the middle of a basement renovation means a bonus of lots of different building noises for the puppy to become accustomed to.

On Monday we moved the puppy to the main floor of our house. This is when Potty Training begins. We have started with a potty pad at the far end of the enclosure. Teaching a singleton puppy will defiantly be less work than potty training a normal size litter. I corrected the puppy one time and showed her where to go potty. Many times, throughout the day, I observed her going over to the potty area on her own when she needed to go – what a smart girl! I’m sure she will have her “accidents”, but we are off to a great start!!!

Main Floor Puppy Enclosure

Stuffie Wrestling

The puppy loves her stuffies. Without littermates to interact with we use the stuffies for our singleton puppy to wrestle with.

Puppy At Play

This video shows how much more mobile the puppy has become. Watch how gentle she is giving my grandson kisses.

LOOKING AHEAD TO WEEK FIVE
  • Puppy’s awake time will increase
  • Puppy will continue to socialize with both human and canines
  • Puppy’s balance will continue to improve progressing towards running
  • Puppy will continue learning to use potty area
  • Puppy will start on solid foods as weaning gradually begins
  • Mama will now add the invaluable teaching phase to her caring & protecting responsibilities over the next weeks.

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Raising a Singleton Puppy – Week Three 💕 Look How Adorable!

Three weeks old already – how quickly time passes! Look at our beautiful Singleton Puppy. Now that she can sit upright, you can see her lovely markings. She is jet-black with an adorable white patch on her chest and a touch of white on her feet and chin. Her eyes are fully opened now, vision is slowly improving and her ears have started to open. Echo’s puppy is becoming more aware of her surroundings, beginning to play and starting to vocalize.

The puppy is now at the stage that she is beginning to play. At times I feel bad thinking she is lonely without littermates to play with but, my daughter and husband reminded me that she doesn’t know any different – it has always been just her.

Play Time With Mama, Maui, and Stuffies

Play Time With Mama

With no littermates, the puppy also needs interaction from other dogs to be taught dog social skills. Echo is such a great mother and is willing to spend extra time with her baby to play. The puppy loves to mouth Echo and pull on her beard, ears and tail. During these play sessions, Milk Bar is closed – I cover Echo tummy with a blanket or a tee-shirt. Our Chunky Monkey definitely doesn’t need extra milk!!!

Nanny Maui

This week Maui, our one year old poodle, spent a little time in the whelping box for a few play sessions – she is a great puppy nanny! With no littermates to teach doggie social skills, Maui will take on this important role.

Our Sweet Puppy Has Visitors

My granddaughter and our other dogs also visited to check out the puppy. Echo was willing to show off her puppy but stands by to make sure her baby is safe! The puppy is curious of all her many visitors. Watch the video as she interact

Playing with Stuffie

Puppy plays with stuffie – listen for her little bark

Exercise Time

Echo’s sweet puppy is a big girl – our Chunky Monkey. As I have said in my previous blogs, when raising a singleton puppy, it is important to try to slow the puppy’s weight gain. This past week I again spent much of my time by the whelping box limiting feeding time. Lots of exercise combined with limiting the puppy’s food intake has helped strengthen the puppy’s hind leg muscles. She is making great progress with walking on all fours!

Exercising

This video shows the progress the puppy has made this week.

Sleep, Sleep, Sleep

At this age, puppies still sleep much of their day/night. After her short play times, our puppy walks around the whelping box looking for one of her stuffies to snuggles with.

Sweet Dreams Sweet Baby! 😴

LOOKING AHEAD TO WEEK FOUR
  • Puppy will still sleep much of the day/night as she continues to grow rapidly
  • Puppy will play with her mama and our other dogs developing important social skills
  • Puppy’s hind legs will continue to become stronger as she practices walking on all fours
  • Hearing will improve 
  • Puppy milk teeth will erupt
  • Potty Training will begin toward the end of the week

 

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What does the doppler say…..are we excepting puppies?

Echo was breed at the end of May for her first litter of puppies. Then the waiting began to confirm pregnancy. Echo is Ruska and Tulo’s daughter from their third litter of puppies. My son and daughter-in-law agreed to become a guardian family for Echo. She went to live in their home as a puppy to train, love, and care for her. We believe every dog should be first and foremost a beloved pet.

We needed to look for another blood line for Echo’s stud because our stud dogs carry the same blood line as Echo. I have spent the past year looking for a stud and we finally decided on Riggs from Delilah’s Poodle Doodles. They are ethical breeders – breeding and raising puppies as we do at L.A. Doodles. Their tag line says, “Honest Breeding, Done with Love, Care and Morals”.

After Echo was breed the waiting began until we could confirm pregnancy.   There are various ways to confirm pregnancy ranging from abdominal palpation, an ultrasound performed between 22 – 28 days in pregnancy or my choice – waiting patiently for five weeks until Day 35 and using a Doppler Ultrasound. 

Day 34

Today, one day early, (I can never wait until day 35 lol) we decided to listen for puppy heartbeats. Echo’s tummy is full of fur which makes it a little harder to pick the heartbeats up than a clean-shaven tummy. My husband Tom helped keep Echo calm by patting her head as my daughter Kendra helped out to video. This is Echo’s first experience with the doppler, and she did a great job laying still while we listened for those tiny fast heartbeats. Her calmness reminds me of her mama Ruska.

Listening for puppy heartbeats using the doppler

Exciting news…….we found puppy heartbeats!  

Congratulations Echo and Riggs on your upcoming litter of puppies!

Due date: July 30th, 2022

We have room on our waiting list for this litter. For more information and to apply

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