Willow’s Puppies
LOOKING BACK
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!
