We made it through another busy week! Willow’s babies have grown, milk teeth have erupted, and they have been introduced to new things this week: potty training and solids started.
Potty Training
Because Willow wanted to start weaning her puppies, we introduced potty training. The mama won’t clean up after they start eating solids, so this was number one on the list of things to teach.
On Monday, we added a potty area to the whelping box. The new addition contains potty boxes filled with pine pellets. The puppies were curious and checked things out. Over the next few days, the puppies got the idea that their whelping box was for play and sleep, and the potty boxes were there to go potty in. Accidents always happen, so keeping the whelping box clean is essential. The vet bedding was changed multiple times daily, which meant lots of laundry.
After a few days, seeing the progress being made was encouraging. Such smart puppies!
Starting Solids
As our three-week blog mentioned, Willow wanted to wean her puppies early, but I wanted them to wait a few more days before introducing solids. So, I would sit with Willow in the whelping box during feeding time. This encouragement helped, and she continued to feed her babies.
Towards the end of the week, Willow would no longer lie down to nurse; Willow wanted to feed her puppies in the standing position. This is another sign that she is weening them. The puppies stand to feed but don’t get as much milk in this position because they fall and have to start again.
Willow would still regurgitate food for her puppies, but at least they were still getting Mama’s milk. Willow’s puppies are lean compared to Maui’s chunky babies and need a little help fattening up. So, on Saturday, it was time to start feeding the puppies their puppy mush.
Looking Back at Week Three
Here’s a look back at Week Three of Willow and Brinkley’s puppies’ lives. Notice how much stronger their hind legs have become.
The puppies have become more aware of their littermates and like to play and wrestle. Notice the puppies’ mouthing—this is essential to learning to have a soft mouth. Playing too rough will prevent you from having puppy friends to play with.
Looking Ahead to Week Five
- Move to the main floor
- Puppies will continue learning to use the potty area
- Awake time will increase
- The puppies will continue to socialize with each other through play
- Toys will be added to our whelping box for puppies to explore
- Enlarging the puppy area, giving puppies room to play and explore
- Mama will now add the invaluable teaching phase to her caring & protecting responsibilities over the next weeks.
