The Cartoon litter is growing up and I'm getting a little sad because they will only be with us for another few short weeks before they start their new lives. This is the whole point of raising a litter but it is still sad.
I'm happy to report that the puppies had their first bath last Friday and they did great ! Of course it only lasted a few hours before they were filthy again but they survived it and did very little complaining. I had the help of Paul and Julia who worked as my puppy driers and so it only took a little over an hour to get everyone squeaky clean. It took another hour to clean up and do all the laundry associated with bathing 11 puppies but we won't talk about that :).
Tess has done an excellent job of teaching the puppies about their mouths. She has been giving feedback to them for a week an a half now and they are finally getting it. I notice now when she goes in to nurse she no longer profiles the little bugger who is biting too hard. For the past week while she is nursing she looks over her shoulder multiple times, figures out which puppy is biting her too hard then turns around and pins him to correct him for biting her then happily trots off. I don't interfere with this though I see it coming and close my eyes, this is one of those tough love moments that humans screw up by interfering in. Momma dogs know what they are doing and I have learned to stay out of their way as much as possible. It took her about a week to teach this lesson but now they nurse and when she's done she leaves without fanfare and they accept it. Really cool if you ask me !! And there will be far less nipping and biting if any when they go to their new homes.
The pups are learning to use their mouths more carefully thanks to Mom but they are still making occassional mistakes with their playmates. I know they are improving because the cries and squabbles are far less this week and the play is nicer. Puppies have a lot to teach eachother and this is ESSENTIAL if they are going to be behaviorally normal around other dogs. By wrestling, biting and roughing eachother up they learn how to moderate their play and inhibit their bite. The play this week is much nicer, the biggest thing I notice is that they stop biting the playmate if the playmate cries or grumps about it. No more indiscriminate ear and tail chewing and looking around like they have no idea why their littermate is screaming !! Another huge milestone of development that I love to see !!
The girls had their first car ride this week on a field trip to the training center. They were incredible, barely a peep on the drive and they had a blast while they were there. They got cuddled and loved by clients and staff and even used their portable litter box. The boys will have their turn this weekend or early next week. Every few days we try to get them in the car and drive them somewhere so they get used to the motion and experience which will is another necessary life skill they will need to have a happy life.
Overall the pups are starting to show their personalities and we are spending alot of time with them getting to know them and watching them change and develop. This week Julia's buddy is Velma who follows her everywhere and wags and wags whenever she pays attention to her. Julia taught her to chase a ball this week which is quite funny and kind of amazing seeing since their eye sight is still developing and their coordination is not all that sophisticated. Pretty cute if you ask me.
So that's the update. The puppy party will be a blast this weekend we hope you can make it. Shannon Gervais will be coming to give a talk on feeding a raw diet and you'll get to the see the pups chow down on their bones and raw food. It is amazing to watch how easily the eat chicken wings, chicken necks. Looking forward to seeing you !
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