Now we are beginning to look like Doodles! (5 weeks)

Maple's group is finally becoming more 'doodle-like'. They are growing muzzle hair, coats are thickening up with waves and sniffing around the puppy room is a somewhat less 'intimidating' experience. Yes, new things such as noises, vacuums, sirens, etc. will see some of them hunker down, but only for a moment. All these 'introductions' are important for them to live through now.

Today, for instance, I brought them to the front of my house to take pics in one of my planters. The front is street side and there is a lot of traffic that goes by. Each of them cringed a little as a truck came whizzing, but none of them screamed or showed excessive anxiety - that is good! As they grow, so does their world and all it involves. Just always remember that when you take your pup home, do not isolate them - expose them to your neighborhood, traffic noises, malls and the like everyday or they will become so comfortable in your environment only, that they will be fearful in any other place. I cannot stress that enough. Just stay away from dog parks until they are fully vaccinated. Actually, I do not recommend dog parks until they are mature and can 'run with the crew' that frequents the park. Absolutely have them meet other suitable dogs - one on one so that they have the opportunity to schmooze with their kind, however. Puppy and Obedience classes are such places that benefit pups at this time. Going to pet stores is good, visiting family - I think you get the picture. :+)

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I put a green scarf on Green Boy so his face can be seen better. He has a silky, wavy coat that is coming in beautifully. (4 & 1/2 lbs.)



Stripe Boy has a lush, soft coat. His nose continues to fill in with black pigment. Some pups take longer than others. (6 & 1/4 lbs.)



Pink Girl, like all the blacks, has that silky/satiny feel to her wavy coat. Don't you just love the pink bow? Although crooked, it still accents her face beautifully. (4 & 1/2 lbs.)



Teal Girl had her eyes on the ground - she might have been thinking 'what a BIG play-yard'! Isn't the 'cowlick' on her head a riot? So funny that dogs and people get them. (5 & 1/2 lbs.)



Black Boy is sprouting his cowlicks as well! The black areas on his coat are like his black litter mates, but his white patches favor the texture of Stripe Boy. This can be quite common on partis. (5 lbs.).



Blue Boy's coat is cottony soft and dense too. You will never have to put a sweater on him in the winter! (6 & 1/4 lbs.)



I just love Red Boy in this scarf! His coat is a tiny bit curlier than his sisters and brothers but silky soft. His muzzle will be quite straight however. It is my favorite combination of what coats can do. I am still very surprised that none of these pups are showing the tight curls of Maple yet. This boy weighs 4 & 1/2 lbs. just like his other black litter mates.



Orange Girl has the same thing with regard to coat as Black Boy. The apricot is silky but the white is more cottony. Both are soft and lovely to touch and cuddle with. (4 & 3/4 lbs.)