WEEK #3 for the Figgy x Keefer pups!

Slowly but surely the pups are beginning to move about a tad bit more and are discovering the little toys that I have hung around their pen. Eyes are beginning to focus better and they are using the litter box for potty - not all of the time, of course but I am impressed! :+) Figgy still continues to keep up her bathroom duties but that will change quickly once I begin feeding them regularly. Right now, it is only once in a while as they learn to lap up a gruel. I don't want to switch them too quickly as that can cause digestive upsets.

I had a great morning to take pics outside, so I did!

Red Collar Boy continues to be the heaviest but not by much - 4 1/4 lbs.

Royal Collar Boy is a close second in the weight department at 4 lbs.

Fully relaxed in the bowl is Teal Collar Girl. She is an apricot not a caramel and weighs 3 1/2 lbs.

Green Collar Boy is still the smallest at 3 1/4 lbs.

In another week or so, these guys will be able to go outside for short periods. I have been working in their area to get it prepared. The afternoons can get quite warm in the pup room and being outdoors in the shady spot keeps them comfortable. We do have an air conditioner for the pup room and will be putting that in once we know the weather will remain warm.

I have noticed that after they eat, some mouthing of each other begins and that usually develops into some serious 'mouth wrestling' in the coming days. If I see it happening for longer than two seconds, I will try to get some pics. It is so cute.  :+)

Also keep in mind that at four weeks of age, we can schedule some visits. Saturday the 18th, I have a walk to go on but should be home by 2 pm. Sunday would be a better day for me if at all possible. Just be sure to make an appointment. Visits with the pups need to be brief as they tire very easily and I don't want to stress them out. Bring questions or concerns with you as I am happy to spend time providing information or answers.

:+)  Joyce

It is never too early to introduce potty training.

Here at ADNE, I like to begin just when the pups are about 2 1/2 weeks old. Most pups are trying to stand up and do a bit of wobbly walking.  It is truly adorable to watch them wobble and weeble about.

When I begin to see this action in earnest, I add a very low sided tray with a cloth pee pad in it. I use a potty training lure spray on the pee pad as young pups have a keen sense of smell. I did not expand the pen space at all because it is important to keep the area small so that a definite 'line' of where they sleep and eat is apart from the potty spot. Pups will do this naturally in the wild, so why not use those naturally imbedded instincts to my advantage?

The 'star' of this technique is illustrated perfectly by Red Collar Boy below.  :+)

Sorry for the blurry pic, but you can see the set up. The white area is where the potty tray is.

Green Boy is snuggling with the new toy in their pen

Right after I  re-arranged the area, Figgy nursed and Royal Boy fell fast asleep. 

Green and Red Collar Boys.

Like Royal Boy, Teal Girl clocked out after nursing.

Mr. Red Boy left evidence of his potty skills in the left corner.  :+)

I would like to invite anyone that does not mind driving for a good cause to......

join me in Paws for a Purpose on Saturday, June 18th. I will be there with Daisy because I know how much of an impact donations like these make to the elderly who are so in need of support, food, company and a kind face.

I applaud my wonderful vets and staff at Broadview Animal Hospital for choosing all types of groups in need, not only animals.

The venue seems to be fun for all ages and food is available! So, join me and Broadview for a short morning walk with your best furry friend, games for the kids/adults and support those in need.

I hope to see you there!

PS - If you do intend to participate, please send me an email so I will look for you!  :+)

Join Broadview Animal Hospital and

The Homemakers Health Services for:

Rochester’s first-ever Dog Walk!

Saturday, June 18, 2016, 9 am – 12 pm

On The Homemakers Health Services Property!

 215 Rochester Hill Rd., Rochester, NH

Vendors, Silent Auction, Kiddie Zone

Adult Bingo, Farmer’s Market

Visit www.broadviewvet.com for registration in the Dog Walk. Don’t Have a Dog You Can Bring?  That’s OK! Come For The Events and

Make A Donation at the Door of Your Choice.

It’s sure to be a doggone extravaganza 

and a fun-filled event for the entire family!

All proceeds to benefit The Homemakets Health Services home support programs.

The Homemakers Health Services is a 501 (c)3charitable organization that

provides in-home support to people in need throughout Strafford County,

 and parts of Rockingham and Carroll Counties.

Figgy x Keefer - WEEK 2

As you may know, I moved the pups to the Puppy Room this past week and all is going well. Just yesterday, as I was weighing them, there were little peepers peeking out at me! They can't see yet as their eyes are just beginning to crack open but within a week discovery will begin in earnest. I will then add some small balls and toys to their area and probably prepare for their intro to litter box training. Lots still to come in the next few weeks!

This is a very consistent group as far as coats. Royal, Teal and Red are tracking to be hefty (36 - 40 lbs.) and Green Boy is right on target for a 30 to 34 lb. boy.  

I can't wait until I can take pics outdoors with true lighting so the blacks show their deep ebony color. It is so pretty with those sparkling white chest flashes and toes.  :+)

Teal Girl - 2 3/4 lbs.

Green Boy - 2 1/4 lbs

Red Boy - 3 lbs.

                                           

Royal Boy - 2 3/4 lbs.

The group enjoying the milk bar.

Gunny is beyond curious over Figgy's pups.

Gunny has been chased down the hall many times by protective mommy, Figgy to no harm except a lot of snorting and some stern warnings. Today, however, Figgy seems to be more tolerant. This could be stemmed from the pups being moved to the puppy room where it is more bright and spacious; or that Figgy is more comfortable now that the pups are almost two weeks old.

In any event, Figgy has come to the conclusion that Gunny can say 'Hello' to her babies with her supervision (and mine!).  :+)

The pups are very comfortable in their new area at this time. Soon eyes and ears will be opening and the world will become a very scary place. This is why until they are four weeks of age, we cannot have visitors. They need to become adapted and not be unduly frightened during this very critical period of development. It will be stressful enough for them to hear our house environment noises, the ruckus of our six doodles bashing through the dogie door at all hours; as well as the outside clamor of pigs, chickens and machinery of a small farm type property.  

Pups fourth car ride!

In the hopes of preventing car sick pups/dogs, I take the neonate pups on a minimum of three car rides before the pups are ten days old. A seminar I attended several years ago stated that by doing this 'imprinting' pups tend to NOT get car sick nor have a fear of being in a vehicle. I can't say that it works 100% of the time, but I can say that it certainly makes a difference on many!

These guys were not concerned at all.  :+)

Figgy x Keefer litter - WEEK ONE!

I know it has only been a week but these guys remind me of two week old pups. I have to keep reminding myself they are not!

They are still in my office but I expect they will be moved to the puppy room in a week or so. Figgy is doing an excellent job and they are a content bunch most of the time. :+)

Royal Boy 1 lb. 15 ozs.

Red Boy 1 lb. 14 ozs.

Green Boy 1 lb. 8 ozs.

Teal Girl 1 lb. 11 ozs.