May 9, 2024
Today we removed the pig rails because we wanted to remove them before some of the bigger puppies get stuck under them and because they take up a good bit of room in the box. Being that we also added a second Potty Patch, the extra room was much needed.
Speaking of potty patches, we have noticed more of the pups using them to potty in. We have also noticed more of the puppies taking a nap in them. When we need to move a puppy from the bed or in general, we always place them in the potty area to help them understand that that is where they do their business. Similar to when you have an older puppy that is learning to pee and poo outside. When they wake up, you take them outside even if they don’t have to go.
The puppies also had another nail trim. It might seem like they have lots of nail trims, but it is necessary so that they don’t scratch up Tipsy’s belly when nursing. Speaking of nursing, Tipsy’s favorite nursing position seems to be on her back.
We also notices that some of the puppies are trying to nurse when Tipsy is standing and licking their faces. They do do very unsuccessfully because they are still working on finding their coordination.
Another set of headshots at 2 weeks old today!
We also washed their collars and let them air dry, so if you notice that someone is naked, that means that their collar is still wet.
May 10, 2024
No new changes for today as we inch closer to one big change coming down the road very soon. We don’t have many reports other than that most of the puppies eyes are nearly all of the way open with the exception of one or two of them still being partials.
We have seen some reactions to noises, but I am not convinced that their ears are all of the way open just yet. Being that we have reactions to noises, we have started startle and recovery. This is the first step to creating a positive CER for loud banging noises such as fireworks. Being that they are in the kitchen, they will also hear the banging of our kitchen cabinets closing, pots and pans, etc.
We added some small toys for the puppies as they started to exhibit some play behaviors. We quickly learned that they will only be able to be in the box with the puppies when Tipsy is not around because she turns into a thief… following in Kimber’s footsteps!
May 11, 2024
One HUGE change for the puppies today, and they took it all in stride! We gave them an addition. Basically we made the whelping box twice as large as it was by added some panels. We will still keep the heat lamp and the sheet to cover half of the box for a little longer to avoid the puppy getting a chill when we open the door if it is raining.
We also moved the location of the box in the kitchen, but they won’t be able to tell that very much at this age.
Startle and recovery are going well, but I am also not convinced that their ears are completely open yet either. Most of their eyes are open all of the way with a few exceptions. So far, everything seems to be right on track!
May 12, 2024
Being that today is a holiday and Tipsy’s first Mother’s Day, we didn’t do much other than the basics. Payton, Colton, & Calder came for a visit and we had salad and pizza for dinner. Other than that, the puppies pretty much spent the day eating and looking cute!
May 13, 2024
Today was a big day for the puppies! It is DNA day! There was a significant amount of planning on our part to make this happen and go smoothly. Collecting the puppies DNA is quite the diligent process because it involves keeping them separated from each other and mom to avoid any cross contamination. They need to be separated for an hour, so we let Tipsy feed them and set our timer after they passed out.
With Embark, you have to activate each kit, so while Elaine was on puppy watch for that time frame, I set up shop at the island. I got my process down to washing my hands in between each puppy, activating the kit for the specific puppy that we are swabbing, performing a buccal swab for 30-60 seconds, sealing the container, and putting it into a bag for shipping. Quite the process between each puppy!
Anyways, the swabs are in transit to the lab for a full genetic test of 250+ genes that they are testing for. Soon we will know more about their color, size, and LUA/HUA genetics!
We were only able to get a video of one puppy having their swab done. Here is violet!
May 14, 2024
We have had a couple of people ask why we always put the puppies in the same order. The short answer is that we always go in birth order. However, the long answer is that in order to keep our sanity and all of our records from each litter straight, we do everything in birth order. From nail trims, to swabbing the puppies, to microchipping, to vaccinations, to pictures, and I am sure that I am missing some other important times too. If and when we go to look back in our records for something, it just makes life easier. Yes, that means that Tipsy had 4 boys and then three girls!
The puppies have been adjusting well and have started to find their voices. This means that we will periodically hear a growl, groan, bark, squeal, or pretty much anything that they use their vocal cords for! That is all normal here in our house.
Tipsy’s favorite nursing position is still on her back!
May 15, 2024
We had talked about some small play behaviors before and I am happy to announce that those small play behaviors have grown into medium sized play behaviors. The puppies are chewing on each other, wagging their tails, and even hopping around a bit. They are right on track for what is normal for this age!
As their teeth come in more, they will learn bite inhibition from each other. It is important to allow the puppies to figure that out between them and only intervene if it is necessary. They will tell each other when biting hurts which will teach them to lessen that specific behavior. Tipsy will also start to correct them when they are behaving inappropriately. This is all normal puppy behavior and a very good reason why it is important for them to grow as a litter together. They learn so much after their eyes and ears open!
Speaking of teeth, here is our model Veruca showing off her teeth! Before and after!
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