First Exposure to Walking on Lead

Okay, it was comedy hour as it usually is the first time they have a lead on them. Only the first born seemed to not buck the system and we had various shades of - what do you think we are doing - here!?

Each day we will take them out for a few minutes - make it fun and be sure they get exposure. They get better each time.

Tomorrow they go for their Baer testing (hearing). Nathan will be taking them alone and I will be holding down the fort - so to speak.

They start going home Friday and by Sunday we will be down to 2 pups. It's too fast but we knew it was coming. Then on Tuesday Missy will be going and we will be down to Saki till the 21st. Saki will have had her 2nd shots with us and then we will have our own surprises coming so don't tune out with us anytime soon.

Highlights of Today

We have a busy day slated so we apologize but all we have is pix of today - just a highlight.

Pups have had their 3rd deworming - preventative.

We have our daughter coming u from the states visiting for a week and we are going to socialize the pups with them. Stay tuned. They are very young so we shall see how that goes.

Relationships and Exposure

Something about relationships that seem to be easy for these guys. They are such happy go lucky guys with humans and canines alike.

I do hope it stays that way but to do so you need to continue to expose them to all sorts of things continually and they will continue to bloom. They have the foundation.

As we said, on http://talemakerhavanese.com the crew had a really full morning. Now they are napping only to do it again later.

I will totally miss this bunch and hope to see them again for visits or boarding...just to say hello.

Raining Today

It's raining today and Mommy decided to give us a bath as we were getting grimey from all that play in the mud.

We are getting used to baths now. We are also getting used to the stairs - up and down and running like banshees. Daddy plays a grand game of that with us. He will show you when you come get your pup. I am sure.

I am one of the pups that are obviously turning silver grey just like my canine Daddy. I am not the only one but I am the most obvious.

They put us to bed at about 1030 to 11PM and come get us at 615ish. We also play hard with them to tucker them out - us too before that last snooze at night.

The pups go on Tuesday for their hearing test. This is just something we do. We will include the results in your packet.

We promise this weekend we will measure them for their collar sizing and will walk them a bit on lead. It just has to stop raining so we can. On Sunday we have our grandkids coming up from the states that are really young. We will use it as an opportunity to socialize the pups to really young ones and see how they do.

I have to say, these pups are the happiest pups I ever did see except when wet after a bath. :-)

Grassy Times

The pups are almost 9 weeks old. Wow does time fly. Soon they will be going out the door. What will we do without them?

Well, the x-pen will come down. We will have more room in my office and in the guest room upstairs. It will be a period of missing and then we will hear fun stories about them and our hearts will skip a beat and we will know that this is a good thing.

We do not have puppies all that often and we made this choice as it's a HUGE investment to do it the way we do. We take it serious and our hearts go into them. It's why the process is so hard but when you see them again, it all falls into place and you are happy.

You mourn the ones you do not hear from anymore even though you try. Lives get busy but you celebrate when you do hear the mischievous story or even - how do I... That is what we are here for. When you buy one of our puppies, you buy a lifetime of support.

We do boarding for those that need to get away without their pups. Yes, there is a cost but they have a rip roaring time here. They are loved and treasured above even ourselves.

I have to laugh as we have had pups run to find their x-pen on a return visit and get confused when its not here. You can tell, they have grand memories of our home and that's our gift to them. That's what it truly is about.

We love them all and each have their very own personalities but it's not easy to say good bye but when we connect again - well all is right with the world.

I will miss this crew but those that are welcoming them into their homes - well they are amazing pups. You will fall hard. Yep, they will be work as all puppies are but just like infants, it's a process and they are what you put into them.

This crew has the markings of being amazing. It's the first time I do not have any favourites. I guess because they all are. Oh you love them all but usually someone stands out but this time - well they all do. If I didn't have any dogs, I would be keeping them all.

Enough emotion. I promise - I won't do that again.

Outside Havanese Adventures

Ever wonder how the pups feel about going outside?

Well, they get excited that you swear their emotions are boiling over.

They adore the fun play and they do play till they drop and when they drop, it's our signal to bring them inside for a nap.

They are quickly learning new things from the older dogs such as a play bow as you can see in this photo.

I am still amazed at how fast they can run and all the noises.

Their latest antic? Run away - and maybe we don't have to go back inside. So, we use our heads and attract them - reward them and then take them inside. We are also teaching and so are all the dogs. They are like sponges soaking it all up. It's a riot just to watch them.

Importance of Exposure

Granny Risa is telling the littlest one - 'because I said so'. With a pack the puppies get to learn from all sorts of sources. We are lucky that we have boarders, our own pack big and small - that includes 2 goldens and lots of human visitors including grand kids.

After their 2nd shots it is very important to expose them to all sorts of things to eliminate any hesitancy. The term 'We fear what we do not know' applies. That's why we start them on a journey to becoming very balanced by exposure to sounds, people, dogs and a vast amount of other things such as car rides and much more.

We take this puppy business serious and to be honest we are exhausted as we put so much into it on purpose to help them be what they can be. If you put in half the effort we do, you will have a star - the dawg you will adore. They are what you make them.

If you overindulge - well you will pay. That doesn't mean you can't treat and snuggle and love - well you should but if he's barking or jumping up and you don't want him to and you pick him up - well you just gave him a reason to repeat the process.

It's rules and boundaries and when you have them - as they really truly appreciate knowing what they are...everything falls into place.

Take a class. The bond and the fun you will have if you allow will be great. You will be amazed at how fast they will learn.

The pups had a roaring grand time today and the day isn't over. When Daddy gets back from handling class we are heading back outside for a play session. We get to practice stairs.

Wet and Lovin' It

Well this cutie patootie went for a swim today. We are hoping over the next few days to get all of them in and get pix of them swimming. We are also going to get them on a lead.

We may not get to the weeds but we sure have fun with the pups so forgive the weeds that are grown like 'um weeds but we will get to them at a later date. We have more important things to do like play with the pups.

Besides - how could one resist?

The pups just adore going outside and are slowly learning how to go up and down our stairs. They are a bit steep but they are starting to get it.

They are also having fun figuring out solutions. It's wonderful to watch.

More puppy news tomorrow...

Daddy's Home

Well the guy who lays on the floor and let's the dawgs walk all over him is B-A-C-K! The puppies are loving it.

We had the puppies out in the kitchen twice - outside twice and they will have another kitchen run and it's a run these days before they head up to bed.

They also have almost completely dry food now with chicken added in. It's amazing what teeth allows and they prefer the dry vs. the wet.

The puppies have such a wild time that you can see them rolling over and colliding at times and yep even one went into the pool but he was more than fine. He was taken out - dried and was swimming quite well.

Now we did tell you we were going to get pool time - just not today while we play recovery trying to catch up with a lack of zzzs.

Hoping tomorrow is warm so we can get pool time in. If not - we will laugh and try the leads.

We can't promise they will love it. They never do at first but they will be aware and it will make it much easier when you take them into obedience classes and for walks.

We do try...

8 Week Old Puppies

The pups are now 8 weeks old...and tall enough to drink from the tall water dish. They are having multiple sessions a day with various dogs. It tuckers them out. We get to teach them a thing or two and the they fall fast asleep.

The pups play in such a fashion that you are amazed at how they have perfected their skills.

Oh gad - what a wonderful crew every single one and I do not say that lightly.

Wow are they growing!

Stress City Pups

Don't ya just love how stressed out these pups get? Here's Missy just hanging in such a precarious way - NOT.

The pups play hard and sleep so relaxed it's amazing to watch.

I do believe Abigail is one of their most Fave playmates next to mom.

They are now trying to get into anything that isn't nailed down. They throw their toys - run with them and have a roaring grand time.

I do believe I am in love yet again. How could you not. Can't wait till we try them in the pool after Nathan is back.

Smart Adventures

This morning the crew was out in the kitchen as we have imminent rain me thinks.

At least I got in all the cushions in preparation. Who knows with this weather.

The puppies are smarter than ever.

I have my screen door with a doggie door in it and they were trying to open it up to go outside.

I thought to myself - nah never but various ones keep at it.

They were watching the big dawgs go out and learning. The thing is the pups learn good and bad so you have to stay on top of them to guide them.

No one got out but.....

One decided to slide the door open to get out that way. I just about died as that is a Treasure and Terra trick.

Too smart for its own good - I say!

The pups had a play session out on the kitchen that lasted about 45 minutes and then when they get tuckered out, I put them back in their x-pen.

They take a solid sleep after a play session like this and I do it at least a few times a day.

The pups have teeth so I am going OUCH loudly a great deal so they can learn.

Pups are no longer sore from their shots and microchips.

You can click on any of the photos to see a larger view.

Pups are now eating their softened kibble with shredded chicken thrown in and as you can see in this photo, they think it's amazing. I never saw such enthusiasm.

They are rarely feeding from mom and not at night any longer. She lets them feed for 3 minutes about twice a day if that. By next week she will have them totally weaned.

It helps that Nathan is not here cause I can do this tough love thing and get them sleeping all night and not eating from mom. Oh, he would do it too but it would be a slower process. It's not that my heart isn't as big - it's just that I know as a mom you got to get from A to Z.

It's difficult when it's plain easier and you want to just love them up but it's our job to get them ready for you.

They are now playing up a storm. Drinking from both the bowl and the sipper and learning as they go. They are totally a smart crew and I just adore each and every one of them.

Only a couple of weeks till they go. Not sure how we are going to part with them.

But as I said to someone - then they come back for a visit and we see how happy they are and we go - we did right.

Pups Did the Stairs

This was their first try at the stairs. We will be doing more but thought you may smile broadly or laughing after you see how they did! When Nathan gets back from the Nationals, we will be doing the pool, walking on lead and more stairs.

Recovery Time

Pups seem to be doing great. The soreness is almost all gone. Picking them up is not an issue - it's just sometimes if the rough house they feel sore as they squeak but this is much better than the last crew.

We had a marathon session in the kitchen and we introduced them to a moving broom and dustpan. Only thing they wanted to do is play with it. No concern.

I try to introduce everyday things into their lives on purpose so they realize it's just an every day thing.

If it doesn't rain tomorrow, Yvonne and crew will come over and the pups will have a grand old time. I am going to try to get them dealing with stairs and having fun with many more dogs.

I have to say - I am thoroughly enjoying this crew. Yep, it's work getting them be all they can be but to be a part of that...amazing!

Vet Visit

The crew just went to the vets to get their microchip. I went with the vets so I could get our new owners 24 Hour Pet Watch. They get registered with the CKC in the same way but cost a bit more this way and you get the added feature that the owners can track their dog if they ever get lost. I rather like that.

The pups went on their first car ride. No one peed or pooed in the crate. We did take them out at Rita's house on our way back. They all went. They got back in the car and we visited Penny's pups but ours stayed in the air conditioned car and by the time we hit the DVP, Missy was yelping. I figured she may be hungry. Into the house we went. Nathan let them all out in the x-pen and they scrambled to get to the pad to go. I am WAY impressed!

They didn't eat much at home but fell back to sleep. This is usual with the shots. They will probably be sore for 24 hours. This too will pass. On Septembet 14th, they are due for their next set of shots.

At Rita's they had no issues with a new surroundings - new dogs - at the vets - same. I am sure the commotion of our house helps them get slow conditioned to chaos - well not chaos but you know what I mean - always new things going on. It's a good thing so when they go home to you, they will have already had many exposures to make the transition easier.

Hearts are all great, patellas excellent, eyes, normal, bite great - all deemed healthy.

After Nathan gets back from Chicago we will get their hearing checked and we will be including the report in with their shots.

Pups are doing really well. I am sooooooooooo impressed! Oh and teeth - oh my are they popping out everywhere. :-) We are practicing OUCH!

Puppy Development

Your pups now have full vision and can make sounds including barking.

Mother begins to teach them their doggy manners at this stage.

This is when they will begin to develop a relationship with people. They will learn to like people or fear them according to how they are treated.

Mom will be spending more time away from them allowing them to become more independent. This is a necessary stage to get them to head to their forever homes.

She knows and does her job well in helping them be all they can be along with our help.

This is the time frame where they are developing their social skills and perfecting their abilities like running, jumping etc.

It's hard to believe that they went from that drunken walk to this but time passes very quickly and soon they will be trying out stairs and swimming - walking on lead and even car rides.

Tomorrow will be their first car ride to the vets. They may be sore - sleepy and not their usual bubbly selfs for a couple of days but that too will soon pass.

Colours are starting to show through such as the grey in this boy. When you look around his eyes and on his muzzle, he is starting to grey (silver) out.

There are so many changes and in 3 weeks, they will be going to their forever homes. It happens way too fast for us and not fast enough for those acquiring them.

Let's see what else we have to help them with...

1. Car ride conditioning
2. Lead conditioning
3. Stairs
4. Swimming
5. Sleeping through the night

There's more but you get the idea of what we do and how serious we take this venture. Not everyone does. But we are the crazy Talemaker Havanese folks that adore the dawgs..residents, pups and visitors alike. How could you not? Not I!

Play Sessions and Weaning Mom

Treasure likes to play with all of the pups.

Abigail is smitten with one particular boy.

We haven't figured it out yet but she's just relentless. That's the boy she plays with and if he doesn't want to - well she tries and tries and tries.

Right now we take the crew out to play on an average of 3 or 4 times. It varies where. We always do a play session before bed (it tuckers them out) and we do several during the day.

This will also help them to feel comfie in new environments - which seems to be going fine so far. They do go into a short fear period where you have to put their paw on something and say silly dawg or silly gal or whatever you want to use and this will become your keyword if something is new and a tad overwhelming - they know if you say these words - it's okay.

Even into adulthood, they can show some concern about something and will exhibit it by barking at it, backing away or even growling. Use the keywords - act as nothing is wrong - even if you think it is and handle the situation without any anxiety and your dawg will be fine.

When Abigail was a bit over a year she met a 3 legged dog that hopped. It scared the dickens out of her and until that point, nothing upset her in the least. We happen to be visiting another breeder, Paula at her hotel and she does rescue. She commented that initially that is a usual reaction. She had never seen a 3 legged dog since but if she had, she would have been conditioned to it - realize there was nothing to fear and with my reaction - and saying 'silly girl' she would have known it was silly. This keyword business doesn't work unless they trust you and you have not coddled them and actually inadvertently fostered their fears.

Our old lady golden has fears of thunderstorms and I do not pet and coddle her. I take her outside to do her business. I do turn up the TV and shut the blinds but other than that, I act as if there wasn't a storm and go about my business not paying any attention to her being fearful. It's hard to do but the best thing you can ever do for them. You are better off doing a refocus than a 'poor you' as you have to help them find their coping skills.

None of the Havanese thus far have had a fear over the storms though that really bad one, Abigail did bark at one - so she was concerned. we thought it was so loud it was going to hit close. Even I jump and I LOVE storms but after getting over my own jumpiness - I embraced the storm and acted silly and so did Abigail - feeding off what signals I was sending her way.

They trust me but that trust was built via obedience, training, playing games, walking - anything can turn into a - can I trust you to be the one that handles things without getting me upset.

The play session the pups had last night - if you notice - one is sitting there not upset but not her usual happy self. They were playing a - 'I got you' - hahaha I won. Not to worry - she got him back. This is how they learn how far they can go with everything. Momma Wasabi teaches them. Their siblings teach them, the other dogs and we do.

It all comes together and continues with your guidance. You are a critical part of the equation and we are always there to lend you a hand with any insight or support you need. After all - we will have had them for 10 weeks and will have fallen madly in love with them 7 times over - so we genuinely care.

7 weeks old wow!! We are on the active road of getting pups to eat food a little more solid as they go and eating from mom rarely and then not at all. It's hard for mom and for pups but they do make that transition and it does help with their sleeping the night.

Rough Housing

The crew is in the - let's play and rough house stage and it's fun to watch. They also snuggle with each other and that's rather neat..no not snuggle to keep warm but snuggle even when it is warm with just a head up against another. It's cute to watch.

They are growing every day and from this point till they go home, it's going to be amazing how they learn to perfect their skills.

We had the Frys over - owner of the little gal. They are a delightful couple that I imagine this gal will be spoiled to death but these little darlings can become boss if you are not. So - warning - have rules and boundaries and you will have a bond like no other. Add obedience classes into the mix and you will wonder how you ever did without having one of these guys in your life.

They are amazing!

Nail Clipping and All That Stuff

At this stage, we clip the nails once a week. When you pick up your puppy, we will show you how.

The puppies had a VERY busy day today.

Yvonne and her gang came over.

Then Sebastian and his family came over. We were supposed to have another puppy buyer's family come over and they had to reschedule till tomorrow.

Good thing. the pups are pooped!

The puppies are now highly curious as you can see the littlest gal staring in the mirror. They see themselves and are sometimes taken aback.

We have a mirrored garden globe that reflects them and they have that same reaction. It's fun to watch.

The teeth are coming in big time and you have to practice ouch in an over-exaggerated way to let them know. Wasabi is also educating them.

Well, I am catching up on work. More tomorrow!

Playtime and What Happened Today?

We had a wonderful play session or two in the kitchen as it keeps spitting rain. Then Mommy decided to give us one of those things called a bath.

She only had 1 dryer so it took her a long time.

When she was done, we almost looked like bichons with our hair sticking up as she uses a brush to get us used to it but mostly uses her fingers so the top of our hair looked a tad puffy.

We are not really sure if we like this bath thing. We do sleep a lot after it but we are getting used to it. We will have a few more before we go home and mom loves how we feel.

Well we have people coming to see us tonight and tomorrow so we best get some rest. We get to show them how fun we are!

Daddy will be gone with Treasure next week for a week so we are going to just have Mommy. We will try to go easy on her. hehehe

Oh and we slept alone last night - made it 5.5 hours and then Mommy Wasabi joined us. Not bad at this stage. It will get better as the days go.

Growing Up Talemaker Style

We are growing up and we do silly things lately like tug of war with each other. We like winning sometimes and if we don't win, we sometime tackle the other one - but it's all in fun.

Daddy had us in the kitchen today and Mommy had us in there this morning. It's too wet they say outside but maybe they should give it a try.

Mommy says yes - the day you need a bath. Let's try it tomorrow.

Mommy is still feeding us but not as much but Mommy get this tries to eat OUR food. Come on...it's OURS. Okay - she left us some.

We squeak sometimes when we bite each other from play. It's something about these teeth coming in but that is how we learn.

Well, bath time tomorrow and we are on our own tonight. From 11pm till 5 or 6am we wil be upstairs together but without mom. She gets to sleep with the big guys and we learn to sleep through the night. Don't worry - we will get there.

Cat Toys and Havanese

It's interesting how this cheap cat toy holds interest for old and young alike. Treasure screeches at it as she can't get the ball out but she tries and tries. It's a puzzle for her - though frustrating as she can't solve it.

Now we have puppies interested in it as well. Not all cat toys are safe for your dog but some like this one after removing the cardboard that is used for scratching is. It's cheap too.

We also get some bird toys as they are rugged and can be chewed on during that teething stage.

Let's see - the pups are getting conditioned to storms - vacuum cleaners, mops, we grass. They have seen a fair number of dogs and people and we will continue to expose them to help them to be balanced but it's also your job to continue that.

They won't have their 2nd shots when they go home so no parks or walking around pet stores etc but you CAN expose them to friends minus their dogs and you can walk them in your arms in a pet store and have kids and adults give them a treat. After their next shot, it is wise to start getting them on that floor to meet and greet safe dogs and get exposed to all sorts of things.

If you put in the effort to expose them, they will be much better off. It MUCH easier when done when young vs. getting them conditioned when older. Both are doable but why wait. Show off your dog and enjoy. Just do it after their 12 week shots.

Beds and Teeth: The Havanese

Some people think they have to get all these expensive beds and we have them but give the crew an old blanket and they love to sink in, nest and it's the best bed they ever did have.

Here's the first born just snuggling in and enjoying his new bed.

A couple of days ago the pups started getting teeth. When they gum you, it can actually hurt so you overreact and get them to cease such gnawing. They also try it on their siblings and you will hear a squeak or two. This is all a learning stage and teething is NOT fun. It's not fun for canine mom either when they bite when feeding. She will start correcting them big time. She will also start weaning them by reducing the amount of times she is feeding them and we will increase the amount of feedings we give them.

Puppies chew because they need to. When teething, puppies will chew to alleviate as much discomfort as they can. Think about it, if you had teeth growing in, you'd want to alleviate the pain.

But you can't let them eat shoes so you find some product called Phooey or Bitter Apple and you spray items to get them to stop but you must give them somethings they can chew on.

Frozen rope toys, teething toys that you freeze, kongs and anything that they can gnaw on is a good thing to help them through this stage. They do get past it and it is only a stage and if you correct in a positive way, the end result will be the best.

The pups are doing great and relish playing. They are sure gripped on the flooring now.

They change so much from day to day. It's amazing to watch and to be a part of it. They are the little wonders of the world - truly!

6 Weeks Old: Snippets

The pups are 6 weeks old tonight and tomorrow.

We thought we would celebrate with a slideshow. Many of you said not enough photos - hehe - well I thought I had a ton so I did a Youtube slideshow so I could add a bunch.

What's new? They LOVE outside. They love playing with the other dogs. What's the big oh oh so far? They found sticks - yikes. So, we are working on that. But the rest - wonderful.

Oh and they try to climb out of the whelping box and do a fine job climbing out of the Sherpa carrier as soon as you unzip it. Break out time and they are good at it.

Wasabi & Kids: Havanese

Wasabi is such a gentle soul - graceful as all get out - agile and she lights up with the pups. It's wonderful to see.

But she is already starting to wean them from a couple of meals a day. She knows that they all have to grow up - go to their forever homes and she will get to see them again when they visit.

It's something all of us moms go through. :-)

Then Wasabi will relish sleeping back with us - going on walks and enjoying life. She still has a month to go to teach them all sorts of things and that's good for them and their new families.

We started taking the pups out in our Sherpa bag to get them used to it. This is in case you want to travel with them or take them out to downtown Toronto to shop or eat. Some restaurants ignore there is a dog on the patio if it's in a bag.

We try to condition them to all sorts of things in hopes it helps you.

New Water Fun

We introduced something new into the equation.

We use this watering device at dog shows in our crates so the dogs can get a drink but not get sopping wet on their face.

This is particular good for us as we do not have to dry them each time they want a drink.

If you work, you can use them and the bowl won't get knocked over by accident while your little one is at home.

You can put larger water bottles on them to fill it up with even more water.

We get ours from K9 Grooming Supplies as we do a number of other items. If you get one, tell Doug Darlah sent you. This way he will know what my dogs usually use from him.

I don't get any kick back. Just letting you know what I use that works for me.

Of course when the dogs are teething, they may chew on it as well. Me thinks the teeth will come in soon.

If they chew, they need soothers - and you need to buy some Bitter Apple.

More tomorrow...

Snippets: Video Grandkids, Dogs and Pups

Thought you may enjoy seeing a small part of our socialization that we do with kids and our dogs. A visitor even got into the fun.

Hope you enjoy!

Grandkids and Pups

Today we had the grand kids visiting and it gave us the opportunity to expose the pups to young kids outside.

We even had a visiting dog, Teddy playing up a storm with them.

Hope you enjoy the slide show.

We have a fun video coming.

Visit Us On Our Main Site

You will see some puppy pix there as well!! If you forget where we are, join us at http://talemakerhavanese.com/

5 Weeks Old Pups

The pups are 5 weeks old and are really getting to be delicious. We are socializing them with the pack now one on one.

Abigail was the first and then Treasure though Treasure didn't play with them quite like Abigail.

The pups are changing daily. They are loving the interaction. They are eating their mush well and mom is feeding them less. As weeks go on, we make it more solid.

The pups love the tunnels, climbing, playing and run to you when they see you. It's great fun to watch them. For us - they are growing up too fast.

Hope you enjoy the video.

Hanging Out

The pups are getting way active now for short stints. I missed the funny hop run - sigh. See how fast they change? It's a daily change truly!

The pups are eating mushed foods without issue. They have adjusted. They wag their tails when they see you. They play like no tomorrow. They roll around, pull and play with toys and then fall fast asleep. The changes are monumental.

We are down the the home stretch and they will change immensely before they go home.

The pups will be going to the vet - off to get a BAER test done (hearing) and CKC registration forms will be filled out.

It's busy times this month.

The pups are getting pretty consistent using the pad. In the 6th week we will start taking them out daily and getting them used to the grass and going outside. Those using an artificial grass system, we will send you a half a dozen pads to put it on top at first to make the transition easier for you. Those using outside, consider a bell as we will start teaching the system. You will also get pads that you can move closer to the door and then out the door. They may or may not need them. We also give you a week's worth of food.

We plan on putting collars on them the last 2 weeks to get them adjusted. Normal behaviour when this happens is to do the bucking bronco routine but by us starting them and making it fun, it should make it easier for you.

Puppies can go home from September 3rd on. We try to separate that time up not having pups go at the same time to allow us to spend time with you. It also allows canine mom and the humans to adjust. Let us know by sending us mail what days you are interested in picking up your little one for their forever home.

Put This in Perspective

The pups have grown quite a bit but look at the littlest gal next to Nathan's foot to see how huge they are. heh - yes - I am being funny but they will grow faster than you think.

We had guests over that are getting a pup - a lovely couple and we had the pups outside.

We started feeding them liquid food - doesn't look appetizing but they think it is. The biggest eater this afternoon continues to be the small gal.

One of the boys insists on climbing in the bowl and he always gets food stuck to his hair. When they came, I had to clean his side off and do a bum cleanup on the littlest gal. Changing foods changes their bowels temporarily but it all comes together. See - we are the ones with the fun...no? Actually we are.

You can click on any photo to see a larger view.

We bought an activity center - not as good as the one that bit the dust last litter and no real interest yet. Maybe next week. They do play with the balls and the tunnel - oh they ADORE the tunnel but this thing didn't float their boat yet - maybe it never will - time will tell.

They were practicing running and I have to get it on video as it's sort of like a hop and a run. It's the funniest thing you ever did see and if I don't catch it by tomorrow - I believe they will already be past this stage.

They are also doing wonderful play fighting and that's a video must. I know - get the camera out - I promise - I will!

First Solid Foods

The pups tasted their first solid food. What was it? Hot water poured on Fromm's Chicken a la veg and esbilac added in. It's watery, How do yo get them to eat?

You sterilize your hands, of course - put a finger in and put it to their mouth.

This crew had NO issues going at it and then fell fast asleep. The best eater? The littlest gal. Go figure. She went right at it without being prompted and didn't stick her head out till she was totally full. She's becoming quite the character.

We also dewormed them and will do that at 7 and 9 weeks as well. We do it as a preventive and do Wasabi at the same time. Some breeders do it - others not. No right or wrong about it.

In a couple of weeks they will get a full vet checkup and will get their microchip inserted and their first vaccination. Then they will go to another place to get a hearing test.

The pups run to you now at full steam when they see you. They try to eat your feet and clothes. They climb out of the whelping box. They did that at 4am and was hungry despite Mom feeding so I figured it was time for solids.

Bowels may change from deworming and the solid food so you do it gradual. Sometimes it does - others not but they all adjust and look forward to it. When they eat solids, they sleep for longer periods of time.

Our puppy people most often say - well we would like to visit when they are awake. If they get up a tad later - then they stay awake for a given time but it can change and we have no control over that till they are older and then - if they play hard - they sleep deep. We try.

At almost 5 weeks - they are truly eating, playing and sleeping. What a life..and they do have fun!