Puppies and their humans

I am very pleased with how the puppies have been developing their human bond. They are equally content to be with their siblings or mother, as they are to be with the humans in the household. I think this is hugely due to my daughter and granddaughter who have spent enormous amounts or time holding and talking to the puppies. Each day we venture into the yard to experience something new or to go a little farther. Yesterday while in the backyard, we called the puppies, and they followed along with us. It made me feel like I was the pied piper. We went in circles and they followed. We began running and they followed. In a far corner of the backyard, I have an agility teeter, which is currently off the base, allowing the puppies a new surface to walk on (agility teeters have a very rough surface for traction). Several of the boys were willing to quickly follow me to the end and back several times. The puppies actually got quite a workout.

During the forth to fifth week of life, it is important for puppies to have increasing stimulation and and to learn to cope with frustrating situations. This will allow the puppies to begin to problem solve and develop a sound temperament. We try to add something new in their environment daily from a box to climb on or a new activity. Yesterday we also ventured off into the garden area to experience the sites and sounds there. The boys were eager to follow, but the girls needed and invitation to go through the gate. When the rototiller was started, several pups ran off, but most stood at the fence to see what the loud noise was. We regathered those who left, gave them a few seconds to calm in our arms, and then went back to the fence to watch and listen. When they were placed on the ground, all had regained their composure and were happy to be at the fence with the continued activity in the garden.

We have an outside door which leads off the kitchen area the puppies are in during the day. We have created a contained area with x-pens (a type of portable fencing) outside this door so the puppies can venture outside onto the grass. I actually saw two of the boys go outside to potty this evening and then return back to the house! If house breaking could only be this easy!

Here are a few fun pictures.




Sleepy time hugs




Mobile milk bar




Individual time for Hudson




Hudson's favorite pillow