Happy to report all is well here!!! So Happy!!! We did have a bit of a glitch in the system but not regarding the litter. It's right on track. The pups are growing and progressing as pups do. For the most part they're still making some rather strange noises... something between growls and rolling R's but I've heard an occasional pretty distinct bark here and there too. They're fun to watch... mesmerizing actually. Never fails. I find each litter mesmerizing. They're trying to get their feet under them but for the most part they're still just scooting themselves along. Getting stronger and quicker about it but still just scooting.
Ritz has been a trooper and seems to enjoy her pups and mom duties. She's kind of funny though... only mom I've had that likes to take her own toy into the whelping box. The yellow bone and blue ball you see occasionally in the photos are hers. Claimed by and added by her. Not really sure what's up with that... she picks them up periodically, especially the bone which is in no way Doberman worthy, and moves it around or places her paws across it. She doesn't really "play" with it. She did the same with her first litter... claimed one of the earliest pup toys I provided as her own. This time, more out of curiosity than anything, I made one available to her early in the game. Appreciated I guess.
Today I removed all collars for a wash and placed them in a corresponding larger set simply as a way to keep each pup marked. As you can see in the pic below they still have a ways to go to grow into the set that awaits them. Had to apply in sling fashion to assure they wouldn't fall off or the pups work their way out of them. Wash day came at the same time collar adjustments were due. Proof they're growing... Tomorrow I'll once again weigh and post the results.
Also today, I scheduled our cropping appointments. The pups will be done over the course of a couple days and once again it seems I'm on holiday schedule. Five pups will be cropped on Friday August 30th and the final four will receive their crops Tuesday September 3rd, the day following Labor day. Pups are generally ready to go home the day after crop and we'll discuss later which day will work best for everyone. Something to start thinking about though and something to arrange schedules around.
As far as the glitch in the system is concerned, I've spent a bit of time the last couple days, quite bit of time actually, on the phone with a few different people regarding a dog from my 1st litter who is now finding herself in need of a re-home. As careful as I am and as hard as I try to screen prospective owners for my pups, I realize sometimes life throws a curve ball. That's the case for the family and the six year old dog currently in need. Unanticipated events. I'm happy to report though, I think we've got things figured out for them and we may be able to keep said dog solidly within the existing GMBD family. I'm hopeful anyway that an upcoming meet and greet will turn out to be a great fit! The reason for adding this information to this post has to do with breeder support. I want to be there for the life of my pups. It's important to me, Works best though if we all maintain a degree of contact going forward!!!
Ritz has been a trooper and seems to enjoy her pups and mom duties. She's kind of funny though... only mom I've had that likes to take her own toy into the whelping box. The yellow bone and blue ball you see occasionally in the photos are hers. Claimed by and added by her. Not really sure what's up with that... she picks them up periodically, especially the bone which is in no way Doberman worthy, and moves it around or places her paws across it. She doesn't really "play" with it. She did the same with her first litter... claimed one of the earliest pup toys I provided as her own. This time, more out of curiosity than anything, I made one available to her early in the game. Appreciated I guess.
Today I removed all collars for a wash and placed them in a corresponding larger set simply as a way to keep each pup marked. As you can see in the pic below they still have a ways to go to grow into the set that awaits them. Had to apply in sling fashion to assure they wouldn't fall off or the pups work their way out of them. Wash day came at the same time collar adjustments were due. Proof they're growing... Tomorrow I'll once again weigh and post the results.
Also today, I scheduled our cropping appointments. The pups will be done over the course of a couple days and once again it seems I'm on holiday schedule. Five pups will be cropped on Friday August 30th and the final four will receive their crops Tuesday September 3rd, the day following Labor day. Pups are generally ready to go home the day after crop and we'll discuss later which day will work best for everyone. Something to start thinking about though and something to arrange schedules around.
As far as the glitch in the system is concerned, I've spent a bit of time the last couple days, quite bit of time actually, on the phone with a few different people regarding a dog from my 1st litter who is now finding herself in need of a re-home. As careful as I am and as hard as I try to screen prospective owners for my pups, I realize sometimes life throws a curve ball. That's the case for the family and the six year old dog currently in need. Unanticipated events. I'm happy to report though, I think we've got things figured out for them and we may be able to keep said dog solidly within the existing GMBD family. I'm hopeful anyway that an upcoming meet and greet will turn out to be a great fit! The reason for adding this information to this post has to do with breeder support. I want to be there for the life of my pups. It's important to me, Works best though if we all maintain a degree of contact going forward!!!
Eat Sleep Repeat.....