Well, like all litters before them the pups had an opportunity to experience their first rain storm, light show and boomers included. I was aware we had some rain on the horizon but todays storm was a little more than I bargained for. I had Jess and the pups outside, the pups secure in their porch enclosure, while I busied myself with a deep clean of their indoor habitat. When it started to rain I went out to check on them. They were checking things out with interest but didn't seem overly fond of the whole ordeal once the rains picked up. Safety in numbers they huddled in a pile in the corner. It got pretty wicked out there and I contemplated bringing them in but decided better to give them another blanket and sit, observing while they weathered the storm. Their realization that they survived once the weather cleared was my goal. I did engage them from time to time to remind them that I was there but gave them more of a playful roughing up than a coddle. Coddling them during a storm is generally, in my opinion as well as many others, the worst thing you can do. They remained huddled and seemed happy the storm moved on once it did. Looking at the grounds, I considered introducing them to their first swimming lesson also but decided the storm itself was enough for one day.
Shortly after the storm, Paul arrived and it was a free for all, with all worries of the storm gone. Paul chose Black completing the selection process for the litter. Black's name is to be Otto Von Rex which is an awesome AKC name and he'll come to the name Otto. I spoke with Michelle today to wrap things up and to assure she would be happy with Blue. And Blue becomes Major! Another fine name fit for a Doberman!
I'm happy to report I was able to complete the photos for the week before the next storm rolled in. Yes! We had another, but this time the pups were happily settled in their freshly cleaned, comfortable and familiar indoor habitat. We wrapped up the evening by obtaining weights and then had somewhat of an impromptu training session. As I mentioned before, I've got their space separated with shavings on one side and crib mattress and water bowl on the other. They do fairly well with the set up but it seems once one of them soils the bedding the mattress becomes their thrown. I added one of the fuzzy fleece blankets they're used to resting on and that seemed to help.... until they drug it into the shavings. Today I secured the fleece to the corral so they can't remove it from it's position and hope it solidifies in their mind that the mattress is their bed and not their thrown. To improve chances, I climbed on the mattress with them and just hung out. Man, I'll tell you, they loved that!!! All seven of them were clambering for attention and all over me! Then they started to bite. My response was a flick on the nose and a firm "no bite" and I was surprised how quickly they responded. A few got the idea and gave me a lick instead. In five minutes it was all over and all pups were settled, comfortably laying on or near me. I was amazed actually! These pups are smart! Orange Maya provided a demonstration of just how smart for such a young pup she is. She gave me a run for my money today demonstrating not only her intelligence but her true Velcro nature and some pretty incredible stamina too! I think I spoke too soon when I said she was one of two pups that made my life easy when it came to photographs. Today she wore me out! First we walked all around the property and did a couple loops of the circular drive. Still no pictures as she essentially maintained heel position the whole way. We hung out by the horse trailer for a while and I might have gotten a shot there. From there, I thought I could trip her up or at least put a pause in her stride when I jumped over a ragged fallen limb that measured eight or so inches high and about ten feet long. She attempted to cross where I crossed but that part of the branch was the largest and thickest and covered in Spanish moss. It took her no time at all to deduct the easiest way to get back with me was to back up and run around the limb. It may not sound like much but to witness her brain work so quickly and so accurately was really pretty incredible. She is one smart cookie! But still no pictures! So... we carried on as she followed me into the pit, a place no pup before her has ever been. And she he loved it. It was the only time she really ever left my side. She seemed to enjoy the slope of the land and up she went and down she came never missing a single beat. I decided to call it quits for the evening and complete her photo shoot tomorrow. Then, before heading in I thought maybe... just maybe I could get a shot if I simply sat, settled on the porch. But nope... she layed right beside my chair... and layed there and just kept laying there. Unless I moved! Velcro and stamina at it's finest! That's O.Maya in a nutshell! At least for today!
Tomorrow I'll put together a slideshow and update the pups pages so you'll have some photos of your babies to view and to share over the weekend. Other than that it's basically the prep to return to work. But first, a treat for myself... I have a date lined up with Skye, Sharon and Katie Scarlett to dine at Harry's and enjoy some good old fashioned socialization I'm due.... for lunch especially! because....
Tonight, it's cupcakes for dinner Gotta love Publix!!!
Shortly after the storm, Paul arrived and it was a free for all, with all worries of the storm gone. Paul chose Black completing the selection process for the litter. Black's name is to be Otto Von Rex which is an awesome AKC name and he'll come to the name Otto. I spoke with Michelle today to wrap things up and to assure she would be happy with Blue. And Blue becomes Major! Another fine name fit for a Doberman!
I'm happy to report I was able to complete the photos for the week before the next storm rolled in. Yes! We had another, but this time the pups were happily settled in their freshly cleaned, comfortable and familiar indoor habitat. We wrapped up the evening by obtaining weights and then had somewhat of an impromptu training session. As I mentioned before, I've got their space separated with shavings on one side and crib mattress and water bowl on the other. They do fairly well with the set up but it seems once one of them soils the bedding the mattress becomes their thrown. I added one of the fuzzy fleece blankets they're used to resting on and that seemed to help.... until they drug it into the shavings. Today I secured the fleece to the corral so they can't remove it from it's position and hope it solidifies in their mind that the mattress is their bed and not their thrown. To improve chances, I climbed on the mattress with them and just hung out. Man, I'll tell you, they loved that!!! All seven of them were clambering for attention and all over me! Then they started to bite. My response was a flick on the nose and a firm "no bite" and I was surprised how quickly they responded. A few got the idea and gave me a lick instead. In five minutes it was all over and all pups were settled, comfortably laying on or near me. I was amazed actually! These pups are smart! Orange Maya provided a demonstration of just how smart for such a young pup she is. She gave me a run for my money today demonstrating not only her intelligence but her true Velcro nature and some pretty incredible stamina too! I think I spoke too soon when I said she was one of two pups that made my life easy when it came to photographs. Today she wore me out! First we walked all around the property and did a couple loops of the circular drive. Still no pictures as she essentially maintained heel position the whole way. We hung out by the horse trailer for a while and I might have gotten a shot there. From there, I thought I could trip her up or at least put a pause in her stride when I jumped over a ragged fallen limb that measured eight or so inches high and about ten feet long. She attempted to cross where I crossed but that part of the branch was the largest and thickest and covered in Spanish moss. It took her no time at all to deduct the easiest way to get back with me was to back up and run around the limb. It may not sound like much but to witness her brain work so quickly and so accurately was really pretty incredible. She is one smart cookie! But still no pictures! So... we carried on as she followed me into the pit, a place no pup before her has ever been. And she he loved it. It was the only time she really ever left my side. She seemed to enjoy the slope of the land and up she went and down she came never missing a single beat. I decided to call it quits for the evening and complete her photo shoot tomorrow. Then, before heading in I thought maybe... just maybe I could get a shot if I simply sat, settled on the porch. But nope... she layed right beside my chair... and layed there and just kept laying there. Unless I moved! Velcro and stamina at it's finest! That's O.Maya in a nutshell! At least for today!
Tomorrow I'll put together a slideshow and update the pups pages so you'll have some photos of your babies to view and to share over the weekend. Other than that it's basically the prep to return to work. But first, a treat for myself... I have a date lined up with Skye, Sharon and Katie Scarlett to dine at Harry's and enjoy some good old fashioned socialization I'm due.... for lunch especially! because....
Tonight, it's cupcakes for dinner Gotta love Publix!!!
RSS Feed
