Well, the pups officially outgrew their whelping area and my washer was getting a serious workout so a new arrangement was definitely in order. It's somewhat of a step toward housebreaking and the addition of the sling bed gives them some experience with footing, or lack of, in relation to distance. They have fun bouncing around in the shavings and hopefully will keep their bed area clean. I sat on the sling bed with them for a while when first introduced so they would hopefully realize that was the clean area and the shavings the potty area. They're already nibbling on toes and pulling at clothes. They also tried to drag the blanket off the sling but experience kept me a step ahead of them. It's secured with zip ties. We'll see how affective that is. So far they're content to stay in a pile on the bed between feedings.
They're getting pretty social. Generally they come to full wakefulness at the first sound of my voice. Most often they come up to the front of the corral for some attention... or maybe just expecting their next meal. They're eating great! And Skye is serious about weaning them. A little early maybe but as long as they're eating well I guess she feels she's done her job. The crate you see near the whelping box is there for Skye if she wants to use it. I assume she'll continue to spend her nights on my bed. The pups seem quite content to stay in puppy pile in their new habitat. Hoping for a quiet night. She woke them up last night and they woke me up with their hollering. She kept entering and exiting the box but wasn't staying long enough to nurse. The last few times I've seen her nurse she sat down for them but only briefly. So I guess it's time. Hopefully given some room in the great outdoors she'll teach them how to be dogs. They're teaching each other in any event. They're learning it doesn't feel good to be bit... too hard anyway, and they've had the first of their little squabbles. For the most part they respect each other and play joyfully.
I didn't get jackets made and even with jackets it's been too cold outside for them. Supposed to be in the 60's tomorrow and dry so maybe we'll try for an outdoor adventure as a group and see how they tolerate the temps. Not sure what's worse; cold temps in the winter of fighting bugs in the summer. Spring and fall litters are the best hands down. But we'll get done what needs to be done.
They're getting pretty social. Generally they come to full wakefulness at the first sound of my voice. Most often they come up to the front of the corral for some attention... or maybe just expecting their next meal. They're eating great! And Skye is serious about weaning them. A little early maybe but as long as they're eating well I guess she feels she's done her job. The crate you see near the whelping box is there for Skye if she wants to use it. I assume she'll continue to spend her nights on my bed. The pups seem quite content to stay in puppy pile in their new habitat. Hoping for a quiet night. She woke them up last night and they woke me up with their hollering. She kept entering and exiting the box but wasn't staying long enough to nurse. The last few times I've seen her nurse she sat down for them but only briefly. So I guess it's time. Hopefully given some room in the great outdoors she'll teach them how to be dogs. They're teaching each other in any event. They're learning it doesn't feel good to be bit... too hard anyway, and they've had the first of their little squabbles. For the most part they respect each other and play joyfully.
I didn't get jackets made and even with jackets it's been too cold outside for them. Supposed to be in the 60's tomorrow and dry so maybe we'll try for an outdoor adventure as a group and see how they tolerate the temps. Not sure what's worse; cold temps in the winter of fighting bugs in the summer. Spring and fall litters are the best hands down. But we'll get done what needs to be done.
RSS Feed
