Week 4
It’s been a busy week at Hafaliana Cotons! Here’s a list of big changes in the puppies” world:
*New digs
They moved into a larger pen in the main area of our house. This allows them to become accustomed to the sights, smells, and sounds of a busy household. Now that they’re interacting with each other and toys, the larger pen gives them more room to stretch their legs and play. They also love our famous caterpillar! This was a gift from one of my mentors, and we use it for each litter once they move to their larger pen. We’ve never met a puppy who didn’t love snuggling with it!
*First exposures to puppy mousse and water
They’ve had their first taste of “real” food, an experience they rated 1/10! They started drinking from a water bowl and are somewhat adept, although they still end up IN the bowl as much as lapping water from it!
*Sounds
We play classical music for at least an hour each day. Studies have shown that those litters who are exposed to classical music each day are calmer, sleep better, and have down time to process all the new things they are learning.
In addition, our sound desensitization program is underway. From vacuum cleaners to fireworks, we expose the puppies to various sounds. We start quietly, with the sounds coming from another room. Eventually the sounds will play at full volume right next to their pen. We continually monitor their reactions and if we see they are bothered or stressed by a particular sound, we’ll turn the volume down and move away until they no longer have strong reactions before proceeding. The goal is not to stress the puppies, but rather, to help puppies learn to take everything in stride.
Previous protocols continue: husbandry, outside visitors, lots of individual cuddling sessions, and time playing outside of their pen. We will also continue to offer food and water.
Coming up next: introduction to riding in the car, short training sessions with individual pups (how to take a treat, powering up the clicker, introduction to crate training) and the Puppy Party!
