Week 5

I can hardly believe the puppies are halfway through their time with us!  What a joy this litter has been…in large part because of what a great mom Picardy has turned out to be.

This week, we have continued to have visitors cuddle the puppies.  They are being handled by all kinds of people, from children to adults.  They experience regular nail trims and brushing.  We also continue to work through the sound desensitization protocols, from running the vacuum to a very loud toddler squealing with delight.

We expanded their pen since they were successful using the potty grate in a smaller, confined space.  When in the larger pen, they are successful approximately 85-90% of the time!

It’s been fun to watch them realize that “puppy, puppy, puppy” means fun so they come running as fast as their little legs will go.  Make sure you watch our YouTube channel to see this.

Our big activity this week was the puppy party.  The pups had opportunities to meet 7 new people, all at once, as well as experience some new equipment including a dog walk, wobble board, and different surfaces to cross.  The puppies shined…they were brave, didn’t try to hide, and loved being handled by all the new people.  It was such a positive experience!  Since they aren’t taking treats yet, the pups couldn’t be lured to try new things.  They had to do it in their own and they did (or at least their version of completing the activities!)

New experiences coming this week:

*Leaving the pen and walking to their eating area (no more carrying)
*Barrier challenges
*Car rides
*First baths
*Crate training begins
*Learn to take a treat
*Increase food/water intake while lessening nursing time
*Go outside
*Cat/kitten introduction