Mango and Haydain’s Litter – Week Six

We love to play!

 “The Rules of Engagement”

There is some puppy behaviour and means of dealing with it which we’ve experienced over the years and have documented here for your prospective benefit. The list may vary a bit from litter to litter, but here are some points specific to Mango’s progeny.

1.   You may use all necessary means available and all appropriate actions for self-defense, however if a puppy bites you, you may not bite it back.

2.   Do not make eye contact unless you are prepared to engage the puppies in cuddle or playtime. If you make eye contact and do not follow through, this will result in them shrieking at the tops of their lungs and a commotion akin to a prison riot.

3.   You may use verbal warnings to the parties in question in their native language. If you bark, it will only confuse the puppies. Just use English.

4.   Do not wear a terrycloth bathrobe. This causes the puppies to believe you are a large, walking stuffed animal. They will latch on and take you down.

5.   If you are at ground level, watch out for your nose. In an effort to kiss you, the puppies will leap up like dolphins at Sea World to kiss your nose but may end up biting it in the process.

6.   Detained puppies are to be treated with respect and dignity but you have the right to pick up a puppy and cuddle it.

7.   In the event of a conflict where intervention is necessary, a graduated show of force including an order to disband or disperse may be used. If that fails, you should just play with them.

This was a huge week for the gang. The weather cooperated sufficiently that they were able to spend a considerable amount of time outdoors which they thoroughly enjoyed. Both of the moms were on hand to supervise and even engage in the activities while the pups were off exploring anything and everything in ever-widening circles. Despite the huge cleanup following the ice storm, there was no shortage of little twigs for the pups to munch on or play tug of war with. Their play is becoming a bit more coordinated and adult-like, but they’re still just kids at heart. And that spinning around trying to chase your tail thing never gets old. When they were tired out from all of the action, there was both a crate and a doghouse at their disposal on the patio for napping in.

The group also entertained some visitors this week and put forth their best behaviour. They were lovingly picked up, caressed, cuddled and kissed…that is when they were able to stay awake long enough to enjoy it. We are also spending time alone with each puppy, playing gently and teaching them to relate one-on-one in a safe, trusting situation. With each passing day, their capacity for love and their bonds grow stronger and before long they will be ready to share that love with their forever families. And when that bittersweet time comes, we’ll wish them love.

That’s it for now, but be sure to join us next time for the mesmerizing conclusion of “Puppy Tales”.