Bailey and Frank’s Litter – Week Five

Our very first adventure outside!

“The Line Forms on the Right”

The procession seemed endless as they came from all corners of the house. We’re not sure why, but Bailey’s litter has proven to be a tourist attraction among the rest of the pack. Granted, Whitney and Sierra, the two other moms would frequently come to visit and even nurse the little ones. Then Faith and Chanel, our two youngest girls along with their “Uncle” Storm nudged the barrier aside so they could stand by the whelping box and simply watch them. Never one to be shy, Haydain our gentle giant plodded right into the whelping box on numerous occasions to examine the puppies up close and personal. This must have confused the lot when they realized that this model wasn’t equipped with the usual milk apparatus.

When they weren’t eating, sleeping or playing, Bailey’s litter spent some of their time this week product testing. Since we are giving the puppies progressively drier food over time, we are also giving them water to drink to help keep them hydrated. We do this in a “spill-proof” bowl. The group demonstrated that this type of bowl is not so spill-proof after all and that it also doubles as a toy. This necessitates several bedding changes throughout the day.

As luck would have it, the weather cooperated sufficiently to enable us to introduce the gang to the great outdoors. What they lacked in confidence initially, they made up for in their curiousity and quest to gather twigs. Puppies don’t learn about sticks and twigs - they don’t need to. Puppies apparently come out of the womb already acquainted with their connection to nature’s debris. Mr. Firecracker demonstrated his skill as a pathfinder, leading the pups around on a scavenger hunt. Once they grew accustomed to this vast expanse, many just raced around aimlessly, enjoying the crisp Caledon air or chasing their mom in the hope of getting an afternoon snack. The moms typically spend a good deal of their time frolicking in the yard with their litters, except in this case Bailey seemed to be somewhat more interested in going back inside to see if there might be some food waiting there.

This is the beginning of the most influential socialization period for the puppies. They’re learning to communicate with each other and with us by wagging their tails. With the increased control over their facial muscles, the puppies are making expressions and are beginning to reveal their personalities and communicate their opinions. They’re craving a lot of attention and affection and fortunately that’s something that’s not hard to provide.

That’s it for now, but be sure to join us next week for another entrancing installment of “Puppy Tales”.