Storm & Hannah Litter – Week Five

We had so many adventures outside this week!

“A Day at the Carnival”

It was Sunday afternoon and we were going to be tied up doing some grading on Paige’s pups, so we moved Hannah and her brood into the bedroom where we’d set up an x-pen. We went in periodically throughout the afternoon to make sure everyone was content. In the late afternoon, we went in to collect the group to return them to the whelping box in the living room except there were no puppies save for one. Not only that, there was no sign of the other three. It appeared that Hannah figured out how to open the x-pen and her puppies were apparently quite happy about the hall pass. Now for the search and rescue. We looked behind drapes, under the bed, behind furniture and still nothing. Finally, we found two of them in our ensuite snuggling behind our laundry baskets, but there was still no sign of the fourth. A further search revealed he was hiding behind the curtain in our shower stall. What an adventure they all must have had!

Hannah has been a great mom, but she is somewhat particular. Prior to the departure of Paige’s pups, some of them had been bunking with Hannah’s group. She was tolerant and gracious with her guests, but no sooner did they leave, and Hannah settled back into the whelping box to play with, nurse and have naps with her gang. There’s a good chance she may never want to come out again!

The little ones have warmed up to going outdoors and there’s no shortage of things to explore and sports to play. Some of the gang tried their hand (paws) at rock climbing and others set out in search of twigs and fallen cedar leaves.  Faith has been a great aunt to Hannah’s pups, always very loving by not only playing with them, but nursing them as well.

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 are 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 stimulating installment of “Puppy Tales”.