Storm and Chanel’s Litter – Week Five

Enjoying a beautiful summers day....and a snack!

“The Rebel Yell”

 

The dynamic in the whelping box is evolving. 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, they are making expressions and are beginning to reveal their personalities and communicate their opinions. They spend longer periods of time awake and they use it to engage in some manner of play with their siblings whether head butting or wrestling, awake or asleep. They’re also craving a lot of attention and affection and fortunately that’s something that’s not hard to provide. Frequently there’s a “rebel yell” emanating from the whelping box which is our cue to reach in and pick someone up for a cuddle.

 

The gang is growing steadily and is now getting three meals a day, which are supplemented by Chanel’s still frequent offerings of dessert. Their muzzles are lengthening and are beginning to look a bit more like the adults they will eventually become. Their emotions are becoming apparent too, so they whine to show fear, whimper if they’re hurt and bark when they are excited, want attention or are ready for dinner. And they seem to be ready for dinner a lot!

 

Although hot, the weather was perfect to allow the mini pack their inaugural outing to the great outdoors. We put a couple of blankets on the lawn to situate ourselves on so we could take in all the action. Some litters seem a bit overwhelmed with the vastness of the outdoors, but there was no fear with this bunch as though they’d done this a hundred times before. Ever the good mom, Chanel provided her famous milkshakes al fresco after which the pups continually climbed over us for licks and cuddles. Even fellow mom Paige contributed to the refreshment offerings. After a time, each pup in succession, beginning with Mr. Parakeet went off to explore some nearby portions of the yard in ever-widening circles, venturing down to the rock garden to assess the potential for scalability. Close behind was Mr. Cardinal while Mr. Oriole and Miss Finch hung around for extra cuddles before they wandered off. Within minutes of the group’s return inside, the snoring began, confirming the effects of clean country air.

 

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