Howie and Pepper Litter – Week Five

  

We're growing like weeds!

“All You Need is Love” 

Dogs are pack animals and their emotional well-being relies on the presence of their pack-mates, whether other dogs or humans. It underscores the need for love that we all experience. 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.

 

This week we removed the pig rails from the main part of the whelping box. Now that the puppies are plumping up, they need a bit more space to allow them to pick up speed to scramble from end to end. One end now features sleeping quarters and the other end which has a tray filled with paper shredding that serves as their lavatory which is their first step toward house training. In addition, the pups now have gym memberships, an elaborate play station and numerous plush toys at their disposal. And when we were removing the pig rails from the whelping box, the group came to investigate with a perfect blend of caution and curiousity. This gave way to a great deal of hand nibbling and cuddling. In short, they’re making friends - both with us and each other, not to mention their little stuffed toys.

 

The gang is growing steadily and is now getting three meals a day. 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! Since the little ones are getting more accustomed to eating solid food, their food is being prepared a bit drier and they are drinking plenty of water to keep hydrated. Of course, Pepper still nurses the puppies to provide dessert and supplement their diet.

 

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