Puppy Development Week One (Days 1-7)

I know I always forget when you can expect the pups to do certain things... so for the sake of my puppy people and anyone else intrested thought I would post these updates when relevant :)

(Not my development table by the way)!


DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUPPIES

90% of time spent sleeping
10% eating
Susceptible to heat/cold
Instinctive reflexes: crawl, seek warmth, nurse
They can right themselves if placed upside down
Needs stimulation for urination/defecation
Rapid development of central nervous system
Need constant care from bitch
Pups may lose 10% of weight after birth, but should start gaining again
Weight should double by end of week (Gem: this one is a bit odd as I had always heard by day eight weight should double- that one day can make all the difference)!

Hoax Winner!

So even from her whelping box Hoaxey still managed a win.

At the Club award night she won the Kismet trophy for progress and achievement in the Core group. I am so proud of my little lady. She has had an amazing year, skipping from G4?- G7, winning more at G7, qualifying for Olympia semis and winning morning warm up. Qualifying for UKA CSJ final and qualifying for and winning Tug E Nuff. Now, on top of all that she has had a stunning litter of girls. What an angel, love her so much x

Sweet little Smoketrails

They have tickly spots! This litter sure have lots of stroking and attention with just the three pups. They all have tickly spots so I will let their new owners find out where they are :-) We have already had a few visitors: Jules, Neill and Martyn have all popped in. Ok so Neill was here a bit longer and was the only one to actually hold the pups, think she has fallen in love already.

I am trying to get new owners to hold off choosing yet until they are a little older. Odd with the first litter the boys all seemed very alike at this stage (all sweet, boys)! This lot... very different. I am pretty sure already who will suit which pup and I hope the owners will take my guidance. However, I know that usually your heart and hands will pick the pup for you :-)

So three very different pups... looks and personalities.

This seems to be a gorgeous, lovely litter so far and I think I could sell these puppies three times over with all the enquiries and referals I have had! It's a lovely feeling and I just know these girls will have perfect homes.

The Making of a SUPERDOG!

Puppies are growing really well, and all are putting on weight as expected. They are so sweet and I forget what timewasters they are. They already all respond to stroking, luxuriated against our touch and snuggling into our hands. Miss Hoax is being a fantastic mum but did leave them today for a play in the garden, we did some waits and a little gentle tug... well I was gentle she is mad, ha ha! She looks really fantastic and I think she wants to get back to working already!

Started Bio-Sensor program with the pups today. Coco was ok about all of them (slight resistance to all) and actually relaxed during the Q-Tip one. As expected Gucci argued them all, major screams about the supine position though yet not that bothered about the cold towel. Dior again had slight resitance to them but nothing specific to note.

I won't block up my blog with reactions to the program every day but will pop anything of intrest on here :)

For anyone intrested you can google the program but below is a quick description:

1. Tactile stimulation -
holding the pup in one hand, the handler gently stimulates (tickles) the pup between the toes on any one foot using a Q-tip. It is not necessary to see that the pup is feeling the tickle. Stimulation 3-5 sec

2. Head held erect -
using both hands, the pup is held perpendicular to the ground, (straight up), so that its head is directly above its tail. This is an upwards position. Stimulation 3 - 5 seconds

3. Head pointed down -

holding the pup firmly with both hands the head is reversed and is pointed downward so that it is pointing towards the ground. Stimulation 3 - 5 seconds

4. Supine position -
hold the pup so that its back is resting in the palm of both hands with its muzzle facing the ceiling. The pup while on its back is allowed to sleep struggle. Stimulation 3-5 seconds.

5. Thermal stimulation -
Use a damp towel that has been cooled in a refrigerator for at least five minutes. Place the pup on the towel, feet down. Do not restrain it from moving. Stimulation 3-5 seconds.

These five exercises will produce neurological stimulations, none of which naturally occur during this early period of life. Experience shows that sometimes pups will resist these exercises, others will appear unconcerned. In either case a caution is offered to those who plan to use them. Do not repeat them more than once per day and do not extend the time beyond that recommended for each exercise. Over stimulation of the neurological system can have adverse and detrimental results.


These exercises impact the neurological system by kicking it into action earlier than would be normally expected. The result being an increased capacity that later will help to make the difference in its performance. Those who play with their pups and routinely handle them should continue to do so because the neurological exercises are not substitutions for routine handling, play socialization or bonding.

Naughty, naughty babies!

Ok this must be the most demanding litter of puppies! He he, these girls are so very noisy and pushy- they do NOT want Hoaxey to have any time so squeal for her if she dare leave them for a second, they are always feeding and wriggling. Think they are fantastic though.

Already there are a few personalities showing... one very pushy- demanding one, one sweeter cuddly one and one little lady. I know these often change as the weeks go on, we will wait and see!