Primrose and Bash’s
Our Arizona Litter!
Update Letters
Entering our 7th Week of Life! Days 43-49
I sure enjoyed meeting most of you a week ago visiting the puppies. Thank you for coming or video chatting.
We have had a very full week for these little pups! And they have been champs through it all.
· They now play outside 2 times a day and love the outside. They are very happy outside in my large play area.
· They have improved on potty training and now are familiar with rocks, artificial & real grass.
· Adjusting to ground/whole kibble and dehydrated raw chicken/lamb.
· Becoming very familiar with being outside in the dark. This is scary at first!
· Getting use to their stroller rides around the neighborhood and all the sounds at night.
· Heights and more unusual sounds
· Yard care and airplanes above us
· Crates and boundaries
They eat 3 times a day now (with an evening snack, if necessary). This litter enjoys its food! You will wean them to 2 times a day as you watch your individual puppy grow.
Temperament testing will be done Monday the 10th. Temperament testing is a snapshot but, I and others that follow it, really believe they come with their own personality and it is helpful if we honor that - get to know it and train with it! It goes without saying, the environment that they enter will be the greatest factor for them! Thank you for letting me get to know you and being excited about a life with your new pup! Note: I don’t have formal reports, I don’t think it is necessary at this age, but I will share their information (weakness, strengths and characteristics) with you.
Vet visit the next day on Tuesday the 11th. Just a reminder: a base narrow jaw (from the poodle lineage) is not uncommon and not a health concern in anyway!
Puppy placement calls will be on the morning of the 12th, Wednesday.
So, what will happen with the pups this week?
The pups are now becoming young dogs—they can see and hear well, run fast, bite hard and bark loudly. They start chewing on everything and can get in quite a bit of trouble. They recognize people they know and can learn commands. Within the litter, pack relationships develop this week you will see pups vying for valuable objects, food and resting places. Real scraps will break out between puppies and that is ok. The pups may become very hard mouthed this week, nipping, biting and chewing on everything, including you, guests, the house, their mom and each other. In their play with each other, they will begin to teach each other bite inhibition. Their dam and other adult dogs should help with this lesson and also begin teaching them other important lessons in manners. You, too, must help them learn to use their mouths gently. Pups will sleep much less this week and will get easily bored. Keeping them stimulated and tired can be a challenge. I will rotate toys, equipment and activities so they are regularly facing novel situations and learning new things. They begin developing their own personalities at this age. They will spend more time outside.
Random thoughts for you to know:
· Little puppies can get UTI's very easy when stressed so I have added cranberry to their meals and will send you home with it as well. I also add vitamins and a probiotic while they are here. I believe a little vitamin; probiotic and preventative pumpkin/cranberry is always easier than a trip to the Vet and more comfortable for puppies.
· I will have three meals with all the extra's prepared for you in baggies so that the first 3 meals at your home will be exactly like they have here. DO NOT EXPECT PUPS TO EAT WELL AT FIRST! You are doing everything right; they are just displaced for a few days to a week and need to relax.
· There will be a small bag of Merrick here for you to take home. All puppies get nervous as they change environments and that can bring on diarrhea, they are NOT sick just nervous, so I will include a tube of Pro-pectalin for good measure in your go home bags. The pectin just firms them up. I really don't like diarrhea!
· Puppies do have quiet music (lullaby/classical) playing in the evening and quiet time. There is a YouTube station called Relax My Dog (free) and then the Beetles have a great lullaby album as well.
· Your puppies have tiny necks at first and it is hard to find the correct collar and leash. So, I purchase them for you from Lupine. I love their collars and leashes. They are guaranteed for life (although they will grow out of this collar and narrow leash). If your dog chews on them, you take a picture with your phone and send it to them with an e-mail and they send you a replacement. Very easy! If you have already purchased a collar and leash, they will need a larger one, so hang on to it!
· I use Tide and All dye-free laundry soap or Mrs. Meyer laundry soap in case your puppy gets itchy. No one is itchy now :-).
· I have attached the Puppy Preparedness List again for convenience.
If it is easier, most products are linked to my website: https://orangeblossomlabradoodles.com/recommended-products
You can get everything, but you don’t need it, to have a happy, healthy puppy. The items I believe are essential are: Crate, Exercise Pen, softness for the crate, chew toys.
Order your food if you have not. If you wish to change foods, I recommend you wait 60-90 days and then change over very slowly (14 days). I also recommend buying your dog food before you run out and mixing some of the new bag in with the old bag. Again, I avoid diarrhea on every side!
I give vitamins, to them and dehydrated pumpkin & cranberry when needed for healthy digestion. That is up to you! There are a few vitamins on my shopping page, and all are good. Also, an Amazon link for dehydrated pumpkin, cranberry and Geneflora (probiotic).
**Remember to get your vet appointment scheduled within a few days of going home so that your Health Warranty is in place. It is always nice to have two visits looking at each puppy.
Dr. Hudman, my vet, welcomes any calls from your Vet, but I will have all health records and your microchip registration ready when you pick-up your puppy.
**I ask that everyone registers for your free Trupanion Pet Insurance (I provide a 30-day insurance policy for you) before you pick up your puppy. That way anything that unexpectedly happens, and is part of their policy, is covered from my doorstep to yours and to your vet visit!! You will receive that invitation through your e-mail this week with a link to sign up in the final week before pick-up. There are no obligations to continue after your free period! I have had pups get hurt right away in a new environment, we need these occurrences covered. Experience has made me a stickler on this.
I will be sending your Adoption & Health Warranty Contracts to you after puppy selection as well. You can sign and scan back to me. Any questions - just call me!! Just a reminder that you are purchasing a pet puppy not a breeding puppy. Breeding puppies are a different arrangement and price. I will need to obtain a copy of your spay/neuter certificate once they are spay/neutered to pass along to Henry’s breeder. My contract includes that stipulation with Arizona Labradoodles.
Your remaining payment can be sent in at this time, if you have not already. The balance is:
$3,000 -$500 deposit= $2,500
My website link is: https://orangeblossomlabradoodles.com/payment
Zelle (they don't charge a fee) - send the funds to my phone number 480-678-0064 or
Paypal (Paypal has a fee), just add the additional amount listed to cover the fees if this is the option you choose.
Enjoy your week!
My best,
B
beginning week 6
Good Evening!
Your pups are doing great moving and grooving more each day. I am so glad that I get to hug puppies every day!
Puppies are moving from the Transition stage to the Socialization stage this week. They are past the transition to sight, hearing, and awareness. They are ready to get down to business with the skill of investigation.
I like to make sure that a new sound, experience, adventure is introduced each day. They seem to take on the new adventure or sound each day with a bit of caution and then by the end of the day, they are good to go. We have been working on the new experiences in and out of the pen. There is a lot of early morning activity that the camera does not show. The pups will start receiving a small nibble of a treat as a reward for eye contact. This is a precursor to training. Gaining and holding the attention of your puppy is the mother of all good behavior! They have to control their impulses to give you their attention.
I introduce the clicker for training and offering a small treat each time they hear the clicker. We need to remove the puppy to a quiet area alone when using the clicker, so the other puppies are not confused. Today, no one would take me up on the offer but by the end of the week, I expect they will take me up on the offer! No rush for them to be interested, just introducing.
I really believe in positive training and find the clicker to be a great addition. The proper order is:
· request action
· click when action is done
· reward with a treat.
The click at the right moment is to “mark” the good behavior; this is the key. Getting the treat in the mouth is not a hurried element, but the click is, it has to be just as they are obeying!
Potty training: They have been doing an amazing job for 3-5 weeks old. They are where I want them, as far as potty training. Starting this week, we will be training on the grass and artificial turf outside - avoiding the heat of course.
You will notice this week their eyes are tearing. (You can see it in their pictures.) This is normal. As the skull grows it pushes on the optic nerve and they tear until it all gets settled.
This week:
They will be working on:
· more water play (It is still a bit chilly, so it will be light water play.) We are adding bath time!
· obedience training
· manding (following training commands)
· more sounds they have not heard yet
· eating only 3-4 times a day!
· being in the dark outside
· being without their littermates for periods of time
· experiencing the kennel with the door shut (I'll introduce kennels this week)
· yard care, garbage trucks and airplanes outside that fly over our home
· Of course, there is always work to be done to improve potty training.
I look forward to our family visits coming up! Here is my address:
2625 N 24th Street #19, Mesa, AZ 85213. Gate code: #1991 (push deliberately)
As you enter the gate - Turn left, 6th house on the left, Tall tan box with blue shutters and flowers.
Each family will have 45 minutes to play with the puppies while we chat about what characteristics would be a great addition to your family. Wear clothes that will not have been around any other animals except your own. I’ll have you take your shoes off and clean sock will be available for you, if you don’t have your own.
I have will attach to your email one of my favorite items, a letter written by a family of as fellow breeder. I am grateful she shared it with me so I could share with you. I think it is a wonderful example of the first week with a new puppy. Perspective and expectations are always healthy to manage. These puppies have been on a fast track to learn as much as they can before they come home, but they will still be puppies for some time yet, and they will act age appropriate, I know!
I look forward to seeing you soon!
All my best!
B
Beginning their 5th week, Day 29-35
I must say we have a very lovely litter growing up very quickly! They love to be together and are starting to snuggle with each other and people. That is a hard skill to learn. I love it when they become open to human touch and seek it! You will see them come and bid for our attention now by licking a toe or pawing.
If you’re thinking the puppies are sleeping too much and no fun... just wait. They will be coming into their own in the next week. They have graduated to the big pen so they can see outside their box, the pen will continue to grow as their potty skills get strong. The bigger pen always presents a challenge to our growing potty skills, but it is necessary for them to see outside the pen through the slats and interact. This is called the Transition Period for your puppy.
There will be an amazing change in the puppies during the 5th week. They will go from walking, to trotting then running, all in a few days. Suddenly they will be able to climb, leap, chase and pounce. I am sure you notice the introduction of a slide. It was fun to watch them take it all in. This week they will begin to see well enough to look up for people’s faces. They will hear better, though not great, and will begin to locate sounds. They can now control their body temperature just as an adult dog can. And those sharp little teeth are arriving. Ouch for momma! Momma may visit, but she will be heading home probably at the end of the week. These pups need to be ready to eat on their own at your homes. I want their tummies adjusted to food and their desire strong. Labradoodles can sometimes just do without food they are not huge eaters and should be a lean dog, not skinny, but lean.
Special Note: Be careful to not compare puppies and their development, each puppy progress at his/her own rate and it has nothing to do with intelligence or being a good-puppy long-term! They always catch-up to each other by 7-8 weeks.
Never worry about having a too quiet or settled pup! I guarantee you will have a pup that will play as much as you want to. I am trying to teach them to settle and self-entertain. That seems to be the mother of all good behavior – Attention & Settling.
One of the most interesting developmental changes this week is when they approach their fifth week, they are attracted to novelty. That characteristic fades over the next month until the pups will be fearful of new things. We want to introduce pups to as many experiences over the next month as we can.
Now that the pups can hear, it is time to start introducing them to the many sounds they will hear during their lives. The sounds I want to focus on include vacuum cleaners, air conditioners, heaters, garbage disposals, microwaves, toilets, TVs, and faucets. An introduction to other sounds, such as traffic, children playing, and other dogs will follow next week. I can introduce the real sound or with recordings.
Throughout this week, my primary goal beyond new experiences and sounds will be to give the pups a good start with potty training so this will always take priority! Right now, they know when they need to #2, but often #1 happens before they realize, or they just put their front feet up on the racks. That is the hardest to train.
It is all about puppy behavioral patterns right now. You will now see that being born within a litter is perfectly designed. They learn what we can't teach them, but momma and littermates can teach!
They will learn a lot about biting and posturing in the next several weeks, especially as the teeth come in! I will let them learn these lessons. You want me to let them learn from each other! I will step in if they go over the edge or are in a bad pattern, but their rough housing actually helps them be more gentle and non-aggressive when they come to you.
Four weeks old (in their 5th week) is a fun but awkward time for the puppies! Momma will stop cleaning them up and they will struggle to even relieve themselves without her stimulation. You will see long periods of potty-time pushing, which are normal! I will be starting ground soaked kibble. They have been introduced to water but are not fans!
In Preparation for Puppy:
The “Puppy Preparation List” is under the 4th week Puppy Development button. I will also attach to your email.
Puppy Food:
There has been quite a stir about dog food lately. I use several sources to choose my dog food for the puppies. I always have my dogs eating the same brand of food as my puppies do. I have chosen Merrick Grain Free Puppy Real Beef + Sweet Potato. I will also add in crumbled Stella & Chewy Lamb patties. I believe you will find this to be an excellent food! You will always need to consider quality, variety of proteins and cost. For the future, Merrick has many protein choices for you as your dog grows. I also enjoy Nature’s Logic & Nulo both topped with freeze dried proteins such as Stella and Chewy.
Going forward, you will slowly move out of puppy food after 6 months into the adult food. If you do not like the food I have chosen, you can change to a favorite of yours after several months. To make sure your dog has a well-balanced nutritional life, I suggest mixing a few great quality brands when they are eating adult food. Rotate and vary their food wisely to not upset their tummies but also to expose them to many types of proteins and foods. Take 2 weeks to transition new food. Following the quantity on the bags as they grow will help them not be over or under weight.
Decide on who you will be using for a vet and make your Vet Visit appointment now. Schedule it within 5 days of taking puppy home (3 business days). It is wonderful to have two vets checking our puppies over and it also validates the health warranty! All you will need on this visit is a well-check!
You are just three & half weeks before your little one comes home; it is a perfect time to get the whole family on the same page with training. If you have not taken the time to look at Baxter and Bella, please do. They will start your family two weeks out with family puppy prep training.
I also have an article for you to introduce your new puppy to your older dog, if you already have a dog. It is under the Development & Resource area -5th week Puppy Development. There is also a sample of Baxter and Bella training in this week’s development section.
Hope you enjoy the pictures! I am always happy to answer any of your questions, just know that as training picks-up my email and texting skills seem to diminish! No fear, I will answer it just takes a bit longer.
My best,
B
entering their 4th week, days 22-28
Hello everyone!
This is a bit long, but will hopefully answer many questions, so have courage and read on!
The puppies have done really well growing & developing this week! All of them are almost 2 pounds. And momma is very patient, and happy to comfort puppies and clean their little backsides. Teeth are arriving and she may not wish to be as generous in the near future. Puppies will warm to the idea of food soon. It always takes a bit to convince them! We will be introducing it daily this week!
Important Puppy Cam note:
The puppies as well as momma look much larger on the Nest Camera than then are.
Calendaring:
Email, text or call me with a time that you can do the following:
1. Puppy visits with your family (50 minutes for each family). Date/time options below.
2. The time you would like to pick up your puppy (30 minutes for each family).
Dates To Take Note Of:
February 7th- 8th - Friday & Saturday morning- Puppy Family Visits (50 min): The window for family visits is Friday 3-5:00 and Saturday 9-2 pm. Call me if these dates or times are difficult. NOTE: The Mesa Marathon is on the 8th and it runs down one of our neighboring main streets. Enter off the 202 on to Gilbert Road or use Gilbert to travel north.
February 10th - Temperament testing
February 18th - I will take all pups to their first vet well-visit for shots, a once-over, nails at a groomer and their microchips placed.
February 20th - Puppy placement!
Go Home date: (Below is the date I am planning on, although I may be getting my ailing father and will evaluate the puppies to see if they are ready to go home at 7 weeks which would be February 21st & 22nd. I myself would prefer the puppy come home at 7 weeks before they get real rowdy, but 8 weeks is the standard and that is why I do that.)
February 28th, scheduled between 9-4. Call me if there is difficulty with this time. (Same schedule if we move to February 21st & 22th.)
I think it is helpful for puppies to have a bit of playtime and time to adjust in your home before bed. So, I would like the last pick-up by 3 or 4pm for your sake.
When you come to take your puppy home, I will need at least 30 minutes with each family. I would like to go through the puppy notebook I have prepared for you, as well as a bag of my favorite goodies. NOTE: I will have a small bag of dog food for each of you and samples of supplements, a leash & collar for this small size, treats, chew toys and sticks. You will need to order your food before puppy comes home though. I will explain more about food next week, I like them on the food for a week before I tell you about it. Here is the link for the food and other products: https://orangeblossomlabradoodles.com/recommended-products
Now for Puppy Talk:
Most of the development that the neonate puppies have undergone has been internal so far, but now we are moving into the external. A good dog momma provides nearly everything puppies need to survive and grow. Lactation is a truly amazing phenomenon whereby a bitch produces an evolving fluid that hydrates, feeds, immunizes, and provides bioactive substances such as key enzymes and probiotics for her puppies. The composition of her milk evolves with the pups over at least the first four weeks with changing levels of protein, fat and other factors as the puppies need them. That is why we add food slowly. The act of nursing is also finely tuned. Puppies are physically challenged in order to access their mother's milk to build locomotor skills, coordination and strength and her milk actually speeds myelination of the pup's nervous system, thus increasing their development. The jerking you see while sleeping is ESSENTIAL! I look for and if I don’t see it, I know I have a sick puppy. It is their muscles preforming isometric exercises involuntarily in preparation for survival.
External development is continuing, and the eyes are open now and ears are beginning to open! Hearing will be muffled and fuzzy, but they will begin to track and alert. Eyesight will continue to clear, and lights are turned on now.
Changes will happen daily now. They are all so gentle and slow in what they try to do at three and four weeks. Look for little paws reaching out to each other and the beginnings of mouthing and play. All necessary & perfect development. I always enjoy weeks 3 & 4! I do often call is sloth week J
External Developments – you will be seeing
· Vocalizing to broadcast they are not happy with their situation or need help. Barking has started and often scares them!
· The litterbox is introduced. They can all manage elimination on their own now, so it is time!
· Momma will step away from cleaning the puppies up soon and it will be up to the pups to keep themselves and their den clean. It is amazing how quickly they learn. Make sure you praise all their successful efforts when they come home. They repeat anything that gets them attention, including bad behavior, so plan on a positive reinforcement method of training. When a puppy has an accident and you get upset, they only learn to make sure they do that behavior when you’re not looking. Then you will find little surprises behind furniture.
· Food will be introduced this week. We will start with a puppy food slurry of puppy food and puppy formula. This is a huge mess and they often look like they are getting new spots even with being cleaned after every meal. The puppy pictures will not be as tidy going forward! We will progress to just ground kibble and then whole kibble.
· Seeking human interaction and attention!
Before puppy comes home take time to make your home and property safe for a puppy. This can look very different than for your current, established dog. Below are a few suggestions on puppy-proofing.
Puppy Proofing Tips
· Get on your puppy’s level. Lay on the floor and get a “puppy’s view” of your home.
· Protect your puppy from any toxic plants (I send home a list).
· Move trash cans out of reach of your puppy.
· Look for any drowning hazards. Full buckets, bathtubs. keep toilet seats down.
· Move all cleaning supplies and medications up and away.
· Secure and elevate electrical cords. Electrical cords can cause burns in the mouth. You can buy cord concealers, use PVC pipe or cable wrap.
· Be aware of poisonous human foods (I send home a list).
· Falling risks. They can easily injure themselves falling. Broken legs are common in puppies. Secure stairs and carry puppy up your stairs until they are at least 16 weeks.
· Elevate and secure cords for draperies and blinds. They are an unexpected strangulation risk!
Training your Puppy
We all talk about it, but we find it harder to implement! Puppies are much happier if they have boundaries and are engaged in learning good social skills. They are also happier as a family member if they get their breaks and quiet time! Here is a link with ideas to find the best dog trainer for your family and puppy.
· Find a positive reinforcement trainer and have them available within the first few weeks.
· Better yet! Sign-up for Baxter and Bella. You will see info & discount code on my site. I am sold on them; it is the most cost effect and comprehensive program I have ever seen. It is a one-time charge that lasts the life of your dog (the same cost as one trainer visit to your home). https://orangeblossomlabradoodles.com/baxter-and-bella
· Again, consider reading training books before puppy comes home or watch videos/YouTube so that everyone in the family is on the same page! This is essential for consistency with the puppy.
Don’t forget to look at Week 4 Day 22-28 Development section to find your Puppy Prep List and suggestions to Avoid a Barking Dog!
I love this litter! They are so sweet and their faces are so lovable. Hope you enjoyed their pictures this week! To have caramel ice puppies for my last litters is a dream!
My best,
B
beginning week three, day 15-21
Hello Everyone!
Your puppies are developing daily! The puppies are now close to 1.5 pounds, right now their rate of growth is fast as it should be! Momma (Primrose) did not get in her milk to nurse these pups, but luckily Penny from my other litter was more than happy with only three pups to fill in. So you see Penny in the pen taking very good care of these puppies.
The pups’ nervous systems have been developing these last two weeks, so we have let the puppies sleep and grow while stimulating and introducing new experiences carefully. In the coming weeks, you will see a much more active group! By eight weeks you will know why no one would take an entire litter home .
ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) finishes on day 16 but scent work will continue. We will add stinky smells this week like vinegar and stronger plant smells. They can tolerate and experience more input at this point.
Puppy eyes are now opening slowly! You will see some of them opened in our weekly pictures. When the eyes open the crawling and efforts to walk increase. They begin to use their new sense to find mommy as well. Lights are kept low while the eyes are opening! I keep the room dark as their eyes open.
Your puppies’ nails are sharp and are continuing to grow at a rapid rate. They will be trimmed every three days while nursing, to protect mom. Sometimes we file the nails, sometimes we use a dremel, and sometimes clip to introduce all three methods. Toenails are easy to cut and manage yourself, but if you prefer not to, any vet office or grooming business will do it for you. If you don't keep nails trimmed the quick of the nail grows longer inside and it is difficult to get them back to the shorter length.
Great article for "how to" and "why to" trim:
https://caringhandsvet.com/trim-dog-nails/
Momma will spend a bit more time out of the box this week. As the puppies grow the demand for nursing becomes very heavy, sometimes she needs a break. At the end of this next week, teeth will bud and that becomes painful!
The puppies are beginning to void on their own and momma will not be able to catch it all. So, at the end of week 3 we will begin to introduce potty training.
Everyone is weighed each day to make sure they are all getting enough milk. The normal deworming protocol will begin this week. You will also see a syringe of probiotics being given to them often. It is for support and preparation of the stress that accompanies the introduction of puppy mush! As soon as I feel teeth, I introduce a puppy mush.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call, text or send an e-mail! I must admit, text is the best way to reach me. My phone number 480-678-0064. I find that the speed of my return email is in direct correlation with the time requirements of the litter.
I would strongly suggest you grab a great puppy training book and read before puppy comes home. Many are on Audible as well. It is much easier for the puppy if everyone in the home is on the same page before the first accident or nibble!
Pick a positive training book and make it your bible. If you can begin training the day you get puppy, everything will be easier! This will only support what they have been taught here.
You do not need all the books I suggest, but they all have a slightly different spin and are excellent reads. I have them in the order I personally like.
Don’t think that you can have a well mannered dog without training. Every owner can look back and see where they trained and where they didn’t set boundaries!
*Zac George's Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising .... (My favorite!)
*Lucky Dog Lessons: Train Your Dog in 7 Day by Brandon McMillan
*Perfect Puppy in 7 Days: How to Start Your Puppy Off Right by Sophia Yin
You should be able to find everything I recommend on the following link: https://orangeblossomlabradoodles.com/recommended-products
**I also strongly support and suggest Baxter and Bella. You will see more about them on my website. There is a coupon if you wish to use them as your dog trainer. They are remote, recorded, written, live and individual if you wish. Their fee is a once in a lifetime fee. It is less than one session of a personal trainer coming to your home and they are amazing!
They offer a 2 week get ready for puppy class and it is very, very good!
LOOK IN THE DEVELOPMENT TAB for WEEK 3
I have great articles on week 3 Development Section that are worth reading about The Importance of Play and the 10 Most Important Thing to Teach a Puppy!
Don’t Forget: I have good articles and tips that will help you prepare for your new puppy in the Development section (located in this Login area).
I have posted their new pictures here on the website. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to call me, Monday - Saturday morning.
The camera is on and usually is up from 9-9pm. Sometimes I am cleaning the box and turn the camera off or it has been a long day and it feels good to turn off the world. :-)
Important Dates
Week 2 Deworming
Week 4 Deworming
Week 5 Family Visits - I typically have visits at 5 weeks old which would be January 31st & February 1st. (Please reach out to me to schedule your family time!)
Week 6 Deworming
Week 6 Temperament Testing
Week 6 Final Payment and Adoption Agreement/Health Warranty signed
Week 7 Vet Visit - Vaccine shots / Microchips placed
Week 8 Sign-up for Trupanion Pet Insurance before picking up puppy.
(I provide 1 month free & then your choice after that.)
Week 8 - Go Home! - Feburary 27th - 28th! (Please text me and let me know what time you would like, we will need about 30 min. together)
This litter is definitely a bundle of joy! Such good puppies :-)
B
Week 1, Day 1-7
Good evening everyone!
Primrose is being such a good momma! Puppies are growing like weeds ☺. They were born between 10 oz. at birth and now are 12-13 oz on day 7!
Primrose delivered on Friday, 1/3/25 in the wee hours of the morning. We have 4 handsome boy and 1 beautiful girl. Here are their names for the next several weeks before you name them yourselves.
Our Arizona Litter: The guardian family of Primrose names these beautiful pups!
Pink Female – Cactus “Blossom”
Blue Male – Canyon
Green Male – Sonny
Black Male – Dune
Red Male - Copper
Pups are sleeping 22 hours a day right now and you won’t see much action on the camera unless they can’t find momma. They are darling - but not too exciting yet!
Momma is spending the majority of her time with the babies. This past week the babies have needed their mother for warmth, nourishment and to be cleaned. Without all three the puppies would not survive.
The puppies could not hold their own temperature until day 5, activate their own digestive system and have a bowel movement without their mom licking them. Their eyes and ears are both sealed right now and will continue to develop for a couple of weeks. The eyes will begin to open in at the end of the week and in one more week they will begin to hear.
The puppies' strongest sense is their sense of warmth and smell. They use both of these senses to find momma and milk!! They are all terrific nursers and have begun to scoot. I do keep heating pads under and on top of the floor coverings for safe measure.
On day three (post birth) until day sixteen, we do Bio-Sensor feedback (you may see me in the whelping box with the puppies), this is called
(Early Neurological Stimulation - ENS) which helps them build healthy immune systems, improved cardiovascular performance, stronger adrenal glands, more tolerance to stress and greater resistance to disease.
We started on day 3 and will continue through day 16
Both AVI-dog and Puppy Culture follow this protocol
Background of ENS if you care to know: The U.S. Military in their canine program developed a method that still serves as a guide to what works. In an effort to improve the performance of dogs used for military purposes, a program called "Bio Sensor" was developed. Later, it became known to the public as the "Super Dog" Program. Based on years of research, the military learned that early neurological stimulation exercises could have important and lasting effects. Their studies confirmed that there are specific time periods early in life when neurological stimulation has optimum results. The first period involves a window of time that begins on the third day of life and lasts until the sixteenth day. It is believed that because this interval of time is a period of rapid neurological growth and development, and therefore is of great importance.
The "Bio Sensor" program, early neurological stimulation (ENS) utilizes six exercises, which were designed to stimulate the neurological system. Each workout involved handling puppies once each day. The workouts required handling them one at a time while performing a series of five exercises. Listed in no order of preference the handler starts with one put and stimulates it using each of the five exercises. The handler completes the series from beginning to end before starting with the next pup. The handling of each pup once per day involves the following exercises:
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. Time of stimulation 3 - 5 seconds.
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. Time of 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. Time of 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. Time of 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. Time of stimulation 3-5 sec
I love ENS and believe it is essential for our pups! Of course, it is not the only time they are handled in the day, but the Bio Sensor program is done only once a day. I love to tickle their tummies. :-) These exercises are meant to introduce TINY amounts of stress on the puppies. While tiny amounts of stress are helpful, large amounts of stress are not helpful! If a puppy is flailing, complaining, or strongly fighting the exercises, we stop because that is too much for that day for that pup.
Mom will begin to leave the box more often now to protect herself from too much nursing and to simply take an emotional break. The pup’s nails are also growing rapidly. They have been cut twice already and will continue about every three days. Nail trimming will not be scary for them after 8 weeks.
Mommas need a lot of calcium after giving birth. The puppies will drain their bodies dangerously low. It is a bit like being starved of nutrients and it can make her feel like she is going crazy! You will see me give a syringe squirt of calcium paste that can be absorbed quickly. I look for panting, nesting or strange behavior. That is the indication that she is getting too low in calcium.
Momma and puppies will also receive probiotic given in a similar syringe until they are old enough to have it in their food. Right now, they are just starting to have a gag reflex, so I place the probiotic on the roof of their mouth. When the camera is turned on you will see me squirt all kinds of nutrients in both momma and puppies.
I love healthy puppies and we are fortunate to have 4 very healthy, beautiful puppies in this litter. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to call me Monday – Friday @ 480-678-0064.
All the puppies have some Irish white (rare and always stays bright white and very thick) some more than others. You will see their markings more as they age and sit and stand up.
Now is the time to chat if you are not comfortable with all the colors! We have 3 families wanting girls and 1 family wanting a boy so Mother Nature really was kind to us! Sometimes everyone wants a different dog and sometimes they all want one dog and that is tricky, I am sure you can appreciate that! So, call me or text me, rather than email me. I’m busy with the pups and don’t get to my email as much as I wish.
I will have another letter and pictures at the end of the week. The next letter will give you an outline of dates and when to schedule your future vet visit!
Wishing you all a beautiful Christmas season!
All my best!
B