Penny & Rocco - Sweet Ivy born May 3, 2024

Update Letters

Welcome Sweet Ivy!

Final puppy information

Can you believe the time is here!

This will be my last official communication. So please call if you need help in any way!

Ivy had her well check and passed with flying colors on Friday! My vet recommends her next shots be at 12 weeks and then 16 weeks. If you don’t have your well check with your vet scheduled. Please do so as soon as possible, it can take a bit to get in! That way we make sure your vet agrees with my vet on the health of your puppy!

Now for puppy talk!

Your puppies are going through a lot this week and next week we become a bit calmer with our daily socialization as a tactic to reduce the rough housing that always shows up at the end. Here are few answers to questions you may have:

AKC Microchips: Microchips are being registered this weekend (look for an email from AKC). The registration I purchase for you is good for the life of your dog. Don’t worry about any emails or promotions you receive. Keep your information up to date at AKC and you are set.

Trupanion (pet insurance): I have a 30-day policy for each puppy leaving my home. This is a must for me! Past experience has taught me that there are many puppy accidents in the beginning.

The policy will cover any new puppy accidents and get you to your vet visit and next shots! Trupanion will send you an email to activate it. I can’t activate it for you. You can call 855.266.2156 or activate online through the email! If you prefer calling you will find the paid for code is BR1BL51418. The code is only valid 24 hours before going home. So, you will activate the policy the day before you pick your puppy up!

Again, it is free for you for 30 days, I have arranged for that – but I do require you to register so that it is useable, before you pick up your puppy! They require a weekday to be the date coverage starts so for those receiving your pup on Saturday, we will start coverage on Friday.

Puppy Mouthing, Barking and Attention Seeking: This is the week of puppy mouthing (biting), barking and attention seeking! They are going through one of their fear periods starting at 7 weeks and ending around 8-9 weeks. It is all normal, necessary, natural, and expected by me! So, those are the behaviors we will work with this week. If I am not rewarding these behaviors by ignoring them – so don’t think I don’t care. I’m just helping them get as far down the road as possible before you pick them up. Sometimes it is like a screaming child who is very tired and bored at the same time.

Mouthing: This is the accurate term for the behavior you will see at home. They do this because they want to relieve pain! Everything goes into their mouth, and their teeth are sharp! Find your family’s training response to mouthing and plan on being vigilant! If they begin to chew on your arm – immediately turn their mouth away from you. Baxter and Bella can be a great resource for you! Mouthing will continue approximately through the 5th month of life when their teeth fall out. If it goes much beyond that you need some training help. Make chew toys/sticks your best friend and know that it will END! Having a positive time-out to chill, can be just what they need. That is why I like you to have an exercise pen.

Suggestion: When playing with toys at this age don’t pull back. This encourages biting. You can hold it still and they pull all they want, but don’t you pull back while they are young and teething.

Bewitching Hours: This is usually from 7-9 pm for a puppy. They seem to lose their minds with excess energy. This is not the time to introduce new people. Mind games are an excellent way to help them calm down. Homemade games are the best and should be simple.

Fifteen minutes of mind games equals 1 hour of exercise to a small puppy. This gets rid of energy they don’t know what to do with! Baxter and Bella have great ideas for this time of the evening.

Suggestions:

· Treats hidden under tennis balls in a muffin tin, not every muffin place should have a treat.

· Hide from your pup and call the pup to find you, reward with a treat if they sit.

· An empty Amazon box with a few treats in it and they need to get in to find the reward.

I have a copy of Ivy’s vet visit records and microchip information.

Feedings: She is eating eating at approximately 6am, 12 noon & 6 pm. She has had yogurt in the evenings at times. You can move to 2 feedings anytime she is ready. Water is essential this time of year! If outside they can dehydrate quickly. Only early morning and late night for limited times.

Kennels/Crate: Remember to start with her by a bedside of a family member at bed height (i.e., crate on an ottoman) then down to the floor for the next night and so forth until you have them where you want your puppy to permanently be.

If you do have any problems, just put a large towel over the top when they sleep so it feels like a cave. Make sure they do have a corner or the front of the kennel where they can see you for the first week. Slowly work them into their permanent area. Going home is traumatic and you want to keep them as relaxed and comfortable as you can- they are only seeking to feel safe! Know that your confidence will spread to them. You don’t need to worry about them, they will be great in your care. I encourage you to use kennel/crate method.

Quiet Time: Another skill worth mentioning is “quiet time". Puppies will seek "quiet time" if it is pleasurable and comes with a treat! If they are kept in a hyper play state too long, they are sure to acquire one bad habit after the other. The flip side of that is, if they are bored, they will also look for ways to get your attention and that usually is aggressive (chewing) or hyper behavior. Walk your pup (when the age-appropriate time comes), play with your pup and challenge them by training them in 5 min increments. Down time is very positive for a puppy. I would introduce your pup to an exercise pen day one! Place it where you can see it often - a high traffic area. If you are doing clicker training, be sure to click each time they enter and then reinforce with a treat! It is my opinion you can't over treat at this age, so choose your treats wisely! Consider using the kibble of one meal for your treats. For example, train in the morning for 10 minutes while giving them their morning kibble. You can add supplements to the remaining meals if you so desire. They are now eating only 3 times a day and you can move them to twice a day in a few months.

Bedtime: I typically have lights out at 9:00-9:30 and they wake up around 6:00. I have potties in her play area so that could be different for you. They should be able to hold themselves for 6 hours when they head home during the night. That will quickly grow as they age.

First night, please have them by someone’s bed up at bed level. They need to see their new littermate the first night. If it goes well, down to the floor the next night. If it continues well, move the crate to the door and so forth until they are situated where you want them to be.

Socialization: Socialization will play a big part in what type of puppy you will have in a year’s time. Be wise with your pup but don’t stop socializing!!

Here are some suggestions to expose your puppy to starting immediately. You can do this safely and without causing any health danger to your puppy. (Watch what touches your puppies’ paws, and you will be good! I have wet wipes to wipe their feet.) I’ve exposed them to most of these but keep introducing. If you see great fear, back-off and try again another day. If they are concerned but not fearful, let them investigate but never over push them toward a new experience or it can become a lifelong fear.

Potty Training:

This subject is big, and I have lots of resources on the website for you but the

Rule of Thumb is: Puppies can hold themselves for as many hours as they are months old.

2 hours @ 2 months…., this does not pertain to night-time, but stop all water 2 hours before bed and all food 3 hours before bedtime.

Water leaves the body within 5-10 minutes or less depending on the bladder size.

Food leaves within 15 minutes and right after naps usually.

Carry your dog out from the crate/exercise pen at first, they won’t make it without stopping in your house to potty.

If they circle, poop is coming and if they sniff something is on its way :-)

Put the divider in your crate in so that the crate is not big enough to have a potty corner. Move the divider as the puppy grows and eventually, they won’t need it.

Digging: Not good! Hopefully they don’t. If they do, fill in the hole with their poop and they will soon learn for this and your positive redirecting. They are bored and it is fun.

Chew sticks and butcher bones have also been introduced and they love them! Buy a package of marrow bones at Sprouts or other stores. They are $14 for a package; I just rinse and throw back in the freeze for next time. Cool is helpful to the sore gums.

I have three meals prepared for you in baggies and you will go from there. Follow the instructions on the bag and listen to your gut. Dogs like this will not starve themselves unless they are scared. They often don’t eat every meal. You don’t want to overfeed you dog because it will grow larger than their frame needs to grow. Good eaters can eat when they are bored as we all can!

**Change to All-Stages food at 6 months please. Puppy food only through the first 6 months.

This is what has happened this week and will continue until they head home:

· Eating first and then water after

· Crate time alone for short periods of time

· Being outside in the dark

· Using real grass & artificial grass & rocks to potty (they don't like rocks much)

· Enjoying water (some of them like it too much and play in the water bowl)

· Enjoying bath time

· Trimming nails continues - they will never like this, but now tolerate!

· Their bottoms trimmed for cleanliness

· Ears cleaned with wipes

· In and out of a kennel

· Safe neighborhood dogs (you want to avoid fear/barking around other dogs)

· More car rides

· More varied surfaces under foot

· Every household sound I can think of :-)

· Stopping in the car and talking to other humans

· Learning to mand (obey commands such as sit and then receive a treat)

· Eat treats out of your hand

· Being away from their littermates for periods of time

· Extended time sitting with someone and relaxing - away from littermates

· Outside time

· Continued use of mop, vacuum, yard care etc.

· Sharing outside equipment with littermates

· Getting too wild and having to learn how to calm down

· Coming when being called (this skill can take some time to learn)

· Kissy sound for time to pay attention to me

· They have taken stroller rides around the neighborhood and met many people.

· They are familiar with rain and sprinklers so they will go potty at your house when it is raining!

· Car driving

· Drive through voices and people

· Fire Trucks/Ambulances in person

· Learning to eat solid kibble and to eat it in a group

· I will miss these pups!! Please send lots of photos!

We will see you very soon! Love her alot!

Check the development section for other resources about crying puppies:-).

My very best,

week 6-7

Good Evening!

Ivy is doing great moving and grooving more each day. I am so glad that I get to hug her every day!

She is moving from the Transition stage to the Socialization stage this week.

I like to make sure that a new sound, experience, adventure is introduced each day. 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. She haws started to receive a small nibble of a treat as a reward for eye contact. 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. 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: She has been doing an amazing job for 6 weeks old. She is where I want her, as far as potty training. She has also been training on the grass and artificial turf outside - avoiding the heat of course.

You will notice this week their eyes are tearing. This is normal. As the skull grows it pushes on the optic nerve and they tear until it all gets settled.

This week:

She will be working on:

· more water play

· obedience training

· manding (following training commands)

· more sounds they have not heard yet

· eating only 3 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.

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 extras 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 dog food here for you to take home. All puppies get nervous as they change environments and that can bring on diarrhea.

· There is quiet (lullaby/classical) music playing in the during the day and quiet time. There is a YouTube station called Relax My Dog (free) and then the Beetles have a great lullaby album as well. If you have a sound machine with birds on it. They seem to always settle with that!

· I purchase for you a small collar and leash 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, MelaPower or Mrs. Meyer laundry soap in case your puppy gets itchy. No one is itchy now :-). Just normal scrathing.

· There is a Puppy Preparedness List under Development Section and sent in a previous email (I will also attach today).

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, harness.

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 probiotics 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). Note: -You can half does the Geneflora and it will be plenty for them.

**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. It can take time to get in with a new dog, so calling now is a great idea.

Dr. Weir, the vet they will see, 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 with a link to sign up in the final few days 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 this week 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.

Your remaining payment can be sent in at this time, if you have not already. The balance is: $2,500

My website link is: https://orangeblossomlabradoodles.com/payment

I take Zelle, Paypal (has fees) or cash.

Ivy has been so sweet and easy on me for pictures. Bless her!

Enjoy your week!

My best,

In our 5th week, Day 29-35

Ivy is growing up very quickly! She is snuggling with people which is a big step for a puppy. That is a hard skill to learn. I love it when they become open to human touch and seek it! You will see her bid for our attention now by licking a toe or pawing.

She will soon graduate to the big pen so she can see outside her box, the pen will continue to grow as her potty skills get strong. The bigger pen always presents a challenge to our growing potty skills, but it is necessary 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 Ivy during the 5th week. She will go from walking, to trotting then running, all in a few days. Suddenly she will be able to climb, leap, chase and pounce. Big toys will be introduced this week. She has many more outside the box. It is fun to watch her take it all in. This week she will begin to see well enough to look up for people’s faces. She will hear better, though not great, and will begin to locate sounds. She can now control their body temperature just as an adult dog can. And those sharp little teeth are here. Ouch for momma! Momma may visit, but she will be heading home probably at the end of the week. Ivy needs to be ready to eat on her own all meals. Labradoodles can sometimes just do without food they are not huge eaters and should be a lean dog, not skinny, but lean.

One of the most interesting developmental changes this week is when pups 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 Ivy 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 Ivy 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.

When momma has gone home, no one will be cleaning them up and they will struggle to even relieve themselves without momma’s stimulation. You will see long periods of potty-time pushing, which are normal! I have started ground soaked kibble and water, but no puppy is a fan of water.

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:

I use several sources to choose my dog food for the puppies. I always have my momma’s 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, Zignature & Nulo all 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 (All-stages). 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!

If you have not taken the time to look at Baxter and Bella, please do. This is an excellent program and great support.

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,

entering their 4th week, days 22-28

Hello!

This is a bit long, but will hopefully answer many questions, so have courage and read on!

Ivy has done really well growing & developing this week! And Poppy Lou is very patient, and happy to comfort and clean. Teeth are arriving and she may not wish to be as generous in the near future. Ivy has started food and doing well! I will be introducing it daily this week.

Important Puppy Cam note:

The puppies look much larger on the Nest Camera than then are. So does momma.

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 Ivy’s development that the she has 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 and the beginnings of mouthing and play. All necessary & perfect development. I always enjoy weeks 3 & 4! I do often call is sloth week though.

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 soon and it will be up to Ivy to keep herself and den clean. It is amazing how quickly they learn. Make sure you praise all 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.

Seeking human interaction and attention has started!

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 Ivy! She is so sweet. Hope you enjoyed their pictures this week!

My best,

beginning week three, day 15-21

Ivy developing daily!

Ivy’s nervous systems have been developing the 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 activity!

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.

Ivy’s 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 she grows 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!

She is 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.

The normal deworming protocol will begin this week. You will also see a syringe of probiotics being given 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 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 ....

*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 6 Deworming

Week 6 Family Visits - August 4 & 5th (Let me know if you are out of town those dates)

Week 6 Temperament Testing

Week 6 Final Payment and Adoption Agreement/Health Warranty signed

Week 6 1/2 Vet Visit - Distemper & Adenovirus Vaccine / Microchips placed

Sign-up for Trupanion Pet Insurance before picking up puppy.

(I provide 1 month free & then your choice after that.)

Ivy is a pudgy bundle of joy!

First Week of Life! Days 1-14

Good afternoon, everyone!

We have ended our first week and Penny has been such a good momma! Ivy is growing so well.

She were born between 9 oz. at birth and now are at a pound on day oz on day 11. Perfect!

Ivy is sleeping 23 hours a day right now and you won’t see much action on the camera when I hook it up. She is darling - but not too exciting yet! I will turn the camera on this coming Sunday in the afternoon.

Momma is spending most of her time with the babies. This past week Ivy has needed their mother for warmth, nourishment and to be cleaned. Without all three she would not survive.

Puppies cannot hold their own temperature until day 5, activate their own digestive system and have a bowel movement without their mom licking them. Her eyes and ears are both sealed and will continue to develop for a couple of weeks. The eyes will begin to open in one week and in two more weeks she will begin to hear.

The strongest sense is her sense of warmth and smell. She uses both senses to find momma and milk!! She is a terrific nursers and has began to scoot. I do keep heating pads under the floor coverings for safe measure.

On day three (post birth) until day sixteen, we do Bio-Sensor feedback

(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 she is handled in the day, but the Bio Sensor program is done only once a day. I love to tickle 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 she 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. Ivy’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 pup will also receive probiotic every four days given in the same syringe way until she is old enough to have it in their food. Right now, she is just starting to have a gag reflex, so I place the probiotic on the roof of her mouth. When the camera is turned on you will see me squirt all kinds of nutrients in both momma and puppies.

Colors & Male vs. Female: We have quite a range of color in this litter. Irish white (rare and always stays bright white and very thick) to Apricot and Red with white mismarks! The mismarks on Lucky (the white puppy) will get larger and darker. Although they have the best fleece in the breed, it comes in at a slower rate and catches up at about week 3. On red pups, to keep your white mismarks it need to be significant. Small whisps will usually be hidden by incoming red fleece.

Now is the time to chat if you are not comfortable with all the colors! Sometimes everyone wants a different dog and sometimes they all want one dog and that is tricky, I am sure you can appreciate that!

I would like everyone to be happy with their puppy, for the family and the puppy! So, call me or text me, rather than email me if we need to discuss anything. I’m busy with the pups and don’t get to my email as much as I wish.

Next letter will be at the beginning of week 3!

My best!