Half Way There

Lily’s Pups have become more active this week.  Still struggling to get a decent play session outside due to the cold weather, we have started to take the litter out of the house and feed and play out in the garage which is about 50 F without the wood stove running.  I would like to get the litter outside by the end of the weekend, but this is dependant on the litter adjusting and the weather cooperating.   

Jon with Ryan

Last weekend we were able to get them out in the puppy run and they all spent the entire day outside, and slept in the insulated dog house. However it was 21C degrees out so this wasn't much of an issue.  Since Monday they have spent a good deal of time during feeding sessions playing in our garage, which has a raised portion so they are learning about climbing etc.  Climbing skills are improving, as Jon came downstairs on Tuesday morning to find only 5 puppies in the whelping box!   Usual offenders are Ryan and Eric and now Ailson.

Doug and Alison

They still sleep a fair amount and only play for about 20 minutes at a time, some pups last longer than others and this is dependant on their growing times. However there are some regulars that just take a longer time to wind down the others. 

Lily enjoying a break

Caleb

 Play now consists of growling and play fights erupting now.  This is all part of the start of establishing a canine social status within the pack.  Lily is staring to engage in play with her pups now, teaching them canine social manners, and Sandie was able to participate as well on Tuesday night under the watchful eye of Lily. 

Caleb

 So far strange loud noises doesn’t seem to bother the litter -  nobody is tuck tail and running. In fact it is more the opposite!  I get barked at quite often when we come down stairs to take them outside for a feeding, starts with one, then the group join in.  

Caleb

They have been spending the day in our garage and brought in at night. Tonight (Friday) they sleep out in the garage. Today they are outside in the dog run. They find it cold, but the insulated dog house provides warmth along with a few siblings.  I hope to get them out in the yard despite the rain. 

Yes- everyone in the box!

 I’m afraid this might be the ‘cream puff’ litter in terms of getting them used to the cold, so you will have to be careful for the first few weeks, I’m still trying hard to get them ‘hardened off’ for their indoor/outdoor homes.  Some pups take to the cold better than others – some not at all, but they all will in their own time. 

Rachel and Emma