Daisy’s puppies begin transition
- Posted on 26th September 2010
- in Blossom (Daisy) 2010
- by jvfairbanks
On Monday Daisy’s puppies will be three weeks old marking the end of the neo-natal period and the transition week to socialization period. This last week although not seen by most as “huge” has been. The whelp has opened their eyes, tried out their legs and now the ears are opening. This moves them from “whelp” to puppy this next week as exploration and interaction with their puppies and mom continues to engage their mind and senses.
Last night was the first night outside the whelp box, on blankets (fleece and sheeting) in the living room with mom and stuffed animals (texture) and a cold wood floor to experience. It started with nursing and then exploring and ended with nursing. Daisy, the smallest in size (but wonderful form, coat, personality, confirmation, and “gold paw” level) is a wonderful mom as you can see in the pictures of the puppies. They have really grown this last week (something you will hear me say more and more) which you can see in the pictures. Soon Daisy will nurse standing up and in short time periods. Add this to the fact that I feel teeth coming in under their gums already signal they will probably be starting a supplement feeding around the fourth week, but we will watch and let nature takes its course. During the next week the puppies will become more animated, walk with more assurance and by the end of the week a gait will appear. During this growth they will start to demand more then Daisy can produce around the 4th week. Their movement means more calories burned and their body needs more to develop.
We supplement Daisy with puppy food, egg, and other natural foods and oils. She loves chicken and we use the rich chicken broth on top of it all to be sure that she and the puppies are getting what they need.
The puppies had a “look in” by both Belle and Libby who are very anxious to get in and nuzzle them but Daisy we don’t think is ready for it just yet. Belle and Libby understand and await their invite. Chief looks over and wags his tail but does not venture close just yet. He loves to play with his babies, but he also senses when Daisy will allow it.
The puppies had new experiences last night. New smells, textures of the stuffed animals, a cold floor and more walking and exploring a bit. The still wobble while they stand but do a walk/crawl to venture around. They explore and there is no fear, more curiousness and this indicates to us where each will be in the pack. Other indicators are who wins the prized milk filled nipples at the milk bar and sleeping arrangements. They grow, we watch, and wonder at it all.
Although eyes are open they can not see clearly until near the end of this next week, with ears already opening and head tilts happening as hearing for the first time comes. this transition week it all starts clicking together while they mouth and explore each other. Human contact is important every step of the way, but this next week it is about the bonding of each other, exploring each other and their mom and being safe and secure. Welcome to transition week little doodles!
Daisy nursing upside down, the pups “climb to the peak”
More pictures as the venture, from my feature album:
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