July 6, 2012 Turning 4 weeks tomorrow

Hi all,

Here we are at 28 days. Toys are important developmental tools.  Different sizes, textures, noises and obstacles are introduced now. The puppies will learn to navigate around these obstacles to get where they want to and they are developing strategies to deal with different textures. 

Teal boy plays with a ball

competition starts early and it's always better if it can be stolen from a sibling....

eating from a bowl can be so much work ;-D

Had the weather here not been so miserable we would have been moving puppies in and out of the house during the last week. But as it is, the weather here has just decided to improve so Tony and I are out here preparing the puppy kennels. 

Here is our out door puppy kennels. Brother Xly is going to move into the house (he tells me it's a hardship, but I don't believe him). It's a double run placed on 2'x2' or 1'x2' concrete tiles. The tiles seem to be better to use than just a concrete slab because the pee just seeps into the ground between the tiles and there is less chance of pee pooling in areas that the puppies/dogs will run through. The kennel chain link walls sit on 2x4 blocks to allow the hair to be easily hosed out yet keeps the puppies safely contained.

Toys and obstacles. Here is a kids plastic play thing that I picked up cheap on Craig's list.  The puppies and the dogs chew on it so there is little point spending money needlessly.

When you're considering the location for your kennel provide an open area that provides good air flow and if shade is not available, provide it through natural sources like a hedge where ever possible. If harsh sunshine or rain is a constant companion make sure there is roofing and a dog house for protection.

Wood shavings, NOT CEDAR, is important to absorb any puppy messes.  Cedar is toxic to dogs and most other living creatures. Think about why we put it in our garden beds to decrease weeds. Look as Cedar clear cut areas and their water run offs, most are desert like. Manufacturers sell dog beds that are flea resistant... Cedar shavings are inside. Skin irritations, often looking like allergies, can be created as small cedar slivers get through their coats and into their skin causing them to scratch continuously.
Here we have fir and hemlock shavings. Sand will work, as well, if that is what you have lots of and it's cheaper. Wood shavings are easy to scoop when cleaning and they keep the puppies smelling great.

Momma's water dish is well out of range of the puppies (up on the roof of the dog house) so there is little chance that puppies will be curious, climb inside and drown. The bucket is also clipped onto the chain link to decrease the risk of it falling into the puppy mass and causing harm.

More toys and obstacles... here is a cheap cat tunnel I picked up at Petsmart in the cat section.... be creative with the items you put in there with them.... any old kid toys your not using? Somebody else's kid stuff they are not using????

Adding the final touch ... the puppies.... expect at this age that they will mill about and be a little disoriented... remember they do not have a great deal of experience yet with their outside world.  I will expect by the end of the weekend that they have explored the entire kennel area available to them. They should also have sorted out where we enter the kennel bringing them food.

Entering thier new environment and looking a bit overwhelmed.

A few minutes later, posture is already looking more comfortable on this little girl.

Place a piece of their used bedding (as well as clean) in with them when you are introducing them to their new environment. This will help them 'smell or track' their way back to the safety of the new den.

Oh yeah, almost forgot a picture of Bobi's water and food dishes placed inside a larger safer bin to prevent curious puppies from climbing in and exploring.

Celebrate today, it's Friday!!!