PUPPY’S EARLY LIFE
Birth — 8 Weeks
This is just a tiny peek into the early lives of our puppies here at Willowrun. Although only eight weeks long, it is such an exciting, and all-encompassing time for us, when our whole world revolves around these amazing little creatures.
It all begins with the heat-cycle, then the breeding. Once the heat-cycle begins, the female dog is taken to the vet for a wellness check-up and progesterone testing. Usually two or more tests help us to pinpoint the best time to breed. When she is ready, the magic moment happens with live mating. Once she is bred, the female is immediately placed on a special prenatal diet for optimal puppy health. We ultrasound her 28-30 days later to confirm pregnancy and due date. Then 3-5 days before her due date, the female is X-rayed for a puppy count. This is an important tool before whelping begins.
Once all the puppies arrive, a close vigil is kept for the first 48 hours to ensure that puppies remain in a safe place and that they are nursing well. As the puppies are born blind and deaf, they are very fragile indeed. They are weighed daily as a marker to make sure they are all thriving well. At day 3, their official training begins!
Days 3-16
The first two weeks is spent keeping a close eye on our newborn puppies, making sure the whelping box is kept cozy and clean, and ensuring that Mom is well cared for. After all, she is the key to their well-being during this period.
Bio-sensory training begins now as well, which is simply a process of applying early neurological stimulation, which has been shown to imprint coping and adaptability advantages for the dog in later life.
At around, or just before they are 2 weeks old, the puppies eyes open, and the real fun begins! It is one of my favourite milestones. It is quite an event around here, and we all love to introduce ourselves. Sometimes when I hold a puppy up to my face on that first day….. it screams! I'm happy to report that it doesn’t happen very often. Although funny, it is not very complimentary lol :(
Once their eyes are open, they become a bit more mobile. It is so adorable when they are trying to find their fat little legs, and they begin to wobble around. Many chuckles…
Puppies grow and gain weight exponentially in the first few weeks, and both mini’s and standards (in an average sized litter) tend to weigh around 1 lb (+/-) when born. At the 2 week point, they have usually doubled their birth weight and weigh in at around 2 lb (+/-).
At week 2, they begin their first round of de-worming as well.
Week 3
During week three, the puppies start to become….well — puppies! The little ones grow so quickly that it is noticeable almost every day, and they get more mobile, and start interacting with each other more. They are now in the early stages of learning to play; biting one another and even barking a bit. They are getting funny and sweet…. so adorable!
Everyday they are well-handled and get lots of love and affection. This is the point where we begin to see their little personalities emerging.
Week 4
Week 4 is a very busy week, with lots of ‘firsts’. The puppies begin on solid food on their 4-week birthday, once a day. We say ‘solid’ but it is really a very watery mash at first. It takes several days, but once they are eating enthusiastically, we progress to two meals a day. This the point when their baby teeth are breaking through.
Over the next four weeks, we increase the amount of food incrementally, and it gets chunkier, then drier. By the time you pick your puppy up, they will be eating 1.25 cups per day of dry kibble.
The "litter pans", with wood pellets are placed in the pens once they begin on solid food. the introduction to potty training begins.
They receive the next round of de-worming on week 4, and each puppy begins with a very light daily brushing. They absolutely hate it at first! lol.
The favourite event of the week is the transition to either their large outdoor, or indoor playpen, depending upon the weather. They have an absolute blast once they adjust to the larger space and enjoy playing with all the new toys! The playpen is set up with mobility aids and stimulating, interactive toys, and much of their day is spent there in the coming weeks. They develop so quickly, it is astounding. Even days make a huge difference at this age.
Puppies will have their nails trimmed this week as well. They are usually very sharp by now, and they are using them… on my arms! We are very careful with the trimming of course, but this helps to set them up for future trimmings and the groomer.
Week 5
Week 5 is highlighted by preparations for reservations. The puppies are really beginning to play and interact with one another more now, and mid-week we try to capture that essence (the best we can) in videos and photos. We also spend time evaluating what we see emerging, to help the selection process go as smoothly as possible.
The weaning process begins this week, as the puppies are eating more solid food on their own. Also this week, their teeth are well established, and very sharp…just ask their mothers!! They still nurse a few times a day, but the main source of nutrition is now their puppy food.
Week 6
During week 6, reservations will be concluded, and we will do live meetings, via FaceTime or Zoom, to meet your puppy. At this time you will place your puppy-food order with TLC as well, to make sure you are prepared for the homecoming. We will also schedule your pick-up times this week.
It is during this week that the puppies really come alive! I am always amazed at how lovely it is to be greeted every morning with so much love and enthusiasm! It never gets old..
At 6 weeks, they become so much more active. They tear around their playpen so fast at this age! No more toddling. They zip through the tunnel (that they are usually wary of at first) like their little tails are on fire. They are, however, always sweet and cuddly when I pick them up :)
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By this time, the puppies are really catching on to the "litter training" and there are very few accidents in the pens.
The third round of de-worming also takes place during this week.
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Week 7
This final week begins a very busy "pre-going-home" time for the little ones here. During the 7th week they will have their well-puppy check-ups at Graham Animal Hospital in Hillsburgh, and will receive their first set of vaccinations at that time as well. They will also be microchipped, de-wormed, and have a mani-pedi and bath this week. Lots of activity for them!
I would like to add that although it is a very exciting time, getting ready to bring your puppy home….. it will be a stressful transition for your puppy. You will need to tap into your stores of patience to help your puppy make the adjustment to their new home. It won’t take long at all though. After the first week (and usually sooner), your puppy will forget all about us here, and will be totally part of your family. The mom/litter scented blanket that you receive in your puppy-pack may help with this transition.
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We work hard here at Willowrun during these eight wonderful weeks to provide you with the healthiest, most loved and well-adjusted puppy possible. Although we realize that puppyhood has its challenges and there will be a few growing pains along the way, it is our goal that each puppy will seamlessly integrate into their new forever home, and provide their families with many years of joy and love.