First Time Puppies: Week 2 Experience

Things are beginning to have a rhythm to them here with the puppies. We continue to do 2-3 hour checkins at night. We are also starting to force the dam to leave the enclosure to rest when we are not in there (she seemed to never be sleeping). We use a gate to keep her out of whelping box for the hour or two right after feeding the puppies and stimulating them since we can be certain the puppies don’t need her at that moment.

The dam is also doing much better with stimulation. We are no longer supplementing any puppies, and our goal of double their brith rate by 10 days was easily surpassed by all! We weigh puppies daily and clip their nails as needed. Overall, the process is largely the same from week one.

The puppies eyes and ears have begun opening. We have noticed some puppies moving when they hear loud noises and they seem more sensitive to light. We are careful with the light (keeping it dim in their areas), but we are now being sure to introduce many sounds to help condition the puppies.

The puppies are also moving and exploring on own a lot more. They seem to be aware when people come around and try to engage them.

Overall, everyone seems to be settling in and the process is easier in several regards.