These pups have advanced ahead of what all our books say to expect. They doubled their weight days by nine days, all have eyes and ears open, and are walking and eliminating on their own. Watching them develop independence, learn to play (initiating and responding), dealing with stress, and making adult dog vocalizations has been enchanting.
We have consistently been introducing mild stress by touching feet, holding them high, and rolling them on their backs and cuddling them. In addition we have adopted a Monks of New Skete exercise designed to make easier their transitions to their forever homes. We place each pup in a separate box outdoors for three minutes, then return them to their whelping box and mom. From this they should learn that when they are separated from the familiar, all will turn out fine! |
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