Interesting Reading

Came across an old article I received from a field trainer I use to take lessons from. It breaks down the development of puppies week by week.


Development of Puppies Week One (Days 1-7)

-90% of time spent sleeping
-10% eating
-Susceptible to heat/cold
-Instinctive reflexes: crawl, seek warmth, nurse
-They can right themselves if placed upside down
-Needs stimulation for urination/defecation
-Rapid development of central nervous system
-Needs constant care from bitch
-Rectal temperature 94-97 degrees F
-Weight should double by end of first week

Started Early Neurological Stimulation today.
http://www.breedingbetterdogs.com/articles/early_neurological_stimulation_en.html

It's interesting to see the different reactions between the individual pups. Mr. Red does not hold still for any of the positions! However, after a quick sponge bath (just his butt ;) he cuddled in my arms for a good 10 minutes. Silly boy!

Got some playtime and a couple of short training sessions in with Zap and Truly today. It felt good to reconnect with them and do some of our normal routine. Puppy raising is very time consuming.




Mr. Lime Green taking over the bed last night

48 Hours....Feeling Very Thankful

The puppies were exactly 48 hours old this morning! Of course I had to get out my camera to take a few pictures ;-) As many have told me the first 24 hours were quite an adjustment, and I have a new found respect for all breeders who put their ALL into the litters they care for. I've gone from worry, to joyful excitement to mourning all within the first few hours. The huge responsibility I feel for these 3 new lives is at times overwhelming. I worry about everything; however, I am blessed to have a very calm, loving husband and the support/guidance of a very good friend. This special friend drove 2 hours, VERY early Sunday morning, to help us whelp our first litter. She guided us through the whole process and tried so hard to get Peter (puppy boy #3) to breathe. She sat with Siena and the pups in the whelping box LATE into the night that first night so I could get some rest. At that point Siena was still a little freaked out by the squeaking/squealing and the odd bobbing head movements of her new charges. Kara has gone above and beyond to help us and I will never be able to thank her enough!

Feeling thankful today.

(L-R) Mr. Green, Miss Purple and Mr. Red at the end of the bed.

Close up of Poppin' Purple Girl

Close up of Mr. Lime Green

Mr. Red marches to the beat of his own drum!

Siena settling into motherhood

The Broadway Litter has arrived!

Two boys and one girl. Miss Poppin' Purple was first and weighed in at 15.7 oz. She is beautiful and looks a lot like her mom. An hour later Mr. Lime Green (a.k.a. Apollo Jr.) was born weighing 17.5 oz. Sadly the next boy was stillborn. We named him Peter (my dad's middle name). I'm sure my dad welcomed him in heaven where they can look down on us and smile. Next came another boy, Mr. Red, he weighed 14 oz. and is always on the GO! Siena was a little unsure of the pups, but has settled in and everyone is nursing happily right now. I'm exhausted but thrilled. Kara is staying the night to help me through the first 24 hours....Thank You Kara!!

2 Puppies So Far!!

Girl and a Boy!! Kara is here...thankfully! Siena is working on #3.

Water Broke!

Lots of contractions! Kara is on her way!!

Puppies Tonight or Tomorrow!!??

Siena didn't eat her dinner tonight. She is nesting, panting and looking a little uncomfortable. No contractions yet. Her last temperature reading was 98.9. I plan on sleeping in the whelping room with her. This could be the night! Wish I could stop biting my nails ;)

Going to try to get some sleep soon in case things start happening in the middle of the night.

Temperatures and Puppy Dreams

Siena's temperature is staying low. Yesterday morning she was at 99.4. Her night time temp was 99.8. This morning she is 99.7. She still has a great appetite and is resting comfortably. Bob is keeping a close eye on her while I go to my classes with Zap and Truly.

After agility classes today I'm going to concentrate on getting everyone groomed. I finished up Zap yesterday and he looks really good! Still not proficient at ears but I'm getting better and better at feet ;-)

I'm having a lot of puppy dreams lately. The other night there was a male pup in my dreams that looked EXACTLY like Apollo (this is a reoccurring dream). That might be Jamie's puppy!

Count down continues....