Puppy Pictures That are Too Cute to Resist

5 1/2 week old puppies are too cute.
I mean it.
Too cute.
They could chew up my favorite pair of shoes and it would be hard to get mad at that adorable little face.
That's how cute they are.
Because I have to be under the spell of puppy cuteness everyday, I am going to share some pictures to torture you as well. No one should have to suffer alone after all.

You are welcome for sharing this particular form of torture. You know you like it.

First Bath for the Puppies

The cute puppy breath  was getting overwhelming and morphing into something stanky. It was a good indication that it was time for the babies first bath. 
They weren't very happy about it, but it was necessary.

Scotcheroo thought he could hide where I couldn't see him.  Little did he realize I could tell exactly where he was.
Luna and Jude were so tuckered out after their baths that they fell asleep next to me.

Shaking the water off.

Wet puppy faces are cute.

My photography assistant took a selfie. 

Too cute.

All the babies enjoyed being toweled dry.

Look Mom, I'm fluffy!

Giving a big dog shake to get the water off.

P.B. was uninterested in bath time. 

But he got one anyway. No sleeping puppy was safe.

So Fluffy!

An exhausted Luna catching some z's. 

Jude cuddled up with his stuffed buddy for some snoozing.

P.J. took advantage of some cuddle time.

Overall the babies did well. They acted just like their mom in the bath, like it was a form of torture. The funny thing is, they will all love swimming in a lake or river when they get older. But the bath? Horrible! 

Wrastlin'

We no longer have sleepy puppies that lay around and snuggle all day long. They have turned into rabble rousers that investigate, interrogate, and just generally gnaw on anything they can sink their little teeth into. They are vigorous and ruthless wrestlers when they are tangling with their siblings. But it always ends with them being friends again.
This is Scotch and P.J. There are no rules among these pups. Anything goes in their play. They will stick their opponents whole nose in their mouth and chomp down. Ears, tails, paws, and other things - it's all fair game.

"Grrr, I'm gonna eat your face!"

They are definitely in the teething phase. Having them bite each other is no big deal, but we don't want them thinking the same way about people. We are trying to be vigilant in not letting them gnaw on us, replacing toes and hands with a chew toy instead. It'll take them a little time, they are just puppies after all, but they will get it. 

In the mean time, they are very entertaining to watch! 

Momma Love

The puppies love their Momma, well, they mostly love her milk.

Weaning has been a bit challenging because Jinx is very patient with them and never growls or barks at them when they try to nurse. She might ignore them and walk away, but that doesn't seem to be a big deterrent. She is very sweet to them, allowing them to climb all over her and chew on her lips.

Jude (his new name!) is coming over for some snuggle time. 

Luna (that's her new name!) is getting some quality time with her Momma.

Is this not just too precious? 

Doing a little wrestling.

When the puppies nurse now, which is less and less, they are ridiculously vigorous. Jinx never even bats an eyelash, she just calmly lays there. 

Unless there is a ball around, then watch out puppies! 

Jinx with her "Ain't nobody got time for this" face.

I am sure Jinx isn't going to be too sad when all the puppies go to their forever homes. After all, they are stealing quite a bit of her attention. :)

Puppy Personality

As the puppies have grown, each one has begun to develop his or her own personality. Some of the traits we are seeing now we have noticed since they were teeny-tiny. Some things are developing as they grow. Here is a brief synopsis of each one:

Kisses: Since day 1 she has always been laid back and mellow. A super cuddler who would nap in any available warm lap. She is learning to defend herself with those spunky brothers of hers and gives as good as she gets. She is sweet and likes attention. No longer the runt of the litter in size, she keeps up with the boys in all areas. She tends to be more timid than the rest in new situations, but warms up quickly.

Peanut Brittle: Mellow is a good word for this guy too, he is one of the biggest boys, second only to Raisin. He tends to break away from the wrestling matches for a nap before the others. He is affectionate and playful, but seems pretty laid back. 

Pepper Jack or P.J.: First born in this litter, but not first in size, P.J. and Kisses are in a tie for smallest. P.J. is a spunky character. When the rest of his sibs are napping, he often thinks that makes it the perfect time to play! He is an independent thinker but loves to be held and snuggled.

Raisin: This guy is our independent one. He has always been the biggest and bravest. He is  not phased by new things, taking it all in stride.  He loves to wrestle his brothers and sister and then when he gets tired walks a few paces away to nap nearby. Not exactly the cuddliest, he is affectionate and playful.

Scotcheroo: 

 He looks like Snoopy with that round muzzle, and black nose. He is playful and very affectionate. He often crawls into my lap for some love or to play. He is not timid but not overly bold either. He is right in the middle for size. 

They are all great pups (I know I am biased). They are all learning to come when called and we no longer have a problem with anyone peeing inside the crate. I honestly think they will be great in whatever family they end up with. It has been fun to see their personalities develop as they have grown. This is a great age, they are so playful and fun to watch. Although they have gotten in many of their teeth and aren't afraid to use them! But when it is nap time, watch out, they crash and crash hard. I'm excited for their new families, I think they will be getting a great companion, but I'm going to miss these little guys. 

Puppy Pool Party!

We filled the puppy pool with an inch and a half of water to introduce the puppies to swimming. We left it in the hot sun on the deck and then came back when the shade was covering the pool. This way the cold water wouldn't be such a shocker to their little bodies. They don't like being too hot or too cold. 
I would have thought that romping, playing, and swimming in the water would come naturally to these puppies, but apparently a love for water is something that they learn. So we began the process of introducing these babies to water. After all, their families may want to take them to the beach to play! Plus, all dogs need a bath once in awhile.

Wyat wanted to be in the water with them to offer his support so they wouldn't be scared. 

  

Everyone was a little uncertain at first. 

Wyat wanted to show the puppies how fun water can be. I am not certain they agreed.

Especially Kisses. She seemed a bit insulted that we got her wet and spent most of the time in the pool with this posture.

P.B. walked around checking it out.

P.J. says 'let me ouuuut!'

The puppies and Wyat all mingling in the pool.

Scotcheroo wants out too.

He thought I deserved to have my pants chewed on for making him go in that water.

Raisin was calm, cool, and collected as usual. He's like a rock. 

We actually did the pool 2 days in a row. I thought it might help. The puppies weren't any more excited the second time, but they will get there.

Scotcheroo and P.B. are looking very pathetic.

And adorable.

It's cute watching puppies do the same thing I am used to seeing the big dogs do. Like shaking their wet fur.

When all the puppies had enough of swimming practice, we toweled them off and gave them some snuggles.

There's a future hunter in the mix. He is sitting proudly next to his 'kill'.

We'll get the puppies in the pool the next hot day we have. It's good for them, cools them down and cleans their fur. The more positive exposures we have with water, the better!