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. :)

Labradoodles - On the Deck

One of our responsibilities when breeding puppies is making sure that they are well socialized by the time they go home with their new family. Socializing is all about exposing the puppies to new situations, sights, sounds and sometimes smells in a positive manner. We don't want our pups developing into timid or fearful dogs, exposing them to new things helps them learn to take new experiences in stride. The pups turned 4 weeks old this week so it is time to begin really expanding their horizons. We have of course already begun exposing them to many new things already but this week we are doing even more. 
One of the new things they got to do was walk on the deck. Since our adult dogs don't think anything of it, I didn't really think it would freak out our babies, but it did a little. At least a couple of them.  

Of course 'Raisin' is wondering what everyone thinks is such a big deal. He's telling his brother to 'chill out'.

Having momma Jinx around helped ease a few anxieties.

After all, these pups will endure anything for some milk.

Raisin is telling Kisses that it'll all be okay.

She isn't so certain. Of course she was also the first one to pee on the deck. Fortunately it is easy enough to wash off.

A little wrestling means that everyone is relaxing and getting used to walking on air.

Raisin is our fearless guy. The other puppies will all look for some comfort and come and cuddle. Not this guy, he has some conquering to do. 

P.J. is getting some lovin' from Tate.

Scotcheroo was a little timid at first and then he got the hang of it.

It's fun to introduce these little guys to new things. It doesn't usually take long for everyone to realize that it's all okay. They are getting braver, wandering farther away while exploring when they are outside. I love watching them grow. 

3 Weeks and The Puppies First Outdoor Adventure

As part of the puppies social development, exposure to the outdoors is important. Previously we have had them in a quiet room in our basement with a few forays upstairs. Sunday, I decided it was time to expose them to the great outdoors. As they get bigger, and messier, they will be spending more and more time outside. 
Their reaction to the outside was mixed. Mostly, it stressed them all out a little bit, but that is okay. We stayed near them the whole time to offer security. Although, when Jinx is near, all they want is milk! 

We introduced them to the grass first, but I was too busy to get any pictures. Sorry about that. A few of the boys tried tasting the grass to see if it tasted any good. I don't think they liked it. It was really sunny and warm in the grass and everyone was complaining. I moved them onto a blanket in the shade and that seemed much better to them. It could be that the bright light was also a bit harsh on their eyes. 

Here is Scotcheroo making sure we know that he isn't a fan of this adventure. 

Raisin however, took it all in stride. He was also the most adventurous, wandering the furthest away from the crowd. Fearless little beastie! Did you notice how he can sit up now?

Is it not the cutest thing you have ever seen?

They can all sit up and they all walk around like little drunken sailors. It's adorable. They are getting sturdier all the time. 

Scotcheroo decided to hunker down next to the basket and his brother. The outdoors weren't very interesting to him. He later walked over to me and snuggled up. 

Kisses did what Kisses does, she didn't stress out about it. 

P.B. explored a bit and didn't seem too bothered by the outside. 

P.J. however was very vocal in his dislike of being outside of his comfort zone. It won't be too long before he loves being outside.

We will keep taking them outside every day and lengthening the time they spend out there in their little puppy pen. It'll soon be a place they love to be.