Today
the puppies turned 7 weeks old. They are
right in the middle of a critical socialization period where it is vital that
they are exposed to a variety of different people. We want the puppies to leave our home feeling
comfortable with all kinds of different people and so it will continue to be
quite busy here at Northrock during the next few weeks.
I am now beginning to take the puppies out on solo
expeditions to visit at other people’s houses.
They get to explore new environments and I get to observe their
behaviour in novel situations without the security of being with their dam and the
rest of their litter. These little trips
offer a lot of insight into the character of each puppy and I enjoy the one on
one time I get to spend with them.
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| Miss. Purple explores a new garden. |
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| Miss Orange begins to fall asleep after an exciting time playing and visiting at a new place. |
We expose the puppies to noises, strangers, different
environments, other animals, car rides, crates and all of the many elements
that are a part of living everyday life as part of a busy family with young
children. Above all our main priority is
to ensure that all of these experiences are enjoyable for the puppies!
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| Puppies nap peacefully amidst the sounds of young children playing. |
For the last few weeks we have encouraged toilet training by
providing the puppies with a designated toilet area in the form of a potty
box. They have been very successful with
making it into the box to do their business.
They consider it the norm to try and avoid soiling in their play and
sleep areas. We are now in the process
of transferring this habit to going potty outside and will continue to do in the
weeks to come. We do so by having the
puppies go outside to relieve themselves several times a day after their meals,
naps and big play sessions.
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| Mr. Blue and Miss. Red in the outdoor puppy pen. |
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| Mr. Green |
