Billy x Lexi Puppies - 3 and 4 Weeks Old

The Billy x Lexi puppies are now four weeks old.  My how the time flies!  When they were three weeks old they made the big move to the downstairs puppy pen which is located in our dining room adjacent to the kitchen and living room.  The puppies are now right in the main part of our home and are exposed to all of the sights, sounds and smells that come along with family life.  

Their whelping box also moved downstairs with them and they would spend the night in the box but periods of time in the larger play space with lots of new toys to explore.  They were also introduced to the potty box and litter training is going very well.

Nap time with their big stuffed tiger

With the weather being so warm we are able to keep the windows open so in addition to classical music playing on the radio and the various different sound c.d.s, the puppies also hear the children playing in the school yard that backs onto our property,  announcements over the loudspeaker, the school bell, lawn mowers and power tools and the many other sounds of summer and neighbourhood life.  They have even experienced some pretty loud thunderstorms and slept right through them!

Hanging out in the "lower deck" of the puppy pen set up.

Over the next two weeks many visitors will be coming to help socialize the puppies and we enjoy these visits so much.  Lexi is pleased to show off her puppies and is quick to take advantage of the extra attention for herself as well.  

 Trips outside have also begun and the outdoor puppy pen will soon be filled with tunnels and step stools, wobble boards and many toys to further the enrichment of the puppies.  In the early days simply being out in the fresh air for "al fresco" meal times and cuddles with people offer further opportunities for sensory development with the feel of the breeze, the warm sun, the different surfaces to walk on and the many smells and sounds of the great outdoors.

Outside with momma Lexi

We are delighted with this lovely trio of puppies.  They are a constant source of joy for our entire family.

Please visit our Facebook Page Northrock Barbets for frequent video and photo updates of the Billy x Lexi pups.  We will also be providing updates via the blog, just not as often. 

Northrock's Black Seal CGN "Josie" - New Canine Good Neighbour

I am delighted to share that this past Sunday Josie earned her Canine Good Neighbour title.  Josie's owners, Brian and JoAnne have given her such a wonderful home and I couldn't be happier.  Together Josie and Brian are actively training in rally-obedience and I look forward to seeing what they will get up to next!

Summer - Therapy Dog with Therapeutic Paws of Canada

UR01 UCH Nuphar's Soak Up The Sun PCD RN CGN

Earlier this year Summer became a therapy dog with the organization Therapeutic Paws of Canada.  "Therapeutic Paws of Canada is a non-profit organization of volunteers providing animal resources for human needs (physical, mental, educational, motivational, socialization) through regular visits to hospitals, residences, schools, etc."

I'm happy for the opportunity to volunteer in my community with such a wonderful organization.  Summer enjoys all of the attention she receives and we both leave our visits feeling good. 

The Billy x Lexi Litter - Two Weeks Old

The End of the Neo-Natal Period (1-14 days)

Lexi and her pups - May 25

Harry - One Week

So much has happened concerning the growth and development of the Billy and Lexi puppies during the last two weeks.

Hermione - One Week

Ron - One Week

At birth the puppies are completely dependent on their dam.  Their eyes and ears are not yet open and Lexi is responsible not just for feeding them, but also for helping them to eliminate.  The puppies can crawl around in the whelping box and will gravitate towards their mother's warmth seeking out a source of heat and nourishment.  It's important that they have access to a heat source as they cannot regulate their own temperature and could easily become chilled.  Preferably, this is their mother's body and Lexi spends all her time in the whelping box except to leave for potty breaks.  During the first week she would not even leave the box to eat or drink and so I would bring her water several times a day and all of her meals to the box.

Breakfast in bed for Lexi on May 28

When she is not in the box with them I  provide an additional source of heat for the puppies and it's amazing how they will move towards it as needed and if they are feeling too warm they will likewise move off of it.

Ron, Hermione and Harry - June 3

Now that the puppies are two weeks old they are much more mobile, even getting up on their legs and toddling about.  Their eyes and ears have opened and they are gaining well.  Lexi spends more time out of the box but is quick to hop back in throughout the day - she is a very attentive mother.

These early days with the puppies are precious and the time passes so quickly.  Soon we will be getting ready to move to a bigger pen and introducing the puppies to more enriching stimuli.  We are looking forward to the weeks ahead.

Harry - Two weeks

Hermione - Two weeks

Ron - Two weeks

Please visit our Facebook Page Northrock Barbets for frequent video and photo updates of the Billy x Lexi pups.  We will also be providing updates via the blog, just not as often.