The Beau x Rizzo Puppies: 3 Weeks Old

The puppies have now finished up the Transitional Period which runs from day 14 to day 21.  During this week their ears opened and combined with the fact that their eyes recently opened they really do seem like little dogs now. 

Once their eyes opened I began to hang things above the whelping box for them to observe.  I also continued to rotate soft toys in the box for them to explore.

Here Merry is checking out a novel object in the box.  A large plastic tube that she was able to tunnel through.  She seemed to enjoy the experience for after going through it once she turned around and went back through the way she had come!

We finished up the Early Neurological Stimulation and Early Scent Introduction exercises on day 16 but continue to handle the puppies multiple times a day and everyone in the family is enjoying having puppy cuddle sessions.



We started potty training the litter this week by introducing pee pads to the whelping box.  The puppies have an innate desire to be clean and will move away from their sleeping area to eliminate away from their "bed".  Putting down pee pads helps to define a clear area for elimination and contributes to cleanliness habits and a maintaining a clean whelping box and later puppy pen.

The puppies are better at moving around and are beginning to interact with their mother and with each other.  Rizzo's gentle play with her offspring is wonderful to watch. 

I hope that following the development of this litter will bring you all much happiness. I invite you to like our Northrock Barbets Facebook Page where photos and videos will be posted on a regular basis for you to enJOY.