There have been a lot of changes in the puppy room this week. The first big change was to let the pups leave the confines of the whelping box and have a larger space. The puppy room has been divided in half and the pups can go in and out of the box as they like. They’re timid about exploring at first, but their curiosity soon gets the better of them and they start to leave the box to explore.
We’re now entering into what I think is the period in foster care in which the pups are the most fun. They are starting to take an interest in toys and playing games with each other. They are also beginning to seek contact with people. This is a very critical time in their development because it is now that they learn to like being with people and to accept handling without a fuss.
We spend at least an hour handling the pups each day and often have visitors come over to help with socialization. Harriett and I hold each puppy and touch the ears, feet, tail, muzzle, and mouth. It doesn’t take too long for the pups to enjoy being handled and start climbing all over us to get attention. Our goal is to have them seeking attention when they go back to the Shelter so they will approach and be accepting of handling by potential adopters.
The other important thing that happens is that the puppies learn to play with each other and how to play with other dogs. Lucille will teach them the basics of dog etiquette. They learn to play with other pups by wrestling and playing "mouth games” with each other. We like the pups to be well socialized so they can be adopted into a multi-dog household and will be friendly to dogs they meet in training classes, walks, or play times at the park.
The weekly headshot photos have been posted in the puppies’ albums. Check out the changes this week! Sierra (#2) and Cricket (#7) are developing a more obvious brindle pattern. It’s really noticeable in the profile shots. Click a picture below to see the album for that pup.
| Tulip (1) |  | Sierra (2) |  |
| Juno (3) |  | Miki (4) |  |
| Morel (5) |  | Milano (6) |  |
| Cricket (7) |  |
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