Here are the next few puppy nurturing steps on Avid Dog.

7.  On Days 3-16 do Avidog’s Early Scent Stimulation. Things like leaves, bark or wood. An orange peel or banana…we let them smell banana.  Fresh evergreen or flowers…we introduced jatropha blooms from our patio. Fresh herbs…we introduced basil.

8.  Give pups a floor with good traction to build muscle and coordination while reducing future orthopedic problems.

Note: while it is tempting to keep the pups on tile or vinyl, these surfaces are NOT good for muscle development. Instead, they are on cotton pads and fleece that gives their little feet something to grab on to.

9.  Stack each puppy on the table twice a week.

Note: We are starting that now. I like to wait until their little legs could support them.

10. Trim toenails every three days to reduce risk of mastitis in the dam and to accustom the pups to this constant grooming task.

Note: I’m on it!

11. On Days 3-16 perform Dr. Carmen Battaglia’s Early Neurological Stimulation protocol on each puppy. Gently supporting the pup;s body, perform these exercises for 3-5 seconds.

* Hold the puppy with both hands perpendicular to the ground, so its head is directly above its tail.

* Hold the puppy with both hands perpendicular to the ground, so its tail is directly above its head.

* Hold the pup in both hands with its belly down so it is facing the floor.

* Hold the pup with its back resting in the palm of both hands so it is facing the ceiling.

* Hold the pup in one hand, while using a Q-tip, gently tickle the puppy between its toes on one foot. Tickle a different paw each day.

* Place the puppy, belly down, onto a cold, textured surface. Do not restrain the puppy from moving.

Note: I will be doing this several times while the puppies are with me. 

12. Rotate new toys into the whelping box each day.

Note: We go through mini-kongs, tennis balls, large stuffed toys, and cat toys with internal jingle bells.