Michigan Havanese Breeder
Puppy Culture
So, this week begins our puppies’ critical socialization period of their lives. If you look up “Puppy Culture” you will see some of the protocols I will be following with them for the rest of the time they are in my care. Because this critical period extends from three to twelve weeks, part of the socialization will fall into my families’ responsibility. And, fear not, I will guide you along the way.
According to Puppy Culture, this is the ONLY time in our puppies’ lives when natural socialization will occur. After that, socialization will involve much more effort in the way of training, conditioning and confidence building.
My goal is to send my puppies off to their new homes with a firm foothold in this world. A world they will greet each morning with confidence, joy and excitement.
A few days ago I created some play areas in each litters’ pen. In a week or so, the puppies will start on solid (actually liquid) foods. At that point I will put them together in one pen…assuming the moms are ok with that! Right now the moms are much more comfortable with each other and with the other adults when they wander into my bedroom. So I think the transition will go well!
This is a play station I built out of PVC, plastic chain and an assortment of toys, chewies and plastic kitchen tools. Just making their way through the assemblage will stimulate the puppies and give them a new experience!
This is a play toy built for human infants that I love for puppy pens. Again, new stimulation…this time for Tango’s pups…and a washable surface!
Tango/Harley Pups Are On The Move!
As you can see, Tango and her pups have moved to larger quarters. The pups eyes are open now and so I want them to be able to see their world! I have added some play toys too and will be introducing them to new smells and textures in the following days. This builds their curiosity and confidence!
Meri’s Pups are 2 Weeks Old!
Our all black girl Onyx. Born third, she was the one who took her sweet time arriving and sent me into a near panic attack.
Onyx has just a smidge of white on her front paws.
Another view of Onyx
This is our cream boy. Last to arrive, he has a faint white diamond shape on his forehead. I’m calling him Sandy.
Sweet Sandy with a better view of his forehead.
Sandy.
Cole likes to sleep on his back. Here you can see his coloring!
This is our black boy, Cole (think Coal). He was the first to arrive, offered Meri no resistance and outweighed the others by a lot! Now they are catching up.
Cole’s two back feet are half white!
Our sable boy, Sable (what else!). He was the second to arrive, one hour to the second after his big brother!
Sable has a white goatee and white patch on his chest. Eyes almost open!
And Sable has one back foot that is half white!
And this is little Pearl. She was fourth in the lineup and a bit smaller in size which gave her a disadvantage at the milk bar at first. But the girl has figured out how to wriggle her way to the best nipples!
Pear with a faint smudge of poo on her shoulder!
Pearl’s eyes almost open!