Sienna’s puppies are really into their new food!
And “nailing it” with potty training at just 3 1/2 weeks!
Puppy Care
3 Weeks Old Now….So much has happened!
All of Sienna’s puppies now have eyes open! And are they ever motoring around their little casa!
We had our second dose of dewormer Sunday…and our second pedicure. I can’t say they are any more excited about the pedicures…it is a process!!
We have also started Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) which is the first step in making them stronger and more relaxed about challenges. You can read more about ENS here: https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/VA/VA-24-W.pdf
I have also removed the pig rails from their whelping box so they and Sienna have more room to move around. But it won’t be long before they will want an even bigger house…isn’t that always the way!!
All tuckered out after their first ENS session! Note the missing pig rails!
But the biggest news of all is that they LOVED their first plated meal…even if they weren’t sure about table manners! (No feet on the table please! LOL)
You might also notice the disposable pee pad that is now in their box. This is the beginning of potty training!! They don’t know yet what a wonderful opportunity pee pads present for the shredding game. That comes soon enough. In the meantime, their little pee scent will be on this pad which will soon be moved to a “litter box.” Stay tuned to this channel for more~!!
Oh My Are We Having Fun Now!!
Puppies almost 8 weeks old! Today we introduced them to an umbrella. As you will see, they were not impressed! Made a great new toy tho!
Puppys turned 1 week old Sunday!
We started our Puppy Culture Protocol a few days ago. Here the puppies are getting accustomed to being on their backs. It stimulates the nerves they do now normally use at this stage. They also spend a few seconds vertically both with heads up and heads down. Again, for the same reason. It also flushes their little brains with blood….and then drains it.
None of these movements are intended to replace the normal petting, stroking and hugging they get each day. These are also very important for reducing blood pressure and stress in the puppies.
Adding to Your Dog Family
Because I have several families who have more than one dog (often more than one of MY dogs!), I thought I would put some thought into advice for the families who are considering doing the same. My thinking was inspired by a family who is actually taking a second one of my adult dogs that I have retired from breeding to “live the good life.”
There are a lot of articles on the Internet about this situation. (I will post links at the end of my column here.) They all agree that you, first of all, need to consider a second dog for the right reasons.
Not because:
- Your current dog is aggressive and needs to learn its manners.
- Your current dog is nervous around other dogs and needs reassurance/
- Your kids want another dog.
Happy and healthy Havanese…that’s our goal
But because:
- You have the time and resources to train, care for and enjoy another dog.
- You want a companion for your current dog.
- Your present dog is getting older and a second dog will often “add years” to its life.
- You and your family love dogs and isn’t two better than one?
- You recently lost one of your dogs and your current one misses him.
So you have made the decision, now what? First of all, consider timing. I don’t recommend getting a second dog until your first one has completely bonded with you and is on its way to being socialized, trained and has adjusted to its new home.
Then, put some thought into what kind of dog to get. If you are delighted with the one you already have, maybe stick with the same breed, size or temperament. On the other hand, if you have reservations about your experience with your current dog, consider alternatives.
Is your current dog a rescue with health issues? Consider a pure breed where health history is a known quantity.
If you, yourself, are getting older and your present dog is a large one, maybe think about downsizing to a smaller breed to make travel, condo living, etc. easier.
Are your children part of the equation? Consider their ages and what breed might be good for them.
Finally, how do you introduce the second dog to your first one?
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First, be sensitive to the fact that your house is Dog #1’s house. Initially, it will see Dog #2 as an intruder and competitor for food, attention and living space. Make sure Dog #1 still has its own toys, food and water bowls, bedding and crate.
Second be sensitive to both dogs’ temperaments. If Dog #1 is low key and at all submissive, you might make the introduction in your own home so that the second dog realizes this house is #1’s house….for now. But if Dog #1 is outgoing and confident, maybe introduce them in a neutral place where #1 won’t overwhelm #2.
Then, my best advice is to go slow and always supervise their interactions during the first few days. Let each dog have its own space, own bowls, own toys and own bedding. Begin with one in its crate and the other outside of theirs. Then reverse the process.
Play with them together so that one doesn’t think the other is getting more attention. Walk with them together for the same reason. Watch for any signs of stress…stiff postures, ears down, tail down, lips lifting and staring. If you see an issue, calmly separate them and try again in a few hours.
And, remember, you are on your way to a wonderful life with your fur babies. Just give them time to adjust.
Here are some links for further reading: