4 - 5 weeks old

At this point in their development the puppies are very active and love to run and play.  They have moved out of their whelping box into a nursery, where they have a bed in a corner, surrounded by lots of newspaper...They are naturally conscientious about not soiling their sleeping quarters, so it is important that they have a large area where they can move away from their bedding to do their business.  This is the first stages of potty training for a puppy.   The newspapers are cleaned up often so that the puppies are use to cleanliness in their home.

The puppies are just starting on solid food at this point, although Dixie still has access to them throughout the day to nurse them.  We give them soft canned food and feed them several times a day.  They are very messy and easily cover their face and paws in the food.  It is very labor intensive to keep them clean.

We take the pups outside as soon as we have fed them, to give them the opportunity to get use to the outdoors.  They love to climb and play with one another.  We keep them in a pen to play, and only let one or two out at a time.  As soon as they have the chance, they run to us, as if we were Mommy.  They have very sharp claws and teeth and they nip at our pant legs and shoes.  We have to be very careful, since it would be so easy to step on one.   This puppy is Leila (below)

Thats Frosty on the left.    The Pup to the right we called Crystal.  Her new name is Madison.

 

Here is another picture of Crystal (Madison) 

  

June 1 - Coconut (Nibbler) at 4 weeks

  

 Crystal (Madison) and Charlie

  

Coconut (Nibbler)  June 3

  

 This is Justin Johnson 'J.J.' June 9