D Litter, 01/01/2025
Freya and Lovec
This a repeat breeding from our C litter, because just as I had hoped, this pairing produced well balanced hunting companions with tons of desire and who are wonderful family members
Freya and Lovec are approved through the SMCA breed club, both have OFA- Excellent hip certification and both have passed the Navhda Utility hunt test. Lovec also has his AKC Master Hunt and Water Retrieve titles.
Freya and Lovec are approved through the SMCA breed club, both have OFA- Excellent hip certification and both have passed the Navhda Utility hunt test. Lovec also has his AKC Master Hunt and Water Retrieve titles.
The first male, Mr Blue, was born at 3:57pm. Then 6 more males until finally at 8:53pm, a girl, Ms Pink! Freya has delivered her previous litters in less than 5 hours so when it was getting close to Midnight, I called the ER vet to see what my options were. I knew there was a 9th puppy because I had a pre-whelp Xray done last Friday. Off to the ER we went, Freya in her crate and 8 puppies in a warm box. It was very stressful for her, to have her puppies packaged up. Once at the vet, another Xray to confirm the 9th pup was in good position, an ultrasound to check it’s heart rate, and finally Oxytocin to induce labor. Mr Orange, the last male, finally arrived at 2:00am.
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Busy first week
Week 1 is done and all the puppies are nursing well and most have doubled their birth weights. Mr White, who was 5th born and smallest, needed extra feedings until he was strong enough to nurse and now is holding his own.
Monday (1/6), 4 puppies had rear dew claws removed at the vet. I do not remove front dews.
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) was started on day 3, plus I introduce a scent at the same time. Just a whiff of something new each day. So far, lavender seems to be a favorite.
The other dogs are gated away from the puppies, although they are very curious. Aster and Indy love to play with them once they are old enough but Freya is still very protective at this stage.
It’s also important for Freya to have a safe perch to watch the puppies but not be over run by them. Even dog moms need a little break…
Monday (1/6), 4 puppies had rear dew claws removed at the vet. I do not remove front dews.
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) was started on day 3, plus I introduce a scent at the same time. Just a whiff of something new each day. So far, lavender seems to be a favorite.
The other dogs are gated away from the puppies, although they are very curious. Aster and Indy love to play with them once they are old enough but Freya is still very protective at this stage.
It’s also important for Freya to have a safe perch to watch the puppies but not be over run by them. Even dog moms need a little break…
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Second week flew by
The puppies continue to grow and gain weight, with several over 3 pounds already. The roan coats are also more pronounced as you can see from their bellies, legs, and pads. All have had their nails clipped once, while they were sleeping. Whenever I am in the whelping box with them, I rub their feet, ears, tails, etc to get them used to being handled.
Everyone's eyes are open and it has changed how they interact in their space. They are now mouthing each other, their toys, and me. Each day I add a different stuffed toy for them to explore, usually with a face on it or lots of contrast. They don't see well yet and still cannot hear.
Some are trying to get up on all floors and rocking a bit, but no walking yet. Once that happens and they are able to cross over the whelp box threshold, I'll expand their space.
Everyone's eyes are open and it has changed how they interact in their space. They are now mouthing each other, their toys, and me. Each day I add a different stuffed toy for them to explore, usually with a face on it or lots of contrast. They don't see well yet and still cannot hear.
Some are trying to get up on all floors and rocking a bit, but no walking yet. Once that happens and they are able to cross over the whelp box threshold, I'll expand their space.
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Three weeks and thriving
Each puppy is growing fast and all are over 5 pounds now. I finished ENS on Friday 1/17 and on Sunday, 3 puppies reacted to a loud noise, meaning they can finally hear. Now until close to 5 weeks, they’ll be exposed to loud sudden noises such as books dropping and pans clanging, to elicit a startle and recover reflex. Plus everyday household sounds such as the vacuum, coffee grinder, recordings of sirens, fireworks, animal sounds, etc. This is all done to condition them to a variety of sounds before the first fear response shows up at about 5 weeks old.
All of them are up on all fours toddling, some better than others. I’ve been offering goat milk during the day and they are learning to lap it up off a dish.