Beautiful weather & puppies outside

Red catching some rays and a good snuggle

It was a gorgeous day here, so the puppies had their first outside time today. After a busy day of visitors, the remaining people and puppies settled in for a snooze outside in the shade. Even Volt joined in (although he stayed on the other side of the x-pen). He's gotten bolder about being near the puppies but he's still a little uneasy about them.

Volt enjoying the pack time outside

The puppies are completely out of the whelping box now and have a great setup with a small crate, a litter pan (that they all use very consistently for pooping and some-of-the-time peeing). This really keeps the mess down overnight. They also have an awesome play structure that I've strung up with lots of objects of different shapes and textures. This gives them things to explore by hearing, seeing, tasting and bumping into them. Tugging on them is another fun game. I expect that as they get stronger, they'll be pulling the whole contraption around very soon. They have also started the weaning process, which is in line with Sophie spending less time with them during they day. But it is also changing her role with them from just the milk bar into a playmate. This really makes her happy! I was very pleased to see Sophie's excitement when she realized she could start playing with her puppies. There was a visible shift and change in her facial expression. Like an "aha" moment. She has been busy stealing their toys out of the pen whenever she can and likes to try to play tug with them.

This next week will involve lots of socialization with new people, more outside time, and new things being added to their environment. The goal is to teach them that new equals fun and exciting, not scary.

I have added lots of new pictures from the last couple of weeks to the photo album. Here are a few of my favorites. Mr. Blue aka Cricket seems underrepresented in this set of photos, but I think it is because he's been sleeping a lot lately. But he is one very good looking pup and getting more cuddly by the day.

Brody & Junebug

Honeybee

Junebug & Red

Handsome Red

Mr. Blue