+ Group activities and sexual play will begin
+ Dominance order starts
+ Rapid growth/development

11/8/2001 (1am) Im up with the pups, so I took some pictures. You may notice, by the time I took the pictures, the pups aren't up anymore! They are just starting to venture out in the play area, and already they like to curl up in the tunnels.

ll/8/2001 (3pm) Today the pups were introduced to The Shark Cage. I call it that because the feeding frenzy usually happens there. :-) This gives me a chance to clean out the puppy room, mop the floor and let everything dry while the pups are out from underfoot. The first times the pups were fed right in the whelping box. Once they ventured out of it, they are fed in the puppy room. Today to introduce them to the new footing and surroundings, they were put in with food. Most of the pups were so interested in the food they didn't really check out the pen until they were finished. The pen is 48' X 48" X 30". The floor is a grate or wire mesh. (allows moisture to fall through)
This also gives Gabby a chance to spend time away from them if she chooses. (she actually wanted to check out what they were eating!)

Puppies are very predictable. They wake up and they have to go potty. They eat then have to go potty. Feeding in the Shark Cage takes care of one of those times! This is also important to remember when you take your pup home. If he wakes up from a nap- take him outside quick! Once he is finished eating... again, take him outside. If you don't let them have a chance to make mistakes, it makes houstraining so much easier. Tell the pup how good he is when he goes to the bathroom outside. If he goes inside, roll up a newspaper and swat yourself! You should have been watching for the cues that would have told you he had to go out. ;-)

11/9/2001: (1am) did I mention I work nights? so the pups are sort of turned around as to when to sleep and when to play!

Next page, Puppy Playroom pictures!

2001 Pedigree

Those First Weeks at SoftMaple & The Bio Sensor method of early puppy stimulation

Back to first page of puppy diary

Your Curlies General Health (ears/eyes/teeth,etc)