SoftMaple Fall/Winter 2002 Litter
A day to day puppy diary SoftMaple's Fairway Explorer CGC (CR-CA74/16F/S-PI CR-EL98F28-PI
CR-642G28F-PI, CERF) bred via Artificial Insemination to SUCH Ringlets Constant Wind (Cardiac clear, Hips A/B, Eyes clear) from Sweden
12/26/2002 4:30 am. Before I change the box, I go down and worm the pups. First step is to weigh the pups to see how much wormer they will be getting. I use
Nemex-2 liquid. 
Even though Ripple’s stools were checked, and she was parasite free prior to breeding, I assume that the pups have worms. Roundworm larvae will encyst in body
tissue of adult bitches and activate during the last stages of pregnancy to infest puppies. So even though Rip did not have worms, and the pups have not been around
any other dogs, they have a good chance of having worms. Since Ripple cleans up after the puppies, she also must be treated.
Worming should start at 2 weeks. Worming needs to be repeated at 3, 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks. . The first treatment kills any adult worms. The second treatment kills
any new worms that may have hatched after the initial treatment. Once the puppies go to their new homes, the pups new veterinarian will take over the worming
schedule. It may be necessary at this time to bring in stool samples for analysis.
7:00am, I go down and change the whelping box liner. I put the velcro nylon collars on the pups this morning. They don't have an orange one, so orange girl turns to a pink-berry color. Here are some pictures of the gang
1. Tactile stimulation - holding the pup in one hand, the handler gently stimulates (tickles) the pup between the toes on any one foot using a Q-tip. It is not necessary to see that the pup is feeling the tickle. Time of stimulation 3 - 5 seconds.
2. Head held erect - using both hands, the pup is held perpendicular to the ground, (straight up), so that its head is directly above its tail. This is an upwards position. Time of stimulation 3 - 5 seconds
3. Head pointed down - holding the pup firmly with both hands the head is reversed and is pointed downward so that it is pointing towards the ground. Time of stimulation 3 - 5 seconds
4. Supine position - hold the pup so that its back is resting in the palm of both hands with its muzzle facing the ceiling. The pup while on its back is allowed to sleep struggle. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds.
5. Thermal stimulation - use a damp towel that has been cooled in a refrigerator for at least five minutes. Place the pup on the towel, feet down. Do not restrain it from moving. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds.
Tactile stimulation
Head held erect
Head pointed down
Supine position
Thermal stimulation
Now that the Bio Sensor exercises are over, we don't just stop doing things with the pups. We start simple stressors. A momentary pinch to the ear, another day a momentary pinch between the toes. Not a hard pinch, and the same pressure for each pup.
We will pick up the pups and talk to them more. The ears are just starting to open. They see mostly shadow. Every day they will be more and more aware of what is going on around them. I start playing a radio in the puppy room, real low for now but it will be turned up, and other noises introduced.
12/27/2002 Day 17