Puppies are learning about self-control

Puppies are eight weeks old now, and they are learning a great deal every day. Today they spent some time socializing with other dogs - Tommy and Asko. Pups need to learn how to behave around other dogs, how to read them and how to respect them. Puppies placed in new homes early, when they are 6-8 weeks old, do not have much chance to do it. Since we keep pups until they are 10-12 weeks old, they have an opportunity to learn puppy behavior etiquette from other dogs. And we have a chance to observe them and learn more about their temperaments.

I am a big fan of Susan Clothier, and I recommend her free articles at http://www.flyingdogpress.com/ . You need to register at the website but the extra effort is worth it. Read the article It Takes a Pack to Raise a Puppy.

As Susan writes: "The puppy needs to learn to inhibit his impulses - in other words, to develop some self control." And dogs are the best teachers for puppies to learn from.

When you look closely at the pictures, you will see that Olana behaves very differently from Olive when they are around other dogs. To the left you see Olana trying to put her head over Tommy's neck as she is testing him.

Tommy quickly puts her in her place and Olana submits immediately. But she will try again.

Olive is much more submissive. It is enough that Tommy runs by, and she rolls on her back completely submitted. Actually he does not pay any attention to her.

To the right - Tommy with Oak (on his back) and Olana trying to interact with Tommy again.

And here we have Olive again on her back. Tommy is only a year old and he is pretty pushy himself with older dogs, but he is just right with the puppies. He does not overdo it and does not hurt them, but they get a message that he is older and stronger, and he commands their respect.

Asko and Tommy playing with the pups.

Olive is submitting to Emma, while Tommy is dominating Olana who keeps on coming back.

It is quite fascinating to observe dogs' behavior in a pack. In the past I was guilty of overprotecting pups, but with experience I learned that some dogs can be really trusted with young pups and by disciplining pups they teach them good self control.

Puppies and kids

Our neighbors dropped by today, and puppies had a lot of fun playing with Mackenzie and Logan. As pictures show everybody had a good time, especially Mackenzie.

It's a beautiful day

Today we are going to have a beautiful day - sunny and warm, with the temperature in high 40s. Finally, it feels like spring is going to come after all.

Puppies started the day with a long walk in the field, and now they are in our puppy yard, where they can bask in the sun and explore new setup. They are having a lot of fun checking things out. Tomorrow they are going to be eight weeks old so I shot some closeups of their faces.

To the right Olive

Ollie

and Ollie again

Olive and Ollie

Olana

Olana, Oak in the background

Oak

By the way, today we weighed puppies and their weights are:

Oak 3150 gr

Ollie 2890 gr

Olana 2830 gr

Olive 2430 gr

Pups were dewormed today with fenbendazole, and we will repeat this treatment on Sunday and Monday.

Playing in the rain

Today we let pups out when it was pretty wet outside due to the light rain and drizzle. Puppies have to be exposed to all kinds of situations when they are young, and a bad weather is one of them.

To the left - Ollie on the front porch


Pups were surprised by the wet deck but did not mind.

Oak marching on the wet gravel.

Olana

Wet grass? No problem!

Following John to the barn.

Pictures from the field

Last night it rained and most of the snow has melted. It was quite mild today so we went for a walk. These walks in our field give pups a good opportunity to use their noses and muscles, and when they get home they are tired enough to snooze quietly in crates.

To the right - Olana


Emma loves to run, and pups try to keep up with her, of course unsuccessfully.

Hey Mom, slow down, wait for us!

Oak is a handsome male, masculine and strong.

Ollie investigates the brush pile.

Oak

Pups are weaned now, and eat four meals a day. Today they had a mix of ground chicken and veggies for breakfast, and turkey necks for lunch.

It is snowing again

Yesterday puppies turned seven weeks old. We had our friends over but somewhow we forgot to take pictures. Anyway, puppies are very good with people and don't show any signs of timidness.



Today winter came back, and we got some snow and sleet. Pups are not concerned about the cold and wet weather, and they are happy to go outside to run and play.



To the left - Olana





This picture shows Olana and Olive frolicking in the fresh snow.

This is Olive who is starting to grow some hair. Now I am pretty sure that she is not going to stay smooth but will have a very tight wirehaired coat.

Olana

and Olana again

Ollie checking things out.

Oak and Ollie

Oak

Ollie

Brush piles busters in training

Today puppies went to our fenced in grounds where we maintain a good habitat for rabbits. Emma and Asko came along.


Well, first the pups had to go a few stairs down, which was not a simple matter as the steps were too high for them. Oak just jumped off the deck as he could not be bothered with the stairs. Others have to be helped.

Then after a short walk across our front lawn, pups got into our fenced in area. Having Asko there helped a lot as pups wanted to follow him and he did not mind.

Pups really enjoyed going under the piles of dry grass and brush.

Emma and Asko were their role models but they really did not need much help.

Altogether we were out for 40 minutes, and pups enjoyed the exercise. When we came back home, they were tired and did not protest when I put them in crates.

Emma does not let them nurse any longer so we cut down her food and now we feed pups four small meals a day.