Saying Good-bye...

The pups are almost 10 weeks old.  Charlotte is home so all are returning to her..minus Zinger.  She is done with her Mama work and seems ready to let go.  She is "rejoining" our family - playing together with Bonny again.

This has been a busy couple of weeks. 

As the pups got older, they needed more and more stimulation and challenge. Thanks to friends and neighbors, we were able to keep the pups exercised playing "Puppy, puppy, puppy!" They were even able to find us when we were hiding! Through this they got lots of practice being reinforced for coming when called.  It will help future families teach "Come"!

The pups mastered swirling around on lazy-susans, going up and down on the teter boards, and climbing up and over ramps, and going through a variety of tunnels.  They have been working on climbing up on and balancing on the Bosu ball.  With a little luring, they were able to climb on their own.  This video was taken after a session with me.  (Can't take pictures while busy working with them.) The ball has many crumbs still to seek!  They keep trying.

Finally, the day came to say good-bye.  It was with mixed emotion.  As always, each puppy claims a small bit of our hearts.  But they do take lots of time and energy.

 Luckily, Charlotte will be keeping a couple of them so we can visit. That is easier than having to say good-bye to all of them at once! 

I was delighted to see that as we were saying good-by, they began climbing on the Bosu ball - all on their own.  Look at them balance! No more luring needed.

Special memories....

Zinger/Burlap Pups - 8+ weeks

 Skip and I took the pups to Portland for their 8 week old evaluation.  Great pups - all with terrific temperaments!  (I knew that! All of these pups are happy, snuggly, and smart.)  

We didn't want to push and make the the trip in one day, so we camped one night before returning.  Camping with 6 dogs is a very busy, unique experience!  Wish I had taken a picture.  We were too busy. The adult dogs were confused as their usual "camping" walks were not happening this trip!  Focus was on keeping the very energetic pups contained in a safe, clean pen. Needless to say, home looked good with the large yard and already set up play spaces for the pups.

 They are fascinated with a toy/box/climbing thing one day and the next are bored and want something new.  I have neighbors and friends finding "stuff" to keep them challenged and interested.  Turns out, boxes are a favorite: you can go inside, outside, and they are chew-able! Now I know why Charlotte has so much "stuff" in her puppy yard and things that rotate in and out of her inside puppy areas.  If I had not "hung" out with the many litters at Charlotte's over the years (several were my dogs' litters) , I would have been totally unprepared for having 7-10 week old pups at my home! I have been able to keep up, so far!  The oldest pups at our house previously were almost 6 weeks.  There is a big difference between 6 and 8 weeks old!

Some cute shots below.

Puppy in a box! This is either Seven or BatGirl (who is now called Jer).

Glory was all loaded up in the bus ready to go...until I got the camera out...she has begun to back out.

Got this beach chair to sit in yard with the pups.  They had other ideas.  I left it in the yard for a bit when preparing their dog chow - when I came back - the team chewed off one side.  It is now a favorite "attack" site.  If you get on top of the chair and are very still - when your siblings come by - you can attack!  If you are "attacked" you can hide under the chair, roll on your back and poke the top pup with your paws! Often this game is played with buddies - two on top and two on the bottom. (Glory - again.)

This is Seven in a pot.  This is a favorite play spot as well.  Works well for digging - sometimes with a buddy. Also is a great place to quietly observe the others or for curling up to sleep.
The pups are curious, busy and love new challenges. We spend time several times each day out in the open yard.  It takes at least two adults to keep track of them - and watch out for flying dangers (eagles, hawks, owls).  We play a game calling them back and forth - rewarding them for coming when called. It is good training and a great way to get them to really run of some energy!  They all enjoy the game - even the adults.

Bonny and Zinger play with the pups.  It is really fun to watch.

Here is a series of shots when Zinger is encouraging Glory to pull on the toy. Then when Glory gets a little too worked up, Zinger lets her know that "it is enough".  Glory settles. In the end, Zinger dropped the toy and let Glory have it. 

I am the one who agreed to puppy duty. However, Skip has warmed up to the idea.  These pups are "his" as were Bonny's and Zinger's litters before. (We always enjoy seeing pictures and hearing stories shared with Charlotte about "our" puppies.)  He enjoys loving them and playing with them as much as I do!    

Charlotte will be home from Hawaii in a week or so. 

 It will not be too long before these guys move on to their forever homes. 

Bonny plays with pups too!

Kelly is visiting this week.  Skip is home for the week-end.  Plenty of humans to manage four puppies - especially with the help of two adult Border Terriers. We took them for a romp in the "big" yard.

Here is a video we took while playing in the big yard with the pups, Zinger and Bonny!  Fun to watch Bonny try to play with them.  In the end of the video, the pups are trying to engage.

Enjoy!

Hope you had a great week-end!

Zinger Pups - now 7 weeks

Zinger and the pups are back! 

 There is both an indoor and outdoor play area set up for them.  Nice sturdy gates in both places, covered floor surfaces, shade tarps, and lots of stuff to play in, on and around.  When there are enough adults around, they get to go out of the confines and play in the big yard with Bonny and Zinger.  Danger from "eagles" and "hawks" around here!

Outside Play-yard

Hmmm.  Dandelions.  Good!

Rough and tumble pups!

Bat Girl and Seven have learned to climb up on the deck but they work hard at it.
 Often it is enough to just watch whatever is going on "up there".

Mom snoozes while Bonny keeps an eye on things for awhile.