January 27th
The puppies are now one week of age! We started their BioSensor exercises which are a series of simple handling techniques designed to help stimulate the puppies' mentally and physically. 
Madeline is very attentive to her babies. They've grown fat with nice glossy coats.
The puppies are currently housed in our master bedroom closet so I can hear any squeak or complaint. Keeps me up at night but we like to be vigilant with young babies. The pups will remain in their closet nest until about 3 weeks of age or until they start escaping their puppy box!
 

January 29th  "What to Expect" 
The puppies are now a week and a half old. They are learning to get up and "army crawl". They can scoot along quite quickly now. Their eyes are still closed.

2 weeks- Puppies eyes should open. They cannot see clearly at first but start to react to visual stimuli. They will be more mobile but clumsy. 

3 weeks- By now the puppies should be toddling around quite well and start their first clumsy attempts to play with each other. At this point the puppies will be transferred to a new play area in our great room. Here they will be in the main traffic area of our home. They will meet all our other dogs and get to play with toys. They also will be started on a solid diet which will consist of kibble that has been blended into a soft mush. At first mostly they will make a big mess out of the food but will start the weaning process. Usually at this age I do a first shave of the puppies faces. I like to see how the little fluff balls are starting to look more like poodles!

4 weeks- Two major events will happen this week. Teeth start coming in and the puppies' ear canals open up. With the teeth coming in, Mama Madeline, will naturally start to wean the pups. Those puppy teeth are sharp! So the pups will get a lot of chew and tug toys. When the ear canals open, puppies will really start to react to noises. Before this they can hear some but it's muffled. Being they will be living in our main room they will get exposed to many household noises and sights.

5 weeks-Now we're moving! By now the puppies will be tumbling and rough housing with each other. Little dog fights will break out as they play with each other. Madeline will be backing off nursing even more. Puppies will still be eating soft food but have access to dry kibble as well to learn to chew. We have a busy household and grandchildren often come to play so pups will be handled by children as well as other adults. They also will get time to romp around our living area and play with other adult dogs.

6 weeks- Weaning time! Madeline will wean the pups. Puppy teeth are sharp and their jaws are getting stronger. At this point puppies will be placed in a large play area in our garage. This area will give them more room to exercise and just play! Lots of toys, mini dog walk, a play tunnel, ect will be available. Weather permitting the puppies will also be going outside on walks and in our dog yard with an adult dog. Madeline likes to take the pups on walks while Auntie Rose generally supervises time in the dog yard. Puppies will also start spending time in crates at night. We introduce some leash work and basic obedience. A good first grooming with trimming, bath and fluff drying is in order. Pups will have been dewormed three times at age 2, 4, and 6 weeks. They will have also received a first vaccine. We try to fit in some time on car rides as well.

7 weeks- The puppies spend a lot of time playing together. I will be taking them individually out for some leash work, short walks, and such. More work on housebreaking with crating at night and lots of potty breaks outside. The puppies still get to come into our house as well for additional play and time with adult dogs.

8 weeks- We generally do our Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test and conformation evaluation as close to 8 weeks of age as possible. This is done at a different location and is performed by experienced dog folks.  With the results of the testing, our observations, and the desires of our new puppy owners, the puppies are then placed in their new forever homes. This is a time of sadness and rejoicing for us. Sad that the pups we've loved are leaving but happy they will be bringing joy to new owners!

February 3rd- Yesterday I looked in on the pups and they were walking about! Their eyes started to open as well. Later today I'll take their two week photos and post them. The puppies are growing so fast and Madeline is taking such good care of them. Oh, and one of the puppies started to "woof"! So cute when they start vocalizing. Well it's cute until they start to keep us up at night.