“Big kid” puppies

It’s been a couple weeks since our last post. We have been busily working on getting puppies ready to go to their new homes. Crate training has started. Fortunately, we have raised enough puppies in our time to be immune to the crocodile tears and pitiful whines, yelps, and screams of a puppy trying to convince us that they are unfairly in “puppy jail.” While they protest the first few minutes, soon they discover they have their favorite “Yak Snack” treat with no one else demanding to share, and suddenly, being in a crate isn’t so bad, after all. We are also starting house manners. They have all learned to sit for a treat, and they are litter trained with pretty good reliability.

Gale trying to break out of the puppy pen.

The pups also had their first vet visit (everyone has a squeaky-clean bill of health) and are now big puppies with first vaccines and microchips! Their field trip to the veterinarian went very well. The staff all got loved up with lots of puppy kisses and snuggles, and while the pups were probed and poked, everyone did well, with barely a squeak with microchip placement! The good DVM was very pleased with pups’ tolerance of a new (and sometimes unpleasant) situation, as well as how quickly they each recovered from those jabs.

Borealis waiting his turn at the vet.

Pups in the basket as Noëlle gets her first vaccines and microchip.

Along with growing like weeds, they have matured physically an enormous amount over the last couple weeks. These guys are full-on mischievous and curious pups, always ready for cuddles, playtime, and adventure! They are engaging more with the adult dogs in active wrestle, tug, and play sessions, as well as responding to their social cues. Bleuet is ever watchful, and “herds” the pups away from areas they aren’t supposed to be in, as well as tells them off when they get too interested in one of HER treats! These little imps must learn their manners!

Alpine getting a little time with the adult doggies.

The pups have had visits from young (preschool and early elementary) kids, the elderly (sorry, AK and UD!), and a select larger dogs who aren’t part of our immediate household. We have also had little adventures out to the deck to sniff the fresh air on some of our nicer days. It’s been fun to see their reactions to new individuals and situations as they become more confident.

We are looking forward to meeting their new families this coming weekend. Our local puppy homes are coming for a social session to start bonding with their new babies and get introduced to the whole family.