What observations do you make about your puppies and how early do you make them?

[Elaine]

What observations do you make about your puppies and how early do you make them?

For most breeders here, each and every litter is planned with the greatest of care and deliberation… our litters are a reflection of our deep and sincere commitment to the breed... they are an expression of our love for the breed. As a result, we spend hours focused on our puppies.

I keep a chart for each puppy in my litter, which I update daily. The chart has basic information for each puppy, things like weight, times the pup was fed, any medications or treatments they receive, etc. And on that chart I put other observations about the puppies, including observations about their personalities.

This morning I was looking back at the charts I made of the puppies from Brentina’s first Trotyl litter. When Quincy was 6 days old I put a notation on his chart that says, “this guy’s not putting up with your crap… soon as he gets a chance he’s gonna kick your ass.”

If you know Quincy, that pretty much sums up his personality… he has the balls of a bull - figuratively and literally. It tickles me that I saw that in him as early as 6 days of age.

Was wondering if other breeders here make the same observations.

[Sheila]

You really got Quincy down pat from a pup<G>.

I do the same as you Elaine with a daily chart for each pup. Another thing I do is early stimulation exercises days 3 through 16. Info on these exercises is found at www.breedingbetterdogs.com if anyone is interested. Articles published by Dr. Carmen Bataglia report on research by US Military and he says "kicking the neurological system into action earlier than normal will benefit the puppy with improved cardiovascular, stronger heartbeats, stronger adrenal glands, more tolerance to stress and greater resistance to disease.

Sheila

[Elaine]

I’d love to learn more about these stimulation exercises… sounds very interesting. I have one of Battaglia’s books, purchased back in the mid 1990’s, I don’t recall the exercises and I can’t find them on his website… do I have to buy a new book or are the exercises on line somewhere?

[andyhilt27]

I never thought about a charting system for the puppies. Interesting. I never had to deal with a large litter either.

I find it amazing how their little personalities don't change much from a few days old. Tabitha's first litter produced a calm male and a crazy little girl. I have seen her since then and yes she still is a crazy SuzyQ.

[Sheila]

For days 3 through 16 of puppies' lives and for 3-5 seconds ONCE per day, each puppy should be:

1.Tickled between toes with a Q tip

2. Held perpendicular to the ground.

3. Held head down.

4. Held on its back in the palm of your hand.

5. Lain on a cold damp towel.

These exercises should not be a substitute for the normal handling of the puppies by the breeder. More importantly, more is NOT better; again, too much stress is detrimental.

I would be interested in hearing from breeders about what diet/additives they give to bitches in whelp and the time line they use. Also what items they keep on hand for the whelping itself. I'd be glad to discuss what I do.

Sheila