Dottie

Dottie had her last litter of puppies (8 sweet babies) in the early morning hours of June 5th. She labored really well and like always has been a wonderful momma.  Babies are all thriving and growing well.  We have 4 males and 4 females.  It looks like our black babies all have a faint phantom markings on their coat.  As they age these Phantom markings will become more apparent. You can see below pics of one of her previous babies as she grew.   We have 2 wavy males (1 cream and one black (Phantom), 1 male and female curly black (Phantom ), 1 male and female brown phantom, 2 curly black parti Phantom females.   We anticipate that all of these puppies will have a nice thick Low/Non-shedding coat. 

The puppies have transitioned through delivery are now in the Neonatal period. The Neonatal period last for two weeks.  During this time we pay close attention to the little pups to be sure each is thriving and growing. We watch weights and observe feedings to make sure everyone is eating and gaining weight.  Momma does most of the work right now and we just do a lot of observation.  Mom will tend and care for her puppies instinctively and make sure all is well by keeping them fed, clean, and warm. She licks constantly to stimulate their elimination systems and to keep them clean. We will begin Early Neurological Stimulation on day three.  ENS is a an exercise developed by puppy behaviorists and trainers that is designed to stimulate neuro-pathway growth and start the physiological basis for resistant and predictable neurological development. Is takes only a few seconds per puppy. We hold each puppy upright, head-down down and flat on the back.  Then we apply pressure to one paw near the toes and then set them on a cold cloth.  Each exercise is done for to 2-3 seconds. We will also clip sharp little toenails as needed.