2 Weeks Old

Puppies are 2 weeks! They are all gaining weight and growing well each day. All have their eyes open, within the last few days, we can see they are beginning to explore their world in a whole new way. Super fun to watch. I've been trying to post lots of photos and video clips to Facebook and Instagram so you can follow along (sorry I can't post videos here). They are almost finished up with ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) in 2 days, and we are beginning to add new stimuli to their area, one or 2 toys or objects at a time throughout the day. They are very curious and already coming up to examine and explore these new items. The most interesting thing is watching them discover each other, chewing on, looking at, and interacting with each other.  They are beginning to use their voices more with little growls, barks, yaps, cooing (sounds like a bird, so funny). At this point in their development their vocalizations do not really mean anything- they are just finding their voices and discovering the sounds they can make. Their ears are just beginning to open, and they are not quite responding to sound regularly. We currently have them in a corner off our kitchen where there are lots of different sounds (and smells from cooking!) all day long. We've been trimming their claws every 3-4 days to keep from scratching up Mama Hope, and to get them used to the process. We are beginning to hold them more often for short periods of time, and sometimes they are wriggly and sometimes snuggly and fall asleep, so this is really good for them. Pretty soon this week we will change up their living area a bit-remove the whelping box and enlarge their area. Once puppies begin walking and can eliminate on their own without mama stimulating them (as they are now) they will naturally walk away from their sleeping area and eliminate. The idea is to start them early by setting up a 'potty area' and a 'nest area' and while it's really hit or miss, they eventually start to hit the target more and more and potty where it's appropriate. More on that in the next 2 weeks.