Oh they just need so much time to play! Very well then..
I love it.. So much fun.. Running back and forth from one side of the condo..
Monday, March 30, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Chubbs!
I love them all.. but there is certainly a place in my heart for Chubbs..
Mid-day, I took him to the balcony in a washtub to get a trim. I thought it would be best if at least 2 of them had haircuts.. Perhaps even Hershey would feel better.. so I trimmed the most macho of them all.. CHUBBS..
He was good. I trimmed the hair on his back really short. He was exceptionally good - he didn't move - he sat patiently and waited for me to finish. When it came time to do the ears, he started becoming playful as well as a little curious. He started moving as I would touch his ear -- moving toward my hand.. and this made it difficult for me to trim.. Once repeating it a few times, I figured out how to out smart him. Done!With his haircut, he didn't look so big anymore; but he certainly is solid!
After dusting him off, I put him on the hard wood floors and let him walk around. His mom started to sniff him, just as she did with Hershey.. But he didn't respond the same way as Hershey.. Chubbs started play fighting with Chloe (mom). It was funny. After sometime, I moved him in the run with the others.. He did the same with them.. I could tell that he didn't have any problem growing into his skin (so to speak). He made the difference for Hershey - it appears he helps her to step out of her shell.
Right on Chubbs!
Mid-day, I took him to the balcony in a washtub to get a trim. I thought it would be best if at least 2 of them had haircuts.. Perhaps even Hershey would feel better.. so I trimmed the most macho of them all.. CHUBBS..
He was good. I trimmed the hair on his back really short. He was exceptionally good - he didn't move - he sat patiently and waited for me to finish. When it came time to do the ears, he started becoming playful as well as a little curious. He started moving as I would touch his ear -- moving toward my hand.. and this made it difficult for me to trim.. Once repeating it a few times, I figured out how to out smart him. Done!With his haircut, he didn't look so big anymore; but he certainly is solid!
After dusting him off, I put him on the hard wood floors and let him walk around. His mom started to sniff him, just as she did with Hershey.. But he didn't respond the same way as Hershey.. Chubbs started play fighting with Chloe (mom). It was funny. After sometime, I moved him in the run with the others.. He did the same with them.. I could tell that he didn't have any problem growing into his skin (so to speak). He made the difference for Hershey - it appears he helps her to step out of her shell.
Right on Chubbs!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
FUN.. FUN.. FUN.. Little Miss. Hershey
Today, I trimmed one of the little ones; the girl - Hershey. She was so well behaved! She waited patiently and sat quietly. I was shocked at how perfectly she stood and quietly she waited. First I placed the vibrating trimmer on her back to let her know that it wasn't anything to be afraid. When I felt that she was okay with the vibration, I started trimming her. It worked out well. She is as adorable as ever.
The one strange thing though is when I put her in the house to walk around, the boys didn't bark at her as they would usually. They just stared at her, like something was wrong. I was shocked.. They all typically bark if any one is outside the run, because they too want to get out! Chloe was with my sister when I first placed Hershey on the floor. Soon, she came out and when she spotted Hershey, she also took a GOOD moment to look at her. I was shocked! She sniffed her up and down.. She was following her around the house almost as if this wasn't her puppy.
Well it took a while, but Chloe stopped following her after a bit. I wasn't sure why all the little ones AND Chloe were flipping out. It was just a hair cut.. or was it? Did she change in character as well? Humm..
I let her gallivant around the house for sometime.. The boys still being really quiet and just watching, she seemed a little more shy than usual. I wanted to test her.. so, I put her in the run with the boys.. They started sniffing her just as Chloe did - strangely enough.
Okay.. Enough already! I took her out. I wanted her to get used to her hair and not feel like an outcast.. So she took a day trip with me, my sister and Chloe.
Here are some pics:
Today was her first day out! I am proud of her..
The one strange thing though is when I put her in the house to walk around, the boys didn't bark at her as they would usually. They just stared at her, like something was wrong. I was shocked.. They all typically bark if any one is outside the run, because they too want to get out! Chloe was with my sister when I first placed Hershey on the floor. Soon, she came out and when she spotted Hershey, she also took a GOOD moment to look at her. I was shocked! She sniffed her up and down.. She was following her around the house almost as if this wasn't her puppy.
Well it took a while, but Chloe stopped following her after a bit. I wasn't sure why all the little ones AND Chloe were flipping out. It was just a hair cut.. or was it? Did she change in character as well? Humm..
I let her gallivant around the house for sometime.. The boys still being really quiet and just watching, she seemed a little more shy than usual. I wanted to test her.. so, I put her in the run with the boys.. They started sniffing her just as Chloe did - strangely enough.
Okay.. Enough already! I took her out. I wanted her to get used to her hair and not feel like an outcast.. So she took a day trip with me, my sister and Chloe.
Here are some pics:
Today was her first day out! I am proud of her..
Monday, March 23, 2009
Exciting Day!
Wow! It was such an exciting day today.
From sun up to sun down, we have been playing.. learning some and playing even some more. It has been a good day. They all have responded quite well and never give up. I love it.
Excited to see them grow.
As I look just now, they are lying down and taking a rest. Perfect end to a perfect day.
From sun up to sun down, we have been playing.. learning some and playing even some more. It has been a good day. They all have responded quite well and never give up. I love it.
Excited to see them grow.
As I look just now, they are lying down and taking a rest. Perfect end to a perfect day.
Angels with a teething..
They are into licking and nibbling.. and though it appears to be something socially correct (as they are teething) and fun while they are young, I know from past experiences, these habits need to be curved.. so I am working with them to keep them from nibbling my fingers, ears toes or nose.. It is silly, it seems.. but I remember a time when my younger sister would 'play' with her baby colt .. a little bit of harmless tag.. Well, it did look like it was a lot of fun.. in fact, at a young age for this small colt it seems harmless enough. But I soon remembered that the the colt soon became a filly and then a full grown horse, and it still wanted to play with my sister.. and even me! Well, I wasn't exactly excited about a full grown horse running up to me and BUMPING me.. in a nonchalant way. Needless to say, it was forceful enough to knock a person down.
Now back to the nibbling.. yes.. They are puppies.. so I give them little toys to chew on.. that is the best.. and every once in a while, when I'm not looking, they are chewing on something that they shouldn't be.. my jacket, the wood on the whelping box, and sometimes Chloe's plush seat.. but when I give them a treat, they stop immediately and go for the grub.. I'm working on making chicken broth frozen cubes right now.. New tastes for the little ones..
Now back to the nibbling.. yes.. They are puppies.. so I give them little toys to chew on.. that is the best.. and every once in a while, when I'm not looking, they are chewing on something that they shouldn't be.. my jacket, the wood on the whelping box, and sometimes Chloe's plush seat.. but when I give them a treat, they stop immediately and go for the grub.. I'm working on making chicken broth frozen cubes right now.. New tastes for the little ones..
The leash...
Chloe at 4 months refused to walk on a leash for over a week. It was the most difficult task I have ever had to endure. No other little one had ever responded as she did. She would sit and remain in her original seating position until I would have to pick her up and move her feet one at a time, as if to show her how to walk. Unbelievable. Once she understood she walked, but it really did take a week! I just don't want to see these little ones do that to their prospective owners..
So, today I have decided to work a little bit with the leash. I think it is important for the little ones to get used to a leash for a little bit, because as I recall, this is one of the hardest things to get a puppy ready.
Chubbs was first. He was abashed at first. He stood in the hall and just remained there.. I asked Chloe to go get him, and she did. Almost as she understood the lesson to be learned. She pulled his leash and made him move along. I didn't pick up the leash. I only attached the leash to the ribbon collars and took Chloe on leash so they could experience the feeling, and walked Chloe back and forth, soon, he too started to emulate.
Next Hershey. She is such a charm. She didn't even know that it was attached to her collar. She started walking immediately. I was shocked, that was until we reached the hall way. She stopped immediately and just stood, just as Chubbs did at first.
I presume the others will do the same.. But I will have to observe each one individually.
For the remainder of the day, I will let them walk around on leash just so they can get used to the feeling. We will see if they are comfortable by the end of the day.
So, today I have decided to work a little bit with the leash. I think it is important for the little ones to get used to a leash for a little bit, because as I recall, this is one of the hardest things to get a puppy ready.
Chubbs was first. He was abashed at first. He stood in the hall and just remained there.. I asked Chloe to go get him, and she did. Almost as she understood the lesson to be learned. She pulled his leash and made him move along. I didn't pick up the leash. I only attached the leash to the ribbon collars and took Chloe on leash so they could experience the feeling, and walked Chloe back and forth, soon, he too started to emulate.
Next Hershey. She is such a charm. She didn't even know that it was attached to her collar. She started walking immediately. I was shocked, that was until we reached the hall way. She stopped immediately and just stood, just as Chubbs did at first.
I presume the others will do the same.. But I will have to observe each one individually.
For the remainder of the day, I will let them walk around on leash just so they can get used to the feeling. We will see if they are comfortable by the end of the day.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
First Shots..
Well, after calling several local veterinarians, and finding that the cost was so much associated with the visit itself, I asked around for the lowest cost vaccinations.
I found that both Pet's unlimited and SPCA were relatively inexpensive. SPCA was $57/doctors visit (each puppy) and $17 for vaccinations. Pet's unlimited was around $62/doctors visit and then a $17 cost for Vaccinations; per a friends suggestion, I asked if they could have a technician do the shot rather than have a full doctors visit, since the mother dog has been seen there previously; the associate on the phone, asked the doctors and they suggested that there would be a cost associated with each dog/puppy that would need a shot administered. After considering the total cost of the visit, I looked into an alternative, PetCo. They have licenced Veterinarians doing the shots and should you have any particular questions to ask, they also take a look at the puppies; the only caveat is first come first serve. Okay, that seems fair, I thought. The store opens at 10am, and it was recommended to come around 9:30 AM for the best position. I arrived shortly after 10, but upon entering the store, I realized that the line was the full extent of the store. Rather than bring all the puppies out of the car, I waited in the line (with mostly other persons holding their one puppy in hand, or in a crate, all under 4 months old). I waited my turn. It took 1 hour to get to the front of the line and fill out the paperwork. My puppies were nestled warm in my car until it was my turn, where I took them out in the carrier, and brought them in a shopping cart to the front of the line. They only received the 5-way vaccine, (includes adenovirus cough and hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, and parvovirus vaccination). They are scheduled to have a series of 2 more in order to be fully vaccinated. The rabies shot comes at the 3rd month or 12 weeks.
They were so quiet, one at a time getting their shots. Unlike many of the other puppies, they just had their shots and were nestled back into the crate quietly. Others in line were shocked and inquired what type of dog was that.. I told them the miniature schnauzer. The veterinarian added that the dogs have very good temperament and would make wonderful pets. He went on to say that he grew up with a schnauzer and that they are very good dogs.
I was happy and took my certificates to the register to pay. The young man at the register started to ask when I would be looking for homes for my puppies, and I told him probably in a few weeks. I first would like to get their second shots before finding homes. They are already starting to learn some of the most beneficial lessons at home with their siblings.
I found that both Pet's unlimited and SPCA were relatively inexpensive. SPCA was $57/doctors visit (each puppy) and $17 for vaccinations. Pet's unlimited was around $62/doctors visit and then a $17 cost for Vaccinations; per a friends suggestion, I asked if they could have a technician do the shot rather than have a full doctors visit, since the mother dog has been seen there previously; the associate on the phone, asked the doctors and they suggested that there would be a cost associated with each dog/puppy that would need a shot administered. After considering the total cost of the visit, I looked into an alternative, PetCo. They have licenced Veterinarians doing the shots and should you have any particular questions to ask, they also take a look at the puppies; the only caveat is first come first serve. Okay, that seems fair, I thought. The store opens at 10am, and it was recommended to come around 9:30 AM for the best position. I arrived shortly after 10, but upon entering the store, I realized that the line was the full extent of the store. Rather than bring all the puppies out of the car, I waited in the line (with mostly other persons holding their one puppy in hand, or in a crate, all under 4 months old). I waited my turn. It took 1 hour to get to the front of the line and fill out the paperwork. My puppies were nestled warm in my car until it was my turn, where I took them out in the carrier, and brought them in a shopping cart to the front of the line. They only received the 5-way vaccine, (includes adenovirus cough and hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, and parvovirus vaccination). They are scheduled to have a series of 2 more in order to be fully vaccinated. The rabies shot comes at the 3rd month or 12 weeks.
They were so quiet, one at a time getting their shots. Unlike many of the other puppies, they just had their shots and were nestled back into the crate quietly. Others in line were shocked and inquired what type of dog was that.. I told them the miniature schnauzer. The veterinarian added that the dogs have very good temperament and would make wonderful pets. He went on to say that he grew up with a schnauzer and that they are very good dogs.
I was happy and took my certificates to the register to pay. The young man at the register started to ask when I would be looking for homes for my puppies, and I told him probably in a few weeks. I first would like to get their second shots before finding homes. They are already starting to learn some of the most beneficial lessons at home with their siblings.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Angels!
Today, they are Angels. Everything is being done just the way you would expect. They take a nap, they eat when I place the food out. I am so shocked. I presume they are starting to grow up...
Monday, March 16, 2009
It's been a zoo around here..
They need to play, poop, and play in it.. in order to be happy.. (or so it seems)..
Infinitely more difficult!
Well, the wax paper was starting seem like a godsend, but I am learning the more they do in it, the more they get dirty, and they need to be bathed..
Rather than just the whelping box, I have the 'run' with the wax cloth in the main area, the whelping box, and the open area with hardwood floors, and the pups all needing a wash at the end of the day.
Luckily I spoke to my mom more recently and she said that perhaps I should put the mom in the run with the little ones.. in the bathroom.. It might put things in order.. Well, it looked like she was cleaning up after them.. (yippy!) BUT, there was the occasion or two that I put her in the pen with them and she threw up. I presume she didn't have the capacity to clean any longer.
Yikes! Does anyone have ideas?
Infinitely more difficult!
Well, the wax paper was starting seem like a godsend, but I am learning the more they do in it, the more they get dirty, and they need to be bathed..
Rather than just the whelping box, I have the 'run' with the wax cloth in the main area, the whelping box, and the open area with hardwood floors, and the pups all needing a wash at the end of the day.
Luckily I spoke to my mom more recently and she said that perhaps I should put the mom in the run with the little ones.. in the bathroom.. It might put things in order.. Well, it looked like she was cleaning up after them.. (yippy!) BUT, there was the occasion or two that I put her in the pen with them and she threw up. I presume she didn't have the capacity to clean any longer.
Yikes! Does anyone have ideas?
Friday, March 13, 2009
Unbelievable! What a day...
I thought yesterday would be a relatively easy day since things are starting to become more routine.. But the little guys and gal have certainly got some tricks between their paws!! I have their 'run' that I always place in the middle of the front room. Luckily we are talking about a hard wood floor.. I place the waxed paper under the run and then setup the pen. They love the extra space and play, play play.. But yesterday (it must have been the full moon) they all randomly kept going to the bathroom.. and in places that I didn't expect.. and endlessly so it seemed..
Yesterday was quite taxing as I did quite a *bit* more cleaning.. of towels, mats, throw toys, etc.. It was tiring.. and just when I thought the day was over, and put them back in the whelping box.. (I took mama for a walk) I come back and they *destroyed* the whelping box with the same action... so I did the only reasonable thing to do.. I cleaned the box, changed the linens, and gave them each a bath! After that,they went right to sleep..
Amazing..
Yesterday was quite taxing as I did quite a *bit* more cleaning.. of towels, mats, throw toys, etc.. It was tiring.. and just when I thought the day was over, and put them back in the whelping box.. (I took mama for a walk) I come back and they *destroyed* the whelping box with the same action... so I did the only reasonable thing to do.. I cleaned the box, changed the linens, and gave them each a bath! After that,they went right to sleep..
Amazing..
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Bathing time..
So, I bathed them just yesterday and had a helping hand from a friend who was just astounded at the effort that you need to take to do all five. I put two at a time, in the sink.. and washed them with a lather of soap.. in warm water.. Rinsed them, and passed one at a time, clean to him, where he towel dried them. FUN STUFF.. But a lot of energy. When finished with all of them, I made sure they were all dry by using a dryer.. Wow, reminds me of old times when I was 10.. :)
Friday, March 6, 2009
After a month, things change..
This week: THEY GREW.. and PLAYED.. and SLEPT..
It is amazing. After a month, the real changes begin. They start showing more personality, they are teething, eating real puppy food, not to mention making more of a mess.. but it is fun none the less. I hope you enjoy this video from earlier today.
Earlier this week, I gave Chloe a hair cut. She loves it but is more critical of what she wears now. As of today, all she is allowing is a pink handkerchief that dubs her "princess." It is the perfect combination.
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