Update and Countdown

Although we have had several litters previously, there is always more to be learned.  I've enrolled in the Avidog Platinum Plus Breeder education program and I'm really enjoying the wealth of materials available there.    Avidog University has online courses for new puppy owners also, so that might be something some of you might want to look into.

A typical PWD pose...

Some puppy development milestones around this time:

• pups now have hair and toenails
• sexual differentiation has begun
• within a few days the pups bones will be mineralized
• we may be able to feel the pups move soon
• within the next week fetal brain development begins in earnest

We'll continue to make sure Kodi gets plenty of exercise, although we'll start cutting back on the length of walks a bit.  We never walk the dogs during the heat of the day, but we're taking even more care to walk when it is cooler out.  She starts out each night sleeping on the cool tile in our hallway now, but still makes her way up on the bed part way through the night.

Your resource this week is a nice e-book on 97 Ways to Create Great Puppies.  Go check it out.

Happy smiles during a woodland walk.

Announcements & Training Ideas

We posted an announcement (above) on social media about our upcoming pups and thought we would share it here also.  If any of you are on Instagram, come find us @lookoutpwd and you will see a cute video out-take from the photo session where we took the photo we used of Kodi.

Kodi's appetite has increased and she is getting thick through the waist but she is still quite lively and active.  This week she took part in her last agility class until after the pups arrive, with jumps set low and no A-frame or Teeter.

Below are two quick things to get you in the puppy mindset.  The first is a video a good friend recommended.  I have only watched the first few minutes, but it looks like it has some great information and would be great for review even for experienced dog owners,  It can be easy to forget just how much work a new puppy can be!  If the video does not show up and you are viewing on a mobile device follow this link to view:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoM9tis3t2c

The patter of tiny paws...

We're excited to announce that we are expecting the patter of puppy paws during the second week in September.  Expectant Mama Kodi has been off her food a bit for the last week, not unusual for pregnant bitches.  We've been tempting her with yummy bits like scrambled eggs and chicken sausage for breakfast and trying to sneak some other more nutritionally balanced foods into her diet as well.  She should come through this phase before long and have a ravenous appetite as the pups start to increase in size.

The vet thinks there are 8 or 9 pups on the ultrasound and was very pleased with what good condition Kodi is in. She's an active dog, so is still enjoying vigorous walks, training sessions and low-key agility classes.  It's important that she be fit in order to help with an easy delivery of the pups.

You can see pictures of Kodi and Luciano (the sire of the litter), as well as additional information on the litter on our website.

Keep checking in here as we'll be sharing resources for products, training, socialization and more for the upcoming pups.

You can find some resources already linked on the right sidebar of the blog.