Lookout Portuguese Water Dogs: Can't keep up!

Things are changing so fast with the pups that it's difficult to keep up!

The tunnel is a big hit!

Last week was the beginning of weaning them, starting with some baby food chicken/rice, rice cereal etc. They also dine on puppy kibble soaked in formula so it is mushy and have at least one meal a day of raw meat patties. They've had some canned salmon and pumpkin as mixers with their food also.

We bookmarked a recent link on diet and how it can be a factor in the development of allergy and skin problems in dogs. We feel strongly that at least 20% (preferably more) of your dog's diet should be raw food. We always wean our pups with around 30% of their dietary intake coming from raw and our adult dogs get at least 50% of their diet from raw foods.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/11/211118203742.htm

Late last week, the pups moved from the back bedroom, where they've been since they were born, to the dining room area at the front of the house. There is much more activity in the front area of the house and lots of new noises (coffee grinder, banging pots and pans, garage door opening etc)..

Our 1st visit outside and a ramp to climb.

Their new large area has a pellet filled litter box and they are doing a really good job learning to potty in the box instead of in the rest of their area.

The pups went on a card ride (to Starbucks and back) to get them used to this. We have another outing planned for them in a few days which will involve another ride.

We had a rare mostly dry and sunny day last week and the pups had a short visit outside. Jan laid a ramp from the door of their room down the short drop into the yard and they learned to use the ramp to go up and down, in addition to being out in the great outdoors for the first time.

The pups got a cat tunnel added to their pen yesterday. It is a BIG hit! They got several new big stuffed toys from the thrift store to snuggle and wrestle with. They also have a small child's "piano" that plays songs and makes sounds when the keys are pressed.

Pups nap really soundly. I took advantage of this to give them each a nail trim this weekend. Yesterday they had their first tiny experience with clippers, as I clipped a bit of hair away from the corner of their eyes to prevent build up of "eye boogers". Since I caught them when they were sleepy both times, I was able to do these little chores by myself without having to enlist assistance.

Registration paperwork and microchips arrived in the last week, so they are ready for when the time comes.