dogs

The pups now can find their way out of the whelping box.  But couldn't get back in when they wanted to nap.

My husband built the box with a cut out segment for Honey to step in and out of, and when the  babies got big enough, our plan was to add a ramp for them. But he was out of town and I had to figure out another plan.

So I flipped it over! Well, DUR. Why didn't I think of that before?  I'd fretted about the best way to make the ramp for them, before I realized one wasn't even necessary.  The cut out entry way becomes a doorway for the pups when the box is turned over.   The black pad at the bottom is a thick, rubber mat meant for a horse stall. It keeps the babies off of the cold cement, and can easily be sprayed off, or just mopped, what ever works out the easiest.

I'm counting on them soon being big enough to stop peeing in the nest and am encouraging them to walk toward the pee pads (covered in paper litter for more absorption because these guys pee in VOLUME, unlike the Yorkie pups I've raised before).  There is a space heater/portable radiator in the room for chilly nights.  I've used it and the step stool to build a barrier that will encourage the tiny tinklers to head toward the litter when they walk out of the nest.  Because as soon as they wake up, they need to go.  And you do not want the pee pads right in front of the doorway, for them to walk directly through.  I've laid a towel in the entry for them to use as a welcome mat and wipe their little footies on.  So that they don't drag that pee smell on wet foot prints into their bedding.

They have graduated to a big kid bed now too.  It is a fluffy cushion that is so cozy that they practically fall asleep the minute they touch it.  To keep it out of the pee zone, I've sat it on a lid to a large, Rubbermaid container.

At 3-1.2 weeks, they don't have all the rules down yet, and still tinkle right on the bed, but they are learning.  And I am doing a lot of laundry.  This cushion, ($10 at Ross) washes up nice.  While it is being cleaned up, they have to settle for towels and rugs.  

I've rearranged the rest of the space too.  The tea cart from my studio is now a nursery changing table.  It holds formula, pee pads,  and other supplies. It has space to hold extra rugs and towels but those are all in the washing machine at the moment. Did I mention that I do a lot of laundry with these guys around?

The back door to the breezeway (where I was standing as I took this picture) is left open all day for Honey to get in and out of.  It has a board across it that the pups can't get over but their mama can.

And of course, the kiddos need some space to run and play, and a lounging area for when they have played so hard that they are too tired to make it back to the nest.  The walls of the breezeway are a few inches off the ground, so I keep them blocked until I need to spray the room with the garden hose to rinse it out.  

Seriously, could there be a more ideal space to raise golden doodles in?  

I have folding chairs in the back corner to set up when guests come, and these little cuddlers get lots of company. Everybody wants puppy hugs!

And there is a wicker chair with a soft cushion for Honey to jump onto and watch her babies when she wants to be near them but still out of reach.

When pups hit 3 hits, it is time to start weaning them, to give the mom a  break. Feeding those growing, always hungry, furballs can wear her down.  

So, I mixed up some formula, dipped my finger into it, and offered some to one of the babies, thinking I'd need to coax them into learning out to drink from a bowl. 

But no, these guys were all into the new experience, body and soul.

They, slurped, gobbled, and swam in the dish of deliciousness.

So much so, that they all needed washed off.  After sitting each on the potty pad (which they all used!), they were ready for a bath and then to be tucked back into their box.  At this point, they are still too little to climb in and out of it, so they need the bedding changed throughout the day.  Soon, they will learn not to pee in their nest, and will venture outside of the box to potty. For now, they will use the pad if I set them on it right after they wake up or right after they eat.

I had a small bowl of warm, slightly sudsy water that I dipped a cloth into for a soft wiping off.  I kept towels on a space heater nearby to wrap them in as I finished washing them.  With six, wet babies, it was a bit of a struggle to get them all warm and dry, I was able to wash one at a time, with two in a towel on my lap to dry off. With their fat tummies all full, they aren't very wiggly, and are happy to curl up in a warmed towel.

As I'd finish, I'd kiss them on the top of the head and set them back into their newly freshened up bed.

Rinse, lather, repeat.  

This is what my days will be looking like for a while, puppy feeding and cleaning  (and snuggling) a few times a day.   Not a bad life….