All of our photos posted on the weekly blog are always freshly taken ;-)

Thankfully, Mitten is back on the eggs and feeling much better! One week of morning sickness…. if that's all, we'll take it!! 

Mitten has now entered her 5th week of pregnancy and so many changes are taking place. At this stage in pregnancy, amniotic fluid in the uterus increases in order to protect the pups. This happens around day 32 of gestation. From week five onwards, the puppies are much less susceptible to developmental issues and defects. Their individual toes are beginning to form, and their claws and whiskers start to grow. The fetuses also develop their male or female sexes during this time.

Mitten's weight will begin to noticeably increase. I have started to supplement her & Maple's food with SARDINES, they love it and as a result, everyone else gets a little bit as well, so we have a house full of happy dogs! 

As a note, we do not feed our pregnant/lactating females or puppies Puppy Food. There are many diverse studies regarding feeding large breed dogs puppy food and to each his own. I do not, as studies show, feeding large breed dogs puppy food causes too much rapid growth and can lead to joint issues in the future. 


Mitten measures : 27 inches 

Anyone that has ever met Maple knows, she is a bright ray of sunshine. Maple is our most loving and interactive Airedale we have. Luckily, her daughter Mugo seems to have picked up most of her charisma. 

Maple is in her 4th week of pregnancy, no morning sickness for her! At this time, the eyes and spine of the fetuses begin to develop, and their faces begin to take shape. The fetuses will grow to around ½ inch long during this week. The fourth week of foetal development is considered to be one of the most formative stages of the pregnancy, when the growing puppies are most vulnerable to damage and developing defects. At this stage of development, we begin to limit rough play and strenuous exercise in our Airedales.

Mitten is in her 4th week of pregnancy, almost half way there. She has been experiencing quite a bit of behavioral change this week. Mitten is a bit more sensitive and is seemingly experiencing "morning sickness", this is normal for some dogs. She has lost her appetite and Mom has to do quite a bit of work to get her to eat. This will soon pass and she will be right back to scavenging the egg population in the backyard. 

Next week, we will measure Mitten for the first time. We will continue to measure her weekly until her pups are born. 

Maple has now entered her 3rd week of pregnancy. Her puppies' ears have started to form. She is so very happy and proud of herself. Maple embraces pregnancy a little more than her sister, Mitten. Maple is also enjoying playing "mom" to Acorn & Aspen.

Here are a couple of helpful references for Puppy Parents, I will be adding to these weekly. This is a great way to learn and prepare for your upcoming Airedale as well as learn about what your breeder is interested in! Again, just for reference.  If you have any questions feel free to comment on the blog or email/call directly. 

www.TheDailyPuppy.com
"Training Your Superdog" - Author; Gwen Bailey 
Fun Games to Teach Dogs
Bringing a Second Dog into the House
Raw Food 
Natural Approach to Fleas
Essential Oil Use for Dogs

other than the fact that Mugo is growing….. 

Mitten has just entered her 3rd week of pregnancy. Her puppies' ears have now started to form. We still have to wait a couple of weeks for the eyelids and for the toes to separate. 

At week 5, we will begin to measure Mitten's girth in an effort to guesstimate how many puppies she will have. Lawrence & I always choose a number when our girls are bred and wait to see who is closest. (It's almost like playing "guess how many marbles are in the jar")
 
If anyone wants to join in, just post a comment on this weeks' post and we will see who is closest once the puppies are born! 

Maple has just entered her 2nd week of pregnancy. Maple is enjoying her pampering and Bonsai's share of the kibbles, just as expected. 

No one know's it yet but Mom and Dad are driving today to go pick up two new friends for us! ;-) We are sure they will post photos on Facebook later. 

Mitten & Maple & Mugo

Maple is only in her first week of pregnancy. Her appetite has not yet increased but knowing Maple, that will happen quickly. She will soon be stealing Bonsai's (the teacup Pomeranian's) kibbles whenever she turns away. Both girls are enjoying resting by the fire and napping on their dog bag.