Congratulations Mitten & Perch!!
As I am sure most of you know, if you follow us on Facebook, Mitten gave birth to 12 beautiful puppies this past Saturday, February 21st! This is both Mitten and Perch's first litter. Mitten is an exceptional mother, better than I could have ever asked for or dreamt of, and Perch is a proud daddy!!
Mitten
Mitten is a very proud mommy! She has settled into "mom" life and is as happy as can be, wagging that short little tail of hers. Her babies are 3 days old. They are all doing very well, eating every two hours and sleeping in between.
Today was our FIRST big day! We went on a car ride to the veterinarian, where they removed our dew claws and docked our tails. Our tails will be quite longer than Mom's as our human parents prefer Airedales with a more "standard" tail length, not so short. If you are curious what our tails will look like when we are adults, check out photos of our friend, Mugo.
At this time, Mitten's puppies have four primitive reflexes; burrowing, suckling, perineal and carrying. Their nervous system is still developing so in the meantime, these reflexes assist in their survival. The burrowing reflex makes the pups search for warm parts of their mother to snug up to. The suckling reflex enables the pup to drink it's mothers milk. The perineal reflex activates bodily elimination and the carrying reflex encourages the puppies to stiffen when picked up at the neck.
The pups are unable to regulate their own body temperature and are born deaf and blind.
Everyone is enjoying the presence of puppies in our house again! Even Bonsai, the pomeranian, is curious about the new activities and sounds coming from the master bathroom.
Today was our FIRST big day! We went on a car ride to the veterinarian, where they removed our dew claws and docked our tails. Our tails will be quite longer than Mom's as our human parents prefer Airedales with a more "standard" tail length, not so short. If you are curious what our tails will look like when we are adults, check out photos of our friend, Mugo.
At this time, Mitten's puppies have four primitive reflexes; burrowing, suckling, perineal and carrying. Their nervous system is still developing so in the meantime, these reflexes assist in their survival. The burrowing reflex makes the pups search for warm parts of their mother to snug up to. The suckling reflex enables the pup to drink it's mothers milk. The perineal reflex activates bodily elimination and the carrying reflex encourages the puppies to stiffen when picked up at the neck.
The pups are unable to regulate their own body temperature and are born deaf and blind.
Everyone is enjoying the presence of puppies in our house again! Even Bonsai, the pomeranian, is curious about the new activities and sounds coming from the master bathroom.
Maple
Maple is in her 8th week of pregnancy. She is filling out more and more all the time. Her puppies' skeletons have now ossified, they have their fur and space is limited inside.
Maple spends most of her time grooming herself or laying by the door to Mitten's puppy area. Once a day, Maple has the opportunity to go in and visit with her sister to check out her nieces/nephews. She waits for that moment ALL DAY! She's a very devoted Aunt and sister to Mitten. The bond between Maple and Mitten is truly something beautiful.
;-)
Maple spends most of her time grooming herself or laying by the door to Mitten's puppy area. Once a day, Maple has the opportunity to go in and visit with her sister to check out her nieces/nephews. She waits for that moment ALL DAY! She's a very devoted Aunt and sister to Mitten. The bond between Maple and Mitten is truly something beautiful.
;-)
Helpful References
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
Dog Food Advisor
How to Deal with Puppy Crying and Separation Anxiety
Dog Nail Trimming the Right Way
Trimming Your Dog's Nails
Crate Training: The Benefits for You and Your Dog
To Crate or Not to Crate?
Using Temperament Testing to Choose the Right Dog for your Family
How to Socialize Your Puppy
AVSAB Position Statement On Puppy Socialization
Pre-Puppy Preparation- Whole Dog Journal Article
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
Dog Food Advisor
How to Deal with Puppy Crying and Separation Anxiety
Dog Nail Trimming the Right Way
Trimming Your Dog's Nails
Crate Training: The Benefits for You and Your Dog
To Crate or Not to Crate?
Using Temperament Testing to Choose the Right Dog for your Family
How to Socialize Your Puppy
AVSAB Position Statement On Puppy Socialization
Pre-Puppy Preparation- Whole Dog Journal Article