At just one week old, puppies don’t do much. They eat, sleep, and, well, poop. Sounds simple enough, right? But raising newborn puppies comes with a lot more responsibility than it might seem.
Staying on High Alert
The first thing to remember is that new puppy parents need to be on constant watch. Even the most attentive mothers, like Ivy, can accidentally lay on their puppies. These tiny pups aren’t strong enough yet to move out from underneath, so we’re always there to make sure everyone stays safe.
Feeding Challenges
Sometimes, even when it looks like the puppies are nursing, they may not be getting enough. Puppies can struggle to latch on properly, and that’s where we come in. We make sure every pup gets the help they need during feeding time, keeping a close eye on their progress.
Keeping It Clean
Cleanliness is crucial. Ivy is a neat freak, so she lets us know when the mats need changing—which happens a lot! We don’t wear shoes in the whelping box, and we help Ivy keep her puppies and their environment spotless.
Puppy Development: Biosensory Training and Early Scent Introduction
Beyond the basics, we focus on puppy development. From day 3 to day 16, we do biosensory training, gently moving the puppies and helping them become aware of their feet and temperature changes. We also introduce new scents daily as part of early scent introduction to help them adjust as they grow. These early experiences are essential for well-rounded, healthy puppies.
Ivy and her puppies are thriving! The puppies are gaining weight, making plenty of noise, and Ivy absolutely adores them. She loves checking in on them and snuggling close. It’s heartwarming to watch her bond with her little ones. We even have the first few english setter orange spots!
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