Pups continue to socialize with dogs and continue to eat more solid foods. Pups have mastered barking and wrestling and play is focussed on working out a dominance order. The second stage of socialiazation - "the period of curiosity" - and socialization to people - begins now.
Date(s): 6/17 - 6/23. Album by RatpiT Kennels. Photos by T. Baker/Robert Heller. 1 - 24 of 98 Total. 495 Visits.
1 New nursery set up! Sonja and Ruby inspect the pups new set up. The flat colored tiles are 1" tall - enough of a step up to make the pups brains work. A pup's brain wave register the same as an adult at 49 days old. We have until day 49 to actively shape and tailor each pup's 'hard wiring.' Let the "Socializing to people" stage begin!
2 Allen assists! Allen has come to help socialize the 30 day old pups. During the 5th week pups enter the second stage of socialization - to people - so this is a good time to introduce pups to a variety of new people.
3 One at a time.... Everyone is asked to pick up each pup for a brief visit to help socialize the pups to new people. Thanks Allen for your help!
4 Bennie is the first out! 31 day old pups cry in frustration as they try to figure the gate out. Pups are made to think and work to problem solve; its early brain building - a very important thing - and easily achieved.
5 Bob and Astro! Bob gathers up the pups while cleaning up the room.
6 Ruby loves the pups, and... The pups really love Ruby! They clamour at the gate to visit, but are stumped at how to get out.
7 Other view The pups swarm to the exit hole to touch noses. Look at all of the intense eye contact; all trust and no fear despite Ruby's larger size. The lack of fear is normal for this age; learning *what* to be afraid of comes later, in the 8th week, the so called 'fear period.'
8 Taking time for Xena... Its always important to let your momma dogs know they are GOOD mommas!
9 Ruby and Bennie tease! Ruby dips into numerous playbows - and the pups want to play - but they still cannot figure out how to get out! Meanwhile Bennie decides that Ruby's leg is a good chewy!
10 Eye contact! Ruby gives the pups direct looks and clear body language. Even tho she is much bigger, the message is clear; "Wanna play?" Astro chews at the bars in frustration - he really wants to play!
11 Astro tries his darndest! While Bennie sniffs at Zenith.
12 Astro wants out! And he wants out baaad!
13 Almost out! But still missing a little rear coordination!
14 1 of 7 Nose to nose, despite the size, the lanugage is the same "let's play!" Bennie is keen to play, and Ruby accomodates him as best she can.
15 2 of 7 Bennie chomps Ruby's foot.
16 3 of 7 Yup, he's really chomping ya, Ruby! Ruby seems flabbergasted!
17 4 of 7 Bennie moves to the side for another attack!
18 5 of 7 Bennie tries sweet talkin' into Ruby's ear.
19 6 of 7 Now he's trying to mount her leg!
20 7 of 7 Bennie is attempting to dominate Ruby's leg by standing over it, but Ruby easily dominates Bennie by leaning over him. Dominance is the name of the game this week for sure!
21 31 day old pups get visitors! Ruby is just as excited to play with the pups as Granny is!
22 Cosmos dominates... Cosmos dominates Ruby while Sarah and Gramma are too busy cuddling other pups to notice!
23 Don't forget! Its important when managing a pack to keep the peace by paying homage to its elders! Here Sonja gets some loving from her master.
24 So sweet! It doesn't take much activity to tire the pups out!
