Red Retrievers

Week 4: Puppies are four weeks old today! In the last week, their playing has increased in frequency and vigor. They are learning that their teeth hurt! As they bite and chew on each other, a sibling’s squeal tells them that sharp little teeth are no fun. This play behavior is critical to them learning the basics of good canine behavior and communication. They are able to crawl over the threshold between the weaning and whelping pens much easier. It’s still a little difficult, but it won’t be long until it’s a piece of cake! They are very active between meals, bouncing back and forth as they play with each other. This past week, we began pee pad training them. This is a first step and great foundation for full house training. Right when they wake up, right before every meal, and right after every meal, they are shifted over to the whelping side of the box where the pee pads are. Once they have done their business, they either climb back over on their own, or they are shifted back. This encourages doing their business away from the eat/sleep/play area. Many puppies are already doing this of their own accord. It’s their instinct to not mess up the living area! Today we took weights and dewormed them again. They’re all growing so fast! They will receive one more deworming with me. That one will be at the vet’s office during their six week visit. I will include documentation of all deworming treatments as well as vaccine records in their go-home paperwork. Four week pictures and some videos will be out this weekend!