Trying hard to do it right

We feel good that we are doing so much for the future of these puppies. We are taking every step to make sure they are as happy as possible. We cuddle with them, we let them meet new people and dogs. They live in our kitchen, but they have been in the yard, all over our living room, on various surfaces: tile, concrete, leather, plastic, wood, today in 1/2" of water in a baby pool for a few seconds. (Update: they have been in the pool and the car a number of times). They hear the microwave, TV, vacuum, telephone, talking, doorbell, silverware going in drawers, etc. etc.

They have chew toys, rolling toys, noise making toys, always something new. They roam the house play fighting, exploring, learning to potty on the newspapers (close also counts, we know they are trying!) We weigh them every three days, all are gaining well, they have started weaning with Innova puppy food, soaked in water overnight, warmed on the counter, mashed, mixed with evaporated milk until soupy, although most of their nourishment still comes from nursing as of July 19th (Update: more from food, less from nursing on July 28th).

Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test given the weekend of August 12th.

Our greatest hope is that these puppies all get to live in homes where genetic health and early development and socialization are the most important things, something truly appreciated by their future owners; owners who will continue their socialization and training so they can reach their fullest potential as happy members of their new homes.