The farm collie puppies have officially reached six weeks. We continue to expose them to as many experiences; sights, sounds, smells, textures, etc. as possible as we prepare them for their new homes. It is an exciting time, and it hasn’t full hit the kids and I yet that we will soon be saying good bye to these wonderful pups who become such a big part of our life.
A few important milestones this week:
- Brandy basically has them weaned. I do catch her allowing them to nurse every so often, but she usually gently pushes them down with her mouth as if to say “no more.” She has such strong mothering instincts, and if I give her a piece of meat will drop it into their pen instead of eating it herself! I keep telling her I am feeding them, but she is extra cautious and helps out too.
- The puppies have an excellent appetite. I am still softening their puppy kibble with warm water and will start to move them to solid food in the coming week.
- The puppies are now all about socialization! They actively seek out our kids to play, and are curious when they encounter a new animal.
- We play a variety of videos in the room with them to expose them to all sorts of sounds – such as sires, fireworks, barking, beeping, music, etc . . . a friend of mine share this tip with us! It is cute watching the pups cock their heads and listen when a new sound plays.
It has been a joy to share these puppy moments as they grow up with their new owners. The pups from this litter are going to Washington, Michigan, Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota. We are so excited for them to start their new journeys as farm guardians, companions, and family in their new homes.