Here's today's video of Deca and her pups.
As you can see, she has her paws full.
Click on video to link to YouTube.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Photo Opportunity
The pups have had a few visitors.
Here, my sister, Carmen, visits Deca and the pups on her way to New York City.
Deca
Mom and pups are doing fine. The pups are quite big now. Although still clumsy, they can get around. They can sit, stand, walk and actually jump up a bit as they try to get to their standing mother. Their eyes are open, but they can't see well.
It won't be long before they'll be able to climb out of the box.
Time for Phase 2.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Dog Logic
While we're on the subject....
The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his
tongue.
-Anonymous
There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.
-Ben Williams
A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.
-Josh Billings
The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.
-Andy Rooney
Dogs love their friends & bite their enemies, quite unlike people, who are
incapable of pure love & always have to mix love & hate.
-Anonymous
Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog.
-Franklin P. Jones
If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise .
-Unknown
My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to $3.00 a can. That's
almost $21.00 in dog money.
-Joe Weinstein
Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get
used to the idea.
-Robert A. Heinlein
If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you;
that is the principal difference between a dog and a man.
-Mark Twain
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.
-Roger Caras
If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and
then give him only two of them.
-Phil Pastoret
The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his
tongue.
-Anonymous
There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.
-Ben Williams
A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.
-Josh Billings
The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.
-Andy Rooney
Dogs love their friends & bite their enemies, quite unlike people, who are
incapable of pure love & always have to mix love & hate.
-Anonymous
Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog.
-Franklin P. Jones
If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise .
-Unknown
My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to $3.00 a can. That's
almost $21.00 in dog money.
-Joe Weinstein
Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get
used to the idea.
-Robert A. Heinlein
If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you;
that is the principal difference between a dog and a man.
-Mark Twain
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.
-Roger Caras
If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and
then give him only two of them.
-Phil Pastoret
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
The 7 Stages of Puppy Development
by Charlie Lafave
Let’s take a look at the different stages, but before we do, keep
in mind that these stages are generalizations – each dog will
progress at its own pace.
Stage 1: The Transitional Stage 2-3 Weeks
The Transitional stage generally lasts from age two to three
weeks, and it’s during this time that your puppy’s eyes will
open, and he’ll slowly start to respond to light and movement and
sounds around him. He’ll become a little more mobile during this
period, trying to get his feet underneath him and crawling around
in the box (or wherever home is.) He’ll start to recognize mom
and his littermates, and any objects you might place in the box.
Stage 2: The Almost Ready To Meet The World Stage 3-4 Weeks
The Almost ready to meet the world stage lasts from 3 to about 4
weeks, and your puppy undergoes rapid sensory development during
this time. Fully alert to his environment, he’ll begin to
recognize you and other family members. It’s best to avoid loud
noises or sudden changes during this period – negative events can
have a serious impact on his personality and development right
now. Puppies learn how to be a dog during this time, so it’s
essential that they stay with mom and littermates.
Stage 3: The Overlap Stage 4-7 Weeks
From 3-4 weeks your puppy begins the most critical social
development period of his life – he learns social interaction
with his littermates, learns how to play and learns bite
inhibition.
He’ll also learn discipline at this point – Mom will begin
weaning the pups around this time, and will start teaching them
basic manners, including accepting her as the leader of the pack.
You can begin to introduce food to the pups starting around the
4th week – transition gradually as Mom weans them. Continue
handling the pups daily, but don’t separate them from either Mom
or litter mates for more than about 10 minutes per day. Puppies
that are removed from the nest too early frequently are nervous,
more prone to barking and biting and have a more difficult time
with socialization and training. Puppies need to be left with Mom
and siblings until at least 7 weeks of age - and preferably a
little longer - for optimum social development. Experts say that
the best time in a puppy’s life to learn social skills is between
3 and 16 weeks of age – that’s the window of opportunity you have
to make sure your puppy grows up to be a well-adjusted dog. It’s
extremely important to leave your puppy with Mom and his
littermates during as much of this period as possible. Don’t
discipline for play fighting, housebreaking mistakes or mouthing
– that’s all normal behavior for a puppy at this stage.
Stage 4: The “I’m Afraid of Everything” Stage 8 Weeks to 3 Months
The “I’m Afraid of Everything” Stage lasts from about 8 weeks to
3 months, and is characterized by rapid learning as well as a
“fearful period” that usually pops up at around 8 to 10 weeks.
Not all dogs experience this, but most do, and they’ll appear
terrified over things that they took in stride before. This is
not a good time to engage in harsh discipline (not that you ever
should anyway!), loud voices or traumatic events. At this time
your puppy’s bladder and bowels are starting to come under much
better control, and he’s capable of sleeping through the night.
(At last, you can get some rest!) You can begin teaching simple
commands like: come, sit, stay, down, etc. Leash training can
begin. It’s important not to isolate your puppy from human
contact at this time, as he’ll continue to learn behaviors and
manners that will affect him in later years.
Stage 5: The Juvenile Stage 3 Months to 4 Months
The Juvenile stage typically lasts from 3 to 4 months of age, and
it’s during this time your puppy is most like a toddler. He’ll be
a little more independent - he might start ignoring the commands
he’s only recently learned – just like a child does when they’re
trying to exert their new-found independence. As in “I don’t have
to listen to you!” Firm and gentle reinforcement of commands and
training is what’s required here. He might start biting you –
play biting or even a real attempt to challenge your authority. A
sharp “No!” or “No bite!” command, followed by several minutes of
ignoring him, should take care of this problem. Continue to play
with him and handle him on a daily basis, but don’t play games
like tug of war or wrestling with him. He may perceive tug of war
as a game of dominance – especially if he wins. And wrestling is
another game that can rapidly get out of hand. As your puppy’s
strength grows, he’s going to want to play-fight to see who’s
stronger – even if you win, the message your puppy receives is
that it’s ok to fight with you. And that’s not ok!
Stage 6: The Brat Stage 4-6 Months
The Brat Stage starts at about 4 months and runs until about 6
months, and it’s during this time your puppy will demonstrate
even more independence and willfulness. You may see a decline in
his urge to please you – expect to see more “testing the limits”
type of behaviors. He’ll be going through a teething cycle during
this time, and will also be looking for things to chew on to
relieve the pain and pressure. Frozen doggie bones can help sooth
him during this period.
He may try to assert his new “dominance” over other family
members, especially children. Continue his training in obedience
and basic commands, but make sure to never let him off his leash
during this time unless you’re in a confined area. Many times
pups at this age will ignore commands to return or come to their
owners, which can be a dangerous, even fatal, breakdown in your
dog’s response to you. If you turn him loose in a public place,
and he bolts, the chances of injury or even death can result – so
don’t take the chance.
He’ll now begin to go through the hormonal changes brought about
by his growing sexual maturity, and you may see signs of
rebelliousness. (Think adolescent teen-age boy!) If you haven’t
already, you should have him neutered during this time. (Or
spayed if you have a female.)
Stage 7: The Young Adult Stage 6-18 Months
The Young Adulthood stage lasts from 6 months to about 18 months,
and is usually a great time in your dog’s life - he’s young, he’s
exuberant, he’s full of beans – and yet he’s learning all the
things he needs to become a full-fledged adult dog.
Be realistic in your expectations of your dog at this time – just
because he’s approaching his full growth and may look like an
adult, he’s not as seasoned and experienced as you might expect.
Gradually increase the scope of activities for your dog, as well
as the training. You can start more advanced training during this
period, such as herding or agility training, if that’s something
both of you are interested in. Otherwise, extend his activities
to include more people and other animals – allow him to interact
with non-threatening or non-aggressive dogs.
Congratulations! You’ve raised your puppy through the 7 stages of
childhood, er, I mean puppyhood, and now you have a grown-up,
adult dog! Almost feels like you’ve raised a kid, doesn’t it?
Charlie Lafave, author, "Dog Training Secrets!"
Let’s take a look at the different stages, but before we do, keep
in mind that these stages are generalizations – each dog will
progress at its own pace.
Stage 1: The Transitional Stage 2-3 Weeks
The Transitional stage generally lasts from age two to three
weeks, and it’s during this time that your puppy’s eyes will
open, and he’ll slowly start to respond to light and movement and
sounds around him. He’ll become a little more mobile during this
period, trying to get his feet underneath him and crawling around
in the box (or wherever home is.) He’ll start to recognize mom
and his littermates, and any objects you might place in the box.
Stage 2: The Almost Ready To Meet The World Stage 3-4 Weeks
The Almost ready to meet the world stage lasts from 3 to about 4
weeks, and your puppy undergoes rapid sensory development during
this time. Fully alert to his environment, he’ll begin to
recognize you and other family members. It’s best to avoid loud
noises or sudden changes during this period – negative events can
have a serious impact on his personality and development right
now. Puppies learn how to be a dog during this time, so it’s
essential that they stay with mom and littermates.
Stage 3: The Overlap Stage 4-7 Weeks
From 3-4 weeks your puppy begins the most critical social
development period of his life – he learns social interaction
with his littermates, learns how to play and learns bite
inhibition.
He’ll also learn discipline at this point – Mom will begin
weaning the pups around this time, and will start teaching them
basic manners, including accepting her as the leader of the pack.
You can begin to introduce food to the pups starting around the
4th week – transition gradually as Mom weans them. Continue
handling the pups daily, but don’t separate them from either Mom
or litter mates for more than about 10 minutes per day. Puppies
that are removed from the nest too early frequently are nervous,
more prone to barking and biting and have a more difficult time
with socialization and training. Puppies need to be left with Mom
and siblings until at least 7 weeks of age - and preferably a
little longer - for optimum social development. Experts say that
the best time in a puppy’s life to learn social skills is between
3 and 16 weeks of age – that’s the window of opportunity you have
to make sure your puppy grows up to be a well-adjusted dog. It’s
extremely important to leave your puppy with Mom and his
littermates during as much of this period as possible. Don’t
discipline for play fighting, housebreaking mistakes or mouthing
– that’s all normal behavior for a puppy at this stage.
Stage 4: The “I’m Afraid of Everything” Stage 8 Weeks to 3 Months
The “I’m Afraid of Everything” Stage lasts from about 8 weeks to
3 months, and is characterized by rapid learning as well as a
“fearful period” that usually pops up at around 8 to 10 weeks.
Not all dogs experience this, but most do, and they’ll appear
terrified over things that they took in stride before. This is
not a good time to engage in harsh discipline (not that you ever
should anyway!), loud voices or traumatic events. At this time
your puppy’s bladder and bowels are starting to come under much
better control, and he’s capable of sleeping through the night.
(At last, you can get some rest!) You can begin teaching simple
commands like: come, sit, stay, down, etc. Leash training can
begin. It’s important not to isolate your puppy from human
contact at this time, as he’ll continue to learn behaviors and
manners that will affect him in later years.
Stage 5: The Juvenile Stage 3 Months to 4 Months
The Juvenile stage typically lasts from 3 to 4 months of age, and
it’s during this time your puppy is most like a toddler. He’ll be
a little more independent - he might start ignoring the commands
he’s only recently learned – just like a child does when they’re
trying to exert their new-found independence. As in “I don’t have
to listen to you!” Firm and gentle reinforcement of commands and
training is what’s required here. He might start biting you –
play biting or even a real attempt to challenge your authority. A
sharp “No!” or “No bite!” command, followed by several minutes of
ignoring him, should take care of this problem. Continue to play
with him and handle him on a daily basis, but don’t play games
like tug of war or wrestling with him. He may perceive tug of war
as a game of dominance – especially if he wins. And wrestling is
another game that can rapidly get out of hand. As your puppy’s
strength grows, he’s going to want to play-fight to see who’s
stronger – even if you win, the message your puppy receives is
that it’s ok to fight with you. And that’s not ok!
Stage 6: The Brat Stage 4-6 Months
The Brat Stage starts at about 4 months and runs until about 6
months, and it’s during this time your puppy will demonstrate
even more independence and willfulness. You may see a decline in
his urge to please you – expect to see more “testing the limits”
type of behaviors. He’ll be going through a teething cycle during
this time, and will also be looking for things to chew on to
relieve the pain and pressure. Frozen doggie bones can help sooth
him during this period.
He may try to assert his new “dominance” over other family
members, especially children. Continue his training in obedience
and basic commands, but make sure to never let him off his leash
during this time unless you’re in a confined area. Many times
pups at this age will ignore commands to return or come to their
owners, which can be a dangerous, even fatal, breakdown in your
dog’s response to you. If you turn him loose in a public place,
and he bolts, the chances of injury or even death can result – so
don’t take the chance.
He’ll now begin to go through the hormonal changes brought about
by his growing sexual maturity, and you may see signs of
rebelliousness. (Think adolescent teen-age boy!) If you haven’t
already, you should have him neutered during this time. (Or
spayed if you have a female.)
Stage 7: The Young Adult Stage 6-18 Months
The Young Adulthood stage lasts from 6 months to about 18 months,
and is usually a great time in your dog’s life - he’s young, he’s
exuberant, he’s full of beans – and yet he’s learning all the
things he needs to become a full-fledged adult dog.
Be realistic in your expectations of your dog at this time – just
because he’s approaching his full growth and may look like an
adult, he’s not as seasoned and experienced as you might expect.
Gradually increase the scope of activities for your dog, as well
as the training. You can start more advanced training during this
period, such as herding or agility training, if that’s something
both of you are interested in. Otherwise, extend his activities
to include more people and other animals – allow him to interact
with non-threatening or non-aggressive dogs.
Congratulations! You’ve raised your puppy through the 7 stages of
childhood, er, I mean puppyhood, and now you have a grown-up,
adult dog! Almost feels like you’ve raised a kid, doesn’t it?
Charlie Lafave, author, "Dog Training Secrets!"
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Deca's Puppies - A Progress Report
As you can see...and hear...Deca's pups are growing fast. It's getting busy in there!
All of the pups can stand and walk..somewhat...all of them can talk. Their eyes started opening yesterday. Eating and sleeping are still their main activities, although there seems to be some kind of puppy playtime going on.
While there's no regular routine to each day, Deca will sleep near the pups, not with them. After her first meal of the day, she'll take a recreational break before attending to the puppies. She hasn't lost interest in retrieving toys and generally hassling Ajax. She checks on the puppies many times a day, frequently cleaning the puppies and their box before settling down to nurse.
If she hears an unfamiliar noise in the neighborhood, she will protectively come out to investigate.
All of the pups can stand and walk..somewhat...all of them can talk. Their eyes started opening yesterday. Eating and sleeping are still their main activities, although there seems to be some kind of puppy playtime going on.
While there's no regular routine to each day, Deca will sleep near the pups, not with them. After her first meal of the day, she'll take a recreational break before attending to the puppies. She hasn't lost interest in retrieving toys and generally hassling Ajax. She checks on the puppies many times a day, frequently cleaning the puppies and their box before settling down to nurse.
If she hears an unfamiliar noise in the neighborhood, she will protectively come out to investigate.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Day 13
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Day 11
The pups are great!They seem to be trying to walk which is quite amusing.
They get up, sort of, on their feet, and then roll over.
Then they try and try again.
Soon they'll be driving!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Day Nine
Day 9! T. Floyd said that the first eight or nine days are critical for a pup's development--after that, you can relax a bit. But just a bit, since you know things can go not according to plan.
Deca's pups are growing fast, and now they look like little dogs. Their ears are prominent, and you can plainly see the beginning of their traditional black and tan markings. Their tails are also quite developed...for puppies. There seems to be a very close relationship between tail wagging and eating! Their eyes are still closed, and crawling is still the way they get around. But they're a lot faster now. When Deca decides to nurse them, they target her like F-18s.
I've been handling the pups for a few days, since some say that the stimulus is good for their development. You can feel how strong they are, even at one week old.
Deca's appetite is ravenous.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
VA1 Teejay von Wilhendorf SchH3 KKl1
USA VA1 Teejay von Wilhendorf SchH3 Kkl1 is the sire of Deca's puppies.
VA1 Teejay von Wilhendorf—a son of VA Nero vom Nobachtal—has been recognized as the number one American-bred German Shepherd dog in the United States (VA 1 Working Dog 2007 USA Sieger Show).
He is owned by John Henkel of Wilhendorf Kennels in New Milford, Connecticut.
VA1 Teejay von Wilhendorf—a son of VA Nero vom Nobachtal—has been recognized as the number one American-bred German Shepherd dog in the United States (VA 1 Working Dog 2007 USA Sieger Show).
He is owned by John Henkel of Wilhendorf Kennels in New Milford, Connecticut.
One Week Old - Status Report
The last of Deca's six pups was born one week ago this morning.
She and her pups are doing fine. This morning I noticed that all of the pups are stretching more and yawning more in a manner that you would associate with older dogs. They also seem to be using their tongues more and more, sometimes licking each other, when they bump into one of their brothers or sisters.
Deca's appetite is excellent. After experimenting with "free feeding" as opposed to measured portions, I've had good results with controlled feeding. Like most things involving dogs (in fact, like most things involving everything), there are a myriad of opinions about what to feed, how much to feed, when to feed, etc. Ask three people who are involved in breeding, you're likely to get three different and well considered opinions.
Currently, Deca's eating three times a day, totally consuming each meal. She's being fed a combination of Science Diet puppy formula and Canidae All-Stages dry food, mixed with some beef and egg. Along with fresh water, it seems to be a good combination at this point. Her consumption is likely to increase as the pups get older and their demand for milk increases.
She and her pups are doing fine. This morning I noticed that all of the pups are stretching more and yawning more in a manner that you would associate with older dogs. They also seem to be using their tongues more and more, sometimes licking each other, when they bump into one of their brothers or sisters.
Deca's appetite is excellent. After experimenting with "free feeding" as opposed to measured portions, I've had good results with controlled feeding. Like most things involving dogs (in fact, like most things involving everything), there are a myriad of opinions about what to feed, how much to feed, when to feed, etc. Ask three people who are involved in breeding, you're likely to get three different and well considered opinions.
Currently, Deca's eating three times a day, totally consuming each meal. She's being fed a combination of Science Diet puppy formula and Canidae All-Stages dry food, mixed with some beef and egg. Along with fresh water, it seems to be a good combination at this point. Her consumption is likely to increase as the pups get older and their demand for milk increases.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
The Breakfast Club - Day 6
Thursday, August 16, 2007
USA VA1 Teejay von Wilhendorf and V Deca Haus Juris Litter
Alan S. Bowser at 301.608.3932.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Deca and her pups - Day Three
These are some new pictures of Deca and her three day old pups. She's a great mom.
At this point, the pups don't do anything, but eat and sleep. Their eyes won't open for another week or so, and they won't be able to walk for a while. But they are a noisy crowd. For those who are interested, the therma-whelp puppy warming system came today! Check out the new video on YouTube!
An exhausting day!
At this point, the pups don't do anything, but eat and sleep. Their eyes won't open for another week or so, and they won't be able to walk for a while. But they are a noisy crowd. For those who are interested, the therma-whelp puppy warming system came today! Check out the new video on YouTube!
An exhausting day!
Monday, August 13, 2007
Four Girls, Two Boys!
Deca wants you to know that she and her four girls and two boys are healthy, noisy and doing just fine.
She says to thank everybody, here in the U.S. and around the world, who sent their best wishes.
She says to thank everybody, here in the U.S. and around the world, who sent their best wishes.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Day 61/Day One - The Evening Report
8:00 pm. Still six puppies and they seem to be doing fine.
For those of you who are interested, Deca does leave the pups to eat, drink and use the restroom. She's very responsive to me, but her priority is her little puppies!
For those of you who are interested, Deca does leave the pups to eat, drink and use the restroom. She's very responsive to me, but her priority is her little puppies!
Day 61/Day One - The Afternoon Report
Still waiting on puppies seven and eight!
Puppies one through six have been nursing, sleeping and whining.
But right now, everybody is quiet, very quiet.
Puppies one through six have been nursing, sleeping and whining.
But right now, everybody is quiet, very quiet.
Day 61 - The Morning Report
6 puppies!
It was a long night.
Before the birth of the latest puppy, there had been an interval of 7 hours. As I had been told and had read that after two hours you might call the vet, I was, in a word, panicked.
At 3 am and 4 am, I thought she had delivered pups, but I was wrong. Actually, I had fallen asleep and had awaken to some noise that I thought indicated that there was another puppy. It was just the chaos of the den.
At 6 am, some 4 and 1/2 hours after the last puppy, and after some intense internet searching about "time between puppies," I called Friendship Animal Hospital in DC-- the emergency vet --for some suggestions. http://www.friendshiphospital.com/index.html
An attendant "Roscoe" answered. I told him, "Hi, Roscoe, this is Alan in Silver Spring. How are you? I guess you know that I wouldn't be calling unless I had a problem. My German Shepherd has given birth to 5 puppies. Two were stillborn. But an xray at Takoma Park Animal Hospital--their sister clinic--indicated that there were ten puppies."
Roscoe: "That means there are three more in there." Thanks, Roscoe.
Then Roscoe told me to leave her alone, that I might be stressing her out, by checking out the puppies, comforting Deca, etc.
He said, "We don't worry unless a puppy is half in and half out. Let her do the work. Leave her alone. Leave her water and her food, turn out the lights, and get out. Let her do what she has to do. Check on her in a few hours, and see how things are going."
Stress her out? Me?
So I turned off the lights and left her alone.
I took Ajax for a walk in the park in the cool Sunday morning air. He needed the exercise and so did I. Then a quick trip to the bank and to McDonalds for a "grande desayuno." Back at the house, I ate, then took a nap for couple hours, to be awaken by my friend Elizabeth in San Diego. She asked about the pups and I came down to see how Deca was doing.
Imagine my joy--that's what it was--to see another healthy pup! Number Six!
I fed Deca some of the raw food I got at the Big Bad Woof yesterday, and she ate all of it.
I'm going to leave her alone again.
Mother and pups are doing fine.
It was a long night.
Before the birth of the latest puppy, there had been an interval of 7 hours. As I had been told and had read that after two hours you might call the vet, I was, in a word, panicked.
At 3 am and 4 am, I thought she had delivered pups, but I was wrong. Actually, I had fallen asleep and had awaken to some noise that I thought indicated that there was another puppy. It was just the chaos of the den.
At 6 am, some 4 and 1/2 hours after the last puppy, and after some intense internet searching about "time between puppies," I called Friendship Animal Hospital in DC-- the emergency vet --for some suggestions. http://www.friendshiphospital.com/index.html
An attendant "Roscoe" answered. I told him, "Hi, Roscoe, this is Alan in Silver Spring. How are you? I guess you know that I wouldn't be calling unless I had a problem. My German Shepherd has given birth to 5 puppies. Two were stillborn. But an xray at Takoma Park Animal Hospital--their sister clinic--indicated that there were ten puppies."
Roscoe: "That means there are three more in there." Thanks, Roscoe.
Then Roscoe told me to leave her alone, that I might be stressing her out, by checking out the puppies, comforting Deca, etc.
He said, "We don't worry unless a puppy is half in and half out. Let her do the work. Leave her alone. Leave her water and her food, turn out the lights, and get out. Let her do what she has to do. Check on her in a few hours, and see how things are going."
Stress her out? Me?
So I turned off the lights and left her alone.
I took Ajax for a walk in the park in the cool Sunday morning air. He needed the exercise and so did I. Then a quick trip to the bank and to McDonalds for a "grande desayuno." Back at the house, I ate, then took a nap for couple hours, to be awaken by my friend Elizabeth in San Diego. She asked about the pups and I came down to see how Deca was doing.
Imagine my joy--that's what it was--to see another healthy pup! Number Six!
I fed Deca some of the raw food I got at the Big Bad Woof yesterday, and she ate all of it.
I'm going to leave her alone again.
Mother and pups are doing fine.
Early Morning, 2 AM, 5 Pups
The puppies sound like cats! I’m surprised that they have different voices. OK, voices isn’t the right word. But the difference in their sounds is very unique and surprising.
Since I can’t sleep, I’ll post the first pup video to YouTube.
Day 60 – The Evening Report
Deca’s first puppy was born at 6:30 pm. I almost missed it. I was upstairs, collecting materials that she might need for her delivery. When I returned downstairs, she was moving around in her whelping box. Within second, a puppy had emerged.
To my great satisfaction, Deca instinctively knew what to do with her new puppy. I watch in amazement as she cleared the sac, first, from its head, then from the rest of the body. The umbilical cord was severed, quickly and neatly. Then she picked the pup up in her mouth, and massaged it until it began to cry. Very nicely done, Deca. Thank you.
The pup floundered around for a few minutes, as Deca licked its body clean. The pup is a noisy one. And soon, he was nursing on his now surprisingly content mother.
Sad news. A pup, a male, was stillborn at 8:16 pm. After she had cleaned the pup, and I noticed it was not responsive, I picked it up and tried, unsuccessfully to care for it. But, in vain. There wasn’t anything I could do. I held it for quite some time, and took it away when Deca wasn’t watching.
It’s 8:45 pm, and it seems to be the time for another puppy. This 2nd pup arrives quickly, and is noisy from the start. Deca takes care of the cleaning business, but seems less engaged in the massaging process compared to the first pup. This pup quickly makes its way to mom’s belly. I can’t see it, I hope its’s nursing.9:38 pm. Deca’s Number 3? I think. I went upstairs, for just a minute, and when I came back down, there was a squealing pup. No. False alarm. She stood up and there were only two.
12:00 am. These are some noisy pups. But that’s a good thing. It’s going to be a long night.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
The Evening Report - First Draft
This post has obviously been overtaken by events (since the first puppy has been born). It's included for your information.
The Whelping Box. My basement will be ground zero for the birth of Deca’s puppies. I did look around for “puppy birthing centers,” but I didn’t find anything practical. So ground zero will be in
The whelping box has been set up. It arrived a few days ago from a company in
The DVD. The company that provided the whelping box also has everything else you might need for whelping puppies. Including a DVD for first-timers like me! The video “Special Delivery” is hosted by a vet who explains what she thinks you need to know about assisting a bitch in the delivery of her puppies. Unfortunately, they don’t provide her address and telephone number, so you can call her at 3 a.m. when it’s time for the puppies.
The Puppy Warming System. According the video, the puppies must be kept warm—at a temperature of 90 degrees for weeks! So I’ll need a heating source to keep the puppies warm. Of course, the company that sells the whelping box also sells a Therma Whelp Puppy Warming System. I’ve got to get that too! (Update: Since I only the system ordered yesterday, it’s coming UPS-SDE. That would be UPS Super Duper Express, to get here in time, hopefully for the puppies.)
Since the last post, Deca’s appetite has returned, suggesting that the whelping won’t happen in the next few minutes. Thank God. I need to watch the DVD again.
The Big Bad Woof and more. My errands this morning were quite interesting. I started off in
Deca’s vet had suggested putting her on a puppy formula, chock full of carbs and protein, and recommended Science Diet Puppy. To my surprise, she likes it, so we’ll stay with that for a while. But no Science Diet at the BBW, presumably because the manufacturer doesn’t adhere to “fair trade and econ-friendly ideals in the marketplace.”
The Big Bad Woof had an in-store lecture on raw food—“the call of the raw”—so I asked about the pluses and minuses of feeding raw food to a lactating bitch. Perhaps not surprisingly, both of the raw food reps said that raw food was the best food that a lactating bitch could eat. I need to do more research on that. They did offer some free samples, and now I have raw food samples in the following flavors—lamb, beef, chicken and duck! I saw rabbit and venison too. I’m trying hard to stay focused.
Then, it was off to another dog supply store—Petsmart—to get puppy whelping supplies. Now I could have ordered this from the
Subsequently, I found myself in Babies R Us, for the first time in my life, looking for a heating pad and a scale to weigh the puppies. Of course, Babies R Us, didn’t have heating pads or scales to weigh the puppies. They did have a nifty digital scale for baby weighing, but I passed on that. You have to draw the line somewhere.
Then it was on to Target for warming pads and scales. Not there, either. Off to Home Depot. Not the right season for warming pads, she said. It’s a seasonal item. She advised me to go to Walmart because “They have everything at Walmart.” We’ll see about that!
Deca's First Puppy
Deca's first puppy was born at 6:30 pm.
Mother and puppy are doing fine!
One down, nine to go!
Mother and puppy are doing fine!
One down, nine to go!
Day 60 - Afternoon Report
Unlike every other day that she’s been here, she didn’t immediately greet me at the door along with my other German Shepherd,
While I unpacked the Explorer, I let the dogs out to savor the glorious sunshine.
Back in the house, I directed her to her whelping box for comfort and security. My comfort, her security. I could see that she had been in there while I was away from the house. Again, the nesting behavior as she began to paw at the newspapers and bedding materials that were there.
Earlier today, I took her temperature, for the first time, per the advice of numerous folks who say they know something about this. Her temperature was 98.9, which according to the literature suggests that the puppies will be whelped within 12 to 24 hours…or not.
Another sign that's she almost there, she refused to eat her food this morning, so watch this space.
Day 60 - Morning Report
9:00 AM. It was a restless night for Deca...and for me. She didn't sleep peacefully or much at all. She moved from spot to spot, trying to get comfortable, trying to find a place to keep cool.
I could hear her panting in the darkness; her breathing labored. Several times, she came over to me for some attention, then moved on after a few minutes.
Thankfully, the weather has changed here. After a mid-week high of 102 degrees, a cold front passed through last night, and the weather is cool and less humid.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Deca Haus Juris - A Photo Gallery
Here's a link to a gallery of photos of Deca Haus Juris!
Best viewed as a slide show.
See Deca Haus Juris photos!
Best viewed as a slide show.
See Deca Haus Juris photos!
Deca’s Schutzhund Career
- With T. Floyd’s training, she received her BH in 2006, under SV Judge Herr Helmut Rueppell.
- She received her Schutzhund I on March 5, 2007, under S.V. Judge Herr Willi Stieger.
- On May 27, 2007, she was certified “KKl 1” by S.V. Judge and Koermeister Herr Wilfried Scheld, at the Northeastern Region Conformation Show and Breed Survey, held at the Schaferhund Schutzhund Club in
Deca's Conformation Career
Deca Haus Juris was rated VP at the Northeastern Regional Conformation Show and Trial in Northern Virginia, sponsored by the Schutzhund Club of
- She was rated VP at the Regional Conformation Show & Breed Survey sponsored by OG WesConn Schutzhund Club in
- She was rated VP16 (9-12 month females) at the North American Sieger Show in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in October 2005, under SV Judge and Kormeister Herr Leonhard Schweikert (SV Judge and Kormeister Herr Heinz Scheerer).
- She was rated “V” at the Northeast Regional Conformation Show in
Deca Haus Juris - Pedigree
- Deca Haus Juris was born on November 25, 2004, in
- Deca Haus Juris is the daughter of Ciny vom Wiesenborn and VA1 (PH) 2003/2004 Norbert von Vierhundert Herz. Megan Judge of Haus Juris was the breeder of this litter.
- On the paternal side, Deca is a descendant of VA7 Ghandi von Arlett and VA1 Ursus von Batu.
- On the the maternal side, she is a descendant of VA3 Mack von Aducht and VA1 (BSZS) Rikkor von Bad-Boll.
Deca's Pregnancy Progression Calendar
Date: Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Sire: Teejay von Wilhendorf
Dam: Deca Haus Juris
Breeder: Alan Bowser
- First day of mating – Wednesday June 13, 2007
- 48 hours after the first mating the bitch should be mated again. Subsequent matings occurring over a period of time enhance the chances of fertilization taking place.
- The spermatozoa migrate up through the cervix.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
- Sperm travel searching for a mature ripened eggs.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007 - Friday, June 15, 2007
- Spermatozoa reach the eggs in the oviducts.
Friday, June 15, 2007 - Saturday, June 16, 2007
- Fertilization occurs in the oviducts which lead from the ovaries to the uterus.
Saturday, June 16, 2007 - Monday, June 18, 2007
- Fertilized eggs migrate down the oviducts and into the uterine horns.
- The migration continue to enable even spacing of the embryos.
- During this migration the eggs will grow into a blastocystes.
Sunday, June 24, 2007 - Tuesday, June 26, 2007
- The blastocystes implant in the wall of the uterus.
Sunday, June 24, 2007 - Sunday, July 08, 2007
- The blastocystes will grow into an embryos.
- During the next two weeks the important organs will develop.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - Wednesday, July 04, 2007
- Dams nipples begin to pink enlarge.
- The fur on the dams belly and around the nipples may become thinner.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007 - Tuesday, July 10, 2007
- Morning sickness might occur due to hormonal changes or stretching and distension of the uterus. Dam may appear a bit apathetic. She may be off her feed for a while and vomit from time to time.
- Feeding the dam several meals spaced throughout the day might help.
- Your veterinarian may want to prescribe a drug to relax the uterus.
Sunday, July 08, 2007 - Thursday, July 12, 2007
- An experienced person (a breeder or a veterinarian) can tell by careful palpation whether the dam is pregnant.
- It's now the best time to do this because the embryos are walnut-sized now and easy to count.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
- Start to increase the dams food ration.
- Don't overfeed, excessive weight gain should be avoided.
- The foetuses are now and are fully developed miniature dogs.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
- The Dams abdomen starts to get larger.
Friday, July 27, 2007
- It's very easy now to feel the puppies, counting them might be a bit more difficult.
Monday, July 30, 2007 - Tuesday, August 07, 2007
- Dam begins to spend a lot more time in self-grooming.
- Her breasts become even more swollen.
- She may become a bit restlessness and begin to search for a suitable place to have her puppies.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
- The dam might lose her appetite during this period. Her abdomen can be crowded with puppies.
- It is better to feed several smaller meals spaced throughout the day.
- You can easily detect abdominal movement now.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007 - Thursday, August 16, 2007
- Nipples and vulva should be gently cleaned with warm water, you might want to trim the hairs surrounding the nipples, to allow easier access for the puppies to suck.
Saturday, August 11, 2007 - Tuesday, August 14, 2007
- Milky fluid may be expressed from the nipples.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
- You might want to start taking the dams rectal temperature each morning and evening.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
- Twelve to 24 hours before she is due to deliver, the dams rectal temperature may drop from 101 to 98 degrees.
- Clear discharge from the vulva might occur.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
- Expected date of whelp. Of course this is just an average. Whelping may take place from the 59th to the 65th day. Puppies born before the 58th day will probably be too young to survive.
Deca's puppies are due August 16, 2007
With less than one week to go before her puppies are due, it’s time to set up “The Deca Report” so her fans can keep up with developments in her life.
Deca Haus Juris was bred to Teejay von Wilhendorf in
Welcome to The Deca Report
This space is dedicated to Deca Haus Juris, a great German Shepherd dog, currently residing in
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