day 13

Eyes are starting to open! Hello world. Puppies enter out of neonate into transitional period.

Several days ago, Lilly began to lick the puppies' faces and places other than just their hind end .... another sign that they would be entering the next phase soon. Ears can open shortly after and as early as day 14-15. With their eyes now open, the puppies will be learning to FOCUS and TRACK MOVEMENT. During these next 2 weeks their tiny squeals will become little attempts at barks and growls. Mock fighting will begin with the puppies chewing at each other and slowly and awkwardly following each other, which will soon become running and chasing.)

• Avoid bright lights as eyes open
• Start adding water rabbit feeder (watch carefully so do not aspirate)
• Increase # of daily cuddle sessions
• Day 14– worming #1 (Week 2)
• Start Worming Meds Day 14/Week 2 (repeat every 2 weeks: week 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12)
• Start puppy playlist (day 14/15)  - Research shows that longer notes tend to be calming versus staccato notes stimulating. Pure tones and regular rhythms are associated with positive states versus harsh, noisy ones (so no heavy metal!) and irregular rhythms (so no Ligetti or Bartok Out of Doors Suite!) with negative states. And a tempo that matches an animal’s resting heart rate (respiration) tends to be calming.
• Eventually start DVD player or Ipad in whelping box
• Start sound testing (once puppy startled upon hearing a sudden sound, time to move onto the Socialization period). Drop books etc. and observe puppies’ reactions.
• Gradually expand whelping box/pen
• Start of potty training (making way to litter area, potty pad, then shallow litter box .. even while still in whelping box)
• Introduce 1 new tactile item and new experience each day (introduce only 1 or 2 items at a time, then remove after a few minutes. Keep pen free of lots of clutter)

Ideas: Items:
- big, soft toys with crackle paper and/or bungee inside
-big soft toys with large, soft squeaker
-pieces of fleece
-different high-traction footing (rubber/fabric)
-foil over a soft/fleece surface
-baby wipe container
-rope balls
-bubble wrap
Experiences:
-hair dryer (no heat)
-different room sin house
-cat toys
-Once in new pen in den, tunnel/busy box
-meeting/be snuggled by new people (wear scrubs and booties! Wash hands and arms)
big, soft toys with crackle paper and/or bungee inside
-big soft toys with large, soft squeaker
-pieces of fleece
-different high-traction footing (rubber/fabric)
-foil over a soft/fleece surface
-baby wipe container
-rope balls
-bubble wrap
-hair dryer (no heat)