Finally we have some consistently nice weather (and some consistently awful weather to come), so the pups have been out in the garden for most of the days. We have lots of sheepwork to get done before the rain comes back, so Sally + the pups have been left out on their own for a while- Richard bought a large crate from a neighbour so we can leave them safe + secured (with a tarp providing some shelter). When we're home, they can go mental around the garden (and mental they are).
No bucket can be left upright, no piece of earth unturned, no water unsplashed and no loose material unshredded. They are into and over everything, unperturbed by danger or loud noises. They're either gutsy or incredibly thick...
Every day I speculate on their personalities, trying to guess which characteristics are transient "stages" and which will persist, and I think I'm getting some idea- but then next week will probably turn this all on its head.
At 5 weeks...
Girls:Chunky Monkey-
Consistently the largest pup, she seems a little longer in the body than some, and Richard thinks she's going to be deep chested/heavy boned. She has also been consistently one of the most outgoing, always underfoot, tail wagging madly, loves being picked up. She's into wrestling with her siblings, plays tug, and is usually the first pup to arrive when called, as well as one of the leaders into mischief. May well be a resource guarder- gave her sister a still/thoughtful look over a lamb rib yesterday.
Intermediate Girl (aka Spunky Monkey)-
Not as girly as she looks, this one's into trouble right alongside her sister. She's possibly the most toy-focussed, she always has something in her mouth and likes to dissect/shred. She's another one who is impossible to photograph, because as soon as she sees me she'll launch at me, tail windmilling.
Midget-
Still the smallest, aptly nicknamed "Ribs". Very spunky, bolshy little thing, starts fights and seems honestly surprised to get pummelled. A real little character. Walks under her biggest siblings to get to the bowl. Shortest tail, squarish body.
Boys:BigBoy-
Now fully recovered from whatever ailed him (?? intussusception? on top of an upset tummy). He's still big, maybe a little more laid back than some of the others- he was the only one that stood still for any time when we tried to photograph them today (which is why the "stacked" photos all turned out as "grabbed" poses). Loves his tucker.
ShoulderSpot-
He has the curliest tail! Probably the cockiest, most pushy pup when it comes to wresting etc, possibly a bit of a bully. We'll have him spend more time with the "puppy mistress" Fly in the next week, so he loses a bit of attitude.
LittleMan-
little cracker, this boy is into everything. He's the first through the gate, the first over the barriers, the first into the boxes. Today he spent a good half hour burrowing around under the big tarp. Initially very independent, he's become more people focussed in the last week, and now charges around underfoot and launches himself up your legs. More square than some.
All the pups have pooncey gay tails, play with toys, wrestle, and are happy being held. They also share an apparent disregard for their own safety, launching themselves off/over things for no good reason. They've met the cat and a few other dogs, and are used to playing around a babbling baby. They seem OK with car travel, and not spooky about loud noises or thunder.
Sally is still wanting to feed them occasionally, and bowls them around like squeaky toys. But she enjoys her own space when she can get it, so they'll probably be weaned soon. They eat bones (chicken, lamb, beef), mince, plus a variety of kibble + the odd bit of tin or roll junkfood. We were giving them puppy milk replacement on their food occasionally, but after the gastro scare we've cut it out.
At least 4 of the pups had squirty bums in the last few days, and I dosed a couple with Scourban, but only BigBoy actually looked sick. The local vet can't explain it, suggests that maybe the milk upset their tums + BB had a transient intussusception, because she did feel something "give" when she did a rectal exam. He never had a temp, his stool sample was totally clear of bugs/parasites, and he was 100% better after a night on fluids. We'll probably never know.
This weekend we have the State Yard/Utility trial, so we'll be coming home each night to check + run pups, and next weekend (we hope) the pups will have their official visit from prospective new owners, plus temperament testing. We're still debating which test to use- suggestions welcome!
We may also take the opportunity to socialise Richard's older pups with new people, and if you guys are reading this + want to bring your older dogs to work on our trainer sheep, feel free.
Chunky + LittleMan:
