You might have noticed a few things about the whelping box. Remember on Day 8 how we talked about the texture of the floor in the whelping box and how we like to keep things as clean as possible? Well, you’ll notice today how we have some new additions to the puppies’ experience now that they are starting to open their eyes.
Firstly, we have a few big plush toys and a soft orange dog bed. Not only are these fun and different shapes and colours to look at, but they serve as obstacles they need to move around, over or under. These help to build puppy strength and also keep life interesting. They also offer alternative snuggle partners over their brothers as demonstrated by Puppy #2 playing hide-and-seek off by himself.
Secondly, we now have a green astroturf potty pad in the top left corner under the green plush crayon. As I previously mentioned, puppies prefer to not poop or pee where they sleep or eat if given a choice. Creating a designated potty place as soon as eyes start opening, starts to reinforce this concept very early which makes the transition to pottying outside at a later time that much easier. Even though the “grass”, the pads under it and the tray beneath it all get washed with E-Z Clean regularly, I guarantee there is still a bit of odour on it which will attract the puppies to use it. I know what you’re thinking… “they couldn’t possibly use it at this young age”. While they are very young, Australian Cattle Dogs are very smart and they learn very quickly. Providing them with the opportunity to make good choices from the get-go pays off. Stay tuned and I will show you their progress!
#reelacds
#hideandseek
#sneakysneaky
#australiancattledog