I know it won’t last long so I’m enjoying the quiet of this moment.  Biff went into town and, as the puppies napped, I took Chev and Finley out to walk around in the backyard.  It’s snowing lightly and the temperature has warmed up to 6 degrees (Farenheit).  With no wind it seemed downright pleasant!

Now Chev and Finley are snoozing and I can type in some helpful info from the AKC’s “New Puppy Handbook”, a little publication that we’ll be sending home with each puppy’s new family.  Here are some excerpts from the section, “Leaps & Bounds.”  They offer these comments on 8 to 12 week old puppies:

“Your puppy is getting his act together physically – he’s still quite roly-poly, but learning to coordinate his growing body well enough for playful jumping and tumbling.  Toward his 12th week, he’ll start shedding puppy teeth as permanent teeth emerge.  By his 12th week, bladder control is improving.

Like any baby, your young puppy needs to sleep for much of the day.  Keep playtimes short and give him lots of ‘down time.’  Don’t force him to keep up prolonged activity and resist the urge to show him off to everyone right away!

Introduce ‘pre-training activities’ –  Although your puppy has a very short attention span, you can begin gently developing a few basic behaviors such as wearing a collar, following on a leash, and coming when called.  Keep each session about 3 minutes long, with the emphasis on fun, using plenty of treats and praise.”

Important ‘To Do’s’:  Take your puppy out frequently.  Give him safe chew toys.  Start ‘pre-training,’  Keep up with vet visits.”