Puppy Progress

Training goes on and the kids are picking everything up very well. I'm almost at the point where I can put each bowl down and feed them one at a time while the others wait their turn. But, until they get it completely down I will continue feeding them two at a time in the same order every day. I figure it will only take a week more before I wont have to worry about them stealing.

What is interesting about this is that Ive noticed far fewer scuffles now. Ironicly it was Salmon this morning who had a minor scuffle with the pups. I wasn't sure what that was all about but took it as a sign that they are old enough not to have her in their 24/7.

As they grow older the space in the pen gets smaller and their stress levels heighten. The pen is 30'x30' with a few platforms to give them even more space but even with all that room tempers can still get out of hand.

I noticed this especially when I would feed or when I had to leave the three who weren't having an 'office day' outside. They REALLY enjoy their time in the house and get quite cranky when its not their turn. The scuffles during this time were somewhat lengthly but they usually settled in to a calm howl by the time I reached the front door of the house.

Now, since Ive been making their wait their turn for feeding these scuffles only last about 10 seconds and their howls come quickly afterward. Likewise, the feeding scuffles have all but ceased. Of course they aren't allowed to steal or fight while I'm watching and waiting for them to eat and finish their turns at the bowl but even when I'm not right there to monitor them they are behaving much better than before.

Today there was a bit of fat still clinging to the side of the last bowl so I threw it away from me, enforcing the idea that the bowl was no longer in my possession and under my rules. Thani and Hermes both went after it and I was shocked to see those two share what little was left. Boreas later came in to share as well and there wasn't a growl or bad feeling between anyone. It was great!

This is also working well to better regulate everyone's weight. So far they were all getting enough but a few were a tiny bit thinner than others, not by much but I could feel it when I checked. With this new method I can make sure tiny little Cali is getting enough and Hermes is getting his share as well. I don't have to worry too much about the big hippo brothers Thani and Boreas. They have so much mass they can push any pup out of their way to get enough food!

I am still amazed at how big these guys are. I was observing the two of them as they sat side by side waiting for extra handouts from me (which I do to enforce their good calm behavior) after their turn at eating was over. Thani's neck is so THICK, even compared to Boreas. I think it might be the extra coat he seems to have inherited from his father but today he seems bigger than before. Boreas is still massive for his age but as they all grow I'm noticing subtle differences become more and more obvious.

We've been getting more snow so the trails should be nice and soft again. Means more heavy work for the team and more muscle building... just what I was waiting for!

Tomorrow we are scheduling another short run to get them out and loosen everyone up. After seeing their performance I will see about adding a few more miles again.