First Steps

[josebrwn]

Pups are 11 days old today. 'Seven' was the first to try to walk, night before last, yesterday they all tried it at once, and I got a few pics. It reminded me of kindergarteners trying calisthenics the first time

http://www.bessie.tv/images/jpg/puppies/800x600/Dscn1109.jpg

http://www.bessie.tv/images/jpg/puppies/800x600/Dscn1111.jpg

http://www.bessie.tv/images/jpg/puppies/800x600/Dscn1114.jpg

http://www.bessie.tv/images/jpg/puppies/800x600/Dscn1116.jpg

Fascinating to watch them develop. 'Seven' is the strongest walker, it's almost her preferred means of locomotion now, not that she's good at it. Their weights last night ranged from 35 oz ('Six', the fawn) to three lbs ('One'), a range of 37%. You can really feel the difference when you pick them up.

'Four' opened her eyes last night. I give them each some attention every day and you can't imagine my surprise when I held up Four, and there she was looking back at me. She's the only one who didn't try to nurse my neck. Today, one by one, all their eyes are opening..

[eSPO]

One thing that everybody must realize is that even though pups are born within hours of each other some are actually older. The canine heat cycle is appx 21 days, pre estrus, estrus and anestrus. During pre estrus the bitch will start to put off phermones but she is not receptive, during estrus she will put her tail aside and permit entry and a "tie" ,during the last phase, anestrus she is still putting off the scent but wont allow copulation.
Since estrus is approximately 7 days you can have a pup (pups) conceived on the first day of estrus and pups conceived on the last day of estrus. The pups that are smaller or not quite as developed are often younger( by a full week) they can be just as big, happy, and will end up just like the others in time.