Weekly "Pupdates" are posted below on Fridays by 5PM The 1, 2, & 3 Week Pupdates will include weights and a general litter update. At 4 Weeks, ID collars go on the pups (prior to this we avoid any sort of collar or color coding dye for their safety). The 4, 5 & 6 Week Pupdates will include weights and brief description of each pup as their personality emerges. The 7 Week (Final) Pupdate will include weights, personality descriptions, temperament testing, and vet checkup results.
08.02.19 - 7th Pupdate
Puppy Selection Information: Puppy selection day has arrived! Please email me your puppy selection by the time slot listed below. You are welcome to contact me during that time if you need to discuss your selection (336-465-6023). Puppy selections will be updated on the website as they are made! We recommend you make a list tonight, in the order of your 1st pick to last pick. This way, you will be prepared when it is time to make your selection!
Pugh: Must know puppy selection by 11AM on Saturday 08/03 Counts: Must know puppy selection between 1PM-4PM on Saturday 08/03 Alleman: Must know puppy selection between 4PM-8PM on Saturday 08/03
Puppy Exams:
Our vet is EXTREMELY thorough, which we love. We describe puppy vet exams in three different ways... perfect, normal, or abnormal. Every puppy in Tessa's Litter had either a "perfect" or "normal" vet exam... yay! Anyone who did not receive a perfect exam has a note in their pupdate description about what was found. If you are interested in a pup with an exam that was under the normal spectrum but not perfect and you have some concerns, please reach out for additional information.
Perfect exams mean that the vet didn't notice anything out of the ordinary.
Normal exams are when pups have something worth noting, but these things are common in young puppies and not expected to impact long term health. It is not unusual for puppies to have imperfect exams at this age. They are growing at a rapid pace, and this sometimes results in awkward phases. In fact, sometimes we have more pups in a litter with "normal" exams than "perfect" exams! Normal exam findings will likely either correct themselves with age or need simple correction at the time of spay/neuter. Examples of "normal" exams include pups with small under or overbites, small umbilical hernias, "innocent" heart murmurs (grade of 1 out of 6) which are expected to go away within a couple vet visits, or missing a testicle (sometimes they don't both "drop" until pups are much older). We will ALWAYS notify you of any such things on the first vet visit, and you are NOT required to take a pup that you do not feel comfortable with due to any finding at a vet exam which concerns you. We will only allow pups to go home if we feel comfortable that the issue is benign/likely to go away with age.
Abnormal exams are when pups have an exam that concerns us for their long term health. An example of this would be severe patellar luxation (extremely loose knee joints- very different than typical puppy laxity), a loud heart murmur (ex, 4 out of 6), cataracts, etc. In these situations, where the severity of the issue in question may impact their long term health, we "pull" the puppy from the reservation list and they are no longer available until we can either wait for the next exam of have the pup checked by a specialist, depending on the issue. We have been very blessed in that every single pup we have ever had to pull from a list due to an abnormal exam has ended up being just fine and the condition went away with age! Still- we don't let pups go to new homes until we are comfortable that they can live normal, happy lives.
Personality Pupdate:
Mr. Red: This big fella might be the largest pup in his litter, but he is a gentle giant! Mr. Red has that happy, easy going, retriever style temperament... so nobody can resist falling in love with him! He is expressive and makes good eye contact. He is goofy, loving, and an all around cool dood. He will likely be on the high end of the estimated size range. This fella had a PERFECT vet exam! 5lbs 2oz
Mr. Green: This sweet boy is gorgeous! He is going to have a thick, dreamy doodle coat like his dad (seriously, this guy is Charlie junior)! He has a lovely square, blocky build despite being the smallest pup in the litter. He is playful, cuddly, and attentive, and will make someone a great family dog. He will likely be on the small end of the estimated size range.This fella had a PERFECT vet exam! 3lbs 5oz
Mr. Blue: This super sweetheart is going to make someone an AMAZING family dog, and has therapy dog potential. He is the most confident pup in the litter who thrives when given any sort of human attention. He is going to be a devoted companion and a goofy, loving, cuddle-bug to a special family. This fella had a PERFECT vet exam! 4lbs 3oz
Mr. Black: Mr. Black is strikingly handsome and poses wonderfully for the camera! This handsome hunk is the king of playtime, and likes nothing more than rough-housing with his siblings. He likes to pretend that he is a tough guy, but he definitely has more bark than bite and prefers to let a siblings explore a new situation before he does.This fella had a PERFECT vet exam! 3lbs 15oz
Mr. Orange: HELD BACK- Mr. Orange was born with bilateral deafness, which means that he is 100% deaf. We have no health concerns for his littermates (who all passed their vet exam with flying colors). Mr. Orange will be staying at Red Spring Farm to start training using methods customized for deaf pups. We hope to find him a special adoptive family who has experience with deaf puppies, but until then, he will stay right here! 4lbs 2oz
Ms. Yellow: This little gal is sweet beyond words! She is an easy going gal who is able to keep herself entertained, and is able to play independently without her siblings. She is gentle and likes calm cuddles, and will play with you by waving her front paws in the air! She takes a couple minutes to adjust to scary situations (but can you blame her) but settles down once she has a moment to take it all in. She is excelling with potty training. This gal had a PERFECT vet exam! 4lbs 2oz
Temperament Testing: Using [A] for active response, [N] for neutral and [P] for passive based on:
1. Observation. Watching how she plays with other puppies, does she jump right into group activities [A], hanging in the midst of the activity [N], or submitting when approached [P]. Mr. Red: N Mr. Green: N Mr. Blue: N Mr. Black: A Ms. Yellow: N
2. Play. When you first take a puppy aside to play with, is he hyper [A], easy going [N] or does he just want to be petted [P]. Mr. Red: N Mr. Green: N Mr. Blue: N Mr. Black: P Ms. Yellow: P
3. Cradle. When cradling a puppy in your arms, does he relax [P], wiggle a bit and then relax [N] or kick like crazy [A]. Mr. Red: N Mr. Green: N Mr. Blue: N Mr. Black: N Ms. Yellow: N
4. Call back. Using a treat or squeak toy and calling to the puppy while backing away, does he race after you while jumping or nipping at your ankles [A], follow happily [N] or hesitate and need coaxing [P]. Mr. Red: N Mr. Green: N Mr. Blue: N Mr. Black: N Ms. Yellow: N
5. Tuck and pat. When kneeling/sitting on the floor, settle the puppy between your legs. Pet him in long gentle strokes as you praise him softly. Does he wriggle free as he nips [A], wriggle and then relax [N] or simply melt in your embrace [P]. Mr. Red: N Mr. Green: N Mr. Blue: N Mr. Black: P Ms. Yellow: P
6. Bend over. Stand up, stretch and relax, Now go to your puppy and lean over to pet him. Your doing this may seem overwhelming to the pup because you're so large and he's so small. Does he jump up at your face [A], cower in confusion [P] or just relax and let it happen [N]. Mr. Red: N Mr. Green: N Mr. Blue: N Mr. Black: N Ms. Yellow: N
7. Nose kiss. Cradle your puppy's face in your hands and kiss him on the nose. Does he bite you back [A], accept the smooch calmly or return the interaction with a soft bite or kiss [N] or pull back in confusion [P]. Mr. Red: N Mr. Green: N Mr. Blue: N Mr. Black: N Ms. Yellow: N
8. Toe squeeze. In this exercise, you're testing your puppy's reaction and sensitivity to discomfort. While petting the puppy, gently squeeze the skin between his toes. Does he attack your hand. If so, he's definitely an A type personality with high sensitivity. A neutral puppy may lick or mouth gently, whereas a passive puppy will cringe fearfully. Mr. Red: N Mr. Green: N Mr. Blue: N Mr. Black: N Ms. Yellow: N
9. Startle sound. Take a bunch of keys and when your prospective puppy least expects it, rattle them above his head and gauge his reaction. Does he attack the keys [A]. Does he give it a nonchalant glance [N]. A fear reaction is noted by cowering or withdrawal [P]. Mr. Red: N Mr. Green: N Mr. Blue: N Mr. Black: N Ms. Yellow: N
10. Crash test. Stand and wait until your puppy is no longer interested in you. Suddenly fall to the ground as if you've tripped and exclaim "Ouch" Does the puppy race over and pounce [A], come to sniff or lick your face [N] or cower and run in fear [P]. Mr. Red: N Mr. Green: N Mr. Blue: N Mr. Black: N Ms. Yellow: N
11. Uplift. Lift the puppy 4 inches off the floor by cradling his midsection. Hold him there for at few seconds. Does he wriggle and bite furiously [A]? Does he relax and look around [N]. Does he look fearful and constrict his body posture [P]. Mr. Red: N Mr. Green: N Mr. Blue: N Mr. Black: N Ms. Yellow: N
All A's: This dominant puppy is bright and interactive. Raising him will take concentration, consistency and time. His favorite expression is "What's Next!"
All N's: Easy going and contained, this puppy will be pleasant and self-assured, though perhaps not terribly motivated to follow your agenda when it conflicts with his own. His favorite expression is "Is it absolutely necessary?"
All P's: This puppy has a weak self-esteem and needs your reassurance to feel safe. Without proper lessons and socialization, he'll be shy. His favorite expression: "It's been 3 minutes, do you still love me?" Mix of A and N's: This active puppy will want to be in the middle of everything but will show slightly more impulse control when stimulated. His favorite expression is: "Let's do it again"
Mix of N and P's: This self-assured puppy will be easygoing and gentle yet with a stronger sense of self than a completely passive puppy. Because he's more composed, he'll be an ideal puppy for a calm house with or without older children. Favorite expression: "Another back scratching please!"
07.26.19 6th Pupdate
I really want to thank you for your patience this week. A quick update on my dad: He is still in the hospital (2.5 hours from my home), but he is doing well and is spending his first night alone tonight. He is on the road to recovery and will be moved to a rehab center next week. Now for the PUPPIES! They are doing very well and I have wonderful friends and family members who were willing to help out while I was gone. It is amazing how much these babies grow and change, it becomes even more obvious when you don't see them every day.
Mr. Red: This loving fella is as sweet as they come! He is all boy, very playful, happy, and goofy. He even walks like a goofy, happy boy with his tail wagging behind him! He likes giving me kisses when we cuddle and he is very food motivated. Mr. Green: This boy really reminds me of his dad as a pup! He has a very nice, square build that is small and compact, and his coat is very thick. He is a little bit like the "little brother" of the bunch and follows his siblings around, happily tagging along and doing whatever they want to do. Mr. Blue: Gosh this fella is seriously the ultimate cuddlebug. He thrives on attention and pets, and I bet he will be a true velcro dog as an adult. He is going to LOVE his people and will likely accept praise as a reward along with treats. Mr. Black: Mr. Black is a happy goofy fella that really enjoys playing with his siblings (when he isn't busy posing for the camera). He likes to stalk his victims, and will slowly creep up on one of his siblings before pouncing. Mr. Orange: Every week I think this pup gets more handsome and I love his unique eyeliner around his left eye. He is similar to Mr. Blue in that he thrives on attention, but he is a little more independent and can do his own thing if a person isn't playing with him. Ms. Yellow: Ms. Yellow is a special little girl among all the boys. She is sweet, loving, cuddly- a real princess! She has a great middle-of-the-road temperament and is ready to do whatever you want to do whether that means playtime or couch cuddles.
07.19.19- 5th Pupdate
Harper's crew has begun to use their litter box (good job puppies)! This litter is active, healthy, and playful! They have surprising mobility for their age and are really moving about the whelping box. This week they will start solid food and spend less time with mommy. They did great with nail trims today!
Mr. Red: This little guy is a silly boy! He is built very thick and is still a bit of a cry baby when things don't go his way! 3lbs 6oz Mr. Green: This fella reminds me so much of his daddy, Charlie! He is easy going and submissive. 2lbs 8oz Mr. Blue: Gosh this butter ball is quite the ham, he has a big personality and makes great eye contact. 3lbs 0oz Mr. Black: This fella is a playful goofball who has found his voice this week, he lets everyone know when I have come into the room by giving a loud "YIP"! 2lb 10oz Mr. Orange: What a sweetheart! This guy has such expressive features and really captures everyone's heart with his gentle snuggles. 2lb 6oz Ms. Yellow: The little sister! This cutie is inquisitive and playful, she has started to use her paws to swat at her siblings during play. 2lb 8oz
07.12.19- 4th Pupdate
Eyes are open and these little monsters are crawling around their pen with surprising speed! Mommy Harper is doing a good job, but she has checked out a bit in the cleaning department (can you blame her) so we are changing her litters bedding a little more often... they even had their first bath this week to help things stay as clean as possible with 6 pooping puppies!
Mr. Red: This guy is a vocal, fun pup who is all about "the milkbar"! He starts crying for feedings before all the others. Mr. Green: Such a chill pup, he is go with the flow and happy being held or sleeping with his siblings. Mr. Blue: AKA Mr. Personality! This guy was all play and cuddles this week. He has a blocky frame and reminds us of a little polar bear. Mr. Black: Mr. Black is so endearing, he has a "little sibling" innocence about him and enjoys playing with his siblings. Mr. Orange: Mr. Orange is the sleepiest of all the puppies. For our photo session we couldn't get him to wake up! When he does perk up he is beyond precious, loves cuddles, and will give me kisses when I hold him. Ms. Yellow: The special little girl of the bunch, Ms. Yellow has a great combo personality of relaxed and playful.
07.05.19- 3rd Pupdate
Harper's little crew are growing very well! Harper is feeding them well... they are growing by leaps and bounds (check out how big Mr. Red is... he is SO chunky). Their eyes are partially open and they are beginning to toddle actively about their whelping box. We are excited to hopefully introduce them to the toddler pen this week.
Mr. Red: 956 grams Mr. Green: 713 grams Mr. Blue: 864 grams Mr. Black: 737 grams Mr. Orange: 701 grams Ms. Yellow: 717 grams
06.28.19- 2nd Pupdate
These little boogers are growing like weeds and doing oh-so-well! Eyes should open this week.
Mr. Red: 610 grams Mr. Green: 447 grams Mr. Blue: 530 grams Mr. Black: 418 grams Mr. Orange: 430 grams Ms. Yellow: 452 grams
06.21.19- 1st Pupdate
Harper's pups are growing very quickly, all are nursing well and we are so proud of what a great job mommy Harper is doing... she is a natural!
Mr. Red: 367 grams Mr. Green: 283 grams Mr. Blue: 350 grams Mr. Black: 285 grams Mr. Orange: 267 grams Ms. Yellow: 283 grams
06.18.19- Happy Birthday!
Welcome to the world, precious babies! Harper had 6 beautiful babies. Mom and pups are doing well, every pup nursed immediately and was a healthy birth weight.
Mr. Red: Red with small white markings, wavy coat Mr. Green: Red/apricot with small white markings, wavy coat Mr. Blue: Solid white, wavy coat Mr. Black: Red/Apricot with white markings, wavy coat Mr. Orange: Solid white, wavy coat Ms. Yellow: Solid Apricot, wavy coat
Because there are such extreme color differences in this litter, we have split the reservation list based off of color... one list is for the white colored pups, the other list is for the red/apricot colored pups.