Tessa x Walter 2026 Litter
Daddy Walter
|
Mommy Tessa
|
Born: 03/14/2026
Vet Check Day: 04/27 Puppy Selection Day: 04/28 Go-Home Day: 05/09 Breed: Double Doodles Weight Expectancy: 12-18lbs Color: Red/Apricot Coat: Nonshedding, Wavy Male Reservation List:
1. Blue (Rocky): Koen's Boy! 2. Red: Joining the Eckblad's! Female Reservation List: 1. Ms. Purple: Staying at RSF! 2. Ms. Pink: Going to the Horstman's, sent by Sally🕊️ |
7Wk Pupdate:
Babies are thriving and getting much more active! 90% of their diet is now puppy kibble (softened with warm water) 3x/daily. Tessa is still giving them a little milk, but only in short sessions as those puppy teeth are SHARP! If you know your pup's name, let us know and we will begin calling them by their name.
If you haven't already, make sure to check off your Puppy Go Home Checklist
Please schedule a phone appointment this weekend or next week (text Kristen 336-465-6023) to go over any questions you have about your pup's transition home.
DRIVING HOME: If you are within a 4 hour drive of our home, we encourage you to drive to pick up your puppy. If your drive is between 4 and 8 hours, we encourage you to make sure to bring a helping hand! For the drive home, make sure that you have a couple towels or blankets, cleaning supplies (some puppies get a little car sick), and a travel-safe container for water (we use a small tupperware container). While a crate strapped in the back of the car is the safest way to travel... transition day is stressful for the pup, making this first introduction to you and their new crate less than ideal. Instead, we like to bring a large plastic container or laundry basket for the pup to ride in the floorboard of the passenger seat, or next to a helper in the back seat of the car. This way, pup is contained but feels some freedom, and is sitting right next to a new family member for reassurance.
Babies are thriving and getting much more active! 90% of their diet is now puppy kibble (softened with warm water) 3x/daily. Tessa is still giving them a little milk, but only in short sessions as those puppy teeth are SHARP! If you know your pup's name, let us know and we will begin calling them by their name.
If you haven't already, make sure to check off your Puppy Go Home Checklist
Please schedule a phone appointment this weekend or next week (text Kristen 336-465-6023) to go over any questions you have about your pup's transition home.
DRIVING HOME: If you are within a 4 hour drive of our home, we encourage you to drive to pick up your puppy. If your drive is between 4 and 8 hours, we encourage you to make sure to bring a helping hand! For the drive home, make sure that you have a couple towels or blankets, cleaning supplies (some puppies get a little car sick), and a travel-safe container for water (we use a small tupperware container). While a crate strapped in the back of the car is the safest way to travel... transition day is stressful for the pup, making this first introduction to you and their new crate less than ideal. Instead, we like to bring a large plastic container or laundry basket for the pup to ride in the floorboard of the passenger seat, or next to a helper in the back seat of the car. This way, pup is contained but feels some freedom, and is sitting right next to a new family member for reassurance.
6Wk Pupdate
Puppies all had normal vet exams! Copies of these will be included in your go-home packet which you can take to your first vet visit. As some of you may remember, Pink girl aspirated milk when nursing at 3 weeks of age, we are happy to announce that she has recovered nicely!
6Wk 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. Blue: N
Mr. Red: N
Ms. Purple: N
Ms. Pink: N
2. Play. When you first take a puppy aside to play with, is he active/very playful [A], easy going [N] or does he just want to be petted [P].
Mr. Blue: N
Mr. Red: N
Ms. Purple: N
Ms. Pink: A
3. Cradle. When cradling a puppy in your arms, does he relax [P], wiggle a bit and then relax [N] or wiggle and kick like crazy [A].
Mr. Blue: P
Mr. Red: P
Ms. Purple: N
Ms. Pink: 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 at your ankles [A], follow happily with a trot and tail wag [N] or needs a moment to evaluate the situation before checking it out (praise helps) [P].
Mr. Blue: N
Mr. Red: N
Ms. Purple: N
Ms. Pink: 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 confidently without giving up [A], wriggle and then relax [N] or simply melt in your embrace [P].
Mr. Blue: N
Mr. Red: P
Ms. Purple: P
Ms. Pink: N
6. Bend over. Stand up, stretch and relax, now go to your puppy and lean over quickly to pet him. 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 playfully [A], crouch submissively with a passive tail way [P] or just relax and let it happen, nonchalantly [N].
Mr. Blue: N
Mr. Red: N
Ms. Purple: N
Ms. Pink: 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 kiss [N] melts in your arms, just letting it happen [P].
Mr. Blue: N
Mr. Red: N
Ms. Purple: N
Ms. Pink: 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 [A], lick or mouth gently [N], or whimper/appear anxious [P].
Mr. Blue: N
Mr. Red: N
Ms. Purple: N
Ms. Pink: 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 playfully "attack" the keys [A], give them a nonchalant glance [N], or crouch submissively and looks to you for guidance [P].
Mr. Blue: N
Mr. Red: N
Ms. Purple: N
Ms. Pink: 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 say "Ouch." Does the puppy race over and playfully pounce [A], comes to sniff or lick your face [N], or hangs back to observe what is going on before approaching [P].
Mr. Blue: N
Mr. Red: N
Ms. Purple: N
Ms. Pink: A
11. Uplift. Lift the puppy 4 inches off the floor by cradling his midsection. Hold him there for a few seconds. Does he wriggle and mouth [A]? Does he relax and look around [N]? Does he "freeze" and appear fearful[P]?
Mr. Blue: N
Mr. Red: N
Ms. Purple: N
Ms. Pink: N
All A's: This dominant puppy is extremely bright and interactive. Raising him will take concentration, consistency and time and an experienced owner is recommended. They can be extremely rewarding pets for someone who wants to have a highly trained companion or competition dog of some sort (Agility, dock diving, etc).
All N's: Easy going and contained, "All N" puppies will be pleasant and an ideal pet for most families. These middle-of-the-road pups are confident enough that they won't live for their owner's approval and guidance like a "P" puppy would (N pups can be stubborn at times) but they won't be as defiant as an "A" puppy can be.
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. With proper socializing, "P" pups can "built up" to make excellent family dogs and tend to be very attached to their owners.
Mix of A and N's: This active puppy will want to be in the middle of everything but will show more impulse control when stimulated than an all "A" puppy. "A/N" puppies are great for loud/active families that want a pup with lots of personality and confidence, but that are not nearly as intense as "all A" puppies.
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 household.
Puppies all had normal vet exams! Copies of these will be included in your go-home packet which you can take to your first vet visit. As some of you may remember, Pink girl aspirated milk when nursing at 3 weeks of age, we are happy to announce that she has recovered nicely!
6Wk 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. Blue: N
Mr. Red: N
Ms. Purple: N
Ms. Pink: N
2. Play. When you first take a puppy aside to play with, is he active/very playful [A], easy going [N] or does he just want to be petted [P].
Mr. Blue: N
Mr. Red: N
Ms. Purple: N
Ms. Pink: A
3. Cradle. When cradling a puppy in your arms, does he relax [P], wiggle a bit and then relax [N] or wiggle and kick like crazy [A].
Mr. Blue: P
Mr. Red: P
Ms. Purple: N
Ms. Pink: 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 at your ankles [A], follow happily with a trot and tail wag [N] or needs a moment to evaluate the situation before checking it out (praise helps) [P].
Mr. Blue: N
Mr. Red: N
Ms. Purple: N
Ms. Pink: 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 confidently without giving up [A], wriggle and then relax [N] or simply melt in your embrace [P].
Mr. Blue: N
Mr. Red: P
Ms. Purple: P
Ms. Pink: N
6. Bend over. Stand up, stretch and relax, now go to your puppy and lean over quickly to pet him. 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 playfully [A], crouch submissively with a passive tail way [P] or just relax and let it happen, nonchalantly [N].
Mr. Blue: N
Mr. Red: N
Ms. Purple: N
Ms. Pink: 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 kiss [N] melts in your arms, just letting it happen [P].
Mr. Blue: N
Mr. Red: N
Ms. Purple: N
Ms. Pink: 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 [A], lick or mouth gently [N], or whimper/appear anxious [P].
Mr. Blue: N
Mr. Red: N
Ms. Purple: N
Ms. Pink: 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 playfully "attack" the keys [A], give them a nonchalant glance [N], or crouch submissively and looks to you for guidance [P].
Mr. Blue: N
Mr. Red: N
Ms. Purple: N
Ms. Pink: 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 say "Ouch." Does the puppy race over and playfully pounce [A], comes to sniff or lick your face [N], or hangs back to observe what is going on before approaching [P].
Mr. Blue: N
Mr. Red: N
Ms. Purple: N
Ms. Pink: A
11. Uplift. Lift the puppy 4 inches off the floor by cradling his midsection. Hold him there for a few seconds. Does he wriggle and mouth [A]? Does he relax and look around [N]? Does he "freeze" and appear fearful[P]?
Mr. Blue: N
Mr. Red: N
Ms. Purple: N
Ms. Pink: N
All A's: This dominant puppy is extremely bright and interactive. Raising him will take concentration, consistency and time and an experienced owner is recommended. They can be extremely rewarding pets for someone who wants to have a highly trained companion or competition dog of some sort (Agility, dock diving, etc).
All N's: Easy going and contained, "All N" puppies will be pleasant and an ideal pet for most families. These middle-of-the-road pups are confident enough that they won't live for their owner's approval and guidance like a "P" puppy would (N pups can be stubborn at times) but they won't be as defiant as an "A" puppy can be.
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. With proper socializing, "P" pups can "built up" to make excellent family dogs and tend to be very attached to their owners.
Mix of A and N's: This active puppy will want to be in the middle of everything but will show more impulse control when stimulated than an all "A" puppy. "A/N" puppies are great for loud/active families that want a pup with lots of personality and confidence, but that are not nearly as intense as "all A" puppies.
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 household.
5Wk Pupdate
Tessa's litter are starting to wrestle and play! Their individual temperaments are shining through. While each baby has their own sweet personality, each one should thrive in a typical family environment.
Mr. Blue: Aww, this little man is a sweet and soft-natured little lover. He is the middle-of-the-road boy within this litter, playful but not hyper, loving but not anxious or clingy. He reminds me of his father, Walter, as a puppy (quite the compliment)! He makes good eye contact and is a smarty pants, he is a good candidate for being an A+ student in obedience training. He is the 2nd smallest pup in the litter with an expected adult size of 12-15#.
Mr. Red: The gentle "giant" (if you can call a 3lb pup a giant). He is a total goofball with a retriever style look and approach to life. He definitely inherited the retriever whole-booty, swishing tail wag. He enjoys playing but it won't take long for him to melt in your arms, give you a smooch, and fall asleep in your lap. Due to his heavy/stocky retriever build, will likely be on the high end of the expected weight range, around 18-22#, depending on how much "retriever chunk" he inherits. He really is a blocky headed boy which is unusual in this small size range.
Ms. Purple: Yellow is a sweetie pie! She is a gentle gal who has playful spurts in-between cuddle time with people. She loves adult dogs visiting the pens and was the first pup to escape the larger pen because she was trying to follow "Aunt Ginger". I expect that this girl will land around the middle-high end of the expected weight range approx 15-16#.
Ms. Pink: Oh my goodness. Pink is small but mighty! She is sassy and fun, her personality is huge! She is playful, interactive, and engaging. She thrives on attention and praise and knows how to entertain a crowd. She needs a family who wants to spoil a princess and truly be part of the family. She is a tiny bundle of fluff who will be on the lower end, or possibly below, the expected weight range (12# or so).
Tessa's litter are starting to wrestle and play! Their individual temperaments are shining through. While each baby has their own sweet personality, each one should thrive in a typical family environment.
Mr. Blue: Aww, this little man is a sweet and soft-natured little lover. He is the middle-of-the-road boy within this litter, playful but not hyper, loving but not anxious or clingy. He reminds me of his father, Walter, as a puppy (quite the compliment)! He makes good eye contact and is a smarty pants, he is a good candidate for being an A+ student in obedience training. He is the 2nd smallest pup in the litter with an expected adult size of 12-15#.
Mr. Red: The gentle "giant" (if you can call a 3lb pup a giant). He is a total goofball with a retriever style look and approach to life. He definitely inherited the retriever whole-booty, swishing tail wag. He enjoys playing but it won't take long for him to melt in your arms, give you a smooch, and fall asleep in your lap. Due to his heavy/stocky retriever build, will likely be on the high end of the expected weight range, around 18-22#, depending on how much "retriever chunk" he inherits. He really is a blocky headed boy which is unusual in this small size range.
Ms. Purple: Yellow is a sweetie pie! She is a gentle gal who has playful spurts in-between cuddle time with people. She loves adult dogs visiting the pens and was the first pup to escape the larger pen because she was trying to follow "Aunt Ginger". I expect that this girl will land around the middle-high end of the expected weight range approx 15-16#.
Ms. Pink: Oh my goodness. Pink is small but mighty! She is sassy and fun, her personality is huge! She is playful, interactive, and engaging. She thrives on attention and praise and knows how to entertain a crowd. She needs a family who wants to spoil a princess and truly be part of the family. She is a tiny bundle of fluff who will be on the lower end, or possibly below, the expected weight range (12# or so).
4Wk Pupdate
Tessa's little toddlers are starting to come to life! While it is still a little early to begin evaluating temperament, we are seeing hints of each pup's sweet personality.
Mr. Blue: A sweet soul who loves gentle cuddles and kisses, and will return the favor. He is Mr. Red's sidekick and likes to explore new toys, especially when they make crunchy or squeaky sounds.
Mr. Red: The gentle giant in the litter (well, compared to his siblings)! I suspect it is possible he could land in the low-twenty pound range. Mr. Red is a chunky monkey who was the first in the litter to wag his tail. He loves his mommy as much as he loves food, and is a snuggle bug.
Ms. Purple: Ms. Purple has a nice middle-of-the-road temperament. She is engaging but doesn't have to be the center of attention, and really enjoys playing with her siblings.
Ms. Pink: This spunky girl had an unlucky week, she inhaled milk while nursing and developed "aspiration pneumonia." Thankfully our wonderful vet got her in immediately when we started seeing symptoms, and she is recovering well. Despite feeling yucky (she had quite a cough for a few days), Pinky remained playful with her siblings and never lost her appetite. We expect she will make a full recovery before her vet visit on the 27th, at which point our vet will carefully re-examine her.
Tessa's little toddlers are starting to come to life! While it is still a little early to begin evaluating temperament, we are seeing hints of each pup's sweet personality.
Mr. Blue: A sweet soul who loves gentle cuddles and kisses, and will return the favor. He is Mr. Red's sidekick and likes to explore new toys, especially when they make crunchy or squeaky sounds.
Mr. Red: The gentle giant in the litter (well, compared to his siblings)! I suspect it is possible he could land in the low-twenty pound range. Mr. Red is a chunky monkey who was the first in the litter to wag his tail. He loves his mommy as much as he loves food, and is a snuggle bug.
Ms. Purple: Ms. Purple has a nice middle-of-the-road temperament. She is engaging but doesn't have to be the center of attention, and really enjoys playing with her siblings.
Ms. Pink: This spunky girl had an unlucky week, she inhaled milk while nursing and developed "aspiration pneumonia." Thankfully our wonderful vet got her in immediately when we started seeing symptoms, and she is recovering well. Despite feeling yucky (she had quite a cough for a few days), Pinky remained playful with her siblings and never lost her appetite. We expect she will make a full recovery before her vet visit on the 27th, at which point our vet will carefully re-examine her.
3wk Pupdate
2wk Pupdate... we have peepers (in the order of Red, Blue, Purple, Pink)
1 Week!
Introducing: Mr. Red, Mr. Blue, Ms. Pink, and Ms. Purple
Introducing: Mr. Red, Mr. Blue, Ms. Pink, and Ms. Purple
Tessa gave birth to 4 beautiful babies on the evening of Saturday March 14th! Two sweet little girls and two handsome boys. Tessa is figuring out her new role as "mommy." She is very concerned about every whimper they make, and refuses to leave the whelping pen (we have to pick her up and carry her outside to potty). Babies are all thriving and gaining weight quickly.
