Updated pictures, June 17, 2005

The puppies are doing very well.  Here are some updated pictures. Click on a thumbnail to see a larger version. Thanks to Cal for the great pictures and commentary. Their first test reports will be posted shortly, but for now, here are some early observations. The pups are barely 4 weeks old!

They are all very active and playful-seem to be doing things a little sooner than some of our other litters.  We used the U.S. Army "Bio-Sensor" or "Super Puppy" program between day 3 and day 16 to give "early neurological stimulation" to each of the puppies in this litter. Studies have shown that puppies stimulated in this way are healthier and easier to train. Click here for more information regarding this program.

Observations regarding each of the pups:

• Percy (rainbow ribbon male) - very active happy tail-wagging explorer. He likes to check in with people then marches off to explore some more always wagging his tail-has a happy expressive attitude
• Hawg (green ribbon male) - nice broad head-very friendly. This boy likes to use his nose a lot when he is exploring-a nose to the ground kind of guy. He was the first puppy to check out the shavings when they were first introduced to the puppies quarters.
• Cira (no ribbon) -  Black sable female, very nice girl; she is being kept by the breeder
• Fuller (blue ribbon male) - Very focused, thinking puppy. Explores, lots of playing with toys, likes to shake and tug. Marches about with tail curled over back a lot.
• Max (red ribbon male) - Likes to leap into action when he's off to jump on a sibling, explore, or get a toy-very bouncy tail up action.
• Cammie (rainbow ribbon female) Lot's of personality; uses nose a lot. Likes to play with toys; enjoys pets and interaction with people.
• Annie (pink ribbon female) Very affectionate puppy; just a little slower to enjoy exploring than her siblings, but in the last couple of days has really started to come along. Likes to play with balls.
• Libby (RWB ribbon female) - This is an active exploring and playing puppy. Likes to interact with people.

Overall, the puppies at 3 weeks have started eating solid foods with gusto. There has been a lot of trying to pick up balls and grabbing and tugging of their toys. Amalka has been wonderful about letting people interact with her puppies. The puppies are getting a lot of socialization and are thriving.

Update: Friday, 7/1/2005: Here is a brief synopsis of the puppies first test. Next Week we'll have a more in depth report of their second test, which will be in a location where they won't have so many distractions.

For this first individual test, each pup was taken to the feed stall located at the opposite end of the barn from where their living quarters are located. The stall had some bare floor,  floor covered by hay and there were obstacles including stools, a box in one corner with blankets, bales of shavings and some toys which they have not played with before. They could hear their siblings and the adult dogs if they were making noise, but they couldn't see them. The two outstanding explorers were Cammie and Max. Both were tail up and going to the most different spots available to explore. Cira, Annie, Hawg and Fuller did very well also. Using noses, tails mostly up, very little whining,  climbing through hay etc. Cira actually marched across the hay to the far corner where she air scented me and Jack and then began wagging her tail vigorously. Only Libby and Percy showed some discomfort at being alone and did the least amount of exploring, however both of these puppies whole attitude changed to tail wagging happiness once a person showed up and started talking to them. All in all this was an excellent first test for all of the pups. 
Click here for updated photos taken at the time of the testing.

We are accepting deposits now, for more information please email us or call Margaret at (209) 223-3194.

Lunch time... again!	My bro makes a nice pillow.
Beautiful mom!	Nap time!
Cira	Do my toes need trimming?
"Lil" sweetheart	Hi! I'm Max!
You have my complete attention