4 weeks old

The pups are loving life in the big puppy pen, very playful and interactive.  Their coordination improves by the day.  The pups weights ranged from 3 lbs 12 oz (Gnat) to 5 lbs 9 oz (Cid) - see how much they have grown in the table below.   Together, they are quickly approaching Riley's weight since she is a relatively petite girl.  Poor Riley has had her chow decreased to 8 cups of kibble (from 9 cups).  The pups are getting fed soaked kibble 3 to 4 times a day individually from bowls so that we can better control their rate of growth.   I added a small water bowl to the pen a week ago, and the pups are slowly starting to drink on their own.  At this age, mostly just paw and nose dunking, and or stumbling through the water bowl.  Until they can drink well on their own, I am being careful to provide adequate hydration with the kibble we are providing.  They have already had 3 nail trims and a couple of wormings.  We have introduced brushing, and have started invasive/rude petting and handling.  We cradle the pups briefly on their backs; massage feet, ears, and tail, pet them around their heads and mouth, etc.  The TV is next to the puppy pen and NPR is playing during the day when I am at work.  We are starting to also train basic manners by rewarding pups for being quiet with 4 feet on the ground.  Amazing how fast baby pups can learn to sit to get picked up or fed.  Looking forward to finally getting some Spring weather so that we can get the pups outside. 

Collar	Name	Sex/color	Birthweight	Day 6	2 weeks	4 weeks
Pink	Katydid	F/Y	8  oz	14.8 oz	1 lb 15.6 oz	4 lbs 11 oz
Blue	Cicada	M/B	11.4 oz	1 lb 5.4 oz	2 lb 7 oz	5 lbs 9 oz
Purple	Midge	F/B	7.6 oz	13 oz	1 lb 9.8 oz	4 lbs 2 oz
Yellow	Cricket	F/B	9.4 oz	1 lb 3 oz	2 lb 3 oz	5 lb
Black	Skeeter	M/Y	6.8 oz	12 oz	1 lb 12.4 oz	4 lb 6 oz
Orange	Gnat	M/B	7 oz	12 oz	1 lb 6 oz	3 lbs 12 oz
Green	Skipper	M/Y	10 oz	1 lb 3.8 oz	2 lb 3.8 oz	5 lbs 1 oz
Red	Ladybug	F/Y	10.8 oz	1 lb 2.2 oz	2 lb 3 oz	4 lbs 12 oz