Week 3 – Big Changes for the Puppies

Jun 032018
 

Pink girl up on her feet, walking around, wrestling with her littermates.  Eyes open, hearing sounds, and learning to make noise–and always in search of mother, Poppy.  Pink girl is the most social now–wags her tail when she hears a voice and wants to play.Green girl wasn’t real sure that she should be outside of the crate area–but once she found Poppy (mom) she was good to go.  The new surroundings didn’t stop her for long–always a good sign.Blue girl is also very social–new things don’t seem to bother her and she is friendly.  Blue and Pink are the pups that seem to want to be the first to try or do something new.Clear girl seems to be more cautious at this time, but after a bit she relaxed and explored the area outside the crate.  Clear seems to  be a little more independent, going off on her own.

An Armfull

May 302018
 

The boys were half asleep.  Otherwise, they would not have held still for this picture.

The puppies thought it was a perfect day:  they had lots of play time, lots of nap time, lots of food and even had visitors.  They are delighted to meet new people and never show any nerves or fear.

Training consists of brushing and combing, so they get used to grooming.  We have worked more on leash training and have just begun to give treats when all four feet are on the floor.

From left:  Turq, Blue and Brown

My sweet boys are 9 weeks old today.

 

End of Week 2 for The Pups

May 282018
 

It has been a busy week of growing for the pups.  Their eyes are opening, they are beginning to hear (I saw the first startled reaction today when they heard a noise, they are moving around better and trying to pull themselves up on their legs.  Today a couple of toys were introduced and they are trying to play with the toy.  Some interaction between the pups is starting with “mouthing” and pulling on a littermate’s leg.  Above is the Pink girl–her nose and eye pigment is in and her hair is really beginning to grow–I’ve even heard a bark and a growl out of the pups.Green girl–her eyes aren’t open as much as several of the other pups and she continues to be the smallest–she’s working on gaining weight and catching up with her littermates.Blue girl, along with Pink girl are the “big” girls in the litter.  I’ve had to trim the hair out of their eyes this week–Blue girl looks grumpy, but she is very sweet.Clear girl–has her nose and eye pigment.  All the pups are much cuter than their pictures and over the next few weeks I’m hoping to be able to take better pictures and pictures that show their personalities.

Life Is Good

May 282018
 

Puppies and their dam, Poppy, moved into a larger area today–the little girls are growing so fast that they need more room to move around–and Poppy enjoys the space to stretch out for feeding time.This is the Clear girl after overdosing at feeding time with mom–ahhh, life is so good.

BFCA Nationals – Been there, done that!

May 272018
 

It was such a memorable Nationals for us this year.  So many of our extended Bichon family traveled to Tucson to watch the show.  I do think we had the biggest crowd there.  It was great.  We certainly felt the love. 

 

At just under 18 months of age, Oliver was the Grand Sweepstakes Winner this year.  OMG!  This is the first Sweeps win for Absolutely Bichons.  Many will recall last year at Nationals at the tender age of 5 1/2 months Oliver won Best Baby Puppy.  So the promise he showed early on continues as he matures.  Our judge for Sweeps was Karen Graeber of Whitebred Bichons in New Jersey.  Ms. Graeber is a long time successful breeder and a win under such a knowledgeable judge is all the more special.


Not to be overshadowed by the whipper snapper Oliver, our boy Simon also traveled to Tucson.  At the age of 8 1/2 Simon was the oldest bichon entered by far.  Simon proved he still has everything it takes to be successful in the ring.  Simon showed beautifully and came away with the 1st Award of Merit.  So proud of this guy.  He has really put us on the map.  Simon is about to make history.  Watch for a post in July.

Liberty-CH Absolutely Snowbird Free Reign CD BN NA NAJ RN TKA CGC, received a Versatile Bichon award, competed for the first time in rally intermediate recieved a 99 out of 100, then a second in obedience.
Kevlar- Absolutely Snowbird Heart of Strength BN RN TKA CGC, won her class in breed! Competed in Rally for the first time, with a PERFECT score, and third for her first time in obedience.

Liberty and Kevlar are owned, trained, groomed and shown by the incomparable Tasheena Housman.  She just amazes us and was definitely noticed at Nationals!  Thank you Tasheena, for representing us so very well.

 

Karen’s girl, Absolutely Affinity Smiley Face 🙂 (Emoji) placed in her class also!  Emoji is completely inexperienced and was a tough handle for Karen, but she pulled it together enough to finish in the ribbons.  Every ribbon at Nationals is a prized possession.

 

 

 

 

It Was A Big Week For the Little Bruisers!

May 252018
 

Mr. Brown had some leash training today. He did quite well, especially when he realized there was food involved as a reward.

Butter Bean (Blue Boy) is the largest of the puppies. He is pretty easy going, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t love to play!

Turq is very curious and independent.

These boys are rough and tumble!  They are not afraid to take on the big dogs, but of course, I have to carefully watch that they play safely.  The puppies went to the vet for their health check up and first puppy vaccinations.  They passed with flying colors.  The vet enjoyed that they got a Bichon Buzz going in the exam room.  

Today the boys had their first excursion to the back yard grassy area for play time.

Week 1 1/2 – The “Girls”

May 222018
 

Pink girl–a good eater and escape artist getting out of the crate in search of her mother.Green girl is the smallest of the 4 pups and outweighed by her littermates at this time by 4 to 5 ounces, but making gains every day!Blue girl is busy gaining weight and snuggling with her littermates.Clear girl (no color marking) seems to be the most “mellow” of the pups at this time.

It’s Wednesday so it must be time for the 7 week pictures

May 162018
 

Outside is the new favorite place to be.  All the pups have learned to traverse the two steps leading to the dog yard.  I put a cushion at the bottom, just in case there is a misstep.

Blue Boy is maintaining his lead in the weight department. He’s a pretty easy going guy.

Brown was the first to master the steps and the dog door. He loves to play with the big dogs.

Turq likes to try new things. He was the first to try out the Wobble Ball.

TIME FLIES…….

May 092018
 

Six weeks have gone by quickly.  The little boys are such good puppies.  Brown and Turq had their baths and haircuts today.  They are also wearing collars so they will get used to the feeling of something around their necks.  Can you hear Brown protesting?

Brown was fine in the bath, but he wasn’t a fan of the rest of his grooming experience. The word “cooperative” was not in play today.

Turq is not happy about any aspect of grooming!

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