4 Weeks Old, and The Adventures Begin

Image by Schweerchichi via Flickr

There are a number of things that make it fun to have the puppies around at 4 weeks old.  One of them is the fact that they are just starting to get vocal.  We get to hear the cutest little growls and barks all the time.  They are learning to walk, talk and play, all at the same time. 

 

Between feeding and sleeping now, they are pretty active.  They play and roughhouse all the time.  Jr. the white one, and Spot, the one with the patch on his eye are the most active.  They are constantly pestering the others and their mother.  Tia is a good sport, and put up with it to a point.  She is spending more and more time out of the kennel now though.  They have started drinking water on their own, and don’t seem to need Mom as much.  They grow so fast!

 

A couple of them, have turned into real little lovers.  One in particular is so trusting and full of love, he will fall asleep in the palm of your hand.  He has the longest hair of all of them, and is so soft. He’s also the quietest of them all.

He just loves to be held, and will hug your thumb in the process.  I know we’re not supposed to play favorites, but with a puppy like this, it’s hard not to.

I’ll add a couple of videos below.  One of the kids playing, and one of them nursing on miss Tia.  I hope you enjoy.

The babies are testing their balance

With their eyes opening, and a whole new world to explore, Tia’s babies are venturing forth.  The test is on, a test of balance and coordination.  This is one of the most fun times to be an observer in this process of growth and learning.  They wobble along, then fall over, only to get back up and try again.  Everything is new to them, exploration the root of their existence. 

 

Of course there is the regular occurrence of a maternal interruption.  Tia is persistent, and makes sure the little ones get their fill of milk to help build their bones and muscles.  She is such a good mother, loving, caring, and protective.  Their is the occasional instance when one of the other Chi’s gets a little curious.  Perhaps a little too curious for their own good.   Tia is quick to put them in their place.

 

Mostly though, it’s a matter of keeping track of her precious gifts.  Being all boys, I’m sure they are prone to getting into trouble.  Of course they are too cute to garner much punishment, for I have yet to hear Tia get onto them.    She just cleans , feeds, and love them, probably more than they would like.

 

Of course, Tia is adept at keeping them occupied while accomplishing her own tasks.  She is also good at providing opportunities for them to strengthen their muscles and improve their coordination.