Tails Again

Wow. There was a huge debate on the Healthy Aussies Group about tail-docking. I knew there are strong opinions on both sides, but I was surprised by some of the emotion on the pro-docking side of the debate. Particularly the argument, "If you want a tail, get another breed."

Here are some of the arguments brought up for docking:

• Aussies are a tail-less breed.
• No tail means no tail injuries, stickers, burrs, etc.
• The breed standard says "Natural Bob Tail or Docked" No option for natural long tail.

And for natural tails:

• Tail docking is primarily cosmetic.
• Breeders should be able to choose whether they dock or not.
• Lots of anectodal evidence for better balance, agility, communication, and hind-end health.

The subject of circumcision was brought up, too. Would it be hypocritcal to circumcise one's son but not dock the tails of one's aussie puppies? Maybe. (For the record, we're not going to circumcise.)

I think the above picture of Evan and Poppy playing Chase the Broom shows pretty clearly how, even at six weeks old, the tail is used to aid in balance and turning. I'm sure the puppies would adapt if their tails had been docked. But I like the tails, and I'm always happy to see the puppies using them, whether for balance or for reading their moods. And I hope the new owners feel the same.

Six Weeks Old

The puppies turned six weeks old today, and their personalities are starting to shine.

Even though Poppy is the first born, in many ways she is the middle child. She has a very easy-going personality. She also enjoys the company and attention of the big dogs and my two year-old daughter more than the other pups. Her gentleness is what got Zeke to warm up to all the pups. Zeke now will play with the puppies, as long as no one cries. My guess is he thinks he'll get in trouble if the puppies cry and he's around.

Clover is the sweetheart of the group. When held, she immediately relaxes. She'll chew on your fingers, but is always gentle. She has caught up to Poppy physically, and has no problem holding her own when playing with the other puppies. Of the three, she seems to have the highest toy drive, so far. Her markings are turning out to be just beautiful. The copper markings are kind of "smoky."

Willow is the standout in the group. She's by far the biggest, still, and continues to reach every developmental step first. She's confident, and a real smarty, and learns in one lesson what it often takes the others a few. She is also the loudest, and tends to play the most aggressively. She's the only one I've needed to discipline for chewing on my daughter like a bone. She's the leader, and has shown the other puppies how to climb up and down the steps, and the joys of digging.

Playing

Everybody's having fun!

Like all moms know, multitasking is part of the job. Skittles is playing with one puppy, nursing another, and keeping an eye on the third, who is practicing climbing steps out of frame.

Five Weeks Old

Poppy

Clover

Willow

I can't believe the pups are 5 weeks old already. The first dog that my husband and I adopted together was a blue merle aussie, who was only 5 weeks old. This was ages ago, before we knew better about the ideal age for bringing a puppy into its new family. Hopefully these puppies will be going to their new homes when they are around 9 or 10 weeks.

The puppies are really enjoying their outdoor time, and I feel so lucky to be living in southern California right now. It's mid-November, and the weather is beautiful, sunny and highs in the mid-seventies. Just perfect for running around outside, digging, exploring, climbing and chasing.

They are just beginning to engage in play with the big dogs. Skittles continues to impress me with what a wonderful mom she is. She plays with them so gently, but I can tell she'll be ready to run and wrestle with them as soon as they're big enough.

More Adventures

It's been another week of amazing growth for the puppies. They've learned to stalk, pounce, shake, and chew on toys. Clover, the littlest and sweetest one, has learned to take on the bigger girls. And they've had their first outside adventures. They're still cautious outside, especially when the big dogs try to engage them in some play. They just don't know what to make of that. I'm sure they'll get it in just a few days.

They've also been eating food. First up was some goat's milk, followed by ground turkey mixed in to some of the milk. They moved on to ground turkey with turkey hearts after that.

Tonight I learned that the puppies can definitely handle more. Skittles regurgitated a chunk of her dinner (which was a half chicken) for the puppies. Yes, gross, but also fascinating. I was alerted by an unusual amount of puppy growling as they each claimed their portion of the prize. I intervened just a bit to make sure everyone got a share. Honestly, it was hard for me to not worry about them choking, but they sure acted like they were born to eat this way.

So it's back to Harmony Farms for something a little more substantial to feed the puppies. Probably some chunks instead of ground, and maybe pretty soon onto some cornish game hen or quail so they can get some bone, too.

Four Weeks Old

A few more blurry pictures of the little busy-bodies...


Poppy

Willow

Clover:

"My sock!"

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Hopefully soon I'll have some better pictures to post!

The puppies get exponentially cuter every week. They've just graduated to a larger pen in the house, and they love getting out to explore. This week they've learned how to tug and chew, employ some new wrestling moves, get out of their whelping box, walk on the hardwood floor with minimal slipping, and even run in short bursts.

Three Weeks Old

I learned today that three week-old puppies are very diffcult to photograph. There's barely a still moment when they are awake.

The puppies are getting very playful with each other, their mom, and us. They are woofing and growling and chewing on each other. They get around really well now and enjoy time out of their whelping box to explore. They've also had the chance to meet their dad, who is very quiet and gentle with them, but still cautious.

Poppy and Mom having a playful moment.