At the start of week four, we began putting the puppy on the grooming table so they could get comfortable for grooming, vet exams and agility work. They were allowed to explore the table and learned how to back away from the edges. Their ears, feet and mouths were handled to familiarize them with examinations by judges, veterinarians, groomers or even owners cleaning feet or trimming nails.
They got their first introduction to peanut butter and licked it off my fingers. Some liked it so much they sucked on my finger with the strength a hoover vacuum cleaner. This enabled me to examine their mouths and simulate “brushing their teeth”. And, yes, the teeth are starting to erupt and boy are they sharp!
I picked up each puppy and placed it on the table as if we were stacking the puppy for a dog show. Most of the puppies were able to hold a standing position comfortably and no one was asked to maintain it for more than 2-3 seconds. There was no adamant protesting to any of the handling. We will continue to do these table exercises several times a week.
Pink shows us a side profile of her pretty face
Blue stacking for Jif
Jif is yummy says Rainbow
Purple giving us a her best stack
Purple giving us a her best stack