4 weeks old

These first 4 weeks are always my favorite times with a litter.  I never get tired of watching baby pups mature from helpless newborns to engaging pupsters.  This litter is fully ready to explore the world.  They enthusiastically interact with all new toys, and after a possible initial hesitation, are willing to take on new challenges.  I weighed pups and have been clipping toenails this weekend.  In contrast to other litters, these pups have actually become calmer as they have gotten older.  But still a spunky bunch, very people orientated and engaging.  Yesterday evening, I hung up some tugs on the sides of the ex-pen and multiple pups immediately started tugging.  The one baby blanket/puppy bed I still have in the pen has gotten dragged all over the place and will be retired once it gets washed.  Personalities are starting to emerge.  Mynah is the little baby girl, more cautious than the other pups, and always wanting to be held and cuddled.  Robin is the glutton, takes mealtimes very seriously and by the end looks like a stuffed tick.  Dove is the independent explorer.  She was the first to wander off when the pups started going outside, and continues to show that confidence.  Dee Dee is the fussy pup who isn't as game to try new things.  She was one of the slower pups to take to goat milk, and absolutely wants nothing to do with water from the baby bottle.  Although black in color, Mynah has more Golden traits than the other pups - a finer build, a different head shape, and wavy coat (still short).  The other pups all look like little yellow labs - stocky little puppies.  The pups had impressive weight gains last week, all gained over 1 lb.  Weights range from 4 lb (Wren) to 5 lbs 4 oz (Eagle).  Most weigh around 4 1/2 lbs.  Bridget is still eating 9 c of food per day, and looks great.  The pups are currently eating 4 1/2 c of soaked kibble and approximately 24 oz of goat milk on their soaked kibble per day.  You can do the math, and together, they already weigh around 45 lbs!