J-S Pups 21 days: 3 Weeks old!

 Our Rockstars turned 3 weeks old today and it seems overnight, they have become more active and playful.  They have now begun the developmental period called the Awareness or Identification Period, lasting from age 21-28 days. 

 From Pat Hasting's book, Another piece of the puzzle: Puppy Development:
Since this is the first time the puppies have use of all of their senses, they now need a stable environment and the influence of a stable dam.  Sight and hearing are functioning well.  A variety of noises (music, radio, bells, vacuums, etc) and sihgt (change in light level, moving objects and vibrations) should be part of thei daily life.  

 The exposure to sudden loud noises must happen during the  3rd week when fear has not yet developed.  The startle response should be encouraged so that the pup will startle and then return to normal on its own-something it must be able to do throughout its life.  

 Puppies must now learn that they are dogs; recognizing their mother (filial imprinting), recognizing other species - specifically humans that are part of their social relations (fraternal imprinting) - and have experiences that mean survival of the species (sexual imprinting).  A poorly imprinted puppy will have problems beinga  "good" dog in the future.

 ...The puppies will begin "play-fighting" during this week, with a loose pecking order starting to form,  Barking increases. 
Yes, we've noticed all of these things and more.  The most of the pups escaped from the warming box while I was changing the pad in the whelping box and even explored the room!  They are quite vocal and I think like to hear the sound of their own voices.

 Chase aka Mr. Orange, got his big boy collar, with a print saying Dogs Rock and has skulls and bones!  Usually all the dogs get their buckle collars at 3 weeks but our shipment hasn't arrived yet, it is expected early next week.