Dam: IntCH CH Hollyhock Racy Lady “Diamond Lil”
[View Pedigree] [View OFA Health Certifications] [View Lil’s Photo Gallery]Sire: GCH CH Hollyhock Go Figure, CGC “Jack”
[View Pedigree] [View OFA Health Certifications] [View Jack’s Photo Gallery]
More photos from home and on the show circuit with Bowie and Ozzy
It was a busy year but both boys earned their Champion and Grand Champion titles. Thank you Beth and Allen for trusting Tom and Jennifer Eikmeier to show your boys to achieve their AKC titles!
The first year in their new homes — Bowie and Ozzy
We look forward to receiving updates from our puppy owners as their little ones get acclimated to their new homes. We will do our best to update their litter diary each year.
The Eleventh Week — Lil and Jack’s pups are in their new homes
It was a pleasure flying Bowie and Ozzy to their new family this week. The airports are deserted and so are the flights. Everything is squeaky clean and the few people we did see were all very careful in keeping their “social distancing”. The boys are all settled in with their new family in Scottsdale, Arizona and we will post “photos from home” and update this litter diary as we get them.
The Tenth Week — More freedom to explore and departures begin
This week we continued to give the puppies more freedom to explore the yard…front, back and extended back yard areas, while Deb took advantage of the nice weather and chance to WEED…LOL. The puppies loved exploring the new areas and new plants. We did more car rides and some harness training and name response work. Then it was time to do final grooming and get several of the puppies from Dee Dee’s litter ready to go to their new homes. Next week we’ll see Bowie and Ozzy heading home. Sorry, if the video is a bit boring this week.
The 10th Week (duration 10:32)
The Ninth Week — Puzzles, harness training and first puppy shots
The Covid-19 virus mandated we “shelter at home” this week except for the essential visits to the vet and grocery store. We used the opportunity to take rides with the puppies and visit Starbucks drive thru of course. The pups practiced wearing their harnesses and were particularly fond of the puzzles we introduced. Between the cream cheese toothbrushes and the puzzles, they keep themselves entertained and then take a nap…giving Deb some much needed time to get their swag bags and going home paperwork all in order. Over the next two weeks they will be heading home.
The Eighth Week — Chew time and getting microchips
It rained all week so we had limited outdoor time. Still, there was enough of it to continue potty training by letting them outside after each meal and each nap. They are getting the hang of it. We also introduced the doggie door and most of them were good with that, especially if one of the mommies was on the other side. They still love to nurse, but their teeth are very sharp and the mommies only tolerate short sessions. Dee Dee and Lil share the nursing chores. The pups are eating well and also enjoying “chew time” with toothbrushes and with dental chews. Toward the end of the week we took a car ride and got them all microchipped. Next week they get their first puppy vaccinations. Stay tuned.
The Seventh Week — First Baths and Haircuts
It was a big week for grooming, with daily face and butt cleaning, and brushing and coming. Around mid week we gave the pups their first baths and haircuts. Their daily time on the grooming table and an occasional butt bath payed off. All of them were very good being bathed and were even good with the blow dryer. When they get to their new homes and visit their groomer, they should get a great report card. Much of the rest of the week was focused on introducing more interesting toys and expanding their indoor and outdoor play areas and play time. They go outside to pee and poop after every meal and after every nap. Their indoor play area is staying much cleaner and they are learning that the grass is the place to do their business. Next week we will focus more on the doggie door. Most of them are getting that down already. Stay tuned.
The Sixth Week — Play hard and crash hard
This week the puppies were introduced to more types of learning activities including the balance ball, the balance board and some hanging toys. We try to introduce something new every other day or so. The weather was warmer toward the end of the week so they got to do their first “walk about” where they can be outside the confines of the exercise pens. They wander with the big bichons under our supervision of course. Jack was so excited he could hardly stand it. He attempted to teach them how to do the Bichon Buzz and also to get sticks and balls from around the yard. The joy on Jack’s face when he plays with the puppies is just precious. Next week the puppies will get their first full bath and grooming. Their coats are getting really full and they are looking a bit like large hamsters! Stay tuned.
The 6th Week. Play hard, crash hard (duration 21:53)
The Fifth Week — The Merge…and weaning begins
The merge of the two litters went well. Lil was anxious to take care of more puppies and Dee Dee had no objections to her assisting with the puppy chores. The play area was expanded and the puppies are now sleeping together in the larger crate at night. During the day they play more and sleep less, and they get new toys and noises each day. The weather was fabulous this week so they were also introduced to some time outdoors. They usually have lunch outside and take a nap outside after that. Jack appears interested in playing with them, but he is still not too sure. Next week we will start grooming routines. Stay tuned.
The 5th Week. Weaning begins. (duration 21:10)
The Fourth Week — Starting to play
The puppies were moved from the litter kennels to a larger “learn and play” area this week. They are all getting really comfortable walking around and navigating over and around the obstacles we introduce. They seem to love cuddling and they got lots of that this week. Lil seems to want to mother ALL the puppies and whenever any of Dee Dee’s pups appear to be in distress, Lil is on alert. She has a wonderful motherly instinct. Still, we will keep the litters separated for another week to be sure everyone is ready to play nicely together. Stay tuned for a potential “merge” of the litters next week.
The 4th Week. Learning to play (duration 12:27)
The Third Week — Starting to walk
The boys finished up their daily Early Neurological Stimulation exercises right about the time their eyes opened up. Within a few days they were taking their first baby steps. They are still pretty wobbly, but they are starting to roam around the kennel. We introduced the pee pad and they got the hang of it right away…taking a pee upon waking from their nap. We also introduced a “crackle toy” that they can walk over and feel and hear the noise. Socialization with family and the adult bichons continued. Next week we will move them to a larger area where they will have more space to stretch their legs and experience some more toys. Stay tuned.
The 3rd Week. Learning to walk (duration 8:14)
The second week — Socialization begins, Eyes start to open
This week was mostly about continuing their Early Neurological Stimulation exercises but we also began to introduce the pups to other family members…our kids and their girlfriends and then to our adult bichons. There was a lot of “mutual sniffing” going on and everyone got along. Lil even lets Jack inside her litter kennel and sometimes he naps with their babies. Holly thinks all babies are HER babies and wants to play a role. Well, they ARE her grandbabies, but she lets the mommies do their thing. By the end of the week Black and Blue began squinting and by day 14 their eyes were open each time we picked them up. It was a very exciting day.
The first week — Early Neurological Stimulation Exercises begin
This week the pups had their dew claws removed and then they began their Early Neurological Stimulation exercises. They have doubled their birth weights and they don’t do much other than nurse and sleep…and plump up. We like to say they are entering the “baked potato phase” this week as they are a robust handful. They are becoming more active and once their eyes and ears open up toward the end of this week, the videos will be more interesting. Sorry to bore you with this week’s rendition…not much to show for now.
The birth day and first vet visit
Lil and Jack welcomed 2 boys to the Hollyhock Bichon family early on Monday morning. She delivered her babies in about two and a half hours with absolutely no stress or complications. Her labor was a bit “vocal”, not unlike her mother, Holly. After a short nap and snack we took her and her babies for a quick trip to the vet for their birth day wellness exam. For the first few days we will focus on making sure mommy and babies are gaining weight and peeing and pooping regularly. Then we’ll take another trip to the vet to have their dew claws removed. Later this week we will begin their daily Early Neurological Stimulation exercises. Stay tuned to this page (bookmark it now) for weekly updates and to follow the development of this litter.
Watch the video of Lil’s delivery day (duration 4:37)
Questions? Send email to: info@hollyhockbichons.com or Call Deb Gibb: 858-531-2890