Dam: IntCH CH Hollyhock Dazzle And Delight “Dee Dee”
[View Pedigree] [View OFA Health Certifications] [View Dee Dee’s Photo Gallery]Sire: IntCH GCH CH Hollyhock Alfa Romeo “Romeo”
[View Pedigree] [View OFA Health Certifications] [View Romeo’s Photo Gallery]
More picture from home — Bentley, Daisy Mae, Enzo, Teddy A. and Teddy P.
The first year in their new homes — Bentley, Daisy Mae, Enzo, Teddy A. and Teddy P.
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 — All Dee Dee’s pups are in their new homes
It was a fun week getting the last two pups, Green Teddy and Red Teddy, off to meet their new families. Green is now in Denver with Walter P Arnold from a prior Dee Dee litter and Red is in Scottsdale with Gracie from a prior Holly litter. It’s so fun to see our past pups all grown up and to see these families welcoming a new Hollyhock Bichon to their family. We received a few photos from their littermates, Daisy Mae, Enzo and Bentley, who settled into their new homes last week. As we get more “photos from home” we will update this litter diary.
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 them ready to go to their new homes. See the photos and read the captions covering the departures of Daisy Mae, Enzo and Bentley. Next week we’ll see Red Teddy and Green Teddy leaving for their new homes. 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. We will keep Lil and Dee Dee’s 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 — Eyes open and starting to walk
Dee Dee’s puppies 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 some “crackle toys” 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 and close interaction with Lil and her litter. Stay tuned.
The Third Week (duration 8:14)
The second week — Eyes start to open
The pups were introduced to more family members, including the adult bichons in the house. Holly still thinks she needs to oversee ALL the babies, but having the litter kennels really helps the mommies feel like they have their private and safe space. Holly respects that, but still gets a few licks on her grandkids whenever the opportunity arises. We continued their Early Neurological Stimulation exercises this week and a few of them now have their eyes open for that experience. They are not a fussy group and seem to be used to the exercise routines. Purple boy was the first to open his eyes, and next was Green boy. The others are squinting so we will see their eyes soon. They are crawling more and exploring and learning to climb over small obstacles. By the end of next week they should be trying to get up on their legs…unless of course, their big bellies weigh them down too much!
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 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. The videos will get more interesting once their eyes and ears open up toward the end of this week. This litter appears to be a bit more “active” than Lil’s litter, perhaps because there is more competition for nipples!
The birth day and first vet visit
Dee Dee and Romeo welcomed 4 boys and 1 girl to the Hollyhock Bichon family late Wednesday night. She delivered her babies in about 3 and a half hours, similar to her prior deliveries. Dee Dee just loves having babies and is a great mommy. After a restful night we made a quick trip to the vet for our routine birth day wellness exam. Dee Dee seems proud to show off her litter. Stay tuned to this page (bookmark it now) for weekly updates and follow the development of this litter.
Watch the video of the day Dee Dee had her puppies (duration 6:52)
Questions? Send email to: info@hollyhockbichons.com or Call Deb Gibb: 858-531-2890