The puppies are developing so quickly. They are learning how to engage with each other through play. They play fight, rough and tumble, the development is very physical, whereby they have to learn that biting hurts. We have reached the stage where things are calming down regarding the typical nippy bites stage that all puppies go through as each pup now responds to the squeals of the puppy it is nibbling on. I’m so pleased they are picking up on other signals when it concerns normal dog behaviour.

They are playing with toys which is so cute to watch as they play bounce up to a ball they have been eyeing up!

We have been lucky to have lots of visitors with children. They really love the children playing with them. I do have immense pride for my pups when I see how chilled out they are, but also bold and confident. Perfect!

We have been toilet training the pups since they were roughly three weeks old. We have had a clean pen overnight for three nights in a row. Approx 95% of the poos are outside, they do them at the edge of the garden rather than in the middle of the grass!

I have been clipping their claws regularly and they are due for worming when they turn 7 weeks old!

Weaning is going well, currently on five meals a day! (Advice on Feeding Quantities over feeding will result in bad poos).

Here are the pups at six weeks

Miss Pink ⬇️ (booked)

Mr Purple⬇️ (booked)

Miss Orange ⬇️ please enquire

Mr Dark Blue⬇️ (booked)

Miss Red⬇️ (booked)

Mr Yellow ⬇️ (please enquire)

Little Blue⬇️ (booked)

With every litter, you always learn something new.

The puppies are thriving, gaining weight, learning how to play and become more and more confident on their paws. Which is such a joy for me to see and monitor their every milestone reached. I have immense pride for how I rear my puppies and seeing them develop is reward that continues throughout their adulthood too.

The mum, in this case Wilma a first time mum has been exceptional. The level of care given to her, meets the same high standards of any animal in my care. The past couple of days have been hard for her. Her needs are as important as the puppies. Being given calcium supplements daily, additional meals, scrambled eggs, cooked fish, nutriplus gel regularly to help ensure she is meeting the nutritional demands.

Wilma has been struggling with feeding the pups for the last two days and it had looked like she didn’t want to feed them anymore, as a result her milk was overflowing bless her. The concern of mastitis is always on my mind (along with other health problems). We have always had a system in place that ensures we are checking mums teats at least three times a day. A simple method of wiping her down with a soft flannnal soaked in diluted hibiscrub ensures we can feel for heat or hardness every single time. This process is never missed. So should the teats become engorged we are going to be safe in the knowledge of the timeframe. This is the difference between puppy farmers who don’t care about their animals and a breeder who cares about their animals beyond measure. The system enables us to be confident things are never missed. We are also very likely to pick up on a problem outside of those routine checks namely because I look for possible problems all the time (as my mentor will verify). Just to note having a mentor is about challenging my thought processes, we support each other on what is a rollercoaster of emotions fuelled by a lack of sleep. So a big thank you to Lynda from Davricanby Labradors.

So whilst Wilma was finding it hard I was making a decision about how to handle the situation. Do I give her home remedies to reduce milk supply? Does she need to see the vet? Do we really want her to stop feeding the pups? It is not a decision to take lightly. When the answer of what to do became so very obvious.

It became apparent she was desperate to feed them and wanted to feed them but just couldn’t face feeding them.

The solution presented itself yesterday mid morning when she tried to feed them but was overwhelmed by 7 puppies all going at her teats with gusto. So now we are on rotational feeds with the puppies. They are all having milk based on two pups at a time. Wilma is much happier and can manage two puppies at a time. I am keeping a chart of which puppies have their turn. So puppies are fed fairly. Wilma’s teats are being monitored so regularly that she thinks Im obsessed.

Being a conscientious breeder means making decisions for welfare throughout the entire 8 weeks the pups are in my care. The responsibility is huge and exhausting so I take my joy with my wonderful flourishing puppies.

so.. as updates go you haven’t even had a new puppy photo but a small insight to having puppies.

The pups additional nutritional needs are being met with four meals a day.

I’m much happier as Wilma and her puppies needs are met.

As an experienced breeder I haven’t encountered this situation quite like this. I have had pups stop being fed before but at 6 weeks of age so I was happy to take the decision of stopping milk flow (using herb supplements which was enough for thats occassiom). This was different as Mum wanted to keep feeding and the pups were still of an age where they can digest the nutritional values from.the milk. Whereas at 6 weeks they no longer digest milk effectively and have nothing to gain from being given any milk.

Puppies are really coming on so much. They are enjoying time in the garden. Learning the skills of how to be a well mannered puppy. This involves a lot of contact with each other, biting and chewing, generally feeling their way with their mouths. As a result of this, they do chew on the other puppies ears. Resulting in some squealing. This is all perfectly normal as this is where they start to learn to respond to the noises of the other puppy (by understanding there own squeals mean it is hurting). They are scampering about and are just very jolly little pups. It is so normal for them to go through this stage to become a better puppy in the future.

They are playing with their toys, enjoying carrying the toys shaking them or chewing them. It is so important they have plenty of enrichment as they develop. The toys are part of their need to feel things with their mouths. Labradors by their very nature are driven to hold things in their mouths. They are soft muzzled, as adult dogs they will carry an egg with ease or hold a leaf and be delighted about it.

Weaning is going very well, they are on four meals a day. soaked kibble that is now mashed rather than blended.

Here are some up-to-date photos.

Miss Pink ⬇️

Mr Purple ⬇️

Miss Orange ⬇️

Mr Blue ⬇️

Miss Red ⬇️

Mr Yellow ⬇️

Little Blue ⬇️

In order of birth…24th February 2025

Miss Pink. Born 7.47am, birthweight 360g, weight at 3 weeks 1815g

(photo ⬇️ below of Miss Pink)

Mr Purple. Born 8.21am, birthweight 326g, weight at 3 weeks 1650g

(photo ⬇️ below of Mr Purple)

Miss Orange. 8.32am, birthweight 304g, weight at 3 weeks 1535g

(photo ⬇️ below of Miss Orange)

Mr Dark Blue (yellow pup). Born 8.42am birthweight 366g, weight at 3 weeks 1710g

(photo ⬇️ below of Mr Dark Blue)

Miss Red (dark yellow pup). Born 9.02am, birthweight 296g, weight at 1585g

(photo ⬇️ below of Miss Red)

Mr Yellow (yellow pup). Born 9.37am, birthweight 402g, weight at 3 weeks 1750g

(photo ⬇️ below of Mr Yellow)

Little Blue (black boy). Born 10.13am, birthweight 266g, weight at 3 weeks 1490g

(photo ⬇️ below of Little Blue)

In this time they have had their claws clipped four times, they are due again. (Miss Reds are long in her photo). It is a pet hate of mine seeing puppies in their new homes “first day” photos and they have really long claws. It is a fiddly task that I usually start off doing when they are asleep then as they get older I will do them with the help of them being held.

Over the past three days they are getting used to puppy mousse. (One a day for two days, yesterday two meals), today I will be doing three meals for them, this will help take the pressure off Wilma.

The puppies are doing so well learning how to engage with each other. Such a delight and a privilege to be a part of.

a delayed start to to using the the diary. Wilma’s pups arrived safely 3 weeks ago. They were born on the 24th February which is the puppies Great Great Grandmothers birthday, Molly. It was an emotional day for many reasons as it was the first litter we have had since Stanley passing away.

We have 7 beautiful puppies, 3 girls and 4 boys. They are doing very well and Wilma has been a fantastic mother. It is her first litter and she is looking after them diligently. They all doubled their birthweights within a week. The expectation is at 7 days. They have been learning how to walk, which is fascinating to watch. They reached their milestones of their eyes opening, one of my favourite milestones, it is such a magical experience for me seeing them peep back at me. Looking into their eyes is such a reward for all the tiring nights of sleeping downstairs with them to ensure their safety, Wilma and their needs are met.

so..rolling on to present time at 3 weeks, we are about to embark on the busy time as we introduce them to the garden gradually so we can begin toilet training once they are confident about being in the garden.

They had their first time in the garden yesterday just for a few minutes so they could get a feel for the fresh air and the grass under their paws, very new experiences for them which will feel so strange when their world has just been my living room.

Today has been worming day. They will be wormed every two weeks until they are 12 weeks of age, when it is then done monthly till they are 6 months old.

Tomorrow will be their first introduction to food as weaning will commence which helps take the workload off Wilma and also prepares them for dog food, which will be a kibble. Currently planning to wean them on to Eukunuba kibble. The first phase of weaning is with puppy mousse before going on to puppy porridge (soaked, blended kibble).

Here is Tilly (Wilma’s Mum) with her grand pup Miss Red, Tilly is besotted with the puppies.

I will do an introduction to the individual puppies in my next post.

Here is Wilma chilling with her adorable puppies.

I hope you enjoy their journey of development with me.

Most of the puppies have gone to their new homes, we have Miss Orange until Sunday, so I am taking her for her vaccination this morning

The second vaccination can only be done at or after they turn 10 weeks old

We have been winning with Miss Oranges toilet training, obviously as they get older it should get easier. However it is still about timing and opportunity. Some people use a timer, so that when the buzzer goes off they put the puppy out. If you put the puppy out and he or she doesn’t wee, then bring them back in and try again in a few minutes. Miss Orange has very simple signals to let us know she wants to go out. She is quiet and looks at the patio door, then walks away. The look lasts for approximately 1 second, every time we have spotted her doing this, we pop her outside and she has so far had a wee outside every time and we are not getting any accidents inside!

Clearly our efforts of starting the toilet training process are paying off! They still have immature bladders so they might have the occassional accident when in their new home as they wont be familiar with the environment quite so much. They are still very young so do need reminding to go out. So make sure you remain patient. Any accidents they have are down to you not giving them the chance. (so dont shout at them or rub their nose in it which is a very old fashioned method that some people would do). I am really pleased with Miss Oranges progress.

Miss Orange would be racing about all over the house if it wasn’t for the stairgate – she could easily make it up the stairs. Being so little with growing bones it is important to make sure she doesnt do stairs.

A few videos:-

More playtime with fishie
Playtime with the light up balls
Just one puppa left
Staying close to mumma
Miss Orange on another trip out (she was in a specialised puppy sling, which she wasnt overly keen on!)
Miss Orange on another excursion!
When you are bought new toys and you dont get a look in
Enrichment toys are so important for puppies (but make sure you dont over stimulate the puppy by giving engaging toys ALL the time!)
Zoomies, Miss Orange and Wilma
Miss Orange and Wilma playtime
Good Morning Miss Orange
Combining playtime with training
Soul Sisters
Wait for the sweet kiss! (my favourite of the videos!)

Our journey has been a busy one, so as most of the puppies left from the age of 8 weeks, we had a puppy leave at 9 weeks and the last puppy will be going at 10 weeks.

So all of the puppies were due to be wormed at 9 weeks, so I hope this has gone well for everyone!

Here are some videos that are from before they were 8 weeks old and through to the weekend. (Im still working my way through them all!).

I love the puppies with all my worth whilst they are with me, to my peril and detriment of my feelings I treat them like they are my own pups (to keep). I have done as much as I physically can to attempt some safe socialisation for them. This has involved either carrying them around the block or taking the last two puppies out in the pushchair.

Videos –

Play, sleep = cuddles
Little Cutie
Lucy loves the puppas
one by one the puppies leave
Puppy asmr
Its oh so quiet
Having a lazy day
Cuddle up to Mumma
Bubblicious puppies
Wilma preparing the pups for the big doggoes
Wilma and Miss Orange

It has been so hectic that I just haven’t had a chance to keep up to speed with the videos (there are still more to sort out). With two videos after four had left!!! I am now left with two puppas! They are doing great. I have heard back from the four puppy owners and all are happy!

The puppies nursery
Beautfiul puppas
slo mo pupppies
Now stay very still Im just checking your teefs
Miss purple is actually a toy dog not a real pup (do not treat pups like toys!)
Going for a stroll in great grannies pushchair – taking the two last pups out for a walk in the pushchair so they can experience life outside in safety! (and save my arms!!!)
you have one job (and you failed!)
Pirates of the Caribbean
Puppies being greeted by Mumma, Wilma and Nonna

My special puppies! They are all cracking little puppies

Puppy photo gallery updated … scroll through as some older photos have been added, but still in chronological order (photos of puppas in the Marchstone Labradors)

Wow – 8 weeks have passed so quickly! Some of it in a complete haze for me! However, I have enjoyed these wonderful little puppies. They have been so sweet, endearing and mainly calm. As they have developed they have got faster and way too entertaining!!

We do have some singers, gardeners, home decor designers and fashion gurus amongst us! They are an intelligent little bunch, I couldn’t be happier with how they have turned out and I look forward to learning of their adventures and seeing how they develop in the future.

I have done everything I can to ensure they are well rounded and socialised puppies, the toilet training has gone well but you need to keep it up – it is about opportunity. They haven’t had poos in the house for week (even with upset tummies after they were wormed they asked to go out!!).

To the new puppy owners…. please do not forget me, do not forget how much I have cared for these little guys! As part of my journey with the pups I need to know they are ok in their new homes!

Videos :-

Puppy Pile
Wilma and Tilly with the Tots
Kisses with Mumma
Send Help! Poor Wilma!
Mumma playing with her pups
Miss Pink- Am I the drama?
Miss Purple – the specialist drummer
Puppies with good beginnings have happy futures
Little Monkeys play so hard!
Puppy Bubbles
Miss Orange plays the drums!
Sisters playing in harmony!
This mornings play
Sleepy Puppies

We have had a really busy time at Marchstone.

The puppies were wormed at the weekend and unfortunately had quite a reaction to it. I had used the same wormer as the product I used at 5 weeks old. So since Saturday’s worming the puppies had quite soft poos from the Sunday onwards. This hasnt entirely cleared up but at least heading in the right direction. We then had vomiting puppies which can be very dangerous when they are so small as they can become dehydrated very quickly.. You have to act fast so off to the vets we went! Two of the puppies required an anti emetic injection which settled things down for them. Fingers crossed we are getting there as dealing with pups and upset tummies is hard work (worrying emotionally and obviously keeping them clean too) add to the mix a heatwave and keeping them cool, whilst not exposed to the heat has been an extra complication to give much more consideration to. The patio had to be covered with vetbed and towels to ensure we didnt burn there little paws!

On the upside, the puppies are in fact asking to go outside! So we are experiencing fewer accidents. whoop whoop!

The puppies are starting to get better poos now so hopefully we are on the up. Today is vaccination day so wish me luck as I am taking them on my own! EEEP!

The pups have upped a gear so more barricades have been erected (Im already having to clamber over the fence to get into the garden pen!).

I have started to take the pups on trips around the block whereby I carry them, to show them the big wide world! All pups have had one trip around.. I like to try and do it twice if I can! This gives them the experience that there is more to life than our garden in the security of my arms!

I have updated the puppy photo gallery!