[Picture: Bart Quercus Niger - in front - somewhat contemplative, resting next to his friend Frodo]
The pups are 4 months today. Most are at their new homes nearer or farther, and they seem to have adapted well. Biga has still not found her new masters, so just in case we have introduced some training as she started becoming exuberant at times, being quite a hopper and racer. She will follow static commands quite accurately, but walking on leash proved to be a challenge. Now, just after w few days she can follow the handler, first using pieces of nice beef, and then even some less attractive treats from a pet shop. We can name only a few things more quickly rewarding than teaching something to a puppy.
10th January 2014
The pups are 4 months today. Most are at their new homes nearer or farther, and they seem to have adapted well. Biga has still not found her new masters, so just in case we have introduced some training as she started becoming exuberant at times, being quite a hopper and racer. She will follow static commands quite accurately, but walking on leash turned out to be a challenge. Now, just after w few days she can follow the handler, first using pieces of nice beef, and then even some less attractive treats from a pet shop. We can name only a few things more quickly rewarding than teaching something to a puppy.
Birth
10th September 2013
Today between 1.45 and 4.40 pm Urania gave birth to 6 puppies: 2 boys and 4 girls. Their initial weights varied from 480 to 550 grams, and they immediately started suckling the mother vigorously. In the picture: the pups are left alone with the tiger while Urania is enjoying some fresh air outside.
Pregnancy - 5th week
15th August 2013
The bitch's pregnancy takes on average 9 weeks. Urania is approaching the end of her fifth. She will not undego ultrasound scanning: Several physiological symptoms confirm her pregnancy beyond any doubt. Despite warm and dry weather Urania is only slightly less active than normal: The picture is showing her looking for some shadow in front of a tansy plant.
Mating
11th July 2013
On 11th and 12th July Urania met Norway [von der Auenrüti]. Live Norway turned out to be a nice, cheerful and non-aggressive male. The few pictures here tell something about his exterior. As Urania came in the standing heat, there was sadly not much time spent on foreplay. Now we need to patiently await for 2 months.
In December 2013 Norway von der Auenrüti had a fatal accident.
Heat signs
1st July 2013
We detected the first bloody mark on the floor yesterday evening after returning from an outing, and today this is certain: Urania is getting into heat. She did it last minute to meet our May-June expected time for it to begin.
Next litter plans at Quercus Niger
25th October 2012
For summer 2013 we plan the next litter from our entlebucher girl Urania Szwajcar. We have received a consent from the Swiss Entlebuch Mountain Dog Club (SKES) and agreed with the owner of Norway von der Auenrüti that he will become the father of the pups from litter B.
Norway, being of age similar to Urania's, seems to us a handsome match. The would be parents have a set of passed health tests, making them eligible for mating.
Tentative mating time will be in May next year, so the pups could seek their new homes around the turn of summer and fall 2013.
Calendar of litter B 30th June '13: Heat starts 11th & 12th July '13: Mating 10th September: Delivery