I breed occasionally. When a Spellbind puppy is born they are welcome with love, passion and it's a time for celebration in the nursery. It is a pleasure for me to watch them grow into independent little fur balls of joy. When they are at 8 weeks most of my puppies depart from Spellbind Nursery and go off to their new families.
NEW BORN
New born Kees are born with very little capacity to adapt to environmental stresses. They need to feed from their mother evey two hours. Kees have two dewclaws on the front legs and they should be removed at three days old. They should double their birth weights in 10 to 12 days.
"LEAVE ME ALONG I AM SLEEPING!"
THE TRANSITIONAL STAGE 2-3 WEEKS
The Transitional stage generally last from age two to three weeks, and it's during this time that your keeshond's eyes will open, and he'll slowly start to respond to light and movement and sounds around him. He'll become a little more mobile during this period, trying to get his feet undreneath him and crawling around . He'll start to recognize mom and his littermates.
THREE WEEKS
THE ALMOST READY TO MEET THE WORLD STAGE 3-4 WEEKS
The almost ready to meet the world stage last from 3 to about 4 weeks, and your kee undergoes rapid sensory development during this time. Fully alert to his environment, he'll begin to recognize you and other family members. It's best to avoid loud noises or sudden changes during this period- negative events can have a serious impact on his personality and development right now. Kees learn how to be a dog during this time, so it's essential that they stay with mom and littermates.
Four Weeks
"Were is our mama?"
THE OVERLAP STAGE 4-7 WEEKS
From 3-4 weeks your Keeshond puppy begins the most critical social development period of his life-he learns social interaction with his littermates, learns how to play and learns bite inhibition.
He also learns discipline at this point-Mom will begin weaning the pups around this time, and will start teaching them basic manners. You can begin to introduce food to the pups starting around the 4th week- transition gradually as Mom weans them.
FOUR WEEKS
Now we are ready to meet the world!
FIVE WEEKS
SIX WEEKS
SEVEN WEEKS
Best Friends
THE "I AFRAID OF EVERYTHING" STAGE 8 WEEKS TO 3 MONTHS
The 'I'm Afraid of Everything" stage last from about 8 weeks to 3 months, and is characterized by rapit learning as well as a "fearful period that usually pops up at around 8 to 10 weeks. Not all puppies experience this, but most do, and they'll appear terrified over things that they took in stride before. When the puppy acts fearful just go on and act like nothing is wrong.
Starting at 8 weeks is the age I place my puppies in their new homes. At that age they are old enough for their puppy shot. Kees need to be left with Mom and siblings for at lease 8 weeks for social development. Puppies that are removed from the nest too early frequently are nervous, more prone to barking and biting and have a more difficult time with socialization.
EIGHT WEEKS
NINE WEEKS
Puppy Playground
Spellbind Spinning Salsa
Spellbind Kiwi Passion
"I am a big girl now!"
THE JUVENILE STAGE 3 MONTHS TO 4 MONTHS
The Juvenile stage typically last from 3 to 4 months of age,and it's during this time your Keeshond is most like a toddler. He'll be a little more independent-he might start ignoring the commands he's only recently learned- just like a child does when they're trying to event their new found independence. Firm and gentle reinforcement of commands and training is what's required here.
THE BRAT STAGE 4-6 MONTHS
The brat stage starts at about 4 months and runs until about 6 months, and it's during this time your Keeshond will demonstrate even more independence and willfulness. You may see a decline in his urge to please you-expect to see more "testing the limits" behaviors. He'll be going though a teething cycle during this time, and will also be looking for things to chew on.
Around 6 months he'll now begin to go though the hormonal changes brought about by his growing sexual maturity, and you see signs of rebelliousness,(Thank of a teen-ager!) You should have him neutered during this time.
FIVE MONTHS
"I am a Keeshond, not a sheep!"
SIX MONTHS
Mika and Lakoca
TEN MONTHS
Spellbind Kiwi Passion
"Play with me!"
THE YOUNG ADULTHOOD STAGE
The Young Adulthood stage last from 6 months to about 18 months, and is usually a great time in your dog's life-he's young, he's exuberant, he's full of beans- and yet he's learning all the things he needs to become a full-fledged adult Keeshond.
Be realistic in your expectations of your dog at this time-just because he's approaching his full growth and may look like an adult, he's not as seasoned and experienced as you might expect.
One Year
"I am a cutie."
"Watch out world! I am all grown up!"
TEN WEEKS
ELEVEN WEEKS
TWELVE WEEKS
