We are currently planning a litter of Curlies due to whelp the end of December between Ch. Dese's Simon Says "Simon" and Dese's Blazin' Blizzard, CGC, "Presley".  Both parents have OFA certified hips, hearts, eyes and GSD-ii cleared. 

Litters at DESE Retrievers

We set this page up so that others can have an idea of the environment and care each DESE's Curly & Dachshund Litter experiences.

The last week of pregnancy, the dam is introduced to the whelping area so that by the time she delivers, she will be comfortable and at ease with her surroundings. The area is designed for ease of cleaning and sanitation with washable walls and flooring. The area is large enough for comfort, yet cozy enough to give the dam a feeling of segregation from the others and the sensation of a "den".

A heat lamp is provided to supplement heat for the newborns the first 7-10 days. Just before the pups' eyes begin to open (around day 10) the heat lamp is replaced with a special heating pad so the strong light of the lamp does not damage the eyes.

Nail care should start at a very young age and continue on a regular basis. DESE Curlies & Doxies have WEEKLY nail care. At one week of age we start with regular fingernail clippers and take off just the tips (or hooked ends) of the nails.

As the age of the pup advances and the nails grow thicker the pups are introduced to a "Dremel" with a sanding disc. The introduction starts gradually with just touching the Dremel to the end of the nail so that the pup will get use to the vibration.

Around 4-5 weeks of age the Curly Pups are introduced to Puppy Mush although the dam remains their primary source for proper nutrition.

And, it does not take them long to figure out just how fun it is to eat!

This is also around the age they begin to really interact with each other and can be quite comical!

Between ages 6 and 8 weeks the pups are individually introduced for short periods of time to a plastic travel crate so that transition to their new homes will be less stressful. We feel that crate training is an essential part of any new puppy's house training. All Curlies & Doxies that reside at DESE have their own crate in which they eat, sleep and go in any time we will not be able to give them the attention they require to stay out of harm. The crate becomes their "den" and offers security and comfort much as your own home does.

Between ages 6 and 8 weeks, when the weather permits, we take the pups outside to expose them to a very different environment than what they have been limited to up to this point.

At 8 weeks of age, the pups have learned quite a bit from each other, their mother and also from the social interactions of the humans of DESE. After careful screening and consideration each pup begins a whole new adventure with their new family.