2026 Oak & Barrel Puppy Highlights

Three weeks old is such an exciting milestone for the Oak & Barrel Litter! The puppies are beginning to transition from tiny newborns into curious little explorers. Their eyes are fully open, their hearing continues to improve, and they're becoming much more aware of the world around them.  

 👣 Steadier Steps – Those first wobbly walks are becoming more coordinated as the puppies gain strength and confidence.

🐾 Emerging Personalities – Individual temperaments are beginning to shine, with each puppy showing unique traits and preferences.

🎭 Playful Interactions – Littermates are engaging in more pawing, climbing, gentle mouthing, and early play behaviors.

💛 Tail Wags & Recognition – Puppies are responding to familiar voices, scents, and handling with adorable tail wags and increased engagement.

👃 Growing Curiosity – New sights, sounds, and scents are capturing their attention as they explore their surroundings.

🌙 Longer Awake Periods – While sleep still dominates the day, puppies are spending more time awake and interacting with their environment.

🤲 Early Socialization – Gentle daily handling and human interaction continue to build confidence and trust.

⚖️ Healthy Growth – The entire litter continues to gain weight steadily and thrive under Rye's attentive care.

 At two weeks old, the Oak & Barrel Litter is reaching several exciting milestones. While they're still spending most of their time eating and sleeping, their personalities are beginning to shine through 

• 👀 Eyes are opening and puppies are starting to take in the world around them. 
• 👂 Hearing is developing, and many puppies are beginning to respond to sounds. 
• 🐾 Stronger on their feet, with wobbly attempts at standing and taking a few steps. 
• 🍼 Healthy weight gains across the litter with strong nursing habits. 
• 💕 More interaction with littermates, including cuddling, climbing, and exploring over one another. 
• 🗣️ First little barks, grunts, and vocalizations are beginning to emerge. 
• 🌡️ Improved body temperature regulation, allowing for more active periods between naps. 
• 💤 Still spending the majority of the day sleeping, which is essential for growth and development. 
• 🤍 Individual markings and features are becoming more defined, making each puppy easier to identify. 
• 🌱 Personalities are starting to emerge, with some puppies showing bold curiosity while others prefer a calm, relaxed approach.

The Whiskey × Rye puppies are officially one week old, and we could not be happier with how this litter is progressing. Over the past week, the puppies have spent their days doing exactly what healthy newborns should — eating, sleeping, growing, and cuddling close to mom.  

• All puppies are steadily gaining weight and growing stronger each day.
• Strong nursing instincts and healthy energy levels across the litter.
• Pigmentation and coat markings are becoming more defined.
• Puppies are scooting and pushing themselves around the whelping box.
• Lots of puppy pile naps and early sibling interaction.
• Rye continues to be an attentive and exceptional mother.