The familiar rhythmic heartbeat echoing from within her soft warm body comforts the pups, in newborn darkness. For the next eight weeks she will feed, clean, protect and guide them. She will respond to their grunts and whimpers with a nudge from her nose or a touch of her tongue. With passing days they will compete for her milk and attention.

They will grow confident from challenges she presents them; leaving them alone only briefly at first, gradually increasing the length of time until her return, strengthening their sense of self. They take comfort from each other in her absence.

They communicate physically and vocally, letting their intent, distress or contentment be known through tones and body language. Soon they will compete for food, vie adamantly for her attention and to be the first to do everything.

They will wander afar to investigate and probe and when their world seems too big, they will be rescued and reassured.

Romping and play fighting, the pups will learn further communications, encouraged to engage, yet reprimanded when a boundary has been crossed.

Lessons reinforced with their mother have prepared the pups to communicate with other dogs. Warned to put an end to his behavior, this pup displays his intent to comply.

With increasing confidence the pups enjoy growing independence and new experiences with other dogs.

She has done her best to ready her pups for the world. Often, not much thought is given to the education pups receive during their short lifetime with mother and littermates. People will take over where she left off. They will have many different expectations and will communicate with energy, tone and body language new to the pups. The transition is made much easier when we share the learning process; when we learn the language of dogs rather than expect the dog to learn everything from us.