The big dogs have taken over the den

Yesterday was a big day in the nursery.

The Big Dog litter officially outgrew their den.

For the past few weeks these fourteen puppies have been living comfortably in a ten-foot by ten-foot space.

That may sound large, but when fourteen growing puppies begin to run, wrestle, chase, eat, sleep, and potty in the same room, it starts to feel a bit like trying to host a family reunion inside a closet.

So yesterday Jay and I expanded their nursery.

Their den is now twenty feet long, which gives them room to run, tumble, wrestle, and still have space for food, water, sleeping piles, and their potty area.

And let me tell you…

They are at the absolute cutest age right now!

Every morning after we clean their space, we lay down fresh straw.

The moment it hits the ground the puppies burst into a joyful little stampede, bouncing through the straw like a herd of tiny Ice Age bison calves discovering snow for the first time.

They dig in it, toss it all around, and burrow through it.

And then they collapse in little puppy piles like they have just completed the most exhausting expedition of their young lives.

They also now have a big bucket of water instead of the smaller dishes they started with.

At this age they are finally big enough that we are no longer worried about the bucket being too deep.

Watching them drink is a show all by itself.

Fourteen heads gather around the bucket like a pack around a watering hole.

Little tongues splash and slurp while a few enthusiastic puppies occasionally step directly into the bucket as if they have not quite figured out the difference between drinking water and swimming in it.

And then there is dinner.

Boy do these puppies eat like champions!

After every meal their little bellies puff out round and full, looking for all the world like tiny balloons that might float away if someone gave them a gentle nudge.

But perhaps the most entertaining part of visiting the Big Dog nursery is what happens when a human enters the pen.

The moment Jay or I step inside, fourteen fuzzy rockets come charging toward us.

They adore people.

So much so they want to climb all over us.

And kiss us.

And most of all…

They want to grab onto us.

No kidding… these puppies are tremendous mouth users!

Their little jaws latch onto anything they can reach.

Sleeves, shoelaces, pant legs, fingers, boots, and occasionally a stray lock of hair.

Yesterday one particularly determined puppy grabbed onto my pant leg with absolute conviction.

Every time I took a step, that puppy simply came with me, dangling from the fabric like a furry barnacle refusing to release its grip.

Just like little piranhas.

Friendly ones, but piranhas all the same.

Their enthusiasm for life is enormous.

They want to grab the world with their mouths and pull it closer so they can investigate every inch of it.

A few of the puppies are also quick to cry out when startled by a sudden noise or movement.

It sounds dramatic in the moment, as if something terrible has happened, but the truth is they are simply sensitive to sudden surprises.

It is actually quite interesting to observe because we do not normally see that trait in the calmer American Dirus™ temperament you have come to know.

That difference comes from the Lab and Shepherd heritage in this particular line.

These puppies carry more energy, more drive, and a much stronger instinct to grab and explore the world with their mouths.

And honestly, that combination will make them

Families who live out in the country, on farms, or who enjoy hiking, hunting, or spending long days outdoors will absolutely love these dogs. They are bright, affectionate, and deeply engaged with the people around them.

They simply come with a little extra enthusiasm.

These puppies will be ready for their new homes in just a couple of weeks and will be placed locally with farm families in our region.

Here at the Dire Wolf Project, I will be watching them closely as they grow.

From this litter I will keep back the puppies who best match the calm, gentle temperament that defines the American Dirus™ dog line.

And remember… this particular litter exists for an important purpose.

It is part of our ongoing work to eliminate hypothyroidism from the breed through careful trial matings.

But while genetics and health guide our long term decisions, temperament always remains a higher priority over outward appearance.

Which means the puppies who stay with us will be chosen for the same qualities you already know and love.

Calm.

Gentle.

Thoughtful.

The kind of dogs who feel less like pets and more like steady companions walking beside you through life.

For now, though, these fourteen little explorers are simply enjoying their expanded den, their fresh straw playground, their giant water bucket, and their favorite daily activity.

Hanging from human pant legs with heroic determination.

You can view the Big Dog Litter and all the other puppies at Dire Wolf Project™ headquarters on the Dire Wolf Project™ Learnistic app by going to:

Crafting the Dire Wolf —> Current Litters —> March 15, 2026

If you do not have the FREE Dire Wolf Project™ Learnistic app, please reply to this email and let me know. It’s our gift to you for being a loyal Inner Circle pack member.

And this week we are featuring our Dire Wolf Project™ Gift Shop.

Our newest design has dropped just in time for Easter.

Don’t miss this cute one of an American Dirus™ dog dressed in an Easter Bunny costume.

SO CUTE!

https://shop.direwolfproject.com/products/ill-be-your-easter-bunny-design

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Jennifer Stoeckl is the co-founder of the Dire Wolf Project, founder of the DireWolf Guardians American Dirus Dog Training Program, and owner/operator of DireWolf Dogs of Vallecito. She lives in the beautiful inland northwest among the Ponderosa pine forests with her pack of American Dirus dogs.