Dam & pups question - Page 1

All,

We have our first litter on the ground. The pups are 4 1/2 weeks old and have been weaned for about a week (dam's choice; we didn't force it).

I'm wondering how much interaction the pups need with the dam at this point. I have a couple of concerns that make me think it's best to limit the time she spends with them.

1. The pups can still smell her milk and get loud and restless when she's around.
2. She's a poop-eater, and I'm hoping to not have her teach that to the pups.

Let me ask one more question. We have hawks in our area, and I'm concerned about letting the pups be free in the yard (outside of a small, penned area). Anyone have any experience with pups and hawks? If the sire and dam are in the yard, would that keep the hawks away?

Thanks in advance!

Yes and Owls, Coyotes as well as raccoons, skunks and possums and a few other critters.  I leave Mon with until they sell those I don't sell get to stay with her until/if the next litter, which would be about a year. They stay buds for life and no problems.

Natural for them to want her milk if they are doing it because they are hungry then feed more often or when she is around.

They need her they have a lot to learn before they leave.

Mama dictates how long she'll feed her puppies...I start offering the puppies more solid food as soon as they get their teeth...but I still allow Mama to come in with them for awhile...for as long as she'll stay...'cause she'll leave when she's had enough...
Even after the puppies are weaned I like Mama to be around them because she still teaches them things that Mama's are best at...
As for critters outside...I'm ALWAYS with the puppies while they're outside...I let Mama out with them too for as long as she wants...
If you want to leave the puppies outside without you I would get a larger run/kennel and put a top on it...but I would still be checking on them from time to time...

~Bob~

Thanks to both of you for the input!