Author Topic: how i rear my pups (Read 8724 times)

CarraghsBorderCollies · « **on:** July 17, 2009, 06:57:13 pm »

when my mums dashunds were due to whelp she would put them in a large crate in her bedroom and that is where they would stay until pups were about 3-4wks then she would move them into the frontroom and they would only be allowed to socialize with the occasional other dog under close supervision, if the mother of the pups even saw another dog near her pups she would go in for the kill.

i rear my pups a little differently, my dogs are a pack and sleep, eat, feed together, they also rear the pups together,
the bitch comes into the house a couple of weeks before she is due and is only outside with the pack under supervision (in case she whelps) after she whelps the bitch and pups are only mixing with myself and brian to make sure they do not get stressed for 2-3wks,
after the 3wk mark the rest of the pack are brought in slowly and carefully to be introduced to the litter 1 at a time under close observation at 4wks (weather permitting) pups are slowly introduced to the outdoors (in a small pen) for a few hours at a time, if all is going well the pups are moved into the medium sized kennel with a low pen around it (to keep the pups contained) and this is where the rest of my pack comes in!
the other bitches take it in turns to help care for the litter and ive found my pups are more laid back and puppy rearing seems to be less stressful for both me and the mother of the pups.

(note of caution my dogs are a very well integrated pack of border collies and are all vaccinated, many breeds are not suitable for rearing their pups in this way)

i would love to hear your thoughts on this!

ukag0972 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 17, 2009, 08:32:13 pm »

When my labrador had her last litter(2 1/2 years ago), my Jack Russell also helped raise the puppies. She helped clean them and protected them against unwanted attention.

We have a litter of 1 (long story) and the situation is being repeated. The labrador was very protective for the first 5 days then the JR was allowed in.

Its very nice to watch!!!

becca1401 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 14, 2009, 10:50:06 pm »

I have three Bedlington Terriers and one lurcher. When the pups are due we seperate the mother and keep her in the house. This will be until the puppies are three weeks old then the pack are all put together. The pack leader keeps the pups in order the lurcher is the play mate the mother is,well the mother and my youngest Bedlington ignores everything until someone walks in the door then she insists all the attention is on her. They all have there place and they all get on really well. I love having a house full of dogs and quite enjoy all the work ,but it is lovely to see them go off happy little puppies to there new homes.

doganjo · « **Reply #3 on:** August 14, 2009, 10:55:35 pm »

Well socialised before they leave - well done. I couldn't do that with mine. Their dad growled at them (frightened of little dogs in general

), Auntie played with them, mum ignnored them, BIG HESSIE would have eaten them!

becca1401 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 14, 2009, 10:58:18 pm »

That sounds very much like my family you describing!!!!!!

doganjo · « **Reply #5 on:** August 14, 2009, 11:01:55 pm »

Your Mum did NOT ignore you! I'll tell her you said that when I see her tomorrow! You naughty girl

becca1401 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 14, 2009, 11:13:53 pm »

I mean my family now

doganjo · « **Reply #7 on:** August 14, 2009, 11:29:07 pm »

Ok, I won't say anything! Your Mum misses you three girls a lot, and the grandkids too. Wish she could get out to see Mandy.

becca1401 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 14, 2009, 11:34:50 pm »

I love my mum very,very much and would love to be able to see her more often but atleast I get to speak to her three times a week. Its a shame my older sister is so far away as I cannot even get to see her,but with modern technology it never seems that far.