Caring for a Young Puppy

By

wonderpatty

The reason puppies should stay with their mom longer is to be weaned properly and to learn proper behavior. Puppies learn how to socialize from their mom so a pup who doesn't have that will be dependant on humans to teach them. Make sure you socialize this pup with other dogs as soon as it has had it's shots, begin training early and the pup should balance out. Address bad behaviors immediately, just as the mother would, don't let cuteness get in the way.

As far as nutrition, feed 1/2 tsp whole plain yogurt, 1/2 tsp cottage cheese and one raw egg mixed with canned food. Add canned pumpkin, Libbys has real pumpkin, not pumpkin filling. Start with 1/2 teaspoon, this will keep the digestive tract flowing, add less if you notice diarrhea. Do this until the pup is 4 months old. This can also be continued as it adds nutrition to the food. Feed a puppy 4 times a day until 6 months old, then 3 times a day until 1 year old, then 2 times a day through adulthood to avoid digestive upset.

By

damaged05170

Pet stores have puppy formula, just like for babies. That works. My Pug?Boston (Bug) was sold at 5 weeks. She needed food often, and softened. But the formula is good too. That dog will want to be warm, and near your heart, so get ready! The bond never breaks-he/she will be one for life-a long life!

By

caninecodependent

You said the breeder was ill and not the dam? I would never try to wean a pup that young. It is going to put the pup behind the eightball physically.

If the breeder is too ill and wants to move the pup at 4 weeks, I would ask to bring the dam home with me until the pup is weaned.

By

takelababy

My chi puppy was eating on it's own and quite robust at 4 weeks. She did remain with her mother until 6 weeks but would have been fine at 4 1/2 weeks.

By

sunshine56

I'm sorry that she passed. When the puppy grows up and is able to do more things like bark and growl the puppy will begin to become very demanding like if you try to pick it up it will growl and nip at your hand. If it does,you pinch it's neck lightly and make a sssttttt. noise, that is like their mom [AKA dog] nipping then on the neck teaching them how to grow up.

Driving home from work my boyfriend came across the cutest puppy just laying on the side of the road.