Weening

[maltese]

Hi There:

This is my first time on this forum. Is there any information of weening puppies from their Mothers milk?

[Prin]

Honestly, there aren't too many breeders on this site. We're more about rescue... But maybe someone can help.

[erykah1310]

Well the weaning process usually starts around 4 or 5 weeks I think??? not sure, not a breeder. Perhaps try asking your mentor.
Good luck

[BMDLuver]

At 4 weeks of age start introducing pureed kibble and wet... allow pups to keep nursing for at least another 4 weeks while slowly adding more food and then add water bowls for them as well... At 8 weeks of age they should be more interested in food than mom. Remove mom from the mix at 8 weeks and keep pups together until 12 weeks so they learn bite inhibition and correct socialisation. They are then ready for their new homes which of course will sign an adoption contract stating that they will alter their pets, etc.... charge an additional $100 which will be reimbursed upon proof of altering. IF at 6 months not altered, state pup can be removed from home without financial reimbursement.

[Angies Man]

When I was a child, our family dog (miniature collie) had a litter of pups.

Lady pretty much decided one day that she was tired of the pups nursing and limited her time with them--memory is sketchy but I'd say it was about 4 weeks after she was born.

My mom wetted down canned dog food with water and dry milk and the pups at first only slurped the milk (and of course got some of the dog food.) I don't know if she added any sort of vitamin supplements, but over about 10 days to two weeks, she reduced the amount of liquid.

Probably lactobacillis and acidopholus supplements (available as a liquid or powder digestive enzymes or Probiotics) wouldn't hurt to get the puppies digestive system up for solid food.

[mafiaprincess]

Originally Posted by BMDLuver

charge an additional $100 which will be reimbursed upon proof of altering. IF at 6 months not altered, state pup can be removed from home without financial reimbursement.

Apparently from a legal standpoint you can't remove the animal for failure to comply.. It's seen as merchandise. Many breeders have monetary penalties for lack of spueter and if their dog is bred because it's all they can do. I know a few American breeders who went to court over taking the dog back and lost. They learned to make the fine steep enough to hopefully scare people into complying.

[Scott_B]

Unless you sign a contract. A breeder I know makes all potenial owners sign a contract saying that by 7 months they must alter their pet. If not, then the dog will be removed from their custody, as well, if it has been found to have been breed, They take the puppies, any cash you've made off the puppies and $3000. They go over this contract, get you to sign it, and have a witnes sign it to show that you've been informed. It also states that she is still the owner of the animal until you show proof that the pet has been altered. She will then give you the registration papers.

[mafiaprincess]

Has that breeder ever had to go to court over it? A lot of dog contracts can exist but not all are as enforceable as you would think.

[Scott_B]

no, not yet. I think its to help insure that not just anyone gets a pup and tries to breed them.