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weaning puppies

I'd like some experienced breeder's opinions on when they start to wean pups, how they go about it, and when they allow the pup to go to its new home.

Thanks, I'm sure I'll get lots of replies

I start letting them eat soaked food by 3 1/2 to 4 weeks. by 6 weeks they are pretty much ready to go at 8weeks they are definately ready to go and driving you and the dam crazy.

I start off weaning the pups by introducing a gruel of puppy food at a little over two weeks old. Gradually increasing the amount of food and reducing the water over a period of three weeks or so.

I have one female that will wean every litter herself at four weeks. She is an incredible mamma for four weeks...then she is done with them.

I remove the female from the puppy area during the day time at six or seven weeks old, only allowing the pups to nurse at night. I really would rather the female wean the pups rather than me....nature knows better than I about the right time. After the pups are no longer nursing, I put mamma back in with them.....

I know, that is opposite of what a lot of people do, but here is why I think it works for me..... A pups brain does not stop development until they are about 12 weeks old. From birth to six weeks, they learn to eat, and where to poop....that's about it. From the age of six weeks to twelve weeks is when they learn to be a dog, about interacting with other dogs...when to bite and when not to bite.....to play and interact, about dominance and submission.

I try to NEVER place a puppy before it is at least 8 weeks old.....

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Joe Newlin
UKC Cur Advocate
Home of Oak Ridge Kennels

btt

im with oakridge and chad

oakridge my female sky is the same way at about 4 weeks shes ready to be rid of them i got a panel and put up another run cut a hole big enough fer my female to go threw and tall enough fer the pups not to get over to her

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