2006-11-14 14:14:46 · 8 answers · asked by joker 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
You can now, just be careful. Don't pick them up with one hand. Support their rears in the palm of your hand. Use a small hand towel to aid in warmth.
2006-11-14 14:23:51 · answer #1 · answered by WHY? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the first respondant. It depends on your relationship with the momma. I also handle my pups from birth. Everyone in the house does but we have a great mom dog who is terriblely patient with us and very trusting that we won't hurt her babies. Some mom dogs are more nervous or protective though and may not let you handle the babies a lot.
You should have been picking them up at least once a day the first 2 weeks for daily weighings. Now that they are three weeks, you should be picking them every day. I have a litter that is 2.5 weeks old and we pick them up often. Now that their eyes are open, they are starting to learn and you want them to be learning about being with humans at this point as well as being with dogs.
Also is a good time to set up a "potty" area outside their bed area so they can get used to leaving their bed to go potty.
2006-11-14 15:16:00 · answer #2 · answered by SabrinaD 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If mama will let you, the you should be petting, carefully holding and cuddling them right now. They need human socialization and YOU are the best one to give it to them. If mom is still very protective, try feeding her in another room, when she leaves the pups, pet them while they are in their nest. When they trust you, then you can start to pick them up. Mom will probably start to spend more time away from her litter as they get older and will not mind if you spend more time there! Have fun with the little guys and enjoy! Remember, they are not toys and have very soft bones, they can get squished, so be VERY CAREFUL and if any small children are around, have them sit down and stay seated while around the pups so they don't fall or squish them.
2006-11-14 14:24:15 · answer #3 · answered by Texanborn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
whenever you want, the earlier the better so they become used to being handled. just remember to be gentle with the puppies and pat and reassure the mother when you're handling the pups. they shouldn't be seperated from their mother until at least 7 weeks though
2006-11-14 15:07:43 · answer #4 · answered by pcdo_universe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should start before now in order to get them use to people I held my pups from birth and they are pretty spoiled when they are ready for there new families I hope this helps and good luck with your new puppies
2006-11-14 14:25:16 · answer #5 · answered by hunter 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By all means start holding them now! I could not have stopped myself from holding them from the time they were born. Just be gentle!
2006-11-14 14:31:33 · answer #6 · answered by hollyhock 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on your relationship with momma dog. I hold my pups from birth.
2006-11-14 14:19:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would go ahead and start getting them use to humans and very carefully picking them up and petting them.
2006-11-14 14:21:49 · answer #8 · answered by sehbear0788 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋