My golden retriever had puppies a month ago and since we started introducing solid food to the puppies she has freaked out! If she is eating and they come up to her she will growl and bite them. I make sure she has enough food and put down 2 separate bowls for them...well she goes and eats all their food first (they can't reach her bowl). The other day, I swear, she ate 20 cups of food, then was sick! Same with the water she will drink all their water. She still nurses and grooms them and as long as she is not eating they can crawl all over her. Has anyone had this happen to them and do you know why it happens? Is it normal?
I have separated them at feeding times now, but am really curious as to why she would do this....
2006-11-23 14:21:50 · 5 answers · asked by beth l 7 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I haven't had this happen with mom and pups but with my two unrelated dogs. Had to feed them seperatly. Sheltie would hog all food, eat it all then urp it all. Even got protective over that, ICK! Poor Keeshund. Yours could be the same even with her own pups. Feed her alone, as she may really become more angry as they get older and bigger. With animals, sometimes family doesn't count for much especially when it comes to food.
2006-11-23 14:28:55 · answer #1 · answered by koko 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't panic, this is completely normal behavior. The momma dog has bascially started the weaning process. Since dogs can't use their hands, they use their mouth. Her nipping at the pups (unless she is drawing blood) is her way of telling them to get off of her, same with the growling. Puppies start getting their teeth at about two weeks and that hurts the momma dogs when they nurse. So, basically, she will start weaning them slowly and then reinforce that with a little physical discipline when they don't get the hint. The fact that they can be near her and she isn't bothered is a great sign that she is still mothering to them.
A tip: Mix a little milk or water with the dry food and slowly reduce the amount you use over a few weeks time. Keep them seperated but make sure momma is full. Once the puppies are completely on dry food, they might still think they can nurse but momma will let them know that this is not a good thing. Never tell her that she is bad for barking, growling, or nipping at them when they try to nurse. She is simply telling them not to bother her because they have their own food. If you discipline her for doing nature's instinct, she will withdraw from the puppies and mayb eve become depressed.
2006-11-23 14:31:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well my dad had golden retriver puppies and hes been breading them for awhile now!!! i dont think its normal that the mother is doing that!!! maybe shes that kind of dog that doesnt like to be botherd whike she eats!!! will she let u touch her while she eats or will she growl at u too?!!!
2006-11-23 14:41:23 · answer #3 · answered by jessica o 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't have an answer for you but it is a great question. Good luck. I'm curious to read what people say about this.
2006-11-23 14:37:33 · answer #4 · answered by crissyk24 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a glitch...I don't see this as normal dog behavior at all. I would definitely discuss this with a vet.
2006-11-23 15:51:29 · answer #5 · answered by Patrick C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋