4 week old abandoned dogs behavior later in life??

Question

My neighbors abandoned thier house and two adult dogs and two 4 week old puppies. I found the puppies in my backyars and the mother is no where to be found. I have been doing everything I can. I love them to death! They are eating puppy mushed up food soaked in puupy formula. They are happy and seem to be healthy. I give them lots of attention and treat them just like I did my kids when they were babies. They wouldn't take a bottle (I tried many different kinds) or a syringe. So I am just soaking thier puppy mush in puppy formula. They are going to the bathroom well and eating the puppy mush like crazy. I know they are very young to be away from thier mother. I am so worried that they may have some developement issues. Has anyone had to raise puppies from this age away from thier mommy, and if so how did your dogs turn out? I plan on socializing them a lot when they get a lil older. Also when is a good time to start haveing other people handle them and let them go outside to play???

Answer 1

Sounds like you are doing exactly the right thing. "Abandoned" puppies make terrible pets IF they stay with their mother but are deprived of all human contact between 4 and 12 weeks of age.

In your case, it sounds as if your puppies are getting lots and lots of human contact at an early age, so they should be fine with humans.

Nevertheless, you will have to become a doggie mother to them. (you sound like you're doing a wonderful job already). That means don't let them misbehave. If a puppy nips its mom too hard, she reprimands him swiftly! A sharp flick of your finger on its nose, enough to startle the pup but without hurting, usually sends the message, loud and clear, that he needs to be more gentle.

The best thing you can do for your puppies when they get a little older is to introduce them so some well-socialized older dogs. Nothing teaches manners to a puppy better than another dog. Your best bet would be to find designated off-leash parks in your area. These parks are usually well frequented by a number of dogs who have excellent manners.

Many people will tell you to wait until they have had all their shots to socialize them but in your case you shouldn't wait that long. Most dogs today are vaccinated and present little risk to yours.

If you have a fenced yard, they can already go there for short visits. Just be there to supervize. Wait another two weeks to bring lots of human visitors, but it's fine to have the occasional "new" human come visit. To be safe, just ask them to remove their shoes and wash their hands before going near the puppies.

Soon they will need their first shots. You don't say how many there are but it could be expensive! Call the local humane society and rescue clubs to see if anyone can help you foot the bill.

When it's time for them to go (you don't plan on keeping them all, do you?) it's fine to ask for a small fee to prospective owners. If they're serious they won't mind, plus they will understand that you've already had to spend a lot of money on them.

Best of luck and God bless.

Answer 2

.Sounds to me that you are doing everything correctly. I would not worry about any development or behavior problems later in life. I've raised puppies that were separated from their mother at 5 1/2 weeks and they did just fine. You have to be the mother and play with or just be with these puppies when they are awake. They are bonding to you and each other. Even when they are sleeping reach down and rub their ears and heads. They will know they are with you and not alone. At eight weeks you can start to introduce them to different experiences. Like letting them play on grass, concrete, the rug, let them smell different things, experience different noises, other people, etc. You want them experience a wide range of things, sights, smells, noises, people, animals, as this will teach them that the world is fun and nothing to be afraid of. You will have well socialized dogs.

Answer 3

You are doing good.. It happens naturally, mom isn't around to raise the puppies, dies giving birth, runs away, too young to care for them. So many dogs are raised by people..
Just make sure you don't try to make them into little tiny people.. Always allow them to be dogs... But don't allow them to get away with biting each other or you.. Mom would most definitely correct this behaviour and even tho they are tiny, you should too.
You can have others play with them, but make sure it's people who don't have their own dogs at home.. They might not have any natural immunity at all.. And will need their shots.. They do need LOTS of sleep, they are growing, and they grow while sleeping. So you shouldn't wake them up to show people, or play with them. If they are sleeping, they need it.

If you knew someone who recently had a litter of puppies that were close in age.. Or a mom whose puppies were leaving and she would care for them, raise them like little dogs, that would be the best. But if you can't, it's not a big deal. Just remember to allow them to be little dogs.. Don't take that away from them.

Answer 4

It's ok to have other people handle them but just not for very long. Make sure they wash their hands after they do OK. Taking them outside may be a bit of a problem you can take them out just make sure they are supervised and that no other dogs come in contact with them at all. They are so very young and they can pick up anything fro another dog. You can play with them for as long as they can take it which will not be too long. Pups of that age play a bit and then sleep so much.
What a very good person you are to take these pups in to your home and heart.
God Bless!

Answer 5

If you keep up what your doing, and show them lots of love, they should come out just fine. Its not to early to take them outside, just stay with them. There are lots of predators that can find puppies realy easily.. hawks... dogs.. cats.. ect.
People can handle them now, just not alot. And make sure they wash their hands first. (and after)
Good thing your neighbors moved out, dont sound like very good people.

Answer 6

Sounds like your doing the best you can for them. You should probably report your neighbors for abandonment, tho. (Its illegal in my state, but I dont know your state). If there eating and going to the bathroom OK, and they are sweet puppies now, they should stay that way unless thay are abused or something. Good luck and bless you for saving those poor pups! :)
PS-If they need homes, I might be able to take one! Email if ur interested. LOL!

Answer 7

well I myself haven't had to deal with this situation but a close friend of mine did... they probably won't have any development problems by the way it sounds on how you treat them.. but one they get to be 6 weeks old take them to the vets to get checked out and to get their shots to help protect them from diseases.. My friends dogs turned out fine.. They are really close to my friend and the dogs aren't afraid of people so they don't attach any of her friends or family. socializing them is a good idea or they might be afraid to go near other dogs. but don't start to soon or they could get hurt.. starting to socialize them about about 6 to 8 months. wait till they are about 6 or 7 months old to let other people handle them. After they are 6 weeks old you can let them go outside.. but make sure the area they are is safe and keep an eye on them!

Answer 8

I had to raise my five week old puppy, she is completly fine and doesn't have any problems or difficulties. She gets along well with other dogs and is just like any of them.

Answer 9

What if can't take them out in the winter. I have 7 of them and I am disabled. What then?

Answer 10

try petcaretips.net and sheltermedicine.com for advice. this is a tricky subject and you will need to keep reading up on how to raise these guys. They are lucky to have someone like you!!!!!