Pups should be weighed twice daily for the first few days.

Put the pups who are slower gainers on the teats for a head start or put the smaller pups on the larger teats. IF there are 5 pups, and 8 teats, then a few times a day, you can make sure the smaller puppies get to drain 2 teats. If you do not do this, then the big puppies, ALWAYS get 2 teats, and gain weight even more rapidly. It is intervening, but it works very well to pick up the slower puppies.

After the birth, the dam's hair always falls out, while she is raising a litter. Up to 60% of it, but normally 40%. Likely happens to help cool them, this is normal and it can come out in chunks. If too much hair falls out too fast, she could be lacking something in her diet. Sometimes you will not notice much hair at all come out. Some loose it gradually, some all of the sudden.

 

4 day old pups nursing

 

4 day old pups nursing

 

pups at 1 week
All pups have double birth weight
All are equally thriving

 

pups at 1 week

 

pups at 2 week
Yep... Emily's still in love!  :)

 

pups at 3 week

 

The whelping box is only good for the first 3 weeks, then they need a mini home which includes potty station and of course a play area too. They are now ready to start being housetrained using the Misty Method. Breeders that use the Misty Method teach their pups the concept of house training before they leave for their new homes.

Built by Jerry Pfeifer of Victoria BC. Specially designed for the Misty Method of house training puppies. Picture of MistyTrails Marzapan and pups. Courtesy of MistyTrails Havanese

Built by Jerry Pfeifer of Victoria BC. Specially designed for the Misty Method of house training puppies. Picture of MistyTrails Marzapan and pups. Courtesy of MistyTrails Havanese

Built by Jerry Pfeifer of Victoria BC. Specially designed for the Misty Method of house training puppies. Picture of MistyTrails Marzapan and pups. Courtesy of MistyTrails Havanese

Built by Jerry Pfeifer of Victoria BC. Specially designed for the Misty Method of house training puppies. Picture of MistyTrails Marzapan and pups. Courtesy of MistyTrails Havanese

Built by Jerry Pfeifer of Victoria BC. Specially designed for the Misty Method of house training puppies. Picture of MistyTrails Marzapan and pups. Courtesy of MistyTrails Havanese

At 3 weeks, the pups are becoming more mobile. The door from the whelp box has been removed, and they are beginning to venture out to explore and relieve themselves, to a papered area twice the size of their whelp box. At this time, I keep the bed clean and smelling fresh, but only change the paper outside minimal. They learn to go outside to eliminate very quickly, as by day 21, they have developed their sense of smell, and will start to discriminate where to relieve themselves. They can now eliminate without stimulation, but the Dam should still continue to clean up after them.

They are beginning to play a little with themselves and littermates, and are becoming more aware of their environment, and slightly vocal. I hear the odd attempt at a bark. I will add toys this week (no beanie babies or button'd toys). At this time teeth can begin to erupt & they can begin to lap liquids, so I will also add a shallow dish of water.

This is what is needed, if puppies start climbing out. Compliments of Usher. Specially designed for the Misty Method of house training puppies. Submitted by MistyTrails Havanese

_______________________________________

These wire racks are for making boxes or shelves. They also work great for enclosures for puppies. Check your local super store for availability. Idea courtesy of MistyTrails Havanese.

These racks are GREAT, because you can quickly step in and out, without a gate, and the Dam can usually jump in and out to tend to her puppies, but the puppies cannot get out.

Notice the nifty doggie door in the back left of this picture. Perfect for potty training and for the dam.

Putting a rack on top prevents puppies from jumping out

You can also make them higher for older or larger puppies.

Courtesy of MistyTrails Havanese

___________________________

___________________________