During a chat with a fellow exhibitor/breeder last weekend she said that when she has a litter of pups, she takes 2/3 weeks off work when they're born, then returns full time, coming back at lunch times to see that everything was OK. IMO if you have a litter of puppies, then surely you should be there 24/7, if you take the time to choose the stud, and put the time and effort into producing them then shouldn't you be there all the time?

Now it struck me that there are alot of litters every year, and not everyone can take 2/3/4 months off work to be there, or be lucky enough (or not, as the case may be) to be at home full time, so what do they do?

I would dearly love to have a litter, but certainly won't be able to have enough time off to be them all the time, even if I juggled time off with my OH, (we both work full time) so plans will have to wait till that time comes. But I would be so worried about the puppys safety, socialisation etc etc, so I don't understand how someone could leave a mother and pups for 4hrs twice a day...

I dont understand it either. i worked as a bank nurse when i had my 2 litters so i took off the whole 8 weeks from work and that was a big expense, hence i didnt make a profit! however, my kids took over care from time to time and helped poo pick up etc when they were in the garden and i couldnt have done it without their help

personally i think if you or a responsible adult cannot be with the puppies most of the day then you shouldnt breed its as simple as that ....

Like above post

Long before I got some sense, I bought a gundog from a fairly well known breeder (show and working).   We made arrangements to meet her and the puppies at her house and it was apparent that she had come home from work specially to see us.  The pups were in an enclosed area in a downstairs bathroom

With the benefit of hindsight we should have walked away - but didn't.  There was a lot wrong with the entire scenario BUT in addition to his other issues that dog really missed out on early socialisation and handling and in later life it showed.  It was very sad for him and I'll never completely forgive myself.  It was a very valuable learning experience but such a shame to learn it in that way.  I would urge all potential puppy buyers to talk to their breeder about this vital 'nursery phase' so they can understand how important it is to their pups continued health and wellbeing

Totally agree with you on this one..
If you can't get more than a few weeks off work then you need to look at paying for someone to sit with the litter while you are at work or work from home..

I know someone who quit their job as their boss wouldn't allow them the full 8 weeks off for a litter, which was only last year - that shows true dedication to the litter and welfare..

I also know that someone people take their bitch back to the breeder or a friend who then rears the litter..

I'm lucky enough to only work part time, with shifts which fit around OH's so pups aren't alone.  But yes, I agree, I wouldn't be happy leaving them alone for long periods. :-(

I was lucky (or unlucky)to have had 7 weeks sick leave.I had just over a week before mum whelped and nearly 6 weeks with the pups.However I only work week-ends and my OH works week days so between us,and my daughter was home from college,we had plenty of time to care for the pups.Though I never have anytime with my OH :)

I work full time but luckily have a wonderful mum who looks after my pups.  I do know many wonderful breeders who do also work full time and like the original post do have the first few weeks off but can't have the whole 8 weeks away from work, who go to and from work during the day to check up on the pups.

They have fantastic dogs and pups with wonderful temperaments who are not affected by the owner not being their 24/7. 

Again I thinkit could all be breed specific. The Pom's you could never ever leave alone my other breed are totally amazing already at 7 days they are nearly fully up on their legs and moving around their bed.

I agree. If you can't give them the time then don't breed.

Haven't bred for a few years but when I did I was working just a very few hours a week, often at the weekend when hubbie was home.  If I had to do a short shift in the week I had a very dear, trusted friend that was more than delighted to come and spend time with puppies :)
I am not sure I would have ever been comfortable with relying on booked time off work.  What if they came early or puppies or mum had a health issue requiring the period of care being much extended?

I work 16 hours a week.  I take a week before they are born, 2 weeks after and 2 weeks later when they are 6-8 weeks.  I am very lucky that I have my Mum in the same road as me and she spends the whole time with them when I am at work for the other weeks, they are never left alone, I walk the others when my hubby is home from work. 

I would worry myself sick if I had to leave them, I just could not do it !

I work long shifts and in my line of work I would not be able to take 8 weeks off. Friends and family will help out whilst I am at work.

I don't think it matters who is there, as long as someone is.

Someone very trusted though :).  I also think we need to bear in mind that it can rather stressful and sometimes distressing rearing a litter so a lot to ask of friends and family unless they are equally committed.

i agree stooge....i would have to trust them 200% and know they do things my way after all their would be my pups with my name on them!! ....so for that reason i do it all myself that way i know things are done right and if anything happend to a pup im there to sort it. x