Hiya everyone,

All the pups are fine - just a bit concerned about one of the girls - she is putting on weight - just not as much as the others - in fact the littlun has gained and overtaken her. She is same length as the others, just not gaining as much - should i be worried now or just if she stops gaining. The other 2 have almost doubled their birth weights, she has a way to go. Other than that they are all gorgeous, the books tell u about changes like eyes opening, hearing etc, they don't tell u about things like - noses and pads changing to black, tails starting to wag when feeding - they are a joy to watch.

Nikki, Ebbie and 3 lively youngsers xxx

Ahh, they sound lovely :) you sound as though you are really enjoying your babies, I am no expert but I am sure you are doing every thing right and that you will know instinctively if the puppy not gaining as much weight as the others needs extra help. Try not to worry to much and enjoy them as I do know that the grow up very fast indeed. :) take care and keep us all posted :) Sarah

Thank u Sarah,

I have to say that i am still a little worried - it being my first litter, but she is just as active and lively as the other 2, and she certainly makes sure she gets her fair share of the milk bar. Its just in the book of the bitch and others that i have it says they must double their weight by day 8 - which is tomorrow - or they are sickly pups (might not be bitch book but one of em implies this) and all i can say is she definitely isn't sickly, they look like proper little pups now - their eyes look almost ready to open - not sealed shut anymore but still not open.

Nikki xxx

I have never found any of my pups, except in a very small litter double their weight in 8 days, about an ounce a day the first week (between 5 and 10 ounces in the first week) is fine. I suppose if they start at 6 ounces then they will double their weight, but my 12 ounce ones have rarely doubled theri weight that quick.

Puppy weight in the nest also doesn't seem to have too much bearing on ultimate size. I have had whopping pups turn out average, and average size pup grow big!

If the pup looks plump and shiny, and is active and content, and feeds efficiently (the tail wagging is a good indicator tha the milk is flowing well, and you can hear them glugging) then I wouldn't worry too much. If you find the weight gain starts to slow that will be a sign that you may want to start them on solids. I have started sloppy solids anytine from 10 days to 3 weeks of age, depending on how Mum is doing, and the size of the litter.

If you feed the bitch in her bed you will know when to try solids, as the pups will start taking an interest in her food.

Hi Nikki, Hope all is well with you today, It must be very tirring for you I hope you are getting enough sleep to cope with all you have to do. Do you have any photos of the pups would love to see them :) I cant be of any real help Im afraid as I dont breed just own. I have a Golden retriever and 2 flatcoated puppies, all boys, dont think I could cope with all that goes with breeding. I would not know where to begin. I am thinking about getting in the show ring with one of my flatcoats though, dont know where to begin with that either :D hope the pups are doing good, take care Sarah :D

well, been watching them all today and trying to make sure the little girlie latches on - she seems to have probs unless she is underneath the other 2 and on the teats ebbie is laying on - she is noisy - but as the vet ruled out cleft palates etc. and she does quieten when she finally latches on - she feeds longer than the other 2 cos of this but she isn't looking for food inbetween - so all i can say is that she must be getting enough - probably takes after her mum - ebbie has never had a big appetite unless biscuits - choccie ones at that are on offer. As for pics - yep i do sarah - ones of them as they were born and i took some more last night - to show size difference - i can email them to u if u want.

Nikki xxx

would love to see piccies please, my addy is in my profile, glad to hear everything is ok with the little ones :D Sarah