Any tips on rearing a singleton.Is it a joy or a problem.Any ideas appreciated.
Ann
PS Border Terrier is the breed

I've found its both! I've had two singletons and found that while they are tiny there is no prob, except making sure the mum doesn't get too uncomfy with too much milk. Both times the "mums" just ran out of milk at around 3 1/2 weeks, dont know if this often happens but did with both of mine, who previously had normal sized litters and had normal 6 week lactations. It was from this age to 10 weeks or so that it was busy - making sure the baby had lots of playtimes. They loved a couple of safe cuddly toys to snuggle up to give them a "friend" to rough and tumble with and snuggle up to, but luckily both mums were still happy to play with them even though they had dried up. They also had a micowave hotyy botty with a fluffy cover to snuggle up to too when mum was relaxing elsewhere.
The pups had almost a better start in life as they went on short trips to school/shop/visiting much more often so they wouldn't be on their own and as a result were socialised (and house trained) much sooner and better than most puppies. It was quite odd (though very nice) to have a completely house trained puppy at 6 weeks! They both grew up to have normal happy temperaments and were very sociable with humans and dogs. Its very,very hard to sell them though as they are so "special" Mine were born about 6 weeks apart and I did sell one and kept the other, it was very hard letting that one go though.

Hi Westie Lover,
I think one of the important points that comes out of this tale is that the more time and attention you give a puppy, the quicker it is trained. You can get a housetrained pup by 6 weeks - great! You beat me by 2 weeks - my earliest clean & dry, day and night, was 8 and a half weeks old! By your method - loads of attention, and not being left to its own devices.

I do so firmly believe that the more effort you put in at as early an age as possible, the better the end result.

:)

I'm glad to hear having a singleton isn't a problem. I have one of 12 days at the moment and he's enormous, really making the most of having the milk bar to himself. He doubled his weight it 4 days. I think mum may run out of milk early because it looks like its only the back pumps have got milk in now. He's still putting on weight nicely so there's no concern yet. I thought I was quite lucky in that as it's my first litter it would be easing me into it but it sounds as if it will be even harder trying to keep him occupied. I'll have to buy some cuddly toys then!

Looking forward to it all the same. Unfortunately I know I can't keep him as I won't keep dogs so he'll need to go to a special home but I think he's going to go to a friend so I'll be able to see him regularly and even get to prepare him for shows if he turns out to be show quality.