Hi All,

We have recently rescued a bitch (Suzie) from kennels only to discover one month into having her she was pregnant!!  Well a week after finding out we are the proud 'Grand Parents' of seven puppies .  The birth went well and I even managed to bring one puppy back - talk about being thrown into the deep end.  Anyway - the question is - My puppies are now nearly three weeks old and we are considering weaning - however, we have noticed that Suzie sometimes puts her mouth around the pups heads - she is not biting down but this is causing obvious alarm to my husband and I - is this normal??  THANK YOU :rolleyes:

If this has started recently, could be she is trying to regurgitate food for them - a sure sign it is time to start weaning.

Thank you. I didn't think of that!!

My bitches have always done this discipline their puppies - but not usually as early as three weeks. It's possible they're hurting her - have you been keeping the pups' nails short (human nail clippers are fine at this age) because those can make really savage wounds. As their teeth will be coming through as well this could be adding to the bitch's pain.

Hi, I wondered if that had been the case.  We have been keeping on top of the pups' nails so I hope it's not that.  But I will check them again.  THANK YOU for your advice

I was going to say she is regurgitating :)

What sort of breed/cross is she ? Have you also been in touch with the kennels you rescued her from ?

Hope you are coping with it all as you have said a big surprise :)

Hi,

Suzie is a German Shepherd.  We have been in touch with the Kennels and they just said we could take Suzie back!!  She is already part of our family now - that is simply not an option.

We are coping quite well - I THINK! The pups have started on their solids and everyone seems a little happier.

Thanks for your advice

Lou