Hi,

I got a puppy and her dam a few days ago. So far, everything is going brilliantly - dam is gorgeous and settling in beautifully and her puppy is completely at ease  (having her mum around has eased the transition to her new home a lot - she appears to think she owns the place lol)  and last night had her first dry night in the crate. Thrilled to bits with her.

The only slight blot is that the dam (7) becomes rather attached to the squeaky rubber chicken I bought for the pup. She gets a bit distressed if she can't find it.  She allows the pup to take it, but gets upset.

Does she think it is one of her puppies? If so, should I take it away? Or will she calm down as she gets used to not having her other pups about?  She is generally very placid - it isn't as if she's stressing ALL the time, just on odd occasions.

Thanks :)

The squeak is probably at just the same note as her babies cries.
I found two of my bitches sitting looking into the washing machine this week staring at the vet-beds going around. Both were very concerned and snivelling. A pink squeaky rhino had gone in with the wash and it's usual squeak had changed under water, to a very authentic distressed puppy noise. I had to stop the wash and 'save' it's life before they were happy. :D

Oh, that's too cute!!!!  :D

I would remove the squeak but let her keep the toy if it is the noise that is distressing her. :)

we have numerous squeaky toys but my oldest girl who is mum to one of my other bitches hates the one that sounds like a duck probably for similar reasons .