Hopefully second litter coming - I was caught our by an early delivery first time so would like to be more prepared this time! How do people identify puppies and how soon. for example do you "mark" them or put collar on soon after birth to identify birth order?  Any tips gratefully received. What sort of weight gain is typical for a large dog and what about puppy weight - how often? and what amount?

As soon as born and weighed I use one strand of different coloured wool.  I tie it so there is a couple of inches of a tag as my breed are coated and the bit round the neck soon disappears in the coat.

See here: http://barbelka.awardspace.co.uk/a2pups.html admin these pups are all in their new homes

I use the coloured velcro puppy collars and they are fine, never had a problem with them and they just about fit from birth to 7 weeks on my large breed.  http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/252028891579?lpid=122&chn=ps&googleloc=1007265&poi=&campaignid=207297426&device=c&adgroupid=13585920426&rlsatarget=aud-133395220626%3Apla-131843261346&adtype=pla&crdt=0

So much easier when you have a hound, of my breed     'Any recognised hound colour' and all that!

Old fashioned nail varnish on ears or head for me with the same colour puppies and like Mamabas my hounds are patterned, lovely