I have a litter of puppies that are just over 2 weeks old. When are they old enough to mix with their dad downstairs ? They are currently living in the guest bathroom (its very big and warm) but their mum is getting restless so I would love to bring them back downstairs. How will the mum react to the dad being with them??

Any infection carried by another dog in the same house will already be with the puppies. From that point of view you have nothing to gain by seperating them. As to whether having another dog around the puppies will upset the dam, that is another question altogether and would depend very much on the dogs concerned. It could go fine or it could stress the bitch to the extent that she turns against the dog.

Regards, John

I bring my6 puppies downstairs to the kitchen where the rest of the dogs have access at this age.  Mother will be very watchful, and the dogs will know that they must not hang around the whelping box. 

This allows for more socialisation of the pups, and keeps Mum who as you said is getting restless by now being away from her normal life, to keep her interest in them going.

The other dogs know not to cross Mum, and gradually over next two weeks she will allow them to get closer, have a sniff, and eventually interact with the pups.

The breed may make a difference, as I have Norwegian Elkhounds, a very natural, but generally easy going breed with their canine companions.

Hi Guest,
Lucky you, a whole litter of puppies all to yourself.
To answer your question.  I am a great believer in allowing pups to 'socalise' as soon as possible.  This is usually when their eyes are open and they are toddling about.  It may be a good idea to try out the first visit or two when the mum is NOT present. Just in case the mum gets over protecive of the pups.  After a few visits the mum will accept your other dogs scent being around her pups, but if she shows any signs of rejecting the pups, not feeding, cleaning etc. I would stop the visits until a later date.
Another word of warning, I would not leave the Dog in with the pups unattended at first.

Best wishes, and good luck with the pups,

Harry C.

take the dad or pups put them in a cage or pen let the others make the moves that will let you decide it should be fine but it is always good to check if they become interested and there is no growling or snarling or such then proceed