Hi

I have a 3yr old JRT bitch and a 5 month whippet bitch. The older dog took the pup under her paw the min she arrived in the house and they are best of friends.

At feeding time I put down two identical bowls of food and the older dog always stands back until the pup has finished and then eats. I have watched this many times and have not seen anything to prevent the older one eating. Even if I move the bowl away to the other side of the room she still wont eat until the pup has finished. The pup if allowed will wander between the two bowls. Neither are greedy dogs and there is always food left in the bowl. Why does she do this?

Another thing is the older one washes the pup, she does her eyes and ears just like she did her own pups. She has had two litters and is a brilliant mum.  She use to do the same to my GSD and he was a lot older than her. Anyway she will open the pups mouth and lick what looks like the back of her throat. She is doing this more and more. The pup doesnt mind. Why is she doing this?

Look forward to your thoughts

Wendy

Maybe she is used to looking after puppies seeing as she has had two litters and she is only three :)  Perhaps that is what she is used to ;)