Some puppies do take longer in learning to walk, especially if they are overweight. The most important thing is to make sure they have a rough surface to walk on. I will put down a rug or flannel sheet that has a rough surface so they can get better traction with their legs. Make sure their toenails are clipped so they don't hangup on the bedding. At four weeks they need a nice size area to walk in so they can start exploring and getting some exercise. I have mine out of the whelping box in a exercise pen at that age.
When I have a overweight pup with weak rear legs, several times a day I will hold the pup with his rear legs in the palm of my hand and let the pup push up on the rear legs to help strengthen them. |