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Originally Posted by Rachael x  6 weeks is too young to be away from the litter, she shouldnt leave momma until she is at least 12 weeks old.
Just the fact that they let her go too young, she smelled and had fleas proves they are NOT reputable breeders.. |
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Originally Posted by Elijahs Mom It's been two weeks now and Maya is doing Great! She went in yesterday for her first shots and has gained 1lbs. Doc says she's perfect! (which I already knew!  ) Thank you all soooo much for all the helpful advice and words of encouragement.  You all are awesome!
Kim |
Kim -- I am just seeing your thread -- some slip by as there are so many now, I can't read through them all! But I am sorry I missed yours! I wanted to congratulate you on your new puppy! I also want to reiterate what Rachel and others wrote: This "person" you got Maya from is NOT A REPUTABLE breeder. The condition she sent that puppy home with you is unforgivable! No excuse for her! I would never do business with her again or even take her advice on any training or health questions. Poor thing only got 1/2 as long with her mom & siblings as she should have as a minimum. You may want to give her even more attention and hands on than you normally would a new puppy to try to overcome the common problem with leaving a litter too soon -- that is a less confident and more fearful puppy.
I am thankful you got such great responses already and have obviously taken such great care of little Maya. She is a cutie! Getting a good prognosis from the vet, having her all cleaned up, free of fleas, and eating well has to feel rewarding. Maya is fortunate she got you for a new mom, hope the other puppies fared as well.
You may have to act as surrogate mom more literally than we normally do. For instance, to train your puppy on not biting (this is another problem often seen in puppies removed too soon) -- gently pinch a little skin at the nape of the neck between thumb and forefinger. You want them to feel it but
not to hurt them. At the same time, a firm, louder than normal talking voice, "NO" should help let her know that biting is not acceptable. She will chew -- they have to do that, but you will want to curb the hard biting. Momma dogs usually give them a nip with their teeth and often a short, curt bark to teach them, "NO."
Glad you know about Nutrical. Also might want to get some pumpkin (pure pumpkin) to have on hand. Walmart has it now and if you open the can, you can fill an ice cube tray and then pop them into a freezer bag when they are frozen solid. That way you can take out just one when you need it. It is sometimes hard to find. Pumpkin is great for poop problems, whether they can't or they are having diarrhea -- either way a teaspoon or two of pumpkin can help a lot.
Speaking of potty -- you will of course start trying right away to house train. Many suggest not taking them outside to potty until all of their shots are complete. Other animals can often spread sickness/disease through their left urine and feces. Even if you think no other animals are getting in your yard, they may be at night. City folks don't have as much to worry on this count as us country people.
But you can pee pad train from the start. Just do not expect them to be able to truly control their bladders until 5-6 months of age. My Annie will always pee when I take her out, but she will still stop and pee inside too. I don't punish, but I do say "no" firmly and move her to a pad. That usually stops her flow but hopefully the idea is being planted.
Hopefully you have her on a good quality food, don't skimp here. They don't eat that much so we can afford to buy the best.
For puppies, I like to free feed, but if you don't, at least offer food a minimum of 3 times a day. Since you will need a lot of treats during potty training time, try to get your little one to eat something good for them as a treat. Green beans work well! I like baby carrots too as they double as a chew toy. Chattiesmom also makes a good tiny treat called Yorkie Yummies. She uses all natural ingredients and they are so small, they don't spoil an appetite. If you use commercial treats, try to make them smaller so you can reward every "good girl" episode without ruining her appetite for the quality food you have selected. It does not take too many treats to equal a day's food intake and you sure don't want them filling up on the treats. That can be worse than feeding crappy dog food.
I know I got carried away -- I was thinking of some of the things I tell new puppy owners and then realized you have already been doing this for a while and may not need all this! Some days my fingers just keep typing.....
