Weaning

[Meggie]

I agree about the tug of war.
If he has any dominant tendencies it will encourage them, especially if you ever let him win & pull the toy from you.

Fetch is much better. Also playing with him where you can get him to roll on his back while you stroke his chest or tummy, as rolling on his back is submissive behaviour & you want to get him to know you're in charge.

[Tinker'sMommy]

I got Tinkerbell when she was only 6 weeks old I had no idea and I also got her in South Korea where I believe is not unusual to sell them that young because I got my maltese there too and he was also 6 weeks only............I am blessed she's never had any issues at all. I did breed her and she was such a wonderful mommy and she weaned her babies at almost 10 weeks old.........they were still trying to nurse from her at 12 weeks but she was not having it. I think 6-9 weeks is wayyyyyyyyy too young to be separated from their mommy or any sibilings they may have. Good Luck with your baby

[Deenie]

Originally Posted by s13silviagirl

If he is having aggressive behavior with you, tug of war might not be the best game to play as it encourages him to go against you. Maybe try something like fetch? or other non challenging games?

That's a good point! He does have those tendencies so I'll change that. Thank you. I'm also going to take him to obedience training.

[domesticated08]

Originally Posted by fannie

I firmly believe in letting the dam lead the weaning process. Most of my puppies are still nursing at 10 weeks. They learn so much from their mom in those last weeks that they are with her. I've never understood why babies are automatically pulled from their mom at 6 weeks or whatever. They are getting the best nourishment possible from her. Resulting in a much healthier puppy.

Gus says Steph!!!