Canine Partners

Welcome back to our blog series on a canine partner mum’s journey, where we are sharing updates on canine partner mum Faith and her new litter of puppies! Last time, we shared information about the labour and first week of puppyhood.

In this edition, we wanted to share an insight into the second week of puppyhood for both mum and pups.

Faith is an amazing mum and her puppies are doing really well! The pups are continuing to put on weight, and at this age their eyes and ears are opening. This process is gradual, and will take a few days.

In the second week of puppyhood, it’s time to start the weaning process. This involves spending eight to ten days hand feeding the puppies so that they become people orientated and less reliant on mum Faith.

The puppies are weaned onto puppy food that has been soaked so it is completely soft, and mashed down because their teeth have not come through yet. You can see one of the puppies being weaned in the video below:

Faith’s Brood Bitch Holder will continue with the all-important early socialisation which involves regularly handling the pups, gently stroking them and talking to them. This is all done near to the whelping bed, under mum’s watchful eyes.

As the pups eyes and ears open, they will start to see and hear all of the everyday comings and goings of home life.

Our Brood Stock Coordinator, Sian will weigh and health check the puppies over weekly, along with clipping nails (so mum does not get scratched) and will guide Faith’s Brood Bitch Holder through the socialisation process, as well as making sure Faith is fit and well. Sian is also on hand 24/7 to offer advice and support to Faith’s holder.

Interested in fostering a canine partner mum?

We are on the lookout for more volunteers to care for a canine partner mum in their home. You will be responsible for looking after the new-born puppies until they are approximately 7 weeks old.

If this sounds like something you would like to do, or you wish to find out more, click here.​