Puppies Week 3~Potty Training Starts, Whelping Box Gone, Ears Open~Raising a Litter

WEEK 3: Litter pan potty training begins, ears open and teeth come in. Gruel is introduced This is the week of AWAKENING. Interaction with litter-mates and humans is desired and socialization begins. Nails are trimmed for the first time. The whelping box will no longer suffice and a new pen is set up. The kennel/crate is introduced. Insights into size and other factors are discussed. Follow the entire process from breeding, to whelping, to raising a litter to seven weeks at THE RETRIEVER NATION, Jasmine's Journey.
The Retriever Nation:
/ @theretrievernation
Puppy fencing we use:
www.petsmart.com/dog/crates-g...
#TheRetrieverNation #TRN #Litterofpuppies

[@cowwabungaa]

its so cute seeing all their personalities come out

[@nurserachel559]

Thanks so much, TRN! Best video on the matter. I'm feeling more prepared for this transition!

[@TheRetrieverNation]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pameladomino3644]

My labrador is having seven pups in about 4 days .... do not want to interfer with breeders.. she will have 1 litter because she is very smart and I will only give to respsonibe people I love these videos learning very much .... Please give that recipe of the pups eating for the first time...very special animals .love you The Retriever Nation...

[@TheRetrieverNation]

Hi Pamela, I believe you are asking for the recipe for gruel/mush that the pups eat as their first food. It's simply just (premium) puppy food kibble soaked in water to soften, then blended. Most breeders know to do this. It starts off looking like malt-o-meal consistency, but as the days pass, the consistency changes so within a couple weeks, just as they are ready to go to new homes they are on dry kibble. Hope this answered your question! Thanks so much for the kind words and watching.

[@sewali8839]

How did you get them to all sleep in the crate/bed? Do they naturally just go in there because it’s warmer?

[@TheRetrieverNation]

I put a soft blanket in and they just naturally start sleeping together in there.

[@combscountrysidepaws9330]

Where did you get your litter pans?

[@TheRetrieverNation]

Thanks for the question. Please watch the video below on litter pan training. In the video description are links to our products. We also have a video just on supplies for litter pan training (linked at the end of the "How To" video). kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGW2onWKebqor8k Reach out again if you have any questions. Merry Christmas!

[@juls3417]

I have 9 3 week puppys and started puppy mush today just to taste. How much shoud it be as grams for them now? I didn't measure it today and they finished up eating from mom but I want to start using some measure. The food I have is starter and it says 15-25g per day(but they still eat mostly milk) so I am not sure how much to prepare.

[@TheRetrieverNation]

At 3 weeks you are simply introducing them to it and what your doing is fine because the pups are still receiving almost all their nourishment from Mom. As you start weaning you'll alternate nursing and offering mush. I would make 1/2 to 1 cup of mush for each feeding. At first there will be some left over (not to be saved) but they'll soon consume more and more. Just like babies, fat puppies are healthy puppies so don't worry about over feeding them. They'll stop when they're full. Sometimes when my pups finish their pan of food off quickly I would make a second serving (maybe half the amount). Remember to incorporate sound desensitization during feedings and start litter pan training soon. ;) Enjoy your puppies!!! 🐾🐾💕

[@ProvocativeNBA]

I am getting a 3 week old puppy tomorrow, the breeder did not want to keep them any longer. Any tips on how to care for him away from mom and siblings? I also have to work during day. I plan on coming home at lunch to quickly check on him.

[@TheRetrieverNation]

Wow. I have to say this is extremely irresponsible of the breeder. Keep the puppy warm. It will no longer have the mom or litter mates to snuggle for warmth or make puppy piles with. Warm piles of blankets or towels in dryer and help pup snuggle in. Know how to make porridge/gruel and make sure the puppy is offered warm servings at least 4x a day until week 6 when you can back off to 3x a day, increasing amount and decreasing wetness with goal to be on dry kibble by week 7. (Early on at the 3 week mark you may be offering this by fingers if you are the one making the initial introduction) During feedings is when I play KZbin videos of sounds for desensitization (thunder, fireworks, traffic, horns, door knocking). Weigh and record every couple days to ensure puppy is gaining weight. Make sure puppy has water and that it is a shallow basin that they cannot drown in. You may have to make initial introduction by dipping puppy's muzzle into. Watch that over the course if the next day puppy has it figured out and is not getting dehydrated. ***Critical: Involve the vet from the onset (whether vy phone or appt). and discuss what your situation is. Ask when to worm and get initial vaccinations. Ask about supplementing with formula or adding formula to porridge. Spend as much time as you can with your puppy. Please keep us posted. What breed, sex, and what name? I'll keep you all in my prayers. Puppy's are my favorite. 🐾🐾💓

[@ProvocativeNBA]

@@TheRetrieverNation thank you SO much for this advice. It’s a goldador… lab and golden retriever mix. I will be at work during week. I have already bought a pen and blankets for him, but I am concerned about him getting cold although I will up the air conditioning. What about a heating pad, or even a little heater put at a distance?

[@TheRetrieverNation]

I'm late in seeing this. I hope all went well and your puppy is doing well. I'm sure he is, you sound very attentive. :)