Just how much attention is too much?
It is a fact that puppies need a lot of attention but maybe not as much as you would like to think. Despite their constant need for attention, resist giving in to those irresistible cute puppy eyes and pitiful whines. As much as you are tempted to pick him up and snuggle him, this will encourage an onset of bad behaviors and separation issues. This over reliance on you will develop way over their puppy years and they will definitely take advantage of it. They pick up signals just as we do and form a connection between whining and being picked up and snuggled.
Whining and crying may be caused by different things and sometimes it is best to leave him alone to deal with it. It will be tough but eventually he will learn. Whether he is whining because of loneliness or fear, leaving him alone will help him learn how to master it because sometimes we just need to figure out some things on our own. As a loving pet owner, this will be one of the hardest decisions you will have to make but you will be surprised how great your pup will turn out to be.
Are You Spoiling Your Puppy By Holding It Too Much
It’s no doubt important that we shower our pups with as much love as we can, but it’s true that too much of a good thing, may become a bad thing.
Let’s clarify first though, there’s nothing wrong with holding and cuddling your puppy. In fact, the more physical contact you make with your pup, the more likely it is that your puppy will develop into an affectionate adult dog that enjoys cuddles. And this is obviously very important
But it’s all about timing. Let’s explain below.
So what’s the problem?
The thing is, once your puppy gets used to a lot of physical contact, they’ll quickly learn to whine and cry the moment you put them down. Naturally, our reaction is to scoop them back up and comfort them some more. This is a big mistake.
If we start cuddling and holding our pups every time they whine or cry, it’s essentially teaching them that all they need to do is whine and cry, and they will have your full attention.
And believe me, it will not take long before this lesson is learned.
When Should You Touch a Newborn Puppy?
Whenever I’ve carried for puppies or kittens, I’ve kept a vigil over the mother and her offspring for the first few weeks.
You want to make sure that all the puppies are nursing well. Sometimes puppies fail to latch on a nipple or might be pushed away by their brethren.
If a puppy can’t nurse, they quickly weaken, and their blood sugar drops.
The weaker they get, the harder it’s for these puppies to nurse, and eventually, they give up.
Moreover, puppies should be cuddling with their mama or sibling to keep warm.
Newborns can’t regulate their temperature and will get cold quickly if they move away from their siblings and mother.
Specialists recommend that you touch your dog’s newborn puppies as little as possible during the first few weeks.
Ideally, you want to measure them daily to make sure they’re gaining weight. You’d also have to change the sheets in the birthing box to keep the puppies clean.
Besides that, you shouldn’t interfere if the mother is nursing, bathing, and cuddling with her puppies.
Any unnecessary attention might make the mother anxious and prompt her to act defensively.
You have to be prepared that not all puppies are going to make it.
Sometimes puppies look fine at birth but end up dying a week or two later. That’s called fading puppy syndrome, and it’s quite common.
Unfortunately, the signs that something is wrong with a puppy appear very suddenly.
So, whenever you notice that a puppy appears listless, doesn’t nurse, and whines, you have to rush them to the vet and be prepared for the worst.
Knowing how to handle puppies is an essential rule for interacting with newborn puppies.
Remember that these puppies are fragile, and falling from a short distance can be deadly for them.
So, be sure that you’re supporting your puppy’s body and that you’re holding them gently.
Don’t pet newborns as you’d pet an adult dog. Instead, run a finger or two along their backs and side and keep petting them only for a few seconds.
Whenever you’re touching the puppies, remember to wash your hands first.
Newborns don’t have a well-developed immune system, so you don’t want to expose them to any viruses or bacteria.
I won’t say that it’s bad to touch newborn puppies too much, it’s something I don’t recommend.
A minute or two is enough per day during the first few weeks. You don’t want to overwhelm the mother or the puppies.
The BIGGEST Mistake People Make With A Puppy Biting Problem
You might be worried that the mother would reject her puppies if you overstep your boundaries.