Labrador training starts early, at twelve weeks your dog should already be learning simple things like how to associate with people, other dogs and getting into a car. Labradors are loving dogs and don’t do well with harsh training. The best way to go about Labrador training is to use lots of praise and positive reinforcement. The earlier you start the easier your job will be.

The longer you leave training the longer you are allowing bad behavior to set in and remain a habit. One of the first things you can teach a puppy is how to answer to its name or to calls. This is a very basic command but it’s an important one. Without it you will have unruly dogs that will not obey you. Make training fun and keep it short but consistent. Repeat training every day and this is the best way to make progress.
Practice the same commands everyday with your dog and make sure to have plenty of rewards with you. As Labradors are very loving dogs it’s important to keep up the praise and constant patting every time something is done right. Teaching your dog to walk to heel is important, as Labrador training should work to break the bad habit of straining on the lead. Labradors are very enthusiastic and it can be tough to stop them straining ahead of you to check out everything.

Find a quiet place to start your walking at heel Labrador training. This minimizes distractions and will make training go a lot smoother. Put the lead on and keep it close to you, don’t let the lead out too much. You should make sure that you start walking ahead of your dog. Either pull the dog back when it goes past you or walk faster so it is harder to keep up. Repeat heel the whole time and walk in zigzags and figure of eights to make it interesting.
How do you feel about a full-grown Labrador sharing your bed? Remember that Labradors shed quite a bit. If this is not an inviting prospect then don’t let your puppy sleep with you. This will only encourage your dog to sleep on your bed and cause all sorts of problems once it’s too old to be doing that. Avoiding Labrador problem behaviors means anticipating what your dog will be like, as it grows older. Keep this in mind as you decide what your dog can and cannot do in your home.

If you would not be pleased with your dog breaking the rules then don’t break the rules yourself. Allowing one thing one day and then not allowing it another will confuse your dog. It will not know how to behave or what it should do. Dogs love routine and you can provide that by being consistent and doing the same things at the same time. Remember these basics when you start Labrador training.

Once you are clear and firm, Labrador training is easy. This article summarizes dog training books in an easy to read article.

Socializing is a necessary part of owning a puppy. Puppies who don’t receive proper social training can bite out of fear. Here are some helpful hints for properly socializing your gun dog puppy.

Puppy School
Puppy training classes can be a great asset to you and your puppy. You’ll learn commands that will teach your puppy control himself, like sit, stay and quiet. You’ll also receive advice on socialization questions. Check with local pet stores or search online to find a puppy class near you.

If your dog is especially shy, a group class may not be the best situation for him. It can be very scary for a dog that’s shy to be immediately thrust into this situation without developing a level of trust first.

Dealing with a Shy Dog
What do you do when your puppy is shy to the point of being afraid? Never force a fearful dog to accept petting. This increases his anxiety and could lead to fear biting. To help a shy puppy come out of his shell, you’ll need to do a “greeting circle”. Here’s how:

To do the greeting circle, ask friends for some help. Everyone should sit in a circle with delicious treats on hand. Have them sit on a sideways angle, since this is non-threatening. Instruct everyone to avoid eye contact, sudden movements, or leaning or dominating behaviors which can scare the puppy.

The way to make this circle work is to have each person sitting in the circle put a treat in their hand and close their hand and extend it into the circle. Once this is done you can each open up your hands and call to the puppy, and try to urge him to come to take the treat from your hand. You should make sure that you’re using soft voices and offering encouraging words during this process, but don’t try to pet the dog until he comes to you for attention.

One by one, each person will have a turn trying to bring puppy to the treat in hand. Start by making it simple for the dog. As he learns the nature of the game and freely walks up to the next hand in line, switch up the pace and randomize the process so that he’s going in a more random direction for his treat.

In time he’ll be running to each person for his treat. When this happens, it’s time to arrange a meet and greet with a very laid back puppy.

The Play Date
All dogs love to play and because of that it’s sometimes very easy to introduce a new puppy or person to your dog and help him overcome his shyness and fears. Try to make sure that you keep an eye on what’s happening and if your puppy appears to be intimidated, take him to another area.

Be sure to set up play dates with familiar and trustworthy dogs. For instance, if your friend has an adult Labrador who loves everyone and everything, you should try and setting up a playtime with him.

You can do a meet and greet at the pet store, too. There is usually no fee for this, so check with your local pet store for days and times. When you do go, watch and take the puppy from the area if he’s uncomfortable or if another dog is pestering him.

If your heading out, take your puppy along. This helps him get used to different smells and sights. Keep some tasty treats close by so that you can reward friendly behavior. If you take him to the pet store, give him a treat as soon as you walk in the door. Let him explore at his own pace.
When strangers ask to pet your puppy, let them know that your puppy is “in training”. Hand them a treat to give to your puppy.

If you are traveling with your canine companion, Dog Parks are a great stop so that you and your beloved 4 legged friend can take a break from the road or motel room and enjoy some physical activity. Perhaps you are not at that juncture in your travel plans and you are looking for places that would be of interest to you and your dog, then consider stopping at a local dog park in a city that you are visiting or may be driving through. Some of the most wonderful dog parks are found across the United States and perhaps you may live close to one of the few that will be mentioned in this article about Dog Parks in the USA! You will also want to be sure to check out these cool dresses for dogs for your dog right now! You will not be able to go to the park without one.

The first dog park is the Robert L.Nelson Dog Park that focuses not just on your dog but you as well. This unique dog park is located in Goshen, Indiana. Located in the northern part of Indiana, you will find at Robert L.Nelson Dog Park a huge pavilion with an A Line roof that offers shelter from the heat as well as rain and other weather elements. You will also find a very comfortable setting with plenty of comfy chairs and tables for you to relax while your dog plays safely outside in a fenced in area. The Robert L.Nelson Dog park is a must for the weary traveler and their dog! The address for the Robert L. Nelson Dog Park is: 60376 C.R. 13, Goshen, Ind. Be sure to take a look at these dog pajamas they are great for your dog and they will appreciate it!

Friends Forever Dog Park is well known for it’s agility exercised themed dog park. This special dog park is going to provide your canine athlete a comprehensive amenities to stimulate their physical and mental abilities. The Friends Forever Dog Park stretches over 9 acres of beautiful landscape in northern Illinois that provides dog pools for hot summer weather as well as agility equipment and exercise platforms. These platforms and exercise equipment is for the dog who thrives on challenging and vigorous play. We are talking state of the art dog platforms, dog walks, dog jumps, weave poles, and A Frame. What you and your canine sportster are going to find at Friends Forever Dog Park is the ultimate in Agility and fun that is sure to make the rest of your trip enjoyable! This fabulous dog park is located at: 966 Rudy Road, Freeport, ILL. Be sure that you pick up some of these dog t shirts for your dog right now! Your dog will truly love it.

Found in the BlueGrass State of Kentucky, is Kenton Paw Park. Kenton is a step above the rest when it comes to an awesome dog park! Not only is it located in some of God’s most beautiful territory but it is a learning mecca of all things a good owner should know about the care of their canine! Kenton Paw Park provides lots of workshops and activities for you as well as your dog. When visiting Kenton Paw Park, be prepared to leave not only with a happy exercised dog but with more knowledge than you might of had before! The workshops and training classes are centered around the socialization of your pet. In addition to all the wealth of knowledge at Kenton Paw Park there are dinners and pool parties that the park hosts by local veterinarians and qualified trainers as well as calendar year round training workshops and activities. Kenton Paw Park is a great way to spend a day or afternoon. You can find Kenton Paw Park at 3950 Madison Pike, Covington, Ky.

Heartworm is a serious, often fatal disease and is one of the worst diseases your dog can face. Luckily, it’s easy to prevent heartworm and it takes nothing more than a pill, food additive, and preventive care. You can purchase a heartworm pill to give to your bird dogs as a “treat,” or get liquid or powder additives to put into your dog’s food regularly (weekly, monthly, etc. depending on the treatment).

Heartworm Facts
Heartworm can live in the dog’s body and work its way into all major organs and tissue, and finally the heart, which is what kills the animal. Heartworm is a parasite and mosquitoes are often to blame because they carry heartworm. However, your dog can also get heartworm from other animals like foxes and coyotes.

Preventing Heartworm
Preventing is the easiest way to “treat” heartworm. As said earlier, getting protection is as easy as giving him a pill, adding something to his food, and keeping his home (and him) clean. While it’s common to treat heartworm only in the warmer months, many people have found that doing it year-round is both easier and more effective. Veterinarians agree.

Symptoms of Heartworm
One of the first symptoms you may notice is weight loss, lack of energy, or excessive coughs. As the parasite attacks the dog’s lungs or respiratory system, the cough will become more severe. And as it reaches other areas of the body, symptoms will worsen. In the first few months, the heartworm infection usually goes unnoticed because parasites are too busy propagating and haven’t yet spread to show the symptoms in the dog.

Diagnosis
A veterinarian will be able to diagnose a dog with heartworm through observation and blood tests. Treatment options will be based on whether the infection is male or female since they must be treated according to infection type. A double test will be done not only to determine whether male or female, but also to determine worm count. This will also how far the infection has advanced.

Treating Heartworm
Once diagnosed, heartworm must be treated immediately before the dog succumbs to it or spread the disease to other dogs. The treatment will depend on the stage of the infestation. An unhealthy dog has little chance of living through treatment or an infestation, but a healthy one can. If the parasites have entered too many of the dog’s organs or have become too much for him to handle, it’s not likely that treatment will work. This is why catching it as early as possible is key.

If any other dogs are living with or around the infected dog, they should be tested immediately for heartworm as well. It spreads quickly from one dog to the next, so testing is important. People should be tested as well, as humans are also capable of getting heartworm.

While heartworm is a deadly parasite, it can be prevented or treated if it is done properly.

Most of us are aware that when our dog has pups they take care of most of the work all by themselves. For almost all bird dogs, having the pups and expelling the placenta is a natural process and when followed by sufficient rest your momma dog will be back on her feet and happy and healthy as she ever was. Most dogs that are healthy have absolutely no problems giving birth. There are some complications that as a responsible pet parent you should be aware of (especially if you are a breeder).

Once mom has successfully given birth it’s usually a good idea to take her to the vet just to verify that everything is fine. You should try to do this within a day of birthing and you might want to check with your vet to see if they think it’s a good idea to check out the puppies at the same time. For mom, you want to verify that she has no puppies remaining in her womb and that she has fully expelled the placenta. If mom isn’t checked out thoroughly and a baby or a part of the placenta is left in the womb mom could get a serious infection and if left unchecked she could become ill enough to succumb to infection. Often your vet will recommend a shot that will help make sure the uterus is clear and will also help mom let her milk down.

Carefully watch the bitch for several days after giving birth to make sure that there is no high fever, lack of appetite, or diarrhea, as these are signs of bacterial infection. Without antibiotics, she can die or develop serious problems. And since puppies should never be away from the mother dog, they should also have the benefit of vet care. The vet will check temperature and examine them to make sure that everything appears normal. If anything seems unusual, you should take her to the vet immediately, especially during the first week after whelping.

Watch mother carefully for the first few days to be sure nothing unusual is happening. If she is to get sick after whelping, it will be during the first week after the puppies have come.

There are some things you can do as a responsible pup parent to make sure that mom has everything she needs to make sure all stays well. First and foremost make sure that the area where mom and babies are resting is kept very clean – wash all bedding daily and clean up any messes you see immediately. Do not use any harsh cleaning products that can cause irritation to the eyes and noses if the newborn puppies.

Eclampsia is another problem to watch for in the new mother. This is often called “milk fever” and is a condition where her body does not produce enough calcium for lactation. This will occur three weeks or so after lactation begins and is a serious problem. If it is caught early, supplements can be added to her food to give her what she needs to make up for it. Symptoms will include stiffness, pain, and a fever with possible seizures. Take her to a vet as soon as you see any symptom.

Your dog may develop an infection of her mammary glands which can be common and you should be aware of. This is especially true as your mom pup nurses her babies and they start cutting teeth. Mastasis can also happen shortly after birth and is distinguished by purplish spots on the teats accompanied by a fever. This is relatively easy to treat with a topical cream.

Sometimes, agalactia can set in. This is a condition where the bitch can only produce little milk, or sometimes, not at all. The vet will be able to see if this is a problem during the first examination and take effective measures to treat the problems.

Although the conditions and problems above are serious, you’ll find that whelping is a very natural and healthy process, with little care required from you. Most dogs produce healthy puppies and will be fine after birth.

We all love dogs. They are said to be the most faithful pets. Having a dog can be of great advantage. First, he is someone to whom you can always communicate. You won’t find a better listener than your dog. Secondly, a dog is someone with whom you can share all your feelings, whether they may be happiness, grief, sorrow, anxiety, etc. Also, dogs are the best playmates you can ever get. They can be your perfect buddy all the time.

Start your dog off right, give him or her what they deserve, put a smile on their face with the best Dog Supplies that is available at Doggy Dog Supplies. You will find Dog Clothes and Dog Beds that are the best designs and best looking on the internet.

But the question here arises, for how long will your buddy be with you on an average? Will he be with you forever? Are their any ways to increase the time you spend with him? How do you make full use of the little time you have with your best buddy?
Firstly, it is a general rule and an observation that smaller dogs tend to outlive their larger counterparts. Thus, smaller dogs live for more time as compared to larger breeds. Large medium to large breed dog tend to live about ten years, although there are exceptions to every rule. Smaller breeds tend to live longer, anywhere from twelve to fifteen years.

Secondly, it has been seen that a dog that has his own house i.e. a proper shelter tends to live more than one who roams about freely ion the road. Thus, street dogs live a comparatively shorter life as compared to pet dogs. While some can adjust, most dog bodies find the extremes the environment can dish out at them to be exhausting and threatening.

Thirdly, the general fitness of the dog greatly determines its longevity. A dog that gets proper exercise daily is likely to have a greater life span as compared to the dog that doesn’t. If your dog comes from a family or breed history of hip and back problems such as hip dysplasia, excessive exercise in the first two years can put added stress on the joints in question and actually lead way to problems in the future.

Fourthly and lastly, regular visits to the veterinary doctor are very essential in order to have a check on the health of your dog. A vet will tell you exactly how to take proper care of your dog and what precautions should be taken by you to maintain good health of your dog.

Separation Anxiety is an attachment disorder. It can vary in degrees of severity from being very mild to very relentless. A mild case is often exhibited when the dog is pacing, over-grooming, and panting, whereas a severe case of separation anxiety can be quite a challenge for the owner.

Severe cases of separation anxiety may include behaviors such as: dog soils the house, cries nonstop, barks or howls, and destroys furniture and other objects around the house. Separation Anxiety in just 10-15 minutes after you have left, can be in full swing. There are some dogs that are ideal for separation anxiety and those are dogs that are shelter dogs. These are canines that have been abused or spent most of their lives in unsafe enclosures, devoid of human contact, kenneled for long periods of time, or living on the streets. Since you are not at home when this behavior occurs, there is no way to protect your home and belongings from your stressed out dog. There are some tips and positive training methods you can utilize in helping your 4 legged friend from panicking, being afraid, and stressing out in your absence. These methods are as follows:

1. Some dogs like being in a crate or confined space because they feel comfortable. Other dogs, however, do not do well at all. If you crate your dog and you see that it feeling anxious, then take them out and do not force them into a crate or vice versa. You can also get your dog some dog clothes and if you have small dog be sure to view these small dog clothes, these will help your dog stay warm and comfy.

2. Confining your dog to a small area where he has viewing access to the outside world is enough to make him feel comfortable and eliminate separation anxiety. You can place his crate or bed in front of a sliding glass door or a clear window.

3. Boredom can cause separation anxiety in your dog. By giving them a “job” to do such as teaching the game “Find It” you can give them a task that will keep them busy while you are gone. Find It, is a popular game most dog owners play with their dogs. Simply take their favorite treat (you may need more if you plan to be gone for awhile) and hide it in different places around the house. They will love the thrill of the hunt and will be so preoccupied with finding a yummy treat that they will hardly notice if at all you are gone!

4. Another way to combat boredom with your beloved pet is to provide them with toys. You may want to have “special” toys that you only take out when you are getting ready to leave. Rotate the toys so he will not get tired of playing with them. Playing, chewing, chasing, and hunting for his toys or treats has the power to cause your dog utilize his natural canine instincts while keeping him occupied for hours. You can view these dog supplies and pick up some right away to help your dog with his anxiety.

5. Leave the tv or radio on while you are absent. Researches have shown that soft, classical music relaxes dogs. Play music that you normally listen to around the house. By using a special “music selection” or only turning the tv or radio on when you are getting ready to go out only makes them have a negative association thus creates anxiety and creates a problem!

Obedience training is one of the most important aspects of raising a dog. In fact, a well trained dog is by far a happier dog! Why? Because a trained dog requires fewer restrictions. The more reliable the dog, the more freedom he is given. Isn’t it looking great, it can be happen with Expert Reviews Of Sit Stay Fetch

Obedience training also gives the dog owner the voice control necessary to prevent numerous potential tragedies. For instance, should a dog slips out of his collar in the middle of a congested traffic intersection, he can be safely heeled across the street, then given a sit command to facilitate putting his collar back on. Or should someone accidentally leave the front door open, and you spot your dog leaving, he can be safely called back to you using the recall command.

Not only will obedience training help your dog to become more responsive, but because it enables you to have immediate control over your dog’s behavior, in an emergency situation obedience training may save your dog’s life. In fact, it can ultimately save the lives of many dogs, because far fewer dogs would end up in animal shelters if their owners would simply take the time to train them.

And for those dogs who do need homes, a trained dog is far easier to adopt out to a new home than an untrained one.

Statistics also show that puppies which receive early socialization, obedience, and temperament training (aggression prevention training) are far less likely to end up being destroyed by the time they turn three years of age than those that do not receive this early training.

A well-behaved, obedience trained dog is a pleasure to own because he can go virtually anywhere without being a risk or nuisance to others.

And don’t we all want a dog who exhibits appropriate behavior in a crowd, good manners when we have guests in our home, is reliable around children, and who doesn’t threaten other dogs or passers-by? If you agree with this article then train your dog with the help of yahoo dog training directory

The bottom line is that dog obedience training truly benefits everyone.

Just like any good parent, when your children go outside to play you want them to be as safe as possible. It is no different when you are a responsible pet owner of a puppy! You will definitely need to pick up some dog supplies for your new puppy.

There are many hidden dangers that you may or may not be aware of that could really hurt or even pose grave dangers for your pup! Your puppy has no sense of what safety is. However, you can do a few simple things to ensure that your puppy is safe when outside.

One of the first things to look out for is water areas. It is true that every dog can swim, but young pups need some training. There are cases every year of dogs that drown because they got into water that was too much for them. In one story, while on a hiking trek, a man and his new German Shepherd puppy along. When he approached a lake, the pup was so excited that he took off into the lake. The pup did not automatically swim, actually the puppy became overwhelmed by how large a body of water such as this lake.

The puppy would have drown had the man and his friend not gotten to the German Shepherd puppy in the nick of time! Again, all dogs can swim but puppies cannot swim well enough to take on such large bodies of water such as lakes, streams, rivers, etc. So make sure that your puppy stays on their leash when you are approaching water areas. It is always better safe than sorry! Another danger to your puppy can be insects!

Im talking about bugs! Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other common insects can be real trouble for puppies. These bloodsuckers can pose a real threat to your puppy because they carry disease not to mention can cause skin irritations and in some puppies, allergic reactions. So make sure just as with yourself and loved ones, that your puppy has more than ample protection against insects. Be sure that you take a quick look at dog dresses and dog shampoo.

There are many great products that give round the clock protection against fleas and ticks in addition to a variety of products that will ward off other bloodsucking pests! These medications may come in the form of a pill, spray, lotion or cream, and powders. There are also many holistic products that are all natural and do not contain chemical repellents that have had success when used correctly. A good rule of thumb is that you use these repellents during the early morning and at dusk because that is when mosquitoes are at their most prevailant.

You can also avoid marshy and heavily wooded areas as well that will reduce the chances of your pup being eaten alive by mosquitoes.

Whelping is a term used to refer to the birth process of canines, when the female gun dog gives birth to a litter of puppies. Most female bird dogs (bitches) will go through this process naturally, with little help needed from you or a veterinarian. Occasionally, though, some help is needed and if you understand the process and what is expected at each stage of whelping, you’ll be prepared to give aid when it is needed.You may often hear people refer to the term whelping - simply put, this refers to the birthing process of a litter of bird dogs. This is a fairly natural process for dogs, but sometimes you may need to assist in the process or seek the help of a veterinarian. Understanding the whelping process is critical in order to provide help to a gun dog during the delivery process.

A bitch will be pregnant for about 58 to 68 days. Towards the end of this gestation period, at about the fifty-eighth day, you’ll want to start watching for signs of labor. Take the dog’s temperature regularly and watch for a sudden drop to about 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit as this is an indication that she will begin whelping within the next 24 hours. You can rent or buy a thermometer meant especially for this task from a veterinarian. Use a little lubricant, such as petroleum jelly, to help the process.Once the gestation period for your dog is beginning to near the end, around fifty-eight days, you should begin looking for signs that labor could be beginning. One of the major signs of labor beginning is that the dog’s temperature will drop to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit; normal temperature for a dog is 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit. There are specific thermometers meant for this, and can usually be purchased from a vet’s office. Once the temperature has dropped you can usually expect the whelping process to begin within 24 hours or so.

Make available a whelping box (any box large enough for her to comfortably stretch in). It can be cardboard, plastic, or wooden. She will naturally begin nesting in that box shortly before the whelping process is to begin. Her instincts are telling her to prepare for the puppies.Now it’s important to designate a place where you female will have this litter of puppies. I prefer a whelping box made from wood – this will make cleanup much easier. As your dog’s temperature begins to fall you will want to introduce her to the whelping box. She will naturally begin nesting so make sure you line the bottom of the box with newspaper as she will shred paper in preparation for giving birth.

Don’t hold that 24-hour rule for temperature drop to whelping too fast, however. Often, this temperature drop happens only a few minutes or hours before the event. Nesting and temperature change together are sure indications no matter what, though. Be prepared anytime after her 58th day of pregnancy for her to go into labor at any time. When she does go into labor, she will begin contractions, which will be clearly visible as her muscles from shoulder to tail will contract and release rhythmically and she will likely lie down and find a comfortable place in her whelping box. She will whimper slightly and begin licking herself to prepare for birth.It is always to keep in mind though that when your dog’s temperature drops, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have 24 hours until the puppies are born. It can often happen within only a few hours before labor begins. If your dog begins whelping, and her temperature drops, that is a sure sign that labor will begin very soon. Labor is very easy to spot, she will begin having contractions which will be easily spotted. The muscles from her shoulder to her tail will contract and release over and over again. At this time she will most likely be very restless and try to find a comfortable position.

It’s likely that from here on in, you will only be an observer, watching as the pups emerge one after another. It can take several minutes or even hours. A bitch that has not had puppies before will likely take longer than one who hasn’t, but there is no hard-and-fast rule. If the process takes more than two or three hours, call a veterinarian for advice.Puppies should begin coming out one right after another. This can happen very quickly, or sometimes in a first time mother can take a few hours. If your dog has been in labor for more that two to three hours, you should consider calling your vet, so you know what to look for in case of an emergency.

If more than an hour goes by with her in labor but producing no puppies, help her up and take her for a brief walk around the area or (if the weather is good) in the yard. Do not go further than you can carry her, however, so that if she collapses into birth, you can quickly take her back to her whelping box. Feathering is another technique that can help stimulate birth. Put on a latex glove and lubricate with KY jelly or another non-toxic lubricant and gently insert your finger into her vulva up to the top of her vagina.To speed the process up or if you find that a considerable amount of time has gone by between delivery of puppies you can take her for a quick walk. Keep a close eye on your female this short walk may create an unexpected birth outside of the whelping box. Another way to stimulate birth is to use a technique called feathering. With a latex glove and some KY jelly, gently insert a single finger into your female’s vulva lightly lifting it to the edge of her vagina, in an up and out motion.

When the puppies finally do come, they will be preceded by a gush of fluid as her water breaks. After her water has broken, expect a puppy within twenty minutes and more to follow shortly after, one after another. They are usually born head first and the mother will naturally know when to stop. You can “feel” her gut by gently pressing with your fingers to see if more puppies are due to arrive.Like humans, the birth of a puppy often begins with the female’s water breaking. You can expect puppies within 15 to 20 minutes of the time her water is broken. Most puppies are born head first but don’t be alarmed if they are born breach (feet first).

Once they are born, the mother will likely do all the work caring for the puppies. Make sure that warm, damp rags are ready for wiping down the pups and for gently massaging them to stimulate breathing. Most likely, mother will do this with her tongue as the pups are born, so again, you will likely just watch. Do not pick up or handle the puppies any more than medically necessary during the first few hours so that they can have mom’s full attention. Gentle, shortly-timed handling for the first week or so is recommended while the puppies acclimate and grow.Most of your puppies will be delivered with a placenta and in an amniotic birthing sack. Care should be taken not to make sure the puppy is removed from the sack, cleaned and dried as quickly as possible. The mother should naturally do most of this for you, however, there will be times when you need to step in and help. During the first few hours after birth you should try to keep your handling of the puppies to a minimum and let the mother naturally accept and begin caring for these puppies on her own.