My babies!

[Laylas Mom]

My babies are now 4 weeks old and developing personalities. They are the sweetest most playful babies I have ever seen. I started introducing small amounts of food and now Layla won't feed them at all. She still cleans up after them and licks them sometimes but she has left raising them pretty much up to me. I am really shocked I thought she would wait longer than 4 weeks to wean them. Is this normal? I was planning on having them for 8 weeks I haven't made my final decision on a rescue yet. Also I have friends who want to adopt some of them and I don't know how to go about that or if I even should. I am not trying to sell them or take on the responsibility of picking out suitable owners on my own I don't just want anyone to get them and I know a rescue will screen new owners better than I could. Does anyone know if I can recommend new owners to a rescue? I am really confused and not ready to let my babies go. Any advice would help. Thanks in advance!

 

[StormKatz]

I wouldn't worry about her weaning them, their puppy teeth should be starting to come in, so their probably starting to bite. As long as they don't start to loose weight, i wouldn't worry. Odd's are if she's been a good mom so far, she know's what she's doing by weaning them.

Are the puppies a Boxer mix, I can't tell from the pictures? Many rescues are over flowing with puppies, & even the worst person can put up a good front when needed. Why not talk to your vet about early spay/neuter, & consider fixing the puppies before you let them leave, & then just charge the price of having them altered.

 

[Laylas Mom]

The pups are full boxer both parents are registered although I don't have the papers for Layla and didn't register the pups. I wasn't intending on her being pregnant so I really saw no need in getting them. I already have vet appointments for shots and worming so i guess I will see about getting them fixed. I have a great vet who is always willing to help so it shouldn't be a problem. I guess I will see what the future will hold.

 

[courtney323]

Hi Layla's Mom -

I see that you are in Abilene, TX -- have you contacted Legacy Boxer Rescue? Vasha I believe works with that Rescue, so she could answer your concerns with more detail and knowledge than I am able to.

However I will say this: I absolutely think you should go through a Boxer Rescue organization. Legacy Boxer is quite full (to say the least!), however I would think that they would let you foster all pups until they are ready to go to their new homes. Any friends that you have that are willing and wanting to adopt a pup can just be referred through the rescue. I am sure they will work with you 100% on finding new great homes for the pups, and you would be suprised at how quickly pups will be adopted out. Also, by you "fostering" the pups, you can definitely help choose new potential owners -- I think your friends would just have to meet the requirements for a suitable home as defined by the Rescue Organization.

Besides, the adoption fee supports a great non-profit rescue organization. Again, hopefully Vasha (or another Texas-based Boxer Rescue volunteer) can answer these questions in more detail. Also, you may contact Lone Star Boxer Rescue in Houston. Here are a few links:

www.savetheboxers.com
www.lonestarboxerrescue.com
http://ncbr.org/tx/tx_index.htm

Good luck

 

[Shakira's Ma]

So glad that the babies are doing well. It seems that alot of boxer moms try to start weaning their babies around 4 weeks old. That is how I got my baby, and that was before BW, she was only a few days over 5 weeks old, the breeder said that the mom had quit feeding them and they had already let the others go so we brought her home. If I would have had BW's education of these things I would not have done it. I am glad that I have her, she is wonderful and she has had health issues but nothing real severe as of yet. Do you have recent pics of the babies? I am sure I am not the only one that would like to see the sweet little things.

 

[KristenElla]

From everything I have learned on my other breed boards as well as BW, you should keep the pups with the mother and littermates (even when they are fully weaned) until at least eight weeks of age.

They learn critical skills during this time period and need to be around mom and siblings for as long as possible. Those skills include bite inhibition (Mom teachs "ouch that hurts!") and where to potty

My Boston left her mom/siblings at 10 weeks old and was so well adjusted I didn't feel like I even HAD a puppy. My Boxer did great leaving her mom/littermates at 8 weeks. The one pup I had that left at 6 weeks (I didn't know better) had major seperation anxiety and was dog aggressive. May not be a direct result of leaving too early, but I'm sure it didn't help.

I've heard that some states even have laws against pups being sold before 8 weeks of age.

I think you should keep 'em and enjoy 'em as long as possible!! I know I would

 

[ksholmestex]

I was really hoping we could bring Laila home at 7 weeks. But, I understand the point of keeping them with their Mom and littermates longer. I got my last dog, an English Bulldog, just shy of 6 weeks. The breeder's 'situation' was horrible. I couldn't BARE the thought of leaving her there after we had picked her out. Anyway, lesson learned....she was a 'nipper' ALWAYS. She never grew out of it. And as you know, their threshold for pain was very high. It took alot to hurt her back. It was horrible.....I felt so guilty trying to pearce her lip on her teeth by pinching her jowls. But that was what we were told to do.

We are so impatient to bring Laila home, but I KNOW in my heart to leave her at least 8 weeks is the right thing to do. :(

 

[Laylas Mom]

In over my head?!

I decided to keep the pups for 8 weeks. This way its better on them and I have cought Layla feeding them a few times lately she stands over them and lets a few eat here and there. I feel like I am in over my head though. I change the papers 1-2 times a day but puppies gotta go right so my house smells like a zoo I am shampooing my carpets daily because of layla (who is getting better by the way). I am waking up all night long and early morning and I feel like I am going crazy. I definately have a new respect for breeders and rescuers. I love the pups and would love to kep them all forever but thats not possible and I know it. If anyone has any tips on reducing the smell or the late night wakeups please let me know. Thanks.