How to Get Puppies From the Mother

When a dog gives birth to a litter of puppies, instinct may tell her she needs to stay with them at all times. But every so often it's good to give the mother time to herself to clean up and exercise. It's also good for the puppies to socialize with humans from the start to avoid later fears.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Approach the mother carefully. Smile and stroke her head, talking to her softly to let her know you won't harm her. Compliment her on being a good mother and get her used to you being near the puppies.

2. Slowly pet the puppies, picking them up, putting them down, bringing them closer to you. Let her see that you can touch them without harming them. Continue to talk to the mother to soothe her.

3. Allow the mother to have a treat for cooperating with you. Pet her again and tell her she's a good girl.

4. Pick up the puppies one at a time and pet and cuddle them. Speak quietly to soothe the litter and the mother and continue to pet both the puppies and the mother.

5. Take the puppies one at a time to bathe or socialize them. Make sure the mother trusts you and doesn't have reason to panic. Allow her to nurse the rest of the litter or give her a treat to distract her.

6. Ask the mother to get up and walk around to stretch and go to the bathroom. Give her something to eat, praise her and let her see that the puppies are still in the spot she left them.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid yanking the puppies away from their mother when they're feeding. This will irritate the puppy and the mother and may cause a violent outbreak.