Strange behaviour

Question
Jill,  I have 3 sWest Highland Terrier - the middle one (6 years old) has 6 weeks ago had a litter.  They are nearly completely weaned - but now my 3 year old (daughter from 2 litters ago) is trying to feed the pups and is whining and growling if anyone/anydog goes near them.  She really thinks they are hers!  The real mum doesn't care as she has virtually weaned them but I think it's rather strange.  Grace, the takeover merchant is whining ALL THE TIME.  It's driving us mad.  Any suggestions?  Should we lock her away from the pups?  She doesn't have any milk anyway. Is this usual behaviour?  We have had 8 litters but never had this problem before.

Answer
It sounds like your 3 year old may be having a hormonal reaction to the presence of the pups, possibly a false pregnancy (if she's intact.)  If she is not intact, she's certainly responding as if she's having a false pregnancy.  I don't think locking her up is the answer but certainly she must be very, very carefully observed around those puppies.  You obviously have a wonderful line, since the mother (and a Westie!) is so forgiving of this intrusion.  It won't hurt to take the 3 year old to the veterinarian, especially if she's intact.  Ignore the whining.  This should pass in a couple of weeks, but the vet should be consulted.