raising puppies

Question
My shitzu/lhaspo has had her first ltter 3 weeks ago she had 7 pups 1 died the rest of them are quite big pups except for one. I am just wondering when i should start feeding them myself the mother has been feeding them really well but i have noticed in the last few days that she is spending more time outside than with the pups and the pups seem to be hungry all the time. Hope u can help me. thanks karina

Answer
Hi Karina,  You should start soaking puppy food in warm water now and giving it to them 3 times a day while the mother is away from the nest.  Then let them back in with mom for the rest of the time.  Make sure the food is soaked so that they don't choke as they can't chew that well at that age.  Hope this helps,

Dawn