Beagle Mom Behavior

Question
This is the 3rd litter for my beagle.  Around the puppies age of 6 weeks and they are out and about the mother starts getting aggressive with them, biting them on the head, back and between their back legs.  Is this a disciplining behavior to get them to mind or is it something I need to keep her from doing?

Answer
You are correct about the discipline. She is trying to wean them and teach them that she is dominant. About this age is when dogs naturally wean their pups and begin to teach them that they can't just walk up to a dog and start jumping on it or biting on it's ears. She is teaching them to roll over and assume a submissive posture when she snaps at them and growls. It is completly natural, just be sure not to let it go to far, sometimes the mom can hurt the pups by accident. Do not jump in and try to stop it. It is necessary and will insure that the pups grow up knowing when they need to fight and when they need to back down. It is basically teaching them respect for other dogs. You too need to begin to assert your dominance over them. If one snaps at you roll it over on its back, gently hold down on its chest, while it is on it's back, and say no! It will quickly learn the meaning of the word and that you are dominant. It is great to own animals, it is a problem however when our animals own us. Hope this answers your question, feel free to ask anymore you may have and I will be glad to clarify anything if the need be. Thanks and good luck with the pups. Also don't forget, in another week or two they will need their first set of puppy shots (parvo etc...) so make an appointment with your vet! Good luck.