jumping out of whelping box

Question
Hi.  My German Shepherd had a litter 3 weeks ago this past Thursday.  She is
now
starting to jump out of the whelping box.  What does this mean?  Does she
not
want to be with the puppies anymore?  This week I started supplementing
some
puppy food ground up with warm water.  Also Gerber rice cereal with
evaporated milk mixed with the puppy food and warm water.  I've been
feeding the puppies twice a day and they gobble it right up.  So do you have
any advice as for what to do with the mother and her wanting to get out of
the box?  Thank you for your time.
Rhonda Bucci
Rhode Island

Answer
Hi Rhonda.  I suspect that the mother is jumping out of the whelping box because you have started the weaning process by feeding the puppies puppy food.

Is there a reason you started supplemental feedings?  Where you weighing the puppies each day and noticed a loss in the weight?  If so, then you are doing the right thing.  If not, you might have "jumped the gun" a little too early.

Normally the mother will care for her puppies, nurse, and clean up after them, until they can defend for themselves - this includes eating on their own.  Once the mother feels the timing is right, she will begin weaning them, causing them to forage for food on their own.  

A common question I get asked is, "At what age should puppies be weaned?"  My answer is, "That is up to the mother dog - not me as a breeder."  Normally, once the puppies have teeth, and begin to bite,  and their nails become long, and they begin to scratch, the mother starts the weaning process.  

Once mommy feels that her puppies are self sufficient, she will normally reduce the time she spends in the whelping box.  This is when your work, as a breeder, really begins.  Until they are weaned, mommy feeds, cleans, and nurtures the puppies.  After they are weaned you are now responsible for all feedings, cleaning, and assisting in socialization.  For this reason, I never interfere with my new mothers responsibilities until I see signs that mother is weaning them on her own, or that the puppies nutritional health is in danger.

Another mistake that is often made is removing the litter from the mother too soon.

The purpose of keeping the litter with the mother is for nutrition, early learning to find food, pecking order establishment, determine who is alpha, peer play and body language, scent differentiation etc.

The mother and peers are in a group learning environment, even touching and companionship play a major role.  For this reason, I usually never let a puppy leave my care earlier than 8 weeks, but I feel that 10 - 11 weeks of age is even better.

Good luck, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have additions questions.  I would love to get a photo of your puppies.

Sincerely,
Penny DiLoreto
www.puppies-dot-com.com