pregnant cavoodle/ puppies arrived

Question
QUESTION: hi. again. just letting you know that the puppies all arrived safely. i was very lucky. it was like a text book delivery.she had 5 puppies, 3 girls and 2 boys.they are all feeding well and all weigh between 180 grams and 220 grams.thanks for all you help with answers to my questions while she was pregnant.

ANSWER: Hi Leanne & congratulations! It's such a wonderful thing when all goes perfectly! I'm so happy for you & wish you & your new brood all the best!
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions in the future.

Denise

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QUESTION: HI. JUST WONDERING HOW SOON AFTER BIRTH CAN WE HANDLE THE PUPS, AS I PICKED ONE UP TODAY AS IT WAS CRYING AND MY CAVOODLE CAME BESIDE ME AND JUST WATCHED ME WITH IT.SHE WASNT AGGRESSIVE OR ANYTHING BUT JUST HAD A LOOK OF CONCERN ON HER FACE.

Answer
Hi Leanne:

Provided it doesn't upset "Mom" to handle them you should be able to handle them to a limited degree now. I often pick up young puppies & hold them for a minute or two, letting them smell me & nuzzle my hands. This way they aren't put off by feeling human hands on them at an older age. However, be extremely careful, especially if you have any young children. Even puppies this young can be surprisingly strong & can wiggle out of your grasp before you know it! Keep the handling to a minimum & always discontinue if "Mom" seems to be getting too anxious. Once they're more mobile, usually around 3 weeks or so when they start doing what I refer to as the "Frankenstein" walk, I begin to handle them more & more so they become accustomed to human touch but be sure it's always gently with no chance of dropping them. There's nothing more sad than a young puppy being dropped onto a hard surface from a height of several feet -- it usually spells death or severe brain damage. Also talking to them, even before their ears actually begin to open (usually around 3 to 4 weeks) is a great way to slowly allow them to recognize the sound of your voice but be VERY careful not to allow any sudden loud noises near them -- for example, the dropping of a heavy metal object on a tile floor. This can have a permanent effect on a puppies' personality & make him/her more shy & withdrawn than normal. Be sure to introduce everything new to them, such as outside, in a very controlled, quiet & orderly manner & begin in small doses. I usually begin taking a litter outside around the age of 5 weeks but at first for only 5 to 10 minutes at a time. Once they gain confidence & some additional age increase the time gradually.