The Moms
Sunday, March 10, 2019 at 2:26PM 
The moms are truly trying to wean their pups. They are still feeding 3 times a day. They are so trying for 2 times a day. Why is this process important? When the pups get that moms are for learning and playing, magic happens. They need to be able to look past that moms are milk stations. We watch the process all of the time and those that do not get weaned before departing do not have as much critical learning by mom. She teaches how to play. She teaches bite inhibition. She helps them build their coping skills. She even teaches and helps them with dog communication.
But she needs to be able to do that without them descending on her like locusts feeding.
I used to think that if they fed till they departed then mothers love would be solidified. But that's not true. It is solidified much earlier than that. Teaching is a bonding and valuable stage that needs to be given the opportunity to each. So, we feed solids around 4 weeks to help the opportunities for moms to concentrate on teaching.
Then there is passive immunities that have to be considered.
When a puppy is born, it receives passive immunity from its mother in the form of maternal antibodies. Maternal antibodies protect the newborn from the diseases against which the mother was protected. Maternal antibodies only last a few weeks in the puppy; this duration is directly proportional to the level of immunity the mother has. If her immunity level against rabies, for example, is very high, the maternal antibodies for rabies may last up to three months. If her level is low, they may persist only five or six weeks. As long as they are present, the puppy is passively protected; however, those antibodies also block a vaccine challenge. If a puppy receives a vaccination for rabies before the maternal rabies antibodies are gone, the vaccine's effect is blocked, and no immunity develops. The same holds true for the other components of the vaccines; temporary immunity received from the mother can interfere with all of the vaccinations.
It is impossible to know when passive paternal immunities wane. So, we wean instead of pups feeding still as they depart to their new homes. Mother's know best. There are ways to stay close and enjoy moms without feeding. There is value in learning, teaching and excelling.
This transition from feeding every 2 hours to not is important slow process to independence.
The transition to no moms at night also fosters a sense of independence. It helps them build their coping skills. All critical to help them to be all they are meant to be.
Be sure to check out Ella's blog for the gallery.
Reader Comments (3)
That was so interesting! Thanks for sharing.
This blog was so impressive. Thank you for being so informative. We feel so lucky that you share this type of info. It will help us be better puppy parents one day. Thank you.
Aha!!
Now we know why Charlie is so smart!
Great nurturing and a mindful breeding environment!
We are so grateful for the work you both do!!