I have a question on single puppy litters

[boxers4mejpp]

My breeder just informed me that the litter we were waiting on is going to be a single puppy litter. If possible please tell me what the disadvantages to this are.

I have read that a single puppy litter the pup needs to spend the full 8-9 weeks with the mom for bite inhabition training. Will it help the puppy if there are other dogs within that household? I am so nervous because this puppy is the replacement to a puppy we lost at 15 weeks to boxer cardiomyatrophy and I just could not bare to go through a sick pup again.

Any help or info even links where I can research would be greatly appreciated.

JPP

 

[bubbatd]

This isn't from the same breeder you got your first one from is it ??

 

[Gallien Jacks]

I am not 100% sure what you mean, all pups should stay with the mum untill 8-9 weeks, how does the breeder know there is only one pup?

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

She is talking about socialization for bite inhibition, etc. Since the puppy won't have littermates to interact with, the pup will need it's mom much more than a litter of puppies might after 6 or 7 weeks.

Even so, I NEVER separate my bitches from the puppies. I do make sure she has a place to escape from them if she wishes, but I don't separate them.

The breeder knows there is only one pup likely because she did exrays the week before whelping is expected.

 

[Gallien Jacks]

Yes i know that but what i dont get is the 8-9 weeks bit, yes they should stay with the mum till then but for as long as the mum wishes she should not be shut in! i just wanted to make sure, that they didnt think it was ok to take a puppy way before then

 

[bubbatd]

It's only common sense to have interaction of mom/litter.......until the pups leave at 8-9 weeks. The only times I separated was when Mom was ready to wean.. she usually showed me she was ready when she would regurgitate food . At this point, I'd start the pups on their chow , but would still let them have a quick snack to ease swollen teats. This would only take about 2 days... I'd feed the pups first then let them releave her a bit. Once she wasn't producing the supply and demand, all was well and she could interact without being overwhelmed ....by then all my dogs were together and pups learned the rules of the roost from the adults. Was a great experience.

 

[SummerRiot]

We had a single pup litter when our Sheltie bitch was bred(unexpected litter as well though).

We actually just decided to keep him, so he never really left his mother. We had our bitch, the stud dog and then the pup so he had two other dogs, plus once his second shots.. he got introduced slowly to other pups in the neighbourhood and then kennel club.

The only problem with him was he was overgrown because the two other pups that were expected didn't form all the way in her belly so he soaked up all their nutrience...

Yes, the pup should stay with the bitch until at least 9 weeks old.

 

[boxers4mejpp]

This is from the same breeder. This puppy was to be a replacement (Although he will never replace the first...you get what I mean). The female was taken for test to see when the best time to breed her was. Months later she was taken back to the vet because she is due next month and still did not seem to be showing although she was producing milk. She was X-rayed to make sure this was not a "false" pregnacy.

I was just making a statement that I worte that the puppies should stay with the mom 8-9weeks. (I did not finish that train of thought and ask if he/she should stay longer) I know 8-9weeks is the norm.

In regards to taking the mom away from the pup: Their females are always with her puppies but can leave the whelping box, room ect when needed or wanted. They are good about that. When I ask about other dogs being in the home. They have two other females and two or three males. They are all inside dogs so the little single pup will have other dogs around. I was wondering if that would help.

Other than bite inhabition training what other "special" concerns for training and life will this puppy face?

Thanks so much for your responses.
jpp

 

[bubbatd]

I personally at this time would ask for a refund from your first pup .... I don't see any problem with a one pup litter, but why take a chance with it, when you had such a heart wrenching loss of a pup from the same breeding ? If it's the same breeding...it could be a red flag. Sorry ! this is rough for you !

 

[boxers4mejpp]

We thought about a refund, but she explained that she was using a new female and male. She gave us updates and photos of all the puppies from the litter our pup had come from. I am confused about all this and my kids still show their heartbreak each time they see a puppy. I don't want to make the same mistake again and I don't want to rush things simply to ease the kids heartache. I don't think she will honor a refund honestly.

Over this past year we have gotten everything in place, fenced the yard-prepaid for obedience classes with the same teacher we had previously-we have gotten new toys and LOADS of books. I think we are ready now.
jpp

 

[bubbatd]

This is sad for you !!! You know the situation better than I..... if you go for it, make sure everything's in writing. It's not fair to you or the kids !! If you do go with this, I'd advise many visitation trips.I'm sure you have the books suggested here and they should help you decide. Your hope of a 12 to 15 member of the family is more important than anything else. Please keep us posted !

 

[Gallien Jacks]

What health tests have been done? This is the best way to help safe guard you from any more heart ake