Viewing Pups With Dam

[robandlin]

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I have just been to see a litter of 5 week old pups. They were lovely but the dam was very uneasy, she kept barking and pacing back and forth. Finally as I left and the puppies were safely back in their crate she nipped me on the heel!

I have told the breeder I am no longer interested but she said it was normal for a bitch to be protectective and that she has a lovely temperament. i was so upset. I know I have done the right thing but now I am not so sure. Is this normal for a whippet? :"> Help and advice would be appreciated.

 

[kim & Tilly]

I have just been to see a litter of 5 week old pups.  They were lovely but the dam was very uneasy, she kept barking and pacing back and forth.  Finally as I left and the puppies were safely back in their crate she nipped me on the heel!
I have told the breeder I am no longer interested but she said it was normal for a bitch to be protectective and that she has a lovely temperament.  i was so upset.  I know I have done the right thing but now I am not so sure.  Is this normal for a whippet?    :"> Help and advice would be appreciated.

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I have no idea, but lots of people on here will have fab advice....good luck in your search

how on earth did you get out without a pup, you have a stronger will than me, i would have had at less two smuggled under my jumper

 

[Judy]

Well, I don't breed but I've have seen lots and lots of litters of young pups. Usually by 5 weeks the mother has started to be less protective of the pups but every bitch is different. Some bitches don't mind you looking at their puppies from day one. It might have been better to see what she was like in a different room, away from the pups. She might be perfectly friendly.

The other thing to check would be what are the pups like when their mum isn't there? Are they bold and playful or are they nervous of strangers. If they are nervous, they may have learnt the behaviour from their mum's reaction when strangers appear. They would probably still be fine but make sure you start socialising the pup well as soon as you get it home.

Good luck with the puppy hunting.

 

[finalez]

Well i'm no expert but having bred a few times,from my experience it is quite natural for the mum to be a little concerned when strangers are in vicinity of her precious baby's,panting is her way of showing her anxiety.Knowing my bitches I would be fully aware of her thoughts and would ask visitors to respect this.That said ,my girls trust me to look after them and the pups.I encorage lots of visitors from early on(firstly from a distance)prehaps just to admire,and secondly to cuddle the pups (handed to them by myself) for a few moments. By the age of 5 wks mine are all running round in the pen and garden loving visits and play and mum is happy to encorage it.they are on about 4 meals per day and almost weaned.Sounds to me like a good mum protecting her babes. I did buy a racing whippet years ago from a very reputable breeder and after visitng my pup to be the mum bit my bum on the way out ,just to let me know the little pup may be mine soon but only with her blessing, for that i respected her,my pup won 5 champs and 4 2nds,no bad i say.Hope this helps you , :thumbsup:

 

[Strike Whippets]

As said I think it depends on the mum .........Its only natural for a mother to be protective .......just because she nipped it dosn't mean she has a sharp temprement .......My Inca was a great mum but watched everyone VERY closley (she still protects Eric and Connie now if they are threatened and they are nearly 2 (w00t) ) ......... I'd personally ask to see mum and babes daily to see if she settles to you ........and most good breeders would agree to this as they'll be able to get to know you better aswell :thumbsup: :luck: