Bottle Feeding and Socialization
Why Bottle Feed?
You may be thinking that this does not apply to your breeding program, if you are a breeder that raises working dogs. This could not be farther from the truth. The truth is that there is no breeding program (or breed of dog), that does not benefit from close human contact and bond. A bond after all, is what makes a dog work for a man.
We treat our dogs and pups as a part of our pack/family. We believe is imperative is that all puppies should get a bottle feeding periodically. Bottle feeding gives the Dam a bit of a break of course, it also allows the puppies proper bonding with people. To make sure that your puppies are properly socialized, show visitors you know how to bottle feed a puppy properly (Always make sure that your friends are clean, and wash their hands and arms before holding puppies). Your friends will be thrilled, and it will be start your dog off as a more social dog.
How Often Should I Bottle Feed?
Bottle feeding can start as early as day one. Because Mother's milk is best for a growing pup however, the start date of bottle feeding, should be worked out with your D.V.M., after your litter's first exam. Once your D.V.M. has given you the go-ahead to start bottle feeding, try to bottle feed one pup every time the whole litter eats. That means that you will not be establishing a new feeding time, or forcing a pup to eat before it is hungry again. This also gives the Dam a small break at each feeding.