rianova Kennel

Raising a litter of puppies can be a rewarding experience, but it means a lot of work as well as fun and there is no guarantee of financial profit. Japanese Terrier puppies are the most vivacious and lively little fellows to observe, care for and to enjoy breeding, with their lovely black and tan heads and little white bodies, running and playing.

When the puppies are three or four days old, they should have their tails docked and dew-claws cut off. As certain countries do not permit the docking of tails, the breeder is subject to his country's regulations and laws. You will need the help of a veterinarian, because once you cut off the tail between the fifth and sixth joint, the fifth joint has to be removed and this must be done by a veterinarian. If the puppies' nails become curved and extremely sharp, the puppies can scratch the bitch. The nails should he cut at first once a fortnight and later, as a routine, once a month. Worming should be carried out without fail when the puppies are five weeks old, since at this time, the larvae start on their normal migration round the body before returning to the intestines to become adult, when they lay their eggs. It is vitally important to interrupt this cycle. Although worming will get rid of the worms, the larvae will remain in the body and dogs can be reinfested at any time. Symptoms that the puppies have worms may include their getting too thin and pot-bellied, their skin becoming dry and scurfy. Diarrhoea may occur. Before giving a worm remedy, you should know the correct dosage, as worm powder is poison. Check the weight of the puppy carefully and dose him accordingly. Puppies will start sharing the dam's meals when they are about three weeks old. The will eat very finely Pounded or minced meat, either raw or cooked. The meals should be added on slowly until four meals a day are being taken, by the time the puppies are six weeks old. Puppies should learn to eat from a bowl. The dam should be separated from the puppies for longer periods each day after the age of four weeks.

By the time the puppies are six weeks old, they should sleep with the bitch only at night, although they enjoy playing with their mother during the day.

Consult your veterinarian for inoculations, as different shots must be given before the puppy goes to its new home. When the puppies are ready for their new homes, a worm shot is advisable. It is also good to give the new owner a list of the puppy's meals.

Japanese Terrier puppies are kept indoors almost always, unless the weather is fine. They enjoy the sunshine of Japan. They are kept in exercise pens with their newspaper on one side and their warm blankets on top of a box so they know exactly where to sleep, where to play and where to relieve themselves.