Hi
Our Jack Russell Cross had six puppies seven weeks ago. But she is becoming very bad tempered with them now and I am concerned about her 'telling them off' for no apparent reason. She is being very rough with them and biting them. The pups seem to answer back which makes her crosser! The pups are due to leave shortly, but we are keeping one of the puppies but I am worried she may be bullied by her mum. Can anyone give me any advice or is this all normal?

It sounds very normal too me, mum is just putting the pups in their place as this is how they learn what is acceptable and what isnt.

Hi
that is what I was hoping but sometimes she just seems to tell them off for no reason! (no reason that I can see anyway!!).

How often do you let mum have a rest from the babies?
If they are 7 weeks of age there isnt really a need for mum to be with them that often - she will get very annoyed at them being around her feet etc....

The two boys left this week and she does have a bit of time out - perhaps she needs more? I take her out for a long walk and then have her sit with me whilst the puppies are sleeping and I try to give her the usual amount of time and fuss as the puppies (although hard!!) She has one long and one shortish walk a day (as before pregnancy). But at times when the puppies are playing nicely she will bark and snap at them - is this just because she is tired and had enough??!

Yes shes had enough most mums are removed about this time and the pups will be fine - once they are weened mum can be left away more and more - maybe its time for her to have some "me" time away from them now - the pups will be fine

Hi
Thanks Debbie, I will give her some more 'me' time - but what about the puppy that is staying?? Do I try keep them apart for a while or will Biscuit (the mum!) be able to cope with her once the others have left??

Are you keeping once?? If you are then yes once the others have gone you can let them be together as long as the pup isnt pushing her luck too much - mums do tend to snap etc at the babies and this teaches them boundries but she needs a little rest - once the others have gone she will be much better with the one you are keeping

Hi
thats a relief! Have been trying to make the puppies sociable with our family - they are all going to lovely family homes (all owners are lovely and have been regular visitors) but upsetting Biscuit at the same time! We are just keeping the one but I think she will try pushing her luck! I am just hoping it sounds worse than it is!!! (I am convinced Biscuit is swearing!!!)

Glad you have good homes lined up for them - things will be much better once they have gone ( Dont mean that in a bad way ) but things will settle back in - just let mum have some pamper time - shes done her job now needs a holiday LOL