Dog mums are known to have keen maternal instincts. When puppies are born, the maternal instincts in dogs kick in, and the mum dog can become very protective. They nurse them, which involves feeding them with their milk, and they guide them in learning how to do so. They clean them through licking and protect their young from any perceived threats.
These are natural behaviors female dogs possess and can not be trained. As a responsible and ethical dog breeder, you must ensure that you understand the whelping and rearing processes of dogs and how they care for their puppies. In this article, we look at maternal instincts in dogs.
Maternal instincts in dogs begin to kick in before the puppies are born. Dog mums will start nesting. This process is when the mum dog finds an ideal spot to give birth to her puppies. She will prepare this by choosing a quiet spot, gathering blankets and cushions, and curling up in a silent space, waiting for the arrival of her puppies. The maternal instincts in dogs encourage them to find a safe, quiet space to prepare and rest before the puppies arrive.
As a breeder, you will want to make sure you provide high standards of care for your dog mum and her puppies. An important aspect is to ensure you set up a whelping box. This space is a safe and comfortable place where the mum dog can rest for at least a week before the puppies are due. It should be in a warm, quiet location with minimal disturbance, suitable for mums and puppies. Ensure it is free from drafts and direct sunlight, but access to daylight to enable mum and puppies to have a natural day-night cycle.
The mother should be able to stretch out fully, and the puppies should be able to move around safely. The box should have safety sides to keep the puppies in but enable the mother to step over.
You should also use pig rails to prevent the mother from lying on her puppies and potentially suffocating them. This small addition helps the mum and creates a less stressful environment. You should be able to clean the whelping area with a pet-safe disinfectant. You should line the box with absorbent paper or pads below soft blankets and vet bedding.
Other supplies you might need include clean towels, disposable gloves and heat pads. You should keep your veterinarian details handy.
Each puppy is born blind and deaf. The maternal instincts in mum dogs kick in if it has not already done so. The mum licks each puppy clean, including the amniotic sac, and then stimulates the puppy to breathe. The bond between the mum and puppy is established right in those first moments.
In the first few weeks, the dog mum puts all her efforts into nursing and caring for her puppies. She cleans them, helps them with toileting, keeps them warm, and responds to them wherever they whimper or cry out. You should try to minimize contact and ensure the mum and puppies are not disturbed. Mum knows what to do due to the natural maternal instincts in dogs.
As the puppies grow, their eyes will open at two weeks of age, and the puppies begin to explore their surroundings. The mum dog starts to teach the puppies and encourages them to explore. The mum puppy will help the puppies grow socially as well and also wean the puppies onto solid food from about four weeks of age. A responsible breeder will understand the appropriate age and technique for helping puppies to wean on to solid food.
You will need to book vaccinations, veterinarian health checks, and microchipping at the right age. You should start the puppies' socialization and behavior training. As a responsible breeder, you should be knowledgeable about all aspects of how to bring up puppies. The AKC, American Kennel Club, provides guidelines on this, and breeders that adhere to high welfare standards often follow AKC guidelines.
The maternal instinct in dogs means that mum has likely done a great job in raising her puppies. So you might be wondering when should puppies be leaving mum? The puppies become very attached to their mum, but they need to go to their new homes and become independent.
Puppies should be at least 8 weeks of age before they leave their dog mum and littermates. This timeline means they have had their mum’s milk with all the benefits of immunity that brings, and they will have been weaned onto solid food. If the dog leaves their dog mum early, their immunity can be compromised, and they can suffer from behavioural and social problems such as separation anxiety.
Responsible breeders will ensure that puppies are at least 8 weeks of age before they leave home to give them the best start in life. These puppies will be more confident and better behaved.
A responsible and ethical breeder will have a good solid understanding of maternal instincts in dogs and provide an environment that is safe and suitable for the mum dog to whelp and raise her pups. Puppies that have been raised by mum in an ideal environment with the care and support they need will grow up into well-adjusted happy dogs. Ensuring that puppies are at least 8 weeks old before leaving for their new homes will ensure their steps to independence go smoothly.
If you’re looking for a puppy to join your family, take a look at the breeder profiles on Puppy Hero.
17 July, 2025