Puppyhood is one of the most critical developmental periods in a dog's life. From the moment puppies are born, they start learning about their world. Successful socialization of puppies is critically important to their long-term success in life.

These puppies aren't off to a great start. They were, unfortunately, removed from their mother when they were only hours old. (Likely because the mother rejected them.) This means the people around them must step up to not just feed and care for them, but also to provide them adequate enrichment and socialization to give them a shot at a long and happy life.

These puppies are from our partner organization, the Humane Society for Inland Mendocino County. The team at the shelter put out the call on social media, and Free Dog Trainers jumped into action to help them.

Their first 4 days were rough. There were originally 7 puppies, but three tragically passed away in those first 4 days. Having puppies removed from their mother so young means that they are at even higher than average risk of disease, infection, and failure to thrive. On day 5, Free Dog Trainers reached out to a specialized foster to take them temporarily. The remaining 4 are fighting hard, with the support of a specialized foster who tube-fed them as needed for the next week of their lives.

These puppies came at a serendipitous time for Free Dog Trainers. When these puppies arrived, we were already in talks with Kitten College to team up. Neonatal kittens and big dogs are the two most at-risk populations in animal shelters and in our communities across the country. We're putting our heads together on how we can work together to help save more dogs and kittens!

By fostering and supporting these puppies, Free Dog Trainers is exploring the possibility of providing this service to shelters and rescues as a standalone program. Shelters and rescues could call on Free Dog Trainers to help coordinate all the logistics and support needed for the neonatal puppies (and kittens) that come into the shelter.