Posted by Diane on June 27, 2002, 3:28 pm Best of luck with both dogs, Diane. PS, book puppy into puppy kindy (make the booking now) for when its around three months old and look at a basic obedience (or a refresher course) for your older dog too. Puppy kindy is going to be vital for this little one, she is missing out on some pretty big canine building blocks re. manners and training by not being with her litter mates and mother and every little bit that you can do for her now will make a huge difference to the dog she matures into. Again, all the best, sounds like both dogs fell into loving, caring hands.
Danielle given that the pup is so very young it's a good thing that you have an older dog in your home to help teach some "doggy basics". Social interaction with other dogs is vital at this age and stage and if this pup can't have its own littermates and mother then at least it can have interaction with your dog (once you get past the stage where there is any chance that your older dog may attack the little one that is). Pups are designed especially by nature to be cute and appealing (to both humans and other dogs) as a very clever survival tactic. I would be surprised if, given a little time, that your older dog does not give in to natural curriosity and a desire to play with, and explore, the little bundle of cuteness. You just need to take it slow and monitor things carefully and ensure that your original Boxer does not get left out due to the pup (lots of one on one for the older dog, little training seesions with treats and praise away from the pup, when it's napping for example). A dog crate would be a very good idea, this would give the pup a safe area where you wouldn't have to worry about what's going on, a little like placing a baby in a cot (crib) to nap in safety. Crating can also help with toilet training your pup. Kat has given you wonderful advice, I really have little to add regarding weaning except to say that by nearly five weeks old puppy is quite capable of managing without its mothers milk (although given the choice it would still be suckling some). Use a good brand of puppy food, soak it if this appears to help. Within a week or so you might be able to offer it dry, it's really just a case of reading what the manufacturer has to say and watching how the pup gets on. Keep a careful note of its weight and quantity and quality of poop over the next week or two. Be aware that you'll need to talk to your vet about what would be the best course to protect this pup from certain diseases that the lose of its mother so early may effect (probably not at this age but best to check and see when the vet wants to starts shots etc). Don't be too hard on your older dog when it growls, unless this is really nasty it is a training thing and your pup needs someone to teach it certain limitations, you'll have to observe carefully and make your judgement calls on that one as things go along. 
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