My toy poodle puppies are 6 weeks old today. The Mum, Queenie, has started doing some behaviours I find a little odd. I know regurgitating food for them in the nest is normal, and she did do that once or twice. But today I gave her some left over chicken skin from our dinner and she took it into the nest. She didn't let the puppies anywhere near the food and growled and snapped at them if they tried to approach it. She watches them them like a hawk. In the end, I think she ate it herself.

Also, I bought them some smelly chew toys. Queenie grabbed them and wouldn't let the puppies have them! She growls at them if they go near the chews, so I took them away.

Someone has told me that she's being a bully and I need to be careful - she might hurt them.

Is this true? Normal? Any ideas?

Contrary to everyone's belief.. domesticated dogs do not vomit for their young. Your dog is feeling sick to her stomach. I would get her checked out because her behavior is changing and she is becoming protective of her food.

Some dogs are just not good mothers. She nursed them.. they may be weaned.. and that's all she wants of them. I would start to separate her from the puppies completely and let her visit only while you are there to accompany her.

At 6 weeks, your pups should be able to cope fine without their mom, especially since she is being grumpy. If she is only grumpy when food is involved, than I guess I wouldn't let her eat with them around. She is trying to wean them also. Dogs are not necessarily nice when it comes to weaning puppies..

Honestly, I would take her to the vet due to her vomiting. If she is doing just fine.. than I would just continue to monitor her time with the puppies.

Does she often get scraps of food from the table? That could contributory in the vomiting.