[k9dude]

Heyy.. I have a question. I have a 3 week old puppy, a cross between some sort of small terrier and doberman, and well, it's mom died. And since we were to adopt him, we did, a bit TOO early I'm thinking (he's around 20 days old!) Soo.. I was just wondering, how to care for him? I mean, like, when's the right age to housebreak, train, cratebreak him and stuff? And when do we get him neutered? :confused:

[SweetDee]

You need to get to a vet A.S.A.P. They will give you a bottle so you can feed him. He's too young for dog food, can make him sick if he starts too soon. He might need certain vacines as he should be getting it the natural way from drinking his moms milk. A vet will give you what you need. He needs warmth at such a young age. He'd usually be cuddling up to his siblings and mom for the warmth. You can let him cuddle next to you. Keep a towel under him in case he pees. You might even have to wipe him on his privates, (like his mom would do to help him "eliminate". He might be too young to do this on his own... ). A vet will tell you more... I'm just giving you ideas. A warm bottle, should feel like a bottle you'd give a human. Fill an old coke/7up bottle w/ warm water, a big one. Wrap it in a soft towel. Put him next to it if you want to leave him alone. He needs warmth. Crate training can begin after 7 or 8 weeks old. That is the age that breeders usually give up the pups. You can begin the process after that age. If you don't speak to a vet you won't really have all the info you need. Crating come later when he's less infantile. Good luck.

[Becca1025]

Begin house breaking, train, and crate training around 8 weeks or so, that's when they are old enough to go to a new home anyway. But right now you need to worry about keeping that puppy warm and well fed. I took care of three kittens (mother abandoned them) that were three weeks old. It takes a lot of time, care, and it gets messy. They sell special bottles at pet stores and puppy formula. When he goes to the bathroom you will have to clean him up after. Do not give this puppy a bath yet. Only sponge bathe with warm water and a cloth, use baby shampoo and make sure you completely dry the puppy when you are finished. Get baby wipes to clean up any milk/potty messes. Keep a box that is fairly tall so the puppy can't get out and hurt himself. Keep plenty of blankets in there with him. You have to really watch that puppy at all times. Being so young and away from mom so early, he can get sick at any minute.