110 THE AMERICAN HUNTING DOG 



In almost every large kennel there will be some 

 bitch available for this purpose. 



When the pups are a week old, if they are to 

 be docked or any dew claws removed now is the 

 time to do it. A sharp scissors, dipped in carbo- 

 lated vaseline, is a far better implement than bit 

 ing off the tails or in any other way exposing the 

 wound to infection. Leave the future care of the 

 wound to the mother, whose tongue appears to be 

 a better disinfectant than any surgical compound 

 yet discovered. At three weeks' age, start wean 

 ing. This is a long process if properly done ; as 

 in children, any sudden change is almost fatal. 

 The pups should be first encouraged to eat a little 

 meat broth and milk in addition to their dam's 

 milk. Two small meals a day is ample; more 

 would effect too serious a change in the perfect 

 mother food that they are getting. At four weeks 

 the meals may be increased to three a day, and 

 well cooked cereals, finely chopped cooked meat, 

 fine cut liver, etc., may be introduced. At five 

 weeks, increase the meals to four a day with the 

 other two to be given by the dam, and at six weeks 

 they can get six meals a day, a little each time. 

 See that each pup gets his share, and use two 

 pans, one for the husky ones and the other for the 

 backward pups. Here is a well-tried menu: 1st 



