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 



