50 KENNEL SECRETS. 



It can safely be accepted, therefore, that even where the 

 milk supply seems abundant the weaning should be fairly 

 begun during the fourth week. But it is never advisable 

 to wait until this period is reached before taking the 

 preparatory steps, for exigencies are very liable indeed 

 to arise which make weaning imperative at once and 

 complete. 



Consequently in every instance puppies should be 

 taught to eat at the earliest possible age, which is soon 

 after the second week where those who assume the duty 

 are patient and persevering. And such rarely find it diffi- 

 cult if they put a little milk into a small shallow dish 

 and gently dip the tips of the puppies' noses into it for an 

 instant, and then allow the little ones to draw back and 

 lick off what adheres. 



The milk used in these attempts should be scalded, 

 diluted with an equal quantity of water, and about 

 " blood-warm." 



But it is not alone sufficient to teach puppies to drink 

 milk, for they should be accustomed early to the taste 

 of flesh ; and the proper food to commence with is 

 very thin broth made specially for them from beef or 

 mutton. 



Of course, only a little milk or broth should be allowed 

 at first, — barely sufficient for the purpose for which they 

 are used — but in all cases, whether or not the mother's 

 milk appears sufficient, one of these foods can properly 

 be given about twice daily in the third week, and in 

 gradually increasing quantities up to the weaning. 



To be more definite, at each attempt about a teaspoonful 

 of milk or broth will be sufficient for educational pur- 

 poses. Once eating well, a tablespoonful of one of these 

 foods, if they care to take as much, may be allowed twice 

 daily for three days ; and thereafter about a tablespoonful 



