THE AMATEUR TRAINER. 125 
be well however, to allow the puppies to gorge 
themselves, nor should the dish be left standing 
with a quantity left over, but be instantly removed 
and disposed of otherwise, not allowing the surplus 
to sour and again to be placed before them. Pup¬ 
pies thus accustomed to feeding may safely be 
taken from their dam at the age of six weeks with¬ 
out needing to fear bad results because of the 
change. 
At the tender age of four to six weeks the here¬ 
tofore sprightly, sleek and fat puppies are suddenly 
quite apt to appear just the opposite; they may 
refuse to nurse as well as to lap the accustomed 
daily feed; have a staring rough coat, breathe 
laboriously; take up straw and sticks and chew these 
frantically; have a bulged and bloated body; 
frequent watery stools ; show in every w r ay signs of 
agony and distress ; climb up onto woodpiles, crawl 
into and hide in holes and secluded places, etc. 
To the initiated these are unmistakable symptoms 
of the presence of worms, and the slightest signs 
are to be carefully observed, because if not assisted 
with a safe and efficient remedy at this time, the 
puppies will quickly waste away and die. 
At the age of from eight to ten weeks the puppies 
should be taken from the dam, disposed of or 
assigned suitable quarters to themselves ; be provided 
with food often (four to six times daily, giving an 
abundance, but never in excess); have pure fresh 
water at all times and sufficient yardroom for a play- 
