My Shih Tzu just gave birth to a liter of 4 puppies. Unfortunately we won't be able to keep them all long term as my wife just gave birth also.

We are planning to keep one and find good homes for the other three after about a month. Is there a humane means of separating them when we need to. I want to upset my dog as little as possible and I don't want her to think of me as a puppy-snatcher

garro,6 weeks minimum; 8 weeks best; dont worry, usually mom wants to wean also....

bina

I know that in Thailand they remove the puppies very early, the previous poster's advice is 100% correct, 8 weeks is the best time for the pups to leave the mother, at the very minimum 6 weeks, you bred them and you have the responsibilty to ensure they get the best start in life.

4 puppies from a small breed provided you keep them in a suitable area are not going to be difficult to manage although quite frankly raising puppies is not mandatory, get her spayed to avoid further puppies

in the future.

By the way the idea that a bitch should have a litter "as its good for them is absolute nonsense", if you havent got owners booked for future puppies then dont breed the litter please.

Enjoy the puppies, 8 weeks isnt that long and I am sure you will get more pleasure from them than you might think.

RoyGSd