In This Lesson

• Weaning Introduction
• Weaning Nutrition
• Weaning Exercises
• Weaning Skill Training
• Exercise Video Links

Weaning Introduction

Weaning

The pups should be well into weaning at this point so your dam may be nursing little or not at all. Weaning is or should be a gradual transition from milk to solid food. This transition gives your bitch less to do, both physiologically and mentally. So now it’s time to re-start her exercise program in earnest. However, do not start back where she left off in the second trimester. Instead, use the Weaning Program to gradually get her back in shape.

Weaning Nutrition

As your bitch wraps up her role in feeding for the pups, monitor her body condition closely. Even though you are cutting back on her food as weaning continues and nursing demands drop, you do not want her to become gaunt. Her Tissue Tent Test should put her between a folded linguine and folded duct tape. She should not be gaunt, nor should she be fat.

Read the Weaning Nutrition Document

• Nutrients for Lactation (Days 49-weaned)

Watch the Weaning Nutrition Video

• Audio

Weaning Exercises

From 7 weeks until the pups go home, you can do exercise session with her 3 to 5 days a week. These sessions should include a warm up with flexibility or active stretching. Include one of the Balance and Proprioception exercises, like the ladder. And then alternate between one core, front and rear leg strength exercise.

• Dam With Pups Exercise Schedule (Days 49-weaned)

Weaning Skill Training

Weaning bitches can do low-risk activity only, as listed below.

• Weaning Skill Training Risks Chart

Fit To Be Tied Exercises Videos

• Flexibility Exercise Videos
• Balance & Proprioception Exercises
• Front Leg Strength Exercises
• Core Strength Exercise
• Rear Leg Strength Exercises
• Good for the Soul Exercises

Fit To Be Tied Lessons

• Lesson 1: Why Fitness Matters to You, Your Dogs and Bitches, and Your Puppies
• Lesson 2: Exercise Changes Throughout the Breeding Process
• Lesson 3: What Stage is Your Dog In?
• Lesson 4: Before & While Breeding Your Dog (3 months prior through breeding)
• Lesson 5: First Trimester (Ovulation - Day 21)
• Lesson 6: Second Trimester (Day 22 - Day 42)
• Lesson 7: Third Trimester (Day 43 - Birth)
• Lesson 8: Early Lactation (Birth to 21 Days)
• Lesson 9: Late Lactation (Days 22 - 49)
• Lesson 10: Weaning (Days 49 - Pups Are Fully Weaned)
• Lesson 11: Recovery (After Pups Are Fully Weaned)
• FTBT Resources