In This Lesson

• Late Lactation Introduction
• Late Lactation Nutrition
• Late Lactation Exercises
• Late Lactation Skill Training
• Exercise Video Links

Late Lactation Introduction

Late Lactation Report

As the pups turn 21 days old, lactation demands become extreme. This is known as the peak lactation period. Milk production for an average or large litter drains the bitch’s body of calcium, and other nutrients. Now is the time to increase her food dramatically so that she can maintain her own body condition while nursing. Your bitches should not lose weight or condition while nursing; if she does, her diet is inadequate either in quality or quantity.

If you can control access by other dogs and her puppies, free feeding is appropriate during this period. We feed raw so do not free feed but instead feed four times a day and increase the amount we feed up to 500% of her normal rations. With exceptionally large litters of 14 or 15, we have fed up to 800% of maintenance.

How much you feed your dam at this point should be driven solely by her body condition, her stools and the pups’ stools, and the pups' weights Overfeeding can cause diarrhea in both bitches and pups so when you see soft stools, cut her back a little.

Late Lactation Nutrition

Late Lactation Nutrition Document

• Late Lactation Nutrition (Days 22-49)

Late Lactation Nutrition Video

• Audio

Late Lactation Exercises

Many bitches are ready to start exercising during this period but we still must be cautious. If your girl is feeling up to it, reintroduce flexibility, balance, and proprioception exercises during these three weeks. Start slowly and back off if she is not enjoying herself, is stressed at leaving her puppies, or seems too tired to do them. Bitches vary greatly in how much exercise they want to and can do during peak lactation.

Do no strength training with her but you can begin low-risk skill training, such as a changes of position, short retrieves on mowed grass, nose work, or tracking. Protect those mammary glands from bruising, scratching or sores. Better to do no exercise than to bring on mastitis.

Late Lactation Exercise Schedule

• Late Lactation Exercise Schedule (Days 22 - 49)

Late Lactation Skill Training

Late Lactation bitches can do low-risk activities only, as listed below.

• Late Lactation 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