Puppy Coats for Winter Pups?

by Summer
(Cumbria, UK)

My whippet is due to have her litter in 3 weeks, I tried to breed her at her earlier heat this year but no pups resulted, so I tried again.

Now she is getting rapidly fatter and after a scan at the vets we know its definitely pups (not a false pregnancy).

We live on a farm and the pups will have plenty of room to run around and play, however due to the unfortunate timing of her heat the pups will need to be doing that running and playing in November and December.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to winter coats suitable for whippet puppies that will grow with them? As I think I will need to buy them coats while they are still with me before going to new homes.

ANSWER:

I don't think it is a good idea to leave puppies run around with coats,
the pups could get caught and get seriously hurt.
In any case puppies would make rags of their new and expensive coats in minutes.
Whippets have a special knack for house redecoration and creating new trends in fashion… whippet style, that is.
I am afraid you'll have to create a safe area inside when the weather is too cold to play outside.
To keep both your puppies and the house safe, you can use an exercise pen (or X-pen) to confine them.
These playpens are like transportable, folding pens designed especially for pets.
You can cover the floor with thick plastic (an old shower curtain would do) and use towels and papers for absorbency.
The pups will have enough space to play and relieve themselves on paper in a corner but they will be safe and warm.

Whippets as Puppies

by Andy
(Silver Creek, GA)

I have a Whippet puppy that is 4 months old and she has a belly on her.

I was wondering around what age are they supposed to start looking really skinny in the stomach?

What are they are suppose to even look like when they are at this age?

ANSWER:

At 4 months, whippets still look like long legged puppies.

In the picture above you can see my Lola at that age, alone and close to an adult whippet.

I added another picture of a four months puppy, Lily. Click here to see more pictures of whippet puppy Lily

Only at around one year of age whippets tend to look like skinny sighthounds but they need more time to fill up and look like a well shaped adult whippet.

New Whippet Puppy

by Vicki
(North Ayrshire)

I have just brought home a whippet pup, he is 11 weeks and is genuinely amazing.
However when it comes to being alone, he whimpers and cries the whole time. It is unbearable to listen to.
He is also quite bad for venturing outside, he stands at the door yelping the full time and will then come in and relive himself inside :(
Please help!

ANSWER:

For a young puppy the transition to a new home can be difficult and it may require some of patience and dedication from the new owner.

Right from the beginning you have to set the rules for your pup and lovingly but firmly guide him in his new life.

I suggest you read this page for tips about your puppy's first days at home.

A crate would be an invaluable help for toilet training but do not expect to leave your puppy outside and become toilet trained on his own, you would have to stay with him to praise success.

Read more here about toilet training.

It is not unfrequent for puppies to cry when left alone, after all they just left their pack and are alone for the first time.

To ease your whippet's separation anxiety have a look at this page.

Be calm, consistent, have faith and you'll succeed in training your whippet puppy!