Separating mum from pups

the puppies are now just over 3 weeks old, and have been moved downstairs into their big pen, and weaning will begin.

in the book of the bitch, it says that when you begin weaning, the mum should be separated from pups at night, be in a bed in the same room, but not be able to get in with them.

what do you think? nana thinks i shouldnt separate, the flatcoat breeder i helped with, separated them at night time..

is it just personal preference? what do you do?

I allow the bitch to decide. I have a whelping box that keeps the pups in but allows access to the dam and she will decide wether she wants to go in or not. I think three weeks is too early to expect the pups to go through the whole night with out food. Later you might need t0o feed your self in the night or very early morning .

thanks for that. the pen is big enough for her to get out of and lie next to the box if she wanted, so i will leave her shut in for now.

I agree, let the mum have access to them if she wants, why rush it, as long as she can choose there wont be a problem.

Taz met his mum again recently he was 6 months but still checked her out!