I have taken in an orphaned pup. He was likely 2 days old when he came to me (found by someone else in a cardboard box on someone's front step). No mother, no other litter mates.

He's now almost 3 weeks old. Looks to be a Lab. He's a hearty eater and checked out ok by the vet.

I realize this guy has the cards stacked against him with no litter mates or mom to teach him to be a dog. I was told by another trainer to euthanize him since he's likely going to develop behavior issues.

My question is, what experience have others had with raising orphaned pups? I don't have another litter that I can put him with at this point.

I'm a trainer who has seen their fair share of problem dogs come through the door. I have no intention of sending another problem dog into the world so I will work as hard as I can with this guy until I'm sure he can be a good canine citizen. I prescribe to Ed's Groundwork program and believe in balanced training. Will this be enough? Have others seen successful pups raised by humans?

I can't see euthanizing him based on the fact that he MAY develop behavior problems.

Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

There's plenty of time later (should he even turn troublesome) to do something extreme -- Considering the dam may very well have had terrible nutrition & no shots, if he survives puppyhood, the poor little guy might even turn out to be the best dog you've ever had (who knows?)...

My 9 year old Borzoi was hand-raised by his breeder & he has NO health or temperament problems at all <:-)

 Quote:

I have taken in an orphaned pup. He was likely 2 days old when he came to me (found by someone else in a cardboard box on someone's front step). No mother, no other litter mates......

This site
http://www.lowchensaustralia.com/breeding/bottlefeeding.htm
might seem to be off-topic, but scroll down to "links" and find a long list of about 50 links, all to articles about hand-raising orphans, from food to social and mental stimulation. They've gathered most of the related web articles from all kinds of sources in one place.

Here's the intro:
QUOTE: Having hand-raised puppies of different breeds over the years, I have had much success and wish to share this information in an effort to assist those who have a problem. My main Löwchen success story is with Multi BIS Aust. Grand Ch. CHINAROAD FLYING COLOURS, pictured left at one week of age, weighing 75g (approximately 2.6oz) at birth. END QUOTE

Thanks for the wonderful website references and words of encouragement. I'll do what I can to help this guy succeed.