How to Train a Puppy to Latch In Order to Feed

Newborn puppies are deaf, mostly blind and completely helpless, but fortunately they are born with the natural instinct to suckle from their mother for food and nutrition. Sometimes puppies may have a hard time finding their mother and latching on, so you will have to teach the puppy how to successfully feed.

Things You'll Need

  • Puppy milk replacement formula
  • Puppy nursing bottle
  • Warm water bottles
  • Towels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the puppy from its mother and litter, keeping it warm in your hands or arms.

    • 2

      Mix puppy formula according to the preparation instructions on the package. Put the mixed formula in the nursing bottle.

    • 3

      Hold the puppy on its belly, supporting its shoulders. Hold the bottle in your other hand, with the nipple facing the puppy's face.

    • 4

      Gently pry open the puppy's mouth slightly and squeeze one drop of formula into its mouth. Allow the puppy's mouth to close around the nipple.

    • 5

      Wait to see if the puppy starts to suckle and latch on to the nipple itself. Gently squeeze 1 more drop of formula out of the nipple. The puppy should begin to suckle on its own.

    • 6

      Place the puppy's front feet on the area around the nipple. The puppy should start kneading and prodding with its feet.

    • 7

      Remove all other puppies from the mother and place them in a safe place with warm water bottles covered with towels.

    • 8

      Place the puppy on its belly, facing the mother's teats, supporting the puppy under its shoulders.

    • 9

      Guide the puppy's mouth toward one of the mother's teats and again use your fingers to pry the puppy's mouth open, inserting the teat if the puppy does not take it right away.