8. Golden canine mommy and her puppos

Erin Katribe, DVM, MS, Medical Director at Best Friends Animal Society, told us that right before the weaning process (when puppies switch from milk to solid food), the little canine babies get all of their nutrition from their mom's milk. "Weaning naturally begins around 4-6 weeks of age when puppies begin to show interest in food," Dr. Katribe said. "This early, however, they should still have access to their mom to be able to nurse as their transition to solid food is gradual."

The weaning process is extremely crucial for the pups, as their behaviours are formed from observing both their canine mommies and littermates. The benchmark needed for the puppies' independence should be provided for in a naturally occurring way. Otherwise, the over-dependence can cause problems for the puppies when they mature.