Single pups usually do very well. Mine start out in an incubator full of little stuft toys if they cannot be with mom. and they get to nurse on my fingers for 10-15 minutes at a go, usually after feedings. Generally they will let you know what they need,

I have raised singleton pups in three separate breeds. I have not seen them become neurotic or shy. BUT they can very easily become BRATS. They do not get the push pull "you bite me and I'll bite you back harder" lessons that they need to learn the social skills needed to be able to live peacefully in a pack, human or canine. I find that provided you fill this role then it can turn out fine. I don't mean you should bite the puppy of course but you do need to set boundaries and provide consequences. If they get too mouthy or bite too hard, they get their lower jaw held gently but firmly till they relent and back oof. If they are just being pushy-bratty, I put them on their back and restrain them, firmly but gently, till they give up and relax. You can also simply walk away if they get too pushy, this is what their sibs would do.

If moms around, she'll give them alot of the socialization skills they need. If you can find other like aged pups great. Failing that good natured adults work well. Avoid older puppies or teenagers, they can be brutal without meaning to be and are not good role models for singletons.

They need extra exposure to stimulii, socialization and lot's of attention, just make sure it is all balanced and tailored to that pup's needs

Jen

by Janice Matznick.

Its about raising orphaned and singleton puppies.

You can order it at dogwise.com

Lynn King CPDT

I have seen singletons go both ways and since this is Mias first litter and it's a singleton i am looking for any and all info that may be of help.
As of date i am finding this almsot 1 weeker to be VERY FAT & LAZY! LOL! So I am playing with it while shes nursing ect.

I've had several single pup litters....sigh. It is tough to properly socailize them, they also never quite get the 'pack dicipline' either. Sometimes Mom isn't much help as her maternal instincts don't really kick in with just one (worst case for me was with a 1st time Mom).
What I have done is, ASAP put the pup with low key adults to get some interaction with, then try to find another litter of about the same age (doesn't matter if it is a different breed, even cats will be helpful) and arrange playtime. I did this at about 3 weeks of age, I know it was risky without shots, etc. but I felt the socialization was more important.
I had lots of people in to play with the pup starting at 5 weeks of age, and as soon as the pup was old enough got them into a Puppy Kindergarten class. Really just went overboard with the socilization techniques, and kept it up.
Good Luck to you and the pup.

never even one behavioral issue with that pup.

He still had his mom for interaction, and went to some fun matches when he was old enough. Bullies don't come any better-behaved or loving than what he was.

Each of the very few pups I bred and raised "grew up on my shoulder" ... plenty of nuzzling and kisses. They become cupcakes that way.

http://www.pbase.com/bullpooches

My first puppy born "Owen" was a singlton!! I adore him!!! I agree extra effort in training and socalizing is a must, but if you get it right you will have a larger than life wonderful dog!!! If I were to sell a singleton puppy, it would be to someone who new dogs, and how to train them. Owen thinks its all about him, but I would 100% trust him my kids, other dogs, puppies, ect. But alot of training while younge, between 3 to 6 months and not to let that window close.

Kristie Barwick
http://www.symarunbulldogs.com