How Long Should Puppies Nurse. In these cases, the most favorable situation will be that the babies were able to nurse for at least their first 24 hours or longer. When the pups aren't nursing, they are sleeping.
They should nurse for at least three weeks before you begin weaning them, and four to six weeks in total. Be sure to watch puppies nursing at least once a day, if the mother will permit it. How long should puppies nurse?