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CONCEPTION
AND PREGNANCY.
Having
done your "homework" for a suitable breeding pair, the
breeder must be entirely sure that the bitch is physically mature
and of sufficient mental maturity to take on the task of whelping
and raising a litter of puppies.
The
onset of a normal breeding season becomes apparent to the observant
bitch owner some days before actual physical signs appear. She can
often show a marked change in personality by seeming more gregarious
and outgoing. Some owners notice a slacking of muscle tone. The
vulva will start to increase in size. She may urinate more frequently
and in more than the usual places. Check your bitch daily at this
time.
The
first day to mark on the calendar is the first show of colour or
bleeding from the vulva. Some bitches are extremely fastidious in
personal hygiene and will clean any signs away. Letting her sleep
on a white sheet or towel may over come this problem. Now is the
time to notify the owner of the chosen stud dog that the bitch has
come into season and his services will be required in ten to fourteen
day’s time.
There
will be a marked swelling of the vulva as the colour of the discharge
deepens. This section of the season (heat) can last anything from
a few days to two weeks and generally the bitch is not able to conceive
during this phase. She will let you know by her anti social behaviour
toward any male dog that she is not interested in any close attention
at this time. It is not until the discharge changes to a straw or
clear colour and the vulva begins to soften that the signals point
to imminent acceptance of mating. The bitch will demonstrate by
her now flirtatious behaviour toward any male dog, that the hormones
within her are doing their work and the release of the eggs ready
for fertilisation. This fertile period of the season can last from
hours to many days. It is now that the chosen male can be introduced
and successful mating can occur.
Warning
- if you have a male dog living with your bitch and he is NOT the
chosen stud dog, make sure there is no contact between these two
for the duration of the season. If necessary, arrange to send your
male dog to a boarding kennel for the full length of your bitch's
season, to avoid any accidental matings.
It
is normal practice to take the bitch to the stud dog's home for
matings. Other arrangements can be made. It is best to let the dogs
become acquainted and to play freely for their first introduction.
The bitch may act coy, inviting advances one moment, rejecting them
the next. This is all part of a normal breeding routine. Both animals
need the play to stimulate sex drives and normal mating mechanisms
into action. They are best left to their own devices, together for
ten to fifteen minutes at least. Watch from a window, just to make
sure that no harm comes to either animal.
Most
bitch owners become over anxious when no immediate mating occurs.
This is common. Usually they have introduced the dogs too early
in the season and another meeting in the next day or so will result
in a normal mating. The experienced stud dog owner can be of great
value at this time.
Sometimes
minor adjustments such as standing a too tall bitch downhill, or
a too short bitch uphill are all that are required. Over restraint,
unnecessary muzzling of the bitch and unnecessary interference can
create problems for the maiden bitch. A natural, unaided mating
should be allowed to occur where possible.
Competent
stud dogs become adept at exerting their energies only when the
female is actually releasing ova and able to conceive. He may as
a result appear disinterested. These same males become suddenly
proficient when all conditions are favourable. Young over enthusiastic
males sometimes require gentle restraint and assistance from their
handler to achieve a successful mating.
For
this reason it is far wiser to take the maiden bitch to an experienced
proven sire and accomplished stud master for her first breeding
encounter.
One
mating resulting in a normal tie should be sufficient for conception
to occur. Most stud dog owners offer a second mating to cover any
later release of ova, up to forty-eight hours after the first. After
the acceptance phase of the season has passed, the vulva will shrink
back to normal size and the discharge will stop.
During
the fifth week of her pregnancy, the bitch should be treated for
internal and external parasites. She should be fed a normal diet
and exercised regularly. By various means available, it is now possible
to detect the whelps (pups) at about 28 days. By six weeks the pregnancy
should become easily observable and at this time it is advisable
to commence feeding your bitch twice daily instead of once a day.
The increased pressure of the pups against her stomach will make
her uncomfortable with a large meal. Gentle exercise should be kept
up until whelping to help maintain muscle tone.
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