Do have a love for canines. All too many times beginning breeders just see the money that can
be made from allowing two canine creatures to come together in what is their natural tendency,
to reproduce like kind.
Dogs are programmed to bring forth puppies but there is a time when the
dam, (female) no longer cares for her babies and the responsibility gets handed off to the breeder.
Don't assume that babies are growing strong and healthy inside mama just because she is
carrying them and functioning normally. The mother's nutritional intake as well as her chemistry
DNA is what will determine largely the health of her offspring. Sometimes things go wrong in
the pregnancy and producing a runt, a lower than average weight puppy will sometimes emerge
and put a spin on things.
Do your research and educate yourself on all aspects of breeding. From dams healthcare before
she is pregnant to well after the birth process has taken place. A nutritionally fit mother has a
better chance of producing nutritionally healthy babies. Be sure the breed you choose will be
complimentary to your lifestyle.
If you are a calm and quiet person, choosing a Border Collie
who has innumerous amounts of energy would not be advantageous for either you or the dog. On
the other hand, if you love to jog, have young children and have an active lifestyle, choosing a
Labrador Retriever would be a perfect match with your family.
Don't expect to make a fortune on dog breeding. Ethical dog breeders put the needs of their
canines first and this means providing for their ultimate care in every way which is costly. Room
and time for exercise and fresh air is vitally important. A dog cooped up in a home or crate will
not be a happy one. Just as humans need exercise to stay in optimal health, so do dogs. Fresh
water must be available at all times. This means checking on the water level, washing bowls and
being sure the dam is hydrated, (containing water) well.
Food is not only important but a high
quality food will make a large difference in the size and overall condition of the offspring as well
as the dam. Warmth and coolness are of equal importance with nutrition because an overheated
dam can become dehydrated quickly and become lethargic due to a lack of enzymes found in
water.
A dam that is too cold will use much of her energy to stay warm instead and put undue
stress on all of her organs. Shelter for the dam should be comfortable and safe. She should be
able to relax during her pregnancy without worry of fighting with other canines, having to
compete for a dry place to lay her head, or being crammed in a small area with other canines.
Do have the time to give the dam a lot of love and attention. A content and well loved dam will
be more secure during labor and delivery, especially if you are not around at the time she gives
birth to her puppies. Her overall attitude will be positive and carefree enabling her to exercise,
eat and drink as she should which in turn will help to keep her a healthy and well rounded
mother.
Don't ever allow two closely related offspring to breed. This is how DNA glitches, (mutation)
can happen. The outcome is not always favorable. When two closely related canines are bred,
they do double up on the good genes that are most desired. The problem is dogs carry approximately 4-7 bad genes.
While you will
most likely see evidence of good gene multiplication such as wonderful disposition or a full coat,
there is a great chance of also seeing evidence of bad gene multiplication such as an exaggerated
under bite or a coat that is not true to the particular breed. Choose carefully those breeders that
have visible desirable traits to the breed and bypass the ones in which there are noticeable
undesirable traits. Begin with good stock.
Do have all necessary supplies on hand and nearby. Although the good Lord has programmed
canine with instinctive measures, intervening at times is necessary. About a week before the dam
is to go into labor, at 53 days along or so, find a quiet and well lit area to place a box larger than
the dam.
Use a soft bedding material such as a blanket or towel to line the box with. Bedding
material or newspaper often do not absorb the body liquids of the mother and puppies lie in wet
puddles only to catch colds. Choose a place that is not too warm or too cold, definitely void of
drafts.
Well sharpened scissors in a glass of rubbing alcohol, extra towels, blankets or rags, fresh
water and a heating blanket are best to have nearby before the dam goes into labor. That way you
are not searching all over for these items while the mother is popping out babies and could use
you by her side.
A small scale, notebook and pen are good to use to record specific information on
puppies as they come into the world. Notations could be about the order of their birth, if any
problems were noticeable such as labored or congestive breathing, lethargy, the exact time they
were born and their weight.
Don't panic when the dam begins to show signs of preparing for the birth of her babies. Nesting,
(pawing at objects around her such as blankets, the carpeting or even tile) are normal. The dam
may decrease her food intake days ahead of time to right before she goes into hard labor, (steady,
concentrated breathing accompanied by a firm belly intermittently).
Often within hours of delivery
she will not be interested in drinking water, which is the first thing you want to offer her when she
is finished having all her babies. Staying calm around the dam will help her to be calm as well as
she delivers each baby. When she is situated in her pace here she will give birth, check on her
often to see how the progress is going.
Take notice of when labor begins, and check to see if there
are signs of discharge, (any color) or a bubble like matter protruding from her vaginal area. Stay
close when she begins the pushing process. A baby should appear in a timely mater when this
begins.
Do enjoy the birth process. The creation of a new puppy is a miracle that can't be duplicated by
anyone. It is a beautiful thing to behold and a very special event. No two puppies are just alike,
and often one will arrive head first, while another will come out rear end first.
One may seem to
come to life as soon it enters the world still in the sack, kicking and thrashing about while another
may lie still and quiet while the dam has opens the sack and begins licking her baby's face.
With
eyes and ears still fused, these tiny newborn creatures seem so delicate yet they are hearty puppies
with a strong will to survive within them.
