Breeding puppies is a big responsibility. Be prepared to have your hands full.
Breeding a dog may appeal to quite a few dog lovers, but is a major responsibility that must be taken seriously. According the American Kennel Club, responsible breeders must carefully consider whether breeding their dog will ultimately improve the breed, prepare for the financial costs of breeding and prepare mentally for having young puppies around the house. Breeding a dog and raising puppies is a full-time job and requires a lot of monitoring. Responsible breeders shouldn't simply choose a mate then wait for a litter to be born. A breeder must take many steps to breed a dog the right way.
Instructions
1. Consider the temperament and physicality of your dog. The idea behind breeding a dog is to help improve the breed. If your dog has any temperament issues or has any defects or less than perfect physical features, you should not breed the animal at all.
2. Research pedigree thoroughly for a dog that is compatible to yours. To improve the breed, attempt to find a mate that has great strengths where your dog's may be average.
3. Take the bitch or stud to the vet to make sure it is healthy before breeding them. Tell the veterinarian your intent to breed so he can check the dog for any particular ailments that would hinder the process. Make sure both dogs are up-to-date on their vaccinations.
4. Prepare for puppies before the bitch gets pregnant. Find a sturdy, appropriately sized whelping box. The bitch should be able to turn around in the box but not leave too much space for pups to get away from the mother. Find collars, puppy pens, puppy pads and all birthing materials ahead of time. Birthing materials include surgical gloves, dental floss, sterile scissors and clean towels.
5. Monitor the bitch's heat cycle to find a good time for breeding. Most bitches will cycle every six to nine months and lasts around 21 days. She only becomes fertile however between day 10 and 14 of the cycle. She will not accept a male before that time.
6. During the actual act of breeding, the female is usually taken to the male's natural environment. The male will mount the female from the rear and make several rapid pelvic thrusts.
7. Prepare to supervise the tie once the thrusts have stopped. The tie is when the male's penis will swell inside of the female vagina; essentially the dogs are locked together. This tie will usually last between 15 and 20 minutes. Closely monitor this point of the breeding. A female may get panicky or antsy and attempt to free herself, risking serious injury to the female. Do not attempt to separate them. Instead, get on the floor and calm the bitch down by any means necessary. Do not let the bitch roll around, but instead have her stand back to back with the stud.
8. Look out for signs of pregnancy such as increased appetite, weight gain and nipple enlargement. You can confirm a pregnancy through an ultrasound at the veterinarian's office. Get your pregnant bitch frequent checkups at the veterinarian's office to avoid miscarriages, illnesses or pregnancy complications.
9. Check your pregnant dog's temperature frequently as she prepares for the final breeding stage: whelping. Her temperature will drop below 100 degrees within 24 hours of whelping. The dog may have also stopped eating and tear up newspaper in her whelping box a few days before labor begins.
10. Stand back during the whelping process for the most part. Your dog will have instinctual protocol to follow during labor. The puppies will be born in sacs, which the bitch will rip open. The mother will then lick the puppy in order to stimulate the puppy's breathing. The dog should also bite off the umbilical cord on her own. Dogs who have never given birth before may need some help with cutting umbilical cords. Sometimes new mothers simply stop doing it themselves. To cut the cord, tie off the cord with dental floss 4 or 5 centimeters away from the puppy's belly. Cut the cord with sterile scissors on the mother's side of the floss.
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