How does dogs mate

Remember, aside from the goal of getting healthy, happy puppies, you want to avoid causing any unnecessary stress for your dog during the breeding process. Contacting your breeder is a good way of finding stud dogs. You can also check out local breed clubs to search for a prospective mate. The added benefit of this is that the stud dogs will be close by, ruling out extensive travel and the stress that exerts on your bitch.

The Kennel Club has a Mate Select tool which is invaluable when choosing a stud dog. Not only will it help with published health results, but it also gives you an idea of the possible inbreeding coefficient. Like females, maturity for male dogs varies by breed. Registering your dog with The Kennel Club is one important step. Why Do Dogs Itch? Why Do Dogs Dig? Why Do Dogs Drool? Why Do Dogs Growl? Why Do Dogs Groan? Why Do Dogs Howl? Why Do Dogs Cough?

Why Do Dogs Vomit? How Do Dogs Get Worms? Using a bottle and nipple, hold the bottle at an angle to prevent air bubbles. The hole in the nipple can be enlarged slightly with a hot needle to let the milk ooze out slowly when the bottle is inverted. The puppy should suck vigorously, but should not nurse too rapidly. Consult a veterinarian if the puppies are not nursing well. You may need to resort to tube feeding, which is best taught by a health professional.

Newborn puppies must be stimulated to defecate and urinate after each feeding. Gentle body massage is also beneficial for any hand-reared puppy. Massage stimulates the circulation and thoroughly awakens the puppy.

One of your most important tasks as a breeder is to ensure that your litter is registered with the AKC. Registering the puppies creates a record of their place in the history of your breeding program and in the development of the breed.

You should be able to provide the new owners with a registration application at the time the puppy is sold. Therefore, it is essential that you apply to register your litter promptly after the puppies are born. There are two easy options for you to register your litter.

You can register your litter online by going to Online Litter Registration. When you register your litter online, you can get your litter kit in as little as two to five business days. Or you can download an application, fill it out, and send to the AKC. Registering your puppies with the AKC is another way to give your puppies a great start in life.

Additionally, it confirms for your new puppy owners that you are a dedicated and responsible breeder. There are many rules of thought about weaning your puppies.

Experienced breeders tend to use methods that work best for them and their respective breed. It is recommended that you contact your veterinarian to discuss a feeding regimen for your litter. Most puppies begin the weaning process at about two to four weeks of age.

As the puppies get older, most breeders start adding more food and decrease the amount of formula. To avoid digestive upsets, be sure to introduce all changes in food or feeding schedules gradually. By this time you have learned everything you can about your breed, and you know all the pros and cons of ownership. You should be ready to explain why a dog requiring a lot of coat care or training may not be the best match for a workaholic, or why a tiny dog may not be appropriate for a family with small, active children.

A responsible breeder makes sure that their puppies go to good homes. Knowing the right questions to ask prospective owners helps breeders get a feel for the type of home they will provide. Some of these questions can include:. This means applying for litter registration in plenty of time to supply applications to owners at the time of sale. You should explain the benefits of registration to the owners and help them complete the registration application. Conditions such as limited registration or co-ownership should be explained in full.

But you will also have to be ready for bad news: a family splitting up and leaving the dog homeless; a vet contacting you about an unforeseen hereditary illness; a dog you thought would be a great obedience prospect biting a young child. As a breeder, you will need to be there with advice and support for all these situations. Responsible breeders answer questions, provide resources, and assist with problems that may come up. Responsible breeders assist in re-homing or take in puppies should the need arise.

Before you send your puppies to their new homes, be sure to inform new owners of their best source besides yourself! The AKC is dedicated to providing service and support to the owners of purebred dogs. As a breeder, you can help us reach out to new owners by performing these simple steps:. New owners should be told that without an AKC registration number, their dog cannot be entered in dog shows, companion dog events, or performance events.

They should be told that without an AKC registration number, any offspring of their dog if breeding is a viable option cannot be registered. Perhaps more importantly, they should be told that if they do not register their dog, they will be missing out on the wealth of information and services the AKC is eager to provide to the owners of registered dogs. When they register, new owners are automatically included in an outreach program designed to enhance the dog-owning experience.

The AKC will keep owners up to date on exciting dog events held around the country, on legislation affecting dog owners, and on advances and alerts on canine health. The AKC respects and honors the bond between dogs and humans. Whether a puppy is purchased as a show prospect, a hunting dog, a future agility star, or a beloved pet, the relationship between a dog and its owners is one that provides many rewards.

Those rewards can be multiplied with an AKC registration. As a breeder, you can help make that possible. Activation is required. Not available in all states and only available to U. Eligibility restrictions apply. Visit www. Compare Breeds Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side. Dog Name Finder Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration. Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid.

Additional Resources AKC. Clubs Offering: Training Classes. Two vital factors to keep in mind as you make your selection are temperament and health. Back to Top Step Six — Finalize Stud Contract You have performed all necessary health checks, genetic screenings, and selected the perfect mate for your bitch.

Proestrus: The bitch attracts males, has a bloody vaginal discharge, and her vulva is swollen. Proestrus lasts approximately nine days; the bitch, however, will not allow breeding at this time.

Estrus: During this period, which also lasts approximately nine days, the bitch will accept the male and is fertile. Ovulation usually occurs in the first 48 hours; however, this can vary greatly. Diestrus: Lasting 60 to 90 days, diestrus is the period when the reproductive tract is under the control of the hormone progesterone.

This occurs whether or not the bitch becomes pregnant. False pregnancy, a condition in which the bitch shows symptoms of being pregnant although she has not conceived, is occasionally seen during diestrus. Anestrus: No sexual activity takes place. Anestrus lasts between three and four months.

Back to Top Step Eight — Mating Natural Breeding Responsible breeders generally do not breed a bitch at the first heat to avoid imposing the stress of pregnancy and lactation on a young, growing animal. Artificial Insemination Artificial insemination is a relatively simple procedure that can be used when natural breeding is impractical.

Provide Proper Nutrition for your Pregnant Bitch A bitch in good condition should continue into pregnancy with the same caloric intake that she had during adult maintenance.

Very large breeds may only have a "heat" cycle once every months. The vulva will begin to appear swollen. It ends when all discharge ceases and the vulva has returned to its normal size. The most notable sign is vaginal bleeding. This may not become apparent until a few days after the female has actually come into oestrus.

Vulvar swelling should be taken as the first sign in addition to the female paying increased attention such as licking the area to her rear end. From the beginning of the heat period she will be attractive to male dogs, but will usually not be receptive, or allow mating, until about days later.

The discharge will usually become less bloodstained at this time. Some females experience heavy vaginal bleeding during oestrus. If you are concerned, please consult your veterinarian. You may also find that she is passing small quantities of urine more frequently.

The urine contains both pheromones and hormones which signal any interested males that she will be receptive soon. When an animal is in season, there is an increased blood supply to both the uterus and the ovaries. Dogs can be desexed whilst they are in season, but generally we try to do the surgery 8 weeks after the start of their last oestrous cycle.

This can be difficult.