Dogs Mating...

Dogs Mating...

The idea of dogs mating may embarrass some people. However, it is obvious that this is just nature's way to ensure survival of the breed.  True dog lovers appreciate that mating dogs is not only an essential part of a dog’s life cycle, but that it is an activity which is best approached in a rational way. As a caring dog owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that dog mating is only undertaken intentionally and that the biological needs of your canine friend are fulfilled at the correct time.

The first thing that should be remembered about dogs mating is that not only the dog, but also the bitch, should be at least two years old before the breeding process begins. When they are younger than two years of age, they are neither physically or psychologically ready for parenting, especially the mother. However, apart from the physical part of the process, there needs to be a good deal of planning that should be carried out by yourself, as the dog owner, if you have a mating dog in your household.

It is important that you have prepared in advance, what you will be doing with the consequential puppies, long before you consider introducing your dog to the mating process. You will not wish to have on your hands a litter of puppies that no-one wants and which will not receive the care and attention that each and every puppy deserves.

Before you begin the mating process, it is really important that you take your dog to the veterinarian for a comprehensive health examination. Your vet will then inform you as to whether your dog has any genetic defects which could be passed on to the puppies.

Regardless of whether your dog is the stud or the bitch, it is vital that he/she is tested for brucellosis, which is a sexually transmitted disease in dogs. This disease could result in the puppies being born dead. Therefore, in the early stages of considering mating your dog, a visit to the vet is absolutely vital in order to have him/her medically examined. Some breeds are particulary prone to birthing problems and your vet may then advise a caesarean delivery. Being aware of the breed and health of the dogs will go a long way in determining the future weight of the dog as well as their overall health.

You do need to fully understand the reproductive systems of dogs before you embark on any mating. By becoming knowledgeable, you will know the different techniques that are involved in dogs and mating without becoming influenced by the social aspect of the breeding. Female dogs generally experience two reproductive cycles on a yearly basis; this is a process that begins at puberty. The cycle begins with a vaginal discharge that is bloody and which may continue for 4 to 8 days. Once the discharge has stopped, the female will have a period of sexual receptivity. This is commonly known as being “in heat”, which typically lasts for 7 to 10 days.

Whilst the female is on heat, she will become interested in males and wander around searching for them. She will frequently urinate to inform the males that she is present and she will also display a flirty behavior with the males that she prefers. She will also make her intentions absolutely clear by lifting her tail and showing the males her rear end. Males are not as fussy about who they breed with.

Because the mother can experience a great deal of strain during her pregnancy, females should not be bred every season. Acceptable breeding programs include breeding every other heat cycle , or breeding during two consecutive heat cycles and omitting the third.

Dog mating is quite an impressive act, and once the process has been completed, the male and female are often “stuck” together. This is completely natural and may even be necessary for successful dog mating. However, if one of the dogs becomes active during this time, it is advisable to apply gentle restraint. Never attempt to forcefully pull the dogs apart, as this may cause unnecessary injury. If the mating process has been successful, the puppies will arrive in approximately 63 day time.

See also:  Dogs in Heat

                 Dog Whelping

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