Normally if you put a healthy female in heat down with a healthy male � nature will take its course. This is true of the vast majority of breedings. However, there are times when things don�t go quite as planned. Sometimes this is a human mistake, sometimes a canine problem, and sometimes it�s just an act of god.
The most common human mistake is to put the pair together too soon. Canine estrus has three phases. They are slightly different for each bitch. The first phase, pre-estrus � is characterized by bloody spotting and swelling of the vulva. It usually
The most common canine mistakes are caused by inexperience and nervousness. Sometimes a young male, though willing, won�t have the mechanics worked out quite right and may need help to hit the bullseye. Other times a bitch may be nervous, or may not find the male attractive, and will refuse to stand. At such times the owner holding the bitch�s head can prevent the male from receiving some potentially dangerous bites. Generally, a rule of thumb is to bring the bitch to the male so she will feel less dominant outside of her own territory, while he will feel more assertive in his own territory. Also, if the bitch is still nervous after the tie (dogs remain connected for up to a half hour) it may be necessary to hold her or tie her up. An agitated bitch can seriously injure a male during the tie.
Finally, there are times when two willing dogs can�t seem to tie � or even after a successful tie the bitch doesn�t conceive. Often these are health related problems, and a trip to the vet can clear up the mystery. Sometimes these problems can be solved � sometimes they can�t.
CONCLUSION
Once you pick the stud and dam � and roll the dice � you won�t really know if you�ve been successful for at least a year or two. That�s when you can get feedback from those that bought your pups. If you�ve hit a homer with the litter, the feeling of pride and accomplishment will more than cover for the hard work and time that you put into creating the litter.
