Getting Ready For The Puppies To Arrive

Dog breeders will likely be very excited and very busy during the pregnancy of a bitch. A great deal of time will be spent caring for the bitch but the breeders will also have to spend time getting ready for the puppies to arrive. The gestation period of a dog is only nine weeks long as opposed to the nine months required for the development of a human fetus. This being said, there is much less time available to make the preparations necessary to get ready for the arrival of one or more puppies. This article will outline some of the things breeders should do to prepare for the arrival of the puppies.

If the breeder will not be keeping all of the puppies from this litter it is important to start lining up potential homes for the puppies now. Once the breeding is complete you will want to start creating your puppy list and your waiting list. This process should include carefully screening potential buyers to ensure they can provide adequate homes for the puppies. Potential buyers should have a residence where the dog will be secure and where owning dogs is permitted, should understand the breed characteristics and be willing provide adequate mental and physical stimulation for the puppies. The amount of mental and physical stimulation required will vary depending on the breed. The breeder should be knowledgeable about the amount of stimulation required and should select homes that can meet these needs.

Breeders should also begin preparing contracts in preparation for the arrival of the puppies. An experienced breeder may already have a standard contract but care should be taken to review the contracts at each breeding to ensure they are still relevant. Breeders who do not have a standard contract may wish to speak to more experienced breeders and a lawyer while developing their contracts. One common stipulation in puppy contracts requires the new owner to spay or neuter the puppy unless they are being purchased for competition in the show ring. Another common stipulation in many puppy contracts require the new owner to return the puppy, or adult dog, to the breeder if they are no longer able to provide a suitable home instead of turning the puppy into a shelter or rescue group. Contract details should also clearly outline the fee structure involved in purchasing the puppy. This will often include the purchase fee as well as a non-refundable deposit to hold the potential owner's place on the puppy list.

Breeders should also begin creating a whelping box for the mother and the puppies in preparation for the arrival of the puppies. The bitch will likely begin sleeping in this area late in the pregnancy so it should be ready by then. The whelping box is the area where the mother and the puppies will spend most of their time in the first few weeks of the puppy's lives. This box should be large enough to accommodate the mother and the puppies and should have high sides. For the actual births it is a good idea to line the whelping box with newspapers to facilitate easy cleanup after the birth. However, once all of the puppies are born you will want to replace the newspapers with warmer bedding such as fleece blankets or towels. These should be washed regularly so it is a good idea to have a few sets of bedding on hand. Your whelping box should also include a small box lined with bedding and set near a heat source. You will keep the puppies in this box while the bitch is delivering the remaining puppies so they do not get too cold. Your whelping box should also include a trash can, paper towels and cleaning supplies nearby so it can be kept as clean as possible.

You will also need to compile supplies you may need for during the actual birth. First have your car and directions to an emergency veterinarian ready in case your bitch needs medical intervention to save her or the puppies. If the birth takes place at home have the following supplies ready:
* Sharp scissors
* Bulb syringe
* Powders used to stop bleeding
* Surgical gloves
* Dental floss
* Digital thermometer
* Clock
* Notebook