| Not everyone is cut out to be a good dog breeder. If | | | | Your veterinarian can help you decide when the time is |
| you're willing to invest the time to learn how to breed | | | | right for dog breeding. Vets know about your animal, |
| healthy puppies and have a strong commitment to | | | | and they know how to perform and interpret the |
| your animals, dog breeding is a heart-warming | | | | necessary tests and physical exams. It's best to wait |
| experience. In fact, it's a lot of fun! | | | | until your vet tells you your female dog is ready to |
| The joys of dog breeding are limitless - waiting for the | | | | breed. If you don't give her enough time, you could lose |
| big day as the puppies develop in the womb, | | | | both mother and her puppies. |
| witnessing their entry into the world, and nurturing them | | | | Even when your vet has given you the go-ahead, you'll |
| through their first six to eight weeks of life can be a | | | | have to find the appropriate male to mate with your |
| tremendously rewarding experience. But to be a really | | | | little lady. Be sure the dog you choose for her is |
| good dog breeder, you must care about more than the | | | | healthy, and verify with his owner that he is of a pure |
| financial "bottom line." You have to have genuine love | | | | bloodline, particularly if you want to register your |
| and concern for the animals you've taken into your | | | | puppies. |
| charge. The best dog breeders create happy, healthy | | | | Mating usually works best when you bring your female |
| puppies for truly loving homes. | | | | to the male because the male needs to be |
| There's more to breeding dogs than one small article | | | | comfortable to perform his task. That usually happens |
| can cover. You have to know the best time of year | | | | in his own territory. |
| for breeding and how to provide the best environment | | | | Most female dogs aren't fertile until they've been in |
| for mating, birth, and early care. Good dog breeders | | | | heat about ten days, and they remain fertile for about |
| need to understand more than the dogs under their | | | | four days. Fertility periods vary, so consult your vet to |
| care: they must be able to maintain a successful small | | | | identify the most favorable times for mating. You'll also |
| business. Most of all, good dog breeders are willing to | | | | have to go through some trial and error to learn what |
| invest the time and effort necessary to learn all the ins | | | | works for your female dog. |
| and outs of breeding before they begin. | | | | Mating is only the beginning of a successful dog |
| Your most important building block in breeding happy, | | | | breeder's work. You'll have to be a dedicated nurse, |
| healthy puppies is your female dog. She must be in | | | | mid-wife, and nanny for your dog and her puppies. And |
| heat before she can breed. Typically, this happens | | | | good dog breeders are very careful to find warm, |
| every six to seven months. However, even though | | | | loving homes for their precious ones. You can find lots |
| she may go into heat while she's young, she may not | | | | of good advice and personal contacts to help you |
| be physically mature enough to carry, deliver, and care | | | | succeed through your vet, other breeders and, of |
| for her new babies. You should wait until your dog is | | | | course, through Internet websites dedicated to dog |
| physically mature before breeding her. For some | | | | breeding. |
| breeds, this may be two or more years of age. | | | | |