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Let me begin by saying I do not believe all dogs and people are created equal when it comes to breeding.  Health
and emotional well being of both the dog and the owner is something that needs to be considered and examined
closely before making the decision to do so.  I am not encouraging anyone to breed, in fact I would discourage most
people from doing it.  I don't feel I am any better than you are because I have decided to breed some of my cocker
spaniels.  What I do believe is I was better prepared than most because I researched and had experience with
working with animals and could be prepared to handle the unexpected and serious situations that can occur.
The following pages are based on my experience and opinions.  If/when you meet me you will find out I am not a
judgemental individual and would never tell you what to do or how to live your life.  That is your choice and I do truly
feel so long as no one is being hurt (including dogs and puppies) and no laws are being broken than who am I to
say what you do?

Whelping 101

These are the basics, you should do alot of research so you know what to expect.  This is
advice based upon my experiences only and not to be misconstrued as a "how to" manual.

First things first~ potential signs of distress!!!  IF ANY DOUBT CALL YOUR VET!
  • If your dog has been in labor for over an hour and has not delivered any pups you
    should call your veterinarian.  Some dogs are uncomfortable and pace before giving
    birth ~ this is not labor but pre-labor.
  • If your dogs gums are paler pink or white than normal you should immediately contact
    a veterinarian (including an emergency service if available).
  • If your dog gets a pup stuck half in and half out it is best to gently push the puppy back
    some into the birth canal and then allow the mother to try and deliver by pushing it out
    naturally.  Pulling on a puppy can kill it and damage the mother as well.

Items to have on hand.
  • Towels, towels and more towels.  I actually use all my old towels and wash cloths for this purpose and keep
    them in a "whelping bag" along with other essential items.  Who cares if they stain and they can be put in the
    washer or thrown away.
  • Thread, scissors, bulbsyringe, gloves if you are squeamish about blood.  
  • Telephone # for your vet and after hours vet services.
Giving Birth
  • Some dogs are "naturals" and can do this all on their own.  For a first time mother tho it is often best to stay
    with her the entire time and encourage certain behaviors such as breaking the puppy sack and having her
    chew the umbilical cord and eat the placenta.  Might sound gross but the placenta is rich in nutrients that Mom
    surely can use in feeding the pups etc.
The puppy sack and the Placenta.
  • When a puppy comes out of the birth canal it will either be enclosed in the puppy sack and have the placenta
    attached (thick mass of tissue usually blood red) via the umbilical cord or the mother may have broken the
    sac already.  If the sack is intact you need to get the puppy out of it immediately.  It will tear if you tug at it but
    some prefer surgical scissors as its easier.
Clearing the mouth
  • Clear the mouth of the puppy with a dry wash rag, open the mouth and clear the area around the tongue,
    wipe the nostrils and such.  I often wrap the pup in a small towel (including the placenta) while doing this so it
    does not get cold (as the puppy will be wet from the fluids contained in the puppy sack).
Clearing the throat/chest if not breathing
  • If the puppy does not cry and appears not to be breathing on its own use a Bulb Syringe to clear fluids from
    the back of the throat.  A quick suction should do the trick.
  • If that hasn't resulted in the puppy starting to breath on its own hold the puppy firmly in both your hands with
    the head at your fingertips and swing the puppy suddenly down (bring your hands down from your head level
    towards your legs).  This often helps to dislodge any mucuous and fluids stuck in the throat and or lungs.
  • if that still hasn't resulted in the puppy breathing on its own place your mouth over its nose and snout/mouth
    and give a short "blow" for breath.  Not a big one but a quick "puff".
  • Try also to stimulate the pup (see drying the pup below).
The umbilical cord
  • Best to let mom chew it off (her teeth will crush the blood vessels and limit any blood loss).
  • If mom isn't willing you can tie off the cord close to the pup (1/4 inch of cord can be left) with thread and then
    cut the cord.  Be sure to go back and remove the thread (and cut it short after you cut the cord) in an hour or
    so.
  • Some people have hemastats at home and can clamp the cord (again crushes the blood vessels) and cut off
    the end attached to the sack.  It is truly a matter of preference.
Drying the pup
  • Best to let mom clean the pup up (warm tongue made just for this type of job).
  • If mom is busy delivering another pup or does not know what to do then you should
  • Dry the mouth, then the face.
  • Work your way from the head to the shoulders, then abdomen, back and finish off with the limbs.  
    Rubbing and stimulating is good for the puppy's circulation.
Getting the Pup to nurse
  • Mom needs to keep the pup warm and the puppy has a natural instinct to look for a nipple to nurse from.  
    Sometimes it takes a bit for the puppy to find the nipple and begin nursing.  So long as the pup is near mom
    and kept warm it is best to let nature take its course and allow the pup to find the nipple on its own.  (you can
    gentle pinch the nipple to get milk to come to the surface and sometimes if the nipple smells of milk the pup
    will grasp on right away).
  • Sometimes if I have a particularly "hairy" mom I will shave her tummy/belly area a week or two before giving
    birth so its easier on the pups to find the nipple and navigate around.  (also makes it easier to clean up mom
    after she's given birth).
  • If mom appears not to have any milk it is best to contact your veterinarian.  Allow them to do an exam and
    advise you about nursing puppies with a bottle and formula.  

Next Pup on its way.../How much time in between pups.
  • Sometimes there is only moments before the next pup appears, sometimes an hour.  
  • If you do not see any progress for over 90 minutes but mom is still pushing and in labor call your vet and
    describe to them what you are seeing and or bring your dog in right away.
  • If you do not know how many pups to expect it makes it difficult to decide if mom is done or just resting.  Altho
    we had an ultrasound on one of our females and were expecting only 3 puppies and she delivered one every
    half hour for the first 4 and had an hour after that for pup 5 and then pup 6!!!
How long is labor.  When to decide its the last pup.
  • My general average here is 1 hour per pup.  Sometimes less sometimes more.  
  • 2 out of 3 of my females choose to give birth in the middle of the night.  They stay in our room with us 2 weeks
    before they are due and whelp in our room as well as raise the pups for the first 3 weeks at the foot of our
    bed.  I like to  keep a close eye on the puppies and listen for mom to go into labor while I sleep.
Why you should have the mom and pups checked out right away.
  • I strongly recommend having your vet check mom out the next day to make sure she didn't retain any of the
    placentas and to make sure she is producing milk adequately.  Some breeders in my opinion are over
    confident and think they can do this on their own.  Lose the mom and the pups and they will feel different, so
    why risk it?  
  • Having the vet check the pups for birth defects like a cleft palet, heart murmurs, aspiration of birth fluids and
    so on will save you grief later and prepare you for how to work around any problems.
So YOU want to have a Litter of Puppies!
Whelping 101
This website contains our photos and info about our Breeding Program and some other related information.  We
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