Dogs reach puberty at about 6-9 months of age and learn the behaviour needed to mate (eg mounting) through play. Dogs are great individuals so bringing a bitch to a dog is probably the best way to do things.
A bitch will reach puberty and come into heat first from 6-18 months of age. If not pregnant. she will return to heat every 6-9 months.Pregnancy in a bitch lasts from 58-63 days.
A working bitch will still want to work right up the time before birth, so watch her carefully to make sure she’s not injured as she slows up with her extra load!
Pups are born blind and deaf, and the world of sight and sound only opens up to them at about three weeks of age. So they are very “touch” conscious animals at birth, and this “contact comfort” stays with them for the rest of their lives. This is why the greatest reward you can give a working dog is a reassuring pat!
Pups are quite active soon after birth, but stay near each other and seek out warm surfaces because near these, teats and milk can usually be found. The side-to-side movements of very young pups as they move short distances, show how they are looking for those teats. The bitch often encourages them towards her teats by licking.
Establishing yourself as a pup’s pack leader is vital, and it needs to be done before 12 weeks of age. A method used by some dog handlers is simply to lay the pup flat on the ground and hold it down with both hands. If it struggles, shake it (which is what a bitch does) and growl or raise your voice.
ARTICLES ON MATING,BIRTH AND WEANING OF WORKING DOGS
The following articles(in Blue) are provided on Mating, Birth and Weaning of Working Dogs.
