[lisatodd]

i really really hate to say this but if you do not know when to start counting days or when they are in standing heat, should you really be breeding her?

it really scares me when i see someone breeding who hasn't done the proper studding of the breed, breeding, history, genetics and health.

the penis has a bulb-like dilation at the base of the penis, which fills with blood and holds the penis within the vagina during intercourse. Within the penis is a bone that maintains the shape and direction of this organ during mating. this is the tie.

your bitch may have a silent heat in which blood would be very hard to detect especially when she is cleaning herself constantly. this is when you need to know when she is in standing heat.

the guide is to count 10 days after the first sign of blood but sometimes this can be missed.
also this is just a generic way of determine cycles. some bitches will ovulate as early as 5 days and some as many as 14 days.

the best way to determine this is to go to your vet and have a smear done to determine when she is ovulating.

there are many articles on the internet about breeding. i also suggest get books on this as well.

i am sorry if i came off strong but i just wanted you to know the seriousness of this. not being educated about breeding could mean life and death to puppies or mother.

i wish you all of the luck in the world and hope you have a smooth whelping experience.