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Originally Posted by JeanieK  This is totally out of line. She has been in contact with her vet and is planning to take her in for a sonogram. Looks to me like she is taking the right steps.
No one was born knowing how to whelp puppies. Everyone had to start with their first litter and even experienced breeders lose Dams and puppies. |
I agree that spaying this pregnant yorkie would not be recommended just because the owner was remiss in learning about breeding/whelping BEFORE her dogs mated. There is still time for a crash course and with careful liaison with the vet and hopefully finding a mentor, this could all have a good outcome.
Still there are SO many questions that are not answered and I worry for the answers. Are the dam and sire breeding quality? What sizes, ages, and health histories? Are they truly the best examples of the breed to be perpetuated? What are the circumstances of the breeding program? Curiosity? Making money? Or really trying to breed a better yorkie and make sure the qualities laid out in the breed standards are carried forward?
Here is one of the best sources online for info (besides Yorkietalk that is)
Dog Breeding and Canine Reproduction by Debbie Jensen. Dog Breeding and Whelping guide for dog breeders. The video she sells would be a good investment but definately read all of the free info she has immediately. I would contact your nearest dog fanciers club or go to ytca.org and use their breeder referral function to find a yorkie breeder near you. Then I would beg to learn under their tutelege. If you found the breeder of your dogs knowledgable and ethical, you might try starting there. Finding someone who actually has a litter that they might let you witness being born would be a great help for you! But you can prepare yourself to help your girl by reading too. Read everything you can get your hands on. You owe it to your girl to be thoroughly prepared. They are not like a beagle or a lab -- they have been bred so small, many thing can and do go wrong. They need our help more often than not. The danger to the dam does not stop on delivery day either. You have to watch her very carefully afterwards. Many things to learn in a very short time. Good luck! Don't hesitate to ask you find a question about something you have read or experienced. Many good minds here to help!