Here is the reality of breeding and yes just one litter on the way makes you a breeder.
Be prepared to take time off work within about a week of whelping which can happen 59-63 days after conception although can be early or late. Too early they are premature and increases the likelihood of losing the litter. There are still the ones that can be born dead for various reasons, you have to be ready to deal with that.
Someone has to be there during whelping and for about a week afterwards, perhaps longer if a new and especially inexperienced mom. Then there is what to do if one is a weakling how to get it nursing perhaps having to tube feed to help it then lose it anyway sometimes at 3, 7, 10 days of age.
At whelping, to know that all pups have been expelled and the placentas have come out. Does she need antibiotics? Most of the time they do a nd I always put them on for 7 days. I am lucky I have a knowledgable vet and always have them on hand. After whelping to be sure to watch for any complications on mom. You lose the mom you will be raising the puppies if they survive. That means 24 hour round the clock feeding of setting your alarm for every 60min to get up and feed and wiping bums etc to get them to potty.
Your responsibility continues through the weaning process as you have to feed and clean up after them. And watch for any health issues than can manifest now that they are no long supported by their moms system but their own kidney, heart liver etc. Sometimes things can go wrong you can lose a pup at weaning time or shortly after, hopefully before being sold so you deal with it not some brand new owner with their dear puppy. If that happens you reimburse the purchase price. You better have a contract outlining what you will cover as you could be liable for any vet fees they ran up in determining the problem. AS I read the posts on here, it came to light your bitch is fearful personality. Did you realize all her puppies likely will be. Attitude is very inheritable that’s a reason why breeders who know better would never keep one like that in a breeding program.
Then at 10 weeks first vaccs vet check. About 4 weeks later 2nd vaccs and vet check then they can go to a new home. Gee these are not out at the door at 8 weeks and you will be doing the cleaning up and care for them.
What about genetic diseases. Sire and dam can be carriers and not manifest a disease but their pups may. That’s one reason you need to know the pedigree, what dogs are in it and if anything has shown up in them or puppies produced. It is a tricky thing as carriers do not exhibit anything but pups can, sometimes a whole litter. One breeder I know of years ago produced a litter of 3 and 2 of the sibs came up with legge calves perthes. She was knowledgable about her line but it happened anyway. Such as it is in the breeding world..
I hope for your girls sake all goes well. Things can go terribly wrong even with a first litter. I have been doing this for about 18 years, have mentors, excellent Vets and let me tell you , no litter yet has been a walk in the park as I know what can go wrong, I know what has gone wrong.
Why do I do it? I have no idea it sure is NOT the money. I make nothing I don't break even I have to support us with my job I do. I have no vacations, income is chaotic as I chose to have my own business so I could take time off as needed. No paid holiday, no paid sick leave, no company pension plan no nothing. I am totally on my own with all that stuff. |