Originally Posted by bjh (Post 1647445)

When a female goes into labor they get very restless, try to hide and nest. This process can go on for hours, depending on your female. Your female needs to be able to relax but she has to be watched like a hawk. As the puppies move down the birth canal the mom will have the urge to potty, sometimes they will poop several times. It is good for them to be able to move around some until it is close to delivery time. I alway retire to the bedroom with my expectant mothers. We get on the bed and I watch TV and watch them closely. Once the hard contractions start (the bitch will be pushing really hard, poor baby) you should generally expect a puppy within one hour. I have a big wicker dog bed I place on the bed for the moms to have their puppies in. I have it lined with sheets and disposable bed pads. When the bitch is near delivery a big bulge will appear, this first bulge is usually a water bag. Usually after the water breaks the next bulge will be a puppy. Some females let out a yelp when the puppy pops out and others are very quiet about the whole process. The main thing is to be there when the puppy is starting to come out. Sometimes the bitch may need assistance if the puppy is large or coming out breached. You may have to gently work the puppy out. Many 1st time mothers do not know that they are supposed to break the sac so I always do that as soon as the puppy comes out. I also cut the cord and tie it off. Then I let the mom take over. Best of luck.....keep us posted.