The OP's question is below this post. I don't know why my answer keeps showing up above the question.
I have been breeding Yorkie for around 12 years and I definitely believe you should be there hands on to give the mom all the assistance she needs. Many first time moms will not know to cut the cords and break the sack so you must be prepared to do that. In fact I always do that my self, even with my experienced females. Why take the risk of letting a momma accidentally injure the puppy, which I have heard of happening a number of times. My husband and I work together whenever we are delivering puppies. Once the puppy is delivered and the cord is cut we usually tie it off with dental floss, dry the puppy, make sure the puppy is breathing well then put the puppy with the momma. Some puppies will come out wanting to suckle right away which is fine for them to do in between puppies. The suckling actually helps stimulate more contractions. We whelp the puppies in a big wicker basket on our bed. It is lined with old sheets and disposable bed pads. As more puppies come we will place the other puppies in a blanket out of the way while we are delivering a new puppy. Sometimes the puppies will be born close together and sometimes they may be an hour or so apart. We give the momma a little Nutri-cal between puppies. I will usually let the momma eat one or two afterbirths but if possible I will dispose of the others. After all the puppies are born we move momma and babies to a whelping box that has a puppy heating pad under it.
As far as handling the puppies, you can handle them all that is necessary to be sure they are nursing. The momma will not reject them because of this. After the pups are born you will need to monitor them closely and make sure they are nursing. You may have to help them latch on. You will also have to take the mommas temperature for several days after she has pups in case she starts getting an infection. Also keep a close eye on her nipples and if they become red, hard or lumpy, she may be getting mastitis and she will need treatment for that.
There is so much to learn about breeding and whelping puppies. I know you are nervous but that is normal. Even after breeding for 12 years I still get worried every time I have to deliver a litter. Unfortunately things don't always go as planned. We will be here for you have you have any more questions. Best of luck to you. | 