My bitch is losing a lot of stringy discharge (plug im assuming) and is pacing and panting and pacing every so often, and is also asking to go outside (im going with her) frequently.

She did start panting and pacing a few nights ago but then settled back down. This time it has been intermittently for the last 3/4 hours.

Im unsure if it is stage one or a false alarm again...anyone had a bitch do this and they werent in labour?

No, but I have had quite a few bitches whelp on day 56.  Totally viable, normal whelpings, and pups just fine.

Well blooming heck, she would go and ruin my plans for a halloween themed litter!

How long have you known first stage to last at its longest? If it makes any difference she is a medium pastoral carrying a small litter for her breed (according to the scan).

Personally, longest I ever had first stage was 2 days, and I hated it.  (But I'm sure the bitch hated it more!)  :-(

I actually have a halloween bitch here myself (she's nearly 4 now.)

She is xxxx my affix Pumpkin Pie, and the girls at the vet surgery think it's great!

Love that name Jean, cute!

Ooooooh I'm so excited for you Drover! And a tiny bit jealous my bitch isn't getting a move on, she's due two days before yours!

Well nothing happened overnight, apart from her pacing and panting until 5am, then finally settling.

It's nearly Halloween, I reckon you can get away with themed names by now - great idea!

>apart from her pacing and panting until 5am

Oh!  Of course.  Part of the criteria is keeping you looking like a zombie.  :-)  :-) 

I had a bitch do this to me she continued until the day before the due date!!

One of mine paced etc. from the day she was due from first mating through two days and nights and vet visit, I was desperate for a decent sleep so covered the bed in a shower curtain and vet bed pad and took her to bed with me and we all slept very well.

Next morning she finally started proper contractions at 8am [Xmas eve], delivered a fluid sac at 21,30,the first pup 23.40hrs and 2 more pups with good breaks inbetween the last one being 02.50rs., I think she was hanging on to give me the best Xmas present ever.

Well, she has been settled all day and has now started the panting and restlessness again- she is determined that I will suffer almost as much as her! lol.

oh good luck and i hope things go well :)

Is it happening?!!

Nothing happened overnight, just very restless again, now sleeping after her breakfast.

my Inka did this to me in February for about a week finally whelping two days late to first mating ( so took to second mating).

Five or six days before whelping mine often go into a pseudo-labour but settle and wait till nearer their due date.

I was hoping to read some puppy news when I logged on today,she hasn't reached her due date yet so may just be having a practice run.

Here's to a safe and healthy whelping when she finally gets down to it.

Had another restless night from her, at one point i thought this is it as she was continually whizzing round to look at her back end, but then she settled again in the morning!!!

She has suddenly dropped now and pups are not as active as they were...she is asking to go out for a walk so shall take her for a stroll.

She went for a walk with my other dogs, had a 'clear out' along the way so I dont think it will be long now.

Very peaceful last night and i got a good 6 hours sleep on the sofa...fantastic!

Are the pups likely to quieten down before birth? Just my girls is very sensitive to her belly being touched now and last night when she was laid down i could see the pups moving more than ever- like they were trying to burst out of her stomach!!

She is day 60 today.