My Shiba had a litter at the start of this yr - but only 1 puppy. The sire is a proven sire & she was mated three times alternate days (bitch was flirting away and tied on each). I did not do blood tests as these have not been right in the past and I prefer to rely on what the bitch and dog behavours are like. I want to repeat the mating next year any suggestions on how to improve fertility ? (her litter sister had 4 puppies in her first litter in 2002) As it happens the single puppy was kept and has done very well in the ring so far, but I just would like to be given a choice next time!!!! (apart from that it was harder to wean him and socialise him with him being the only one)