I was talking to a dog owner this morning and she was telling me that she has just found out that her three year old bitch is pregnant (unplanned) and she doesnt know what to expect. As I have a castrated male, I could not help her but said I would try to find out.
   Is the dog likely (if everything goes well) to deliver on her own or will the owner have to assist? Will she have to cut the cord and if so, what would she have to tie the cord off with? Does mum break the pups sack and clean it up? What else does this lady need to know? Please help as the lady thinks the pups are due around New Year. I usually see her on my morning walk, so would like to pass on any info as soon as possible and maybe put her mind at rest (if that is possible)

A bitch should NEVER be left alone to whelp, and some assistance is likely to be needed, if nothing more than checking pups are breathing and cleaning up.  The bitch may not know what to do at all, and then the breeder will need to break sacks, stimulaqte breathing, and cut cords, and put pup on teats.

It is best if possible to tear the cord by pinching with thumbnails, and they do not need tying off.  they can be cut with sterilised scissors about 2 inches away from pup.

The "Book of the Bitch" by Evans and White (ISBN 1 86054 023 6)  would be the best thing she could buy, and inform her Vet as soon as she starts and when she finishes.

If she knows nothing ask the vets to help, she will need to tell them just in case she needs help, like a c. section?

Try to find some-one who lives locally who knows about breeding dogs, and ask them to assist.  There is so much to learn about pregnancy and whelping that all the issues can't be dealt with on a message board.  A good book would be a step in the right direction too!

...and NO, you can't leave a bitch on her own to have the puppies.  No doubt many people have done so and got away with it, but the risk of complications it too big to take.