My lovely golden retriever Buffy is expecting her (and my) first litter in just under two weeks, I would welcome any advice I can get. I have read many books and taken advice from her breeder, the books read like horror stories! We are as prepared as I think we can be but any tips from experienced hands would be appreciated so I know what to expect. It's hard to find breed specific information on whelping and experienced breeders forget how terrifying it can be!

Jane and Buffy

Oooh - puppies :D :D :D :D :D Don't you just love 'em!!

Firstly congratulations on the impending birth and I hope all goes well. :) Does your breeder live close enough to be with you during the whelping incase you need any help?

If not, is there someone else who's experienced in whelping who could be with you. If you need to get Buffy to the vets in a hurry it would really help if there was someone else to help get her in the car and to drive so you could stay in the back with Buffy. Keep the vets number by the phone and call them the day before she's due to remind them about you and to check the emergency number you've got is the right one.

I can't think of anything else, so good luck - please register with Champdogs so you can keep us up to date on how things go.

Fiona
x x x

Oh how lovely for you:) Well unfortunately I can't help re the breeding part but I can offer good luck and best wishes:) I bet you're so nervous aren't you, there are quite a few people on here who are experienced enough though to help and offer advise:)

Stacey x x x

I have now registered with some difficulty, I have to say! These navigations are a nightmare!

Jane

Hello Jane a few pointers from the top of my head- when I come on- I have the site in the address bar so I come straight on- I click on active topics to see all the threads that have recently been posted on- use the help at the top of the page to see how to use the smilies and change your text to bold or underline etc:)

Welcome aboard:)

Stacey x x x

OOOOOOHHHHHH lucky you!!! My best advice is to have someone there with you for moral support if you can - if possible someone who has experience with whelping. Relax, keep calm and enjoy!!! Let us know won't you.

Jane, I can really recommend the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association welping video, books and chats with breeders are one thing but I am sure, like me at my first litter, you can't imagine how things really happen. It costs about £20 or so and you should just have time to order one I think from DBI communication 01926 497695.

They also do a really good video on rearing and socialising for the first 6 weeks which as you can imagine they set great emphasis on.

Please feel free to mail on emma@amberscade.fsnet.co.uk and I will try and give you all the help you need xxxxx

Hi I recommend "the book of the bitch" by kay white and jim evans, its the bitch owners "bible". Also dont worry- easy to say I know, but Retreivers are generaly easy whelpers and usually have quite a few puppies ,so having a few big ones, which may be difficult to deliver, will probably not be an issue. Learn as much as you can from books and the internet and get her a nice place ready to have them with a safe heat source and cosy vet beds. Most whelpings are normal and happy events, though sadly in large litters one or two are sometimes lost, but the chances are if she is happy and relaxed and you do your best to keep a cool head, she will do it all on her own anyway!!

Westie Lover ,

I got that book and read it in 2 days at work it is excellent. Glad you recommended it.

I'll need to read it again and again. then when it ever comes my turn I am going to put you all up here for a month..

Pam ;-)

Good luck , hang around. I have no knowledge but follow the welping threads as they are great..

The more experience will be here soon..

Pam

Go for the book of the bitch, my vet gave me one (well, sold it to me) before my first litter and it religiously comes back out when I need it, very helpful and easy to read, best of luck with your pups

Lorraine