Hi,

I posted sometime ago asking about colours. Well I am happy to say my Bella is due next week on Election Day. As yet although she is like a barrel, she shows no sign of nesting .(Though the father dog rather likes the whelping box ) In fact she is so relaxed and eating everything she can. I feel like I am the one expecting!! Vet says  all is well and now we are just waiting for B day ! I think all this pregnacy stuff has addled my brain. Someone asked me how I was keeping the other day and I replied I was pregnant !!! I meant to say Bella was .. Duh.
Anyway on a more serious note, How long should I keep the dog away from mum and pups. They are very close and he hates to be apart from her. I must stress that myself or my daughter will be around at all times. Is the mum liable to lash out at the dog ?. All advice is appreciated thanks..

I keep my bitches and pups in a room the other dogs cannot rach for two weeks, I then bring them down to the kitchen where Mum continues to be watchful and toe other dogs know not to linger near the pups for more than a peep.  As they get more mobile she relaxes a bit and gradually visits from the others are permitted.

I would expect your bitch to object severely and attack the dog if he were to go near her babies in the early days.

My friend recently had a litter from her bitch.  She owns the bitches Mother Aunt and Brother.  it was very interesting that by two weeks she was happy for the Mother and Aunt to interact with the pups but wouldn't have the male dog (her brother) near them until they were running around (by which time he avoided them like the plague and kept up on sofas and chairs where they couldn't get him :D).

Hi Happylotty
My  Lacey is due about the same time (next Tues - Thurs depending on which mating) As I haven't had a litter for over 14 yrs its like the first time all over. She has shown no signs of nesting behaviour at all & is eating for England. Had some clear slimy mucous. Started taking her temp from Monday and it is usually about 36.6 - 37.1 in the mornings & 37.8 ish in the evening. As thermometer is new thought may not be working properly so tried it on my other dog and hers was 38.3. They sleep in with me anyway but now if she stirs in the slightest I'm awake. Good Luck!
Helen

Thank you both for your replies.. We are ready and waiting here.. armed with supplies like a field hospital.Good luck Helen, let me know when your pups have arrived.My bitch seems quite lively today and ready for a trot round the block.!!

I keep checking my list of supplies - even tho they've been ticked off long ago. Stocked up on extra coffee, got a list of things I can be getting on with in the house. Read and re read TBOTB. Now its waiting................
Good luck & let us know how it goes.
Helen

lol  Helen...Just rushed down the garden to water the greenhouse. Going to the Library. Have a options meeting at son's school. In between all these chores I keep checking Bella. Also have to go down to our shop to see hubby and relieve him for a while. I feel nervous going too far from home! Luckily older son has today off work and my daughter is off school Monday when I have to help hubbyto sell at outdoor holiday market. in a way its good being self employed, as we can work around dog sitting duties !! I feel like the expectant father ..

Somewhere will have to fit in time to vote too!!
Helen

here we are on day 63..no sign of pups as yet.. No temp drop , Bella is eating for England and is quite happy though snapping a bit at daddy dog! But there is a clear mucus discharge . Daddy dog seems to be doing all the nervous waiting with me. At least I have caught up on all the chores that needed doing !  Ho hum..... Come on Bella..

good luck wont be long now for you, we are on day 51 here
kerrie

Hi
everything crossed for you, I hope they don't keep you waiting to long.
Lilly

gool luck we are also on day 59 or 61!

Thanks to all of you for your replies..And best of luck to you all who are awaiting the big  day yourselves.. Will let you know what happens.... soon I hope

Jill

We are off.. Last night at 2AM bitch wanted to nest in the compost heap. ( Nice whelping box in the house!!) Got her out , then she shredded up a shoe and paper. Back into the compost heap at 6Am. had a sleep and now has loose motions and finally off her food. Really excited !

Jill

im so excided for you keep us imformed
and good luck
kerrie
xxx

macy is also digging her bed out all the paper! is going on the floor she is panting and restless i think its soon now what do ya think!

good luck to you all. it's so exciting!  big hugs for the mums ((((( ))))) and big hugs to help you all that are waiting ((( )))
xxx

Hello all !! nothing yet.. Bella has just decided to sit in her box peering out at me..She is wandering about a bit but not panting. Methinks a long night is ahead..Good luck to all expecting this weekend..

Jill