Nic.B

Interesting link . https://pethelpful.com/dogs/A-New-Study-May-Forever-Change-the-Way-We-Train-Our-Dogs there is another link to what has been released further down. I am not in any way spruiking this study, though it is an interesting study/read (for me) and something for each of us to digest no matter if a committed, responsible owner, trainer, behaviourist, vet, those of us working with dogs in any role.

Such great advice from experienced, compassionate, proactive professionals who have endless years of hands on experience, particularly with senior dogs. I personally know Powerlegs and Stelnmes care and commitment for senior dogs, truly amazing stuff, such an important role. Oldies are truly so special, always so very individual in their needs, it requires a holistic approach. We lost our darling old Kelpie Bella at 17 not that long ago. We took it a day at a time, everything we had done with Bella during her life with us (she was one amazing dog!) went out the window toward the end of her senior years :laugh: lets just say there was a lot of flexibility involved each day and god we laughed at times . It was very much a journey, I am so honoured we were able to have shared that experience with Bella . The thought of Bella being knowingly forced into a state of distress during this time is something I can not even begin to contemplate. For the OP, your little man is gorgeous enjoy this time and these experiences together. Find the humour in it all and remember we all get old. I am seriously going to be a major PIA if I get to that stage and have given the kids an idea of what they are in for :D

:laugh: Nice!

^This, even if it means 30 mins of casually doing other things while not acknowledging the dog at all. Do you food reward him upon entry at your house?

Thank God ! Perfect post for the op Simply Grand.

Probably. She likes following me around and has this thing about killing and culling which in these circumstances I disagree with.

Neither did I. Start a new topic then :)

Congratulations Tessic :) Mum and puppies are gorgeous! I would be no good as a registered breeder, whelping and raising a litter is such hard work! plus you invest so much emotionally into the litle dingbats. I honestly look like I stuck my finger in a power point after my first whelp :laugh: Your female sounds like a great Mum, I am so happy you have the support of your breeder and your vet. Good on you!

Tessic I am so glad you contacted your breeder, good on you! There are so many experienced people on DOL they can answer just about anything, otherwise they will advise off to the vet! I was very nervous and a worry wart for my first whelp and asked far too many questions, it all went really well with advice from DOLers. Others can give better advice though if she becomes wrestless and will not settle also take some time to gently (both hands) feel and become familiar with her belly. Once in labour you will feel her belly tighten up and then release, it becomes more intense prior to each birth.

I have had some bitches not go off their food at all. The belly dropping quite a bit is pretty good sign. I have had some also that don't nest right up until the last stage. Has she started to pant a lot and be quite restless? Keep an eye out for contractions, she could be having them, but they are not enough to start labor properly. I had that with one bitch - had complete uterine inertia and needed to have a C-sect. Have you made the whelping box a den? If not, grap a couple of high backed chairs or put a table over it and then drape a sheet over the sides to create a den. Sometimes this will help with nesting and her feeling more secure and not so open. Even if 63 days is today, she still could be a day or two out - depending on when she actually ovulated. Whether it was at the time of the mating, a day before or after. If nothing in two days, then I would talk to your vet. My first rescue whelp (Border Collie) never went off her food either and she didnt nest until 24 hours before whelp.

This is so true, places to go people to see!

This is me well at least until you are all on the same page. Pers idea of short, simple tricks and games is a great way to bond and build confidence. I am a control freak esspecialy with dog to dog interatctions Allowing unknown dogs to reach that level of arousal, and excitement with a toy gives me the willies! Once the incident has occured you are simply in damage control, it's too late. Understanding dogs body language and what it represents is important, great recall, contolled interactions (which is difficult at dog parks) and if things are getting a bit antsy, time out to settle down and think of something else, like you! I agree with Dancinbcs your dog is probably looking to you rather than your Husband. I would guide the pair of them through things. I am sure your Husband has learnt from the experience, so it's probably a good time to begin training :)

Are you able to seperate them 100% if you need to? Yes - we are using one of our spare bedrooms for the 'whelping' room and although both dogs are 'inside' dogs, our boy can spend most of his time outside and sleep in our room at night. BUT I am thinking it might just be better for him to go elsewhere. I think it is going to be much easier for all of you if your male has a holiday from what I have read.

No, rough play is not good for a female about to whelp. IMO the owner can put her energy into much more positive and constuctive things and interactions with her female aside from playing "rough" a week from whelp.

Are you able to seperate them 100% if you need to?