How Can I Help My Male Dog Successfully Mate?: Step by Step Procedure for the Successful Dog Breeding

How Can I Help My Male Dog Successfully Mate?: Step by Step Procedure for the Successful Dog Breeding

 Puberty or sexual maturity in the female dog usually occurs around nine or ten months of age. Smaller breeds tend to go into estrus or ‘heat’ earlier, even as early as four months of age in some females, while in large and giant breeds, it can take up to two years. For many dogs, the first heat is ‘silent’ or does not have clinical signs associated with estrus. Additionally, many dogs’ first estrus cycle is unlikely to allow successful breeding, therefore the standard practice is to wait until the second or third heat cycle before breeding.

Benefits of successful mating

Mating is an important part of any dog’s life, and it is important to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible. There are many benefits to successful mating, such as increased fertility of the female dog, increased chance of a litter of puppies, and the potential for a larger litter size.

Successful mating can also bring the satisfaction of knowing that your dog helped contribute to the continuation of the breed. If you plan to breed your dog, it can open up a revenue stream and provide an additional income. When it comes to mating, preparation is key.

Ensuring your male dog is healthy is essential. Your veterinarian can give you advice on the best diet and exercise regime for your dog, as well as recommend any necessary vaccinations or health checks.

You should make sure the environment is suitable for successful mating, including providing a comfortable, safe, and secure area for your dogs to breed. With the right preparation, mating can be a successful and rewarding experience.

Do you know how to breed your female dog?

A female dog will have her first heat cycle from four months of age up to the second year (tiny dogs come into heat early, so the first heat can depend on the size and the breed)—and although it’s physically possible for her to get pregnant that early, she should not be bred until her second or third estrus.

Dog heat cycle stages

There are 4 stages to the heat cycles in dogs.

Proestrus stage

This is the first stage of the dog heat cycle and can last from 3 to 17 days, with most dogs averaging 9 days. During this stage, you may notice symptoms such as:

• Appetite changes– Your dog may seem hungrier than usual, or may be eating less. Whichever the case, it’s a good clue that the Proestrus stage has started.
• Personality changes– Just like humans, your dog may be rather grumpy during this time. She may also be more affectionate and clingy to you.
• Swelling of the vulva – This is a good way to tell that your dog is in the first stage of the heat cycle. Light bleeding usually occurs during the first few days and gets heavier after that.
• Tail tucking– Your dog may tuck her tail between her legs or sit down when another dog is nearby. She does this to protect her vulva.

Estrus Stage

The Estrus stage is the second part of your dog’s heat cycle. This stage can last for 3 to 21 days and similar to the Proestrus stage, an average of 9 days.

It is during this time that your dog’s ovaries release eggs for fertilization. Your female dog may look for some male company by wanting to go outside more often. Besides this, you may also notice the following:

• Softening of the vulva– The swelling during the Proestrus stage subsides to ready so that the vulva is soft enough for penetration.
• Lightened discharge– The red discharge now lightens to a pinkish color
• Flirtatious behavior – Instead of tucking her tail your dog may try to get male attention by turning her rear towards him as well as holding her tail high.

Diestrus Stage

Once the fertile period of the Estrus stage comes to an end, it is called the diestrus stage. Your dog is no longer fertile at this point. This stage lasts until your dog gives birth to puppies if she has been impregnated, which will be in 60 to 90 days. During the Diestrus stage, you will notice:

• Swelling of vulva gradually disappearing– Although the vulva may still be a little enlarged, most of the swelling usually settles within a week.
• Less flirting– Your dog is not longer interested in mating

Anestrus Stage

The final stage of the dog heat cycle is also known as the resting stage. This period lasts for 100 to 150 days. The heat cycle starts over at the end of Anestrus stage.

Dog mating process 

The dog mating process can be divided into three parts.

First stage coitus

First stage coitus takes approximately 2 minutes. The male dog will sit on the female dog. As dogs will not be able to stay in this position for long due to severe cramps that will occur, they will change position.

The turn

The turn to change position takes about 5 seconds. The males dog achieves this by swinging one of its hind legs over the female dog’s body.

Second stage coitus

Second stage coitues can be anywhere from 5 to 45 minutes. The male and female dog will be standing rear to rear during this stage. Part of the male dog’s penis swells and enlarges while the female dog’s vaginal muscles contract against the male dog’s penis. This ‘tie’ prevents the penis from being withdrawn.

After that first cycle, she will come into heat about every 6 months, but it can vary from 4 to 12 months.

Steps to Take Before Breeding Your Dog

• Make sure that you have a home for any puppies that will be born. There are already too many puppies and adult dogs being killed at animal shelters, so you should not breed your dog just because she is nice or because you want to show the kids the miracle of birth.
• If you are sure that you want to put your dog through this process, take her to your regular veterinarian for a health exam before you start.
• If possible, have her DNA tested for any genetic diseasesthe breed is affected by. The test needs to be evaluated by an experienced breeder, as not all genetic diseases are heritable.
• Have her hips or other potential problem joints x-rayed and certified.
• Contact the owner of the male dog so that he or she knows the approximate date you will be bringing your female dog.

Breed a Dog in Her Heat Cycle?

If you have been watching your dog carefully, you will know when she is ready to be bred. The “spotting” that she has been doing around the house will first turn clear and then might stop altogether. That is when your dog will stand and allow a male to mount and breed her.

Some breeders recommend having vaginal smears completed before breeding so that you will be aware of the best breeding date. Others have vaginal swabs done both before heat and during the first few days of their heat cycle. The most accurate way of determining her best breeding date would be a progesterone assay .

How Often Should the Male Breed Her?

If you are using frozen sperm (artificial insemination), knowing the time of ovulation is important, but it’s not really necessary if there’s a male available. The sperm will last inside her for about five to seven days, so if you breed her as soon as she is willing, then breed her again every two or three days until she is no longer willing to allow the male to mount; this means all of her eggs will be fertilized. Healthy sperm will be present inside her when she ovulates (and the eggs are too immature to be penetrated), when the eggs are ripe, and even later when the eggs are dying.

If your female dog is resistant to mating, there are several possible reasons. She may not even be in heat, but if you are sure she is, the most likely problem is that she does not want to mate with the male. A female that does not want to mate with a male will need a little assistance.

If you have an experienced breeder working with you, they can show you the best way to restrain your dog. If you are not working with a breeder, be careful; if done improperly, it can be dangerous for both you and your dog.

What Should I Do During the Breeding?

Stay with your dogs during breeding. My Siberian Huskies always knew what to do and never required any interference. When dealing with some breeds, though, you will need to support the female (so that she does not collapse under the weight of the male) or even lift the male up into place.

The male will mount the female and the bulbis glandis will swell so that he is “tied” to the female for about twenty minutes (it may be as short as two minutes or as long as half an hour). He will usually swing a back leg over and will stand, tied with the female in a tail-to-tail position.

Do not separate your female from the male at this point. Do not yell at them, throw water on them, pour ice on them, or try any of the other crude methods I have heard about over the years.

Stay close and keep the female from rolling around and damaging the male, but do not try to separate them. It will all be over soon enough.

What Should I Do After the Breeding?

After the dogs have bred successfully, it is a good idea to walk the female around but do not allow her to crouch to urinate for at least 20 minutes. This may not be necessary, as by that time, most of the sperm is up inside the female, but it is a good practice to follow.

How often do female dogs come into estrus?

On average, estrus occurs about twice a year, although it varies from dog to dog. Small breeds tend to cycle more regularly than larger breeds. The interval between heat cycles tends to be four to twelve months with an average of seven months. An exception is the Basenji and other sled dog breeds, as they tend to go into heat only once per year, typically in the spring.

What are the signs of estrus in dogs?

Vulvar swelling is the first physical indication of an impending estrus cycle. However, the most obvious recognizable sign is vaginal bleeding. This may not become apparent until a few days after the female has come into estrus. Some female dogs experience heavy vaginal bleeding during estrus, while other dogs have minimal bleeding. If you are concerned about your dog, consult your veterinarian.

From the beginning of a female’s estrus period, she will be attractive to male dogs, though she will usually not be receptive or allow mating until seven to ten days into her cycle. As the cycle progresses, the color and appearance of the discharge change. In the beginning, it is usually quite bloody and thick in appearance, then gradually changes to a watery, blood-tinged discharge. The receptive period for mating usually corresponds to this change in the appearance of the discharge.

You may also find your female dog is passing small quantities of urine more frequently. The urine contains pheromones and hormones, both of which signal interested males that she will be receptive soon.

How long does an estrus cycle last?

Cycle length varies, averaging two to three weeks for most dogs. The cycle begins with the first signs of vulvar swelling or vaginal discharge. It ends when all discharge ceases and the vulva has returned to its normal size.

How do I determine the best time to mate my dog?

This can be difficult. Most dogs ovulate and are receptive around the eleventh day of estrus. The discharge is usually less bloody (often described as a salmon color) and the female will be actively looking for a male. The female may stand and present her hind end for the male to be mounted or she may tuck her tail to the side. However, ovulation may occur either early or late during the heat cycle.

Are there any tests to determine when to mate my dog?

Yes. There are two simple tests that your veterinarian can perform:

1. Vaginal cytology or vaginal smears.A simple microscopic examination of vaginal cells will detect changes in cell appearance and numbers. This technique has been used for many years and is reasonably reliable. It is non-invasive and does not cause discomfort to the female. Most vaginal smears are performed over several days to look for changes in the cells that predict ovulation and the best time for breeding.
2. Serum progesterone test.This test measures the progesterone level in the blood. It is very sensitive and has become popular due to its accuracy. Some dogs will require several tests done over a series of days to predict ovulation. Some veterinarians prefer another daily blood hormone test, LH (luteinizing hormone), instead of serum progesterone. Your veterinarian will discuss the different testing options and which is best for your dog.

“The serum progesterone test is a good indicator of when mating is most likely to be successful.”

Your veterinarian may be able to perform both tests at the clinic, though sending samples out to a laboratory provides more accurate results. The serum progesterone test is a good indicator of when mating is most likely to be successful. It is useful for females with a history of unsuccessful mating or females who will be traveling a considerable distance to the male dog.

What can I do to ensure mating is successful?

Surprisingly, male dogs appear to be more stress-sensitive than females during mating. Successful matings are more common when the male dog is in his own environment. For this reason, females are usually taken to the male dog’s home for breeding.

The time of mating is extremely critical, and it is highly recommended to have your female tested to determine the optimal days for breeding. For most females, the best time for breeding is between the tenth and fourteenth day of estrus. However, some females ovulate as early as the third or fourth day or as late as the eighteenth day.

It is normal to arrange for two matings (also called stud services) for your dog, often 24 to 48 hours apart. Check these details with the owner of the male when making initial inquiries. Also, be sure to ask what will happen if your female dog does not become pregnant as a result of the stud service. It is common for the owner of the male dog to offer a free service next time.

I was told that my female had tied well with the dog. What does this mean?

During coitus, part of the dog’s penis (bulbis glandis) swells and enlarges. The female’s vaginal muscles contract against the bulbis glandis, preventing the penis from being withdrawn. This is the ‘tie’ that is considered a desirable feature of successful mating. It is important to note that pregnancy can occur without a tie. Once tied the male dog will often step over the female or be turned by handlers into a position so that the dogs are back-to-back. The tie will usually last for five to ten minutes.

What should I do if I find my dog tied to another during a mismating?

There is little point in trying to separate animals that are locked together in this way. Buckets of cold water, water pistols, cap guns, and so forth do little to speed up the process of separation and merely upset or potentially injure the dogs. In fact, forced separation can result in serious injury to the female and should be avoided. If a mismating occurs, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible so your options can be reviewed.

Can I separate dogs while they are mating? 

You should never forcefully separate dogs during the mating act. As the female dog’s muscles are contracted and the male dog’s penis is swelling, it will not only upset the dogs but also cause serious harm to them.

While it can be rather embarrassing for onlooking humans, the mating act between the dogs is a normal dog behavior.

Can you spay a dog in heat? 

Dogs can be spayed when they are in heat but this might cause bleeding and other surgical complications. As such, most vets prefer to wait until the resting stage to avoid complications.

The best age to spay your female dog would be at around 6 months. Male dogs are usually neutered when they are between 5 to 10 months. Your vet will know the best age for surgery for your dog, depending on its breed and size.

The Mating Procedure

Most canine couples are capable of carrying out a breeding under a watchful breeder’s eye. However, you may need to help the dogs into position if one or both have difficulty. A female that is ready to be bred will allow the male to sniff and lick her vulva as she holds her tail up and out of the way. Ideally, the male will then mount the female from behind and proceed to penetrate the vulva with his penis. The basics of the mating procedure include the following.

The Tie

In just a few moments, two glands on either side of the penis will begin to swell inside of the vulva, producing a clamping response from the female that results in a tie. During the tie, the majority of the sperm are delivered into the canal. The male may choose to remain on top of the female or slightly off to her side. He may also twist around, so the two are facing in opposite directions. The important thing is to calmly keep them from pulling on one another, so neither dog’s genitals are injured.

The tie typically lasts from 10 to 30 minutes, after which the swelling subsides, and the dogs can separate. A tie is normally needed for a successful breeding. However, a dog can still become pregnant even if they don’t end up tied during breeding.

Some dogs may become anxious after they are tied for a certain amount of time. Do not attempt to help your dogs if you find they are tied to one another. While female dogs may cry, whine, snarl, or bark at times, it’s vital to remember it’s a natural reaction to the process at times. Separating them, unfortunately, is not a natural process and can harm both dogs and cause them additional anxiety. Allow the process to complete, and the dogs will become untied once their bodies begin to relax.

Preparation

Making sure your male dog is healthy is critical for a successful mating. Visit your vet for a check-up and discuss any potential problems with your pup. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on all its vaccines and is free of any infections and parasites.

Provide your pup with the proper nutrition and exercise to keep him healthy and happy.

Ensuring the environment is suitable for mating is also important. Make sure the area is quiet, safe, and clean. The mating should take place on neutral ground where neither the male nor female are territorial.

Make sure you are prepared with extra towels, blankets, and other materials that may be needed.

Be sure to provide plenty of positive reinforcement. Give your dog a treat afterwards, and let him know that he did good. This will help increase his confidence and make him more comfortable when the time comes to mate again. With the right preparation, your male dog will be ready to successfully mate.

Making sure your male dog is healthy

Before attempting to breed your male dog, it is vital to make sure that he is healthy. Make sure that he is up to date with his vaccinations and that he is parasite-free.

It is also important to ensure that he is in good physical condition. Check for any unusual bruises or lumps, and ensure that he is not overweight.

It is important to make sure that your male dog’s reproductive system is in good health. Take him to the vet to be checked for any problems that may interfere with successful mating.

It is vital to assess the mental health of your male dog as well. Do not attempt to breed him if he is overly anxious, aggressive, or uninterested in breeding. If his behaviour is not right, it may be because of poor breeding, so take him to the vet to be checked.

Make sure that your male dog is used to being handled and is not easily scared by loud noises or sudden movements. Be sure to check your male dog’s dietary needs and make sure that he is getting the proper nutrition he needs.

Feed him a diet rich in protein and fat, and avoid overfeeding him or giving him any treats. Make sure that he is receiving all the vitamins and minerals he needs for healthy breeding. If you follow these steps, you can rest assured that your male dog is in good physical and mental condition to successfully mate.

Ensuring the environment is suitable

When it comes to ensuring the environment is suitable for successful mating, it’s important to make sure the setting is comfortable and accommodating to both your male dog and the female. This means having a clear area for them to move around, as well as providing access to food and water.

It’s also important to keep noise and distractions to a minimum, to prevent any hindrance during the process. If you’re breeding indoors, make sure the temperature is not too hot or cold, otherwise it can be uncomfortable for the dogs. Having a calm and supportive environment can help your male dog feel comfortable while he is mating.

It’s also important to be mindful of the other dog’s needs as well. Is the female in heat?

Is she comfortable with your male?

Make sure she is not overly scared or uncomfortable with your male dog, as this could lead to unsuccessful mating. It’s important to be aware of any potential aggression between the two dogs. Make sure the male dog is not being too rough with the female or vice versa. It’s important to be mindful of both parties throughout the entire process.

The Art of Mating

Mating your male dog is an important part of breeding, and your dog’s success can be greatly affected by how prepared you are. Start by making sure your pooch is healthy and up to the task. If he’s been neutered lately, wait a bit before attempting to mate.

Make sure his diet is appropriate and his vaccinations are up to date.

Create an environment that’s suitable for breeding. Make sure the temperature is comfortable and there are no distractions.

Once you’re confident your dog is ready, understanding the mating process is essential. Position him correctly and make sure the female is close enough that they can both fit comfortably. You’ll want to help him mount and make sure his hips are locked with the female.

At this point, the tie will start and it’s important that you don’t intervene too much as it can interfere with the final outcome.

In the end, successful mating has many benefits for both the male and female dogs involved. It’s important that you take your time and prepare properly so your dog can experience the full benefits of a successful session. With the right preparation and understanding of the mating process, you can help your male dog experience a positive, rewarding experience.

Understanding the process

Mating has to be done correctly for it to be successful. Make sure you understand the process and what is expected of your male dog.

It’s important to know the basics about canine reproduction, including the sexual organs, hormones, and the different stages of the mating process. Educate yourself on the signs of heat in female dogs, and the different behaviors that males may display during mating.

It’s also important to position your male dog correctly during mating. Make sure you and your dog are both comfortable and in the correct positions for a successful mating. Hold your dog’s hindquarters in the correct way and ensure that the female is in the right position for your male dog to penetrate her.

The tie is a critical part of successful mating. If the tie lasts too long, it can be dangerous for the female dog.

If it doesn’t last long enough, the mating may not be successful. Be sure to guide your male dog through the process until the tie is complete and successful. Be sure to adhere to the timing and duration of the tie, as recommended by your veterinarian.

Positioning

When it comes to helping your male dog mate, positioning is key. Make sure your dog is comfortable with the female and that the two of them have enough space to move around.

Encourage the female to mount by gently holding her hips and lifting her up onto the male. Never move the female away from the male until the tie has occurred.

If the female is uncomfortable or scared while trying to mate, it’s best to end the session and try again another day. Once the female is positioned correctly, it’s best to keep your hands away. This will allow the natural process to take place and help ensure a successful mating.

Be sure to speak in a calm, reassuring manner to your dog while they’re mating to keep them relaxed and comfortable. While it may be tempting to interfere and help things along, it’s best to let nature take its course.

The tie

The tie is an important step in the mating process, so take your time and make sure to do it right. To start, make sure your male dog has a good grip on the female’s neck.

Your dog should not be too rough or aggressive, but should be confident and secure. He should maintain his grip for at least a few minutes, allowing enough time for the male’s sperm to be released.

If your male dog is having trouble, you can help by gently holding the female’s tail to provide some support. This will help to make the process more successful. Once the tie is complete, the semen will have been released, and the mating process is complete.

You should then separate the two dogs and allow them to rest. Make sure to pay attention to both animals and watch for any signs of stress or anxiety. If either dog appears distressed, or if you feel that the mating process is taking too long or is uncomfortable for either of them, separate them and look for another breeding opportunity.

Care After Breeding

Directly after the mating, it is best to confine the female to her crate for the next 30 minutes to keep her from urinating and expelling a good deal of the stud’s semen. As for the stud, you should make sure the penis has fully retreated into the sheath. Do not force this to happen; just keep him quiet and check from time to time.

 Ethical Concerns

Dogs don’t have to mate as a biological or health need, even if you plan to not spay or neuter. If you’re considering breeding your dog, there are a few key issues you need to think about.

• Why do you want to produce a litter? If it’s simply for monetary gain, this is not a good enough reason to go through with it. If it’s to produce a puppy, you can keep as a companion for your current pet, it would be far safer and less expensive to adopt another pet from a shelter.
• Will you really be able to find a home for each potential puppy? There are so many pets sitting in shelters right now that producing another litter could simply add to the crisis.
• Are your dogs healthy enough to breed? Any breeding dog should have a health checkup from your veterinarian. Dogs that have ongoing medical or physical conditions, congenital defects, or temperament problems should not be used for breeding.

Appropriate Age for Mating Dogs

Now consider the proper breeding age for your pet. Females may come into their first heat cycle at 6 months old, but this doesn’t mean they are ready for breeding. Likewise, a 4- to 6-month-old male may be physically willing and able to produce a litter, but he is still too young to use as a stud.

No dog should be used for breeding until physically and mentally mature. Breeding too young can deplete a dog’s own resources, can stunt development, and, in extreme cases, can result in injury or death. All dogs used for breeding should also be up to date on all vaccinations.

General maturity guidelines:

• Small dog breeds: Between 12 and 18 months old
• Medium-size dogs: Between 15 and 18 months old
• Large dog breeds: Approximately 18 to 24 months old

Some will say that you can breed starting with the second heat, but it really should be dependent on their age and maturity, as heat cycles can vary greatly from dog to dog.

As far as what age is too old for breeding, in general, it’s best to retire a dam from breeding around age five, although studs may continue until approximately 10 years old, depending on their fertility.

Preparation of the Dam

Most importantly, you should observe your female for signs of readiness during her heat cycle. Ideally, it’s a good idea to have your female bathed right before she is due to come in season and have the hair trimmed away from the area directly around her vulva. As for nutrition, it’s important that your dam-to-be is at the desired weight for her size. Obesity presents problems during labor, and an underweight dam is already starting at a deficit when she must share her own resources with growing pups.

Selecting the Stud

When selecting a stud for a female, you should consider his size. While males are typically larger than females, an ideal couple is close to the same size and weight. The female doesn’t carry the whole weight of the male during breeding, but a significantly larger stud could hurt her. In addition, consider the size of the potential puppies when cross-breeding. If the puppies are too large for birth, the female dog may need a C-section.

Preparation of the Stud

Stud management is much the same as it is for the female, although the male’s role is much shorter in the entire litter production. The dog should be thoroughly bathed and any excess hair carefully trimmed away from the prepuce. It is possible for a male to give a dam an infection, so taking care to keep the genitals clean and free of debris is essential. The stud should also be a good weight and fed a well-balanced diet to maintain peak physical condition. However, it’s wise to refrain from feeding the stud until after the breeding has taken place, or he may throw up his dinner.

How Often to Breed

The next question is usually, “How many days will a female dog let a male mount her?” Although you cannot solely rely on breeding according to the day of the female’s season, many successful breedings are carried out over days nine, 11, and 13 of the cycle. It is only necessary to allow one good breeding each day for two healthy and fertile dogs to produce a litter. Any more than this depletes the male’s sperm count and exhausts both animals. Additionally, sperm can live and fertilize eggs for several days after a mating. This will probably require you to separate them during her heat cycle to ensure there is proper spacing between the matings.

Alternative Breeding Method

There is an alternative method of dog mating that is very successful in producing litters with assistance from a veterinarian. It’s called artificial insemination, and your vet can perform this task for you. The vet will collect a sperm sample from the stud and inject it into the dam’s vulva using a sterile syringe. This method practically eliminates the risk of either dog developing a urinary tract infection or venereal disease, such as canine brucellosis.

Next Steps After Dog Mating

Whether you are a beginner when it comes to dog breeding or if you have mated your dog before, it’s important to fully understand all of these concerns and procedures. Once mating is complete, your next step is to watch for dog pregnancy symptoms and prepare for whelping puppies.

HOW TO ENCOURAGE A MALE DOG TO MATE

Producing the miracle of life can often be a difficult task when you’re dealing with animals. Making sure that the mating between two animals goes correctly is a long process, one that involves knowing whether the male can successfully penetrate the female, given their sizes. But perhaps the hardest part of getting a male dog to mate with a female is simply enticing him to do so. However, you can encourage your dog to mate by using a few tips that dog breeders have used successfully in the past. Keep the dog from eating the day he will mate. When a dog has a full stomach, he may not feel up to the task of breeding. Muzzle the female dog to keep her from biting or snapping at the male dog. Reassure the female by talking gently and petting her if she gets nervous. The male dog will be more inclined to mount her knowing that he will not be hurt in the process.

Allow the dogs some time to get to know each other. When the male dog’s tail begins to shake, he will most likely be aroused.

Give the dogs some privacy. Place them in a garage, shed or basement and let them feel like they are alone. You can still watch over things to make sure that the dogs know what they’re doing, but watch as far away from them as possible.

Exercise patience with the male dog. Let him try it his way first, but if he fails to penetrate the female, you may need to help. For instance, you may need to prop up the male or female depending on their size to allow for penetration. Or you might have to help the male find the correct entry point in the female if he is inexperienced in the process. If the mating does not go well the first day, you can always try again later.

How to Prevent Dog Pregnancy After Mating

Few things pull on a human’s heartstrings like a litter of snuggly pups. Though undoubtedly adorable, with puppies comes big responsibility. Vet care, cleaning up after them, and feeding them can really cut into the family budget (and your free time). Breeding a dog is a lot of work and something most pet parents would prefer to prepare for. After all, caring for a pregnant and nursing dog, then adding 6 to 8 puppies (or more) to the mix, is a lot to take on. Not to mention that every pregnancy carries complication risks, even if the dog has a history of healthy births in the past.

Unfortunately, accidents do happen. In-heat dogs sneak out and link up with neighborhood dogs and often end up pregnant as a result. But there are some things you can do to prevent puppies after mating.

Spaying

When in heat, female dogs release pheromones to attract males, and males may travel considerable distances just to mate. Mating happens quickly, and the whole process can take as little as 10 minutes, often without pet parents even noticing it. Some parents don’t realize what has happened until their dog’s body starts changing. So what is a pet parent to do when they notice their pet’s tummy growing?The first option to prevent puppies after mating is to spay the dog. Spaying is a minimally invasive surgery where a vet removes a dog’s uterus and ovaries. Vets can still perform the spay even if the dog is in early pregnancy, removing the fetuses along with the reproductive organs. Spaying during pregnancy carries a greater risk of surgical complications, is more invasive, and often costs more than a regular spay procedure. However, sterilization has a 100% efficacy rate and will ensure your dog never gets pregnant again.

Injections

Most dogs, given the opportunity, will end up mating when the female is in heat. A whopping 40% of female dogs will fall pregnant after just one mating session! That incredibly high number means you are at considerable risk of having a litter of unwanted puppies if you are not careful. Thankfully, there are relatively safe means to prevent pregnancy after mating.

One such option is known as a ‘mis-mating injection.’ If you suspect your dog mated in the last 22 days, then an injection of Alizin, an antiprogestagenic compound, may be an option. This medication will terminate the growing cluster of cells inside your dog and is 100% effective within 22 days of mating. It can also be administered later in the pregnancy, but it is less likely to be as effective.

Injections are an effective preventative measure to take, especially if given early. However, this is not a long-term solution, and it will not offer protection from pregnancy in the future. If you are looking for a long-term solution, we recommend spaying your dog.

Veterinary Abortion

Male dogs can be extremely persistent when it comes to female dogs in-heat, and they are not above breaking into kennels or digging under fences! Even responsible pet parents with big breeding plans can face unwanted pregnancies. If spaying and mis-mating injections are not an option, a veterinary abortion is a viable, effective way to terminate an unwanted pregnancy.

However, choosing to go through with an abortion is a big medical decision to make for your dog. Abortion carries more risks for complications than spaying or mis-mate injections. Most vets won’t perform them unless the dog is too far along for other options, and pregnancy is not feasible (either for health or personal reasons). Depending on how far along the dog is, vets may choose a surgical abortion or terminate pregnancy with abortifacient medications.

Abortions are tough on a dog’s body, and dogs often need to stay in the animal hospital for up to a week while they recover. Abortions are also expensive to perform, especially if the dog is late-term, and it won’t offer any protection against future unwanted pregnancies like spaying will.

Effects of Preventing Pregnancy in Dogs

Pregnancy prevention has many benefits for both pets and their pet parents. A litter of puppies is a tremendous responsibility. You’ll have to clean up their accidents, take them for their first vaccinations, deworm them, wean them, and keep them safe for at least the first 8 weeks of their life. Plus, you’ll still have to look after their nursing mother and find the puppies’ homes in the meantime.

Pregnancy can also put a lot of strain on a dog’s body, and some dogs may be at higher risk of pregnancy complications due to age, size, or breed. Plus, caring for a pregnant mother and her puppies is time-consuming and costly. Preventing pregnancy can spare your family from those financial burdens and extra work that comes with puppies and eliminate the risks of pregnancy-related health conditions in your pet.

Regulations related to Dog Breeding in India.

Dog breeding is the practice of mating dogs with each other with an intent to maintain or produce specific qualities and characteristics. The Ministry of Environment and Forest has published draft rules to regulate dog breeders across the country. The rules are to stop cruelty to animals. It seeks to prevent infliction cruelty on animals in this business. Dog breeding business is increasing day by day as everyone is interested in the new species of dogs. The government has also invited people for their suggestions on the Draft notification of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding And Marketing) Rules 2016.

For all the dog breeders it is mandatory to register themselves with the State Animal Welfare Board of the respective States under the new rules. In the Rules, the requirement for the breeders has been given such as related to health, housing facilities and conditions for sale.

Pedigree dogs

Imported dogs or high breed dogs are called pedigree dogs like Husky, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Labrador, Doberman, and pug. In 2016, Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) bans pedigree dog import. Import of pedigree dogs will only be allowed for defense and police forces. Breeder in India can not import pedigree dogs now as per the ban. This ban is to prevent the suffering of thousands of dogs. As per People For Animal (PFA), this ban will stop the rise of the street dog population as many pedigree dogs end up on the roads. Breeders like Husky, St. Bernard can not survive in high temperature as these dogs are suitable for snow like temperature. This ban will also help to prevent the breeders to import the breeds which are not suitable for Indian climate.

The Ban on import of pedigree dogs was introduced because of a breeder who imported 2 Korean Mastiff puppies for 2 crore rupees. Korean Mastiff is a breed that ca only survive on mountains. But for money breeders are importing these puppies. To prevent this, the government came with this rule of imposing the ban on pedigree dogs.

Before the rule came in force, the breeders used cruel nature on dogs for breeding. They were sold as commodities, kept in unsuitable conditions. The female dogs were kept in short chain for all their lives and were treated in heinous behavior. The female dogs were actually raped to produce more and more puppies so that breeders can sell them and earn profit from it. Home delivery of the puppies was done by the breeders. The Dogs did not have suitable shelter and were kept in small cages. No food was given by breeders for days. This was a cruel behavior by the breeders on animals.

THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENT SHALL BE MET BY EVERY BREEDER OF DOGS IN INDIA:

• The breeder should have knowledge about everything related to the breeding of dogs like reproduction, nutrition, wellness, and care.

For Female Dogs

• Only normal healthy mature female dogs that have reached 18 months shall only be bred. They shall be certified as healthy by a licensed veterinary at least 10 days prior to breeding.
• No female dog shall be forced to produce puppies in 2 consecutive breeding seasons. Only once in a year.
• Female dogs should not be forced to produce more than 5 times during her lifetime.

For Male Dogs

• Male dogs should be healthy, mature and only after he has reached his 18th month.Must be certified by a licensed veterinary at least 10 days prior to breeding.

Common Breeding Techniques

• Breeders use four breeding techniques in which this rule only allows two out of four techniques:
• Out Breeding and Line Breeding are only allowed in India. Out breeding is the mating of dogs which are not at all related to each other. Line breeding is mating between dogs that are marginally related to each other. In this case, dogs are chosen for their special attributes to obtain certain types.
• Inbreeding and Incest Breeding are not allowed in India. In Breeding is mating between dogs that are related. Inbreeding is breeding between relatives of the 2nd to 4th grade in straight or sideline within the first four generations e.g. uncle to niece, nephew to an aunt, cousin to cousin, grandparents to grandchildren. Incest breeding is mating between parents and children or between brother and sister, i.e. 1st-grade relatives. This is strictly forbidden. Incest breeding, as well as continued inbreeding and line breeding, is risky since it increases the danger of hereditary diseases.
• Female dogs should not be mated after 8 years of age.
• All the breeders shall have a full record of the puppies that the male or female dog produces with their vaccination details.
• Tail docking, ear cropping or any mutation of the puppy is strictly banned and forbidden.

The Requirement for obtaining a license for dog breeders

• Breeder should be 18 years of age.
• License from local authority is the registration for commencing or continuing breeding activity at his premises.
• Inspection by the team including recognized veterinary before granting the license. Inspection is Mandatory.
• A report by the recognized Veterinary should be submitted to the local authorities. Local authorities will consider the report before determining whether or not to grant a license.
• The local authority will inform the Board to grant a license. A copy of the report will be submitted by a local authority to the board.
• The breeder must submit all the information requested on the application form, including a valid mailing address, and a valid address for the premises/establishment where animals, facilities, equipment, and records can be inspected for compliance. Locations of all premises/establishments, facilities or sites where the applicant operates from, has an interest in, or keeps animals, shall be provided on the application form or on a separate sheet attached to it.
• The license granted is only for 1 year issued by the local authority. renewal of the license is necessary after inspection.

The Condition for grant and renewal of license

• Procedure for registration with the Board must be followed
• The Record must be maintained.
• Identification of breeding animals y micro-chipping.
• Records of staff to be maintained
• Health of all the animals to be maintained

Operation without a license and without a registration certificate

• If a breeder is operating premises, or commercial kennel or pet shop without a valid license or valid registration certificate shall be a violation of the Rules. And this can start a court proceeding against that breeder.

Expiry Of License

All licenses will expire on the 31st of January every year, and will automatically terminate at midnight on that date unless an application for renewal, properly filled in and duly completed, along with the prescribed fee has been received by the Local Authority. 30 days prior to the expiry date of a license, the licensee must file an application for renewal with the local authority. If not done then you have to apply for new registration license.

Grounds on which license is likely to be rejected or refused

• Material and deliberate misstatement in the application for grant of the original license or for renewal of license.
• A Conviction for violation of any law on the treatment of animals.
• Failure by the breeder to fulfill all the requirement prescribed by the Local Authority.
• Refusal to allow any inspector to inspect the premises.
• Nonpayment of fees will result in denial of license.^[2]

What to do if you see a street dog/injured dog

Helping dog can change his life. If you see a dog that is injured or on a street then helps him by following the points:

• Give him some water and food to eat
• Then if it’s possible treat him with medication(If Possible)
• Search for nearby NGO that deals in dogs or a veterinary clinic. Some NGO is given below.
• Take him to the veterinary or call the NGO for help.
• Also, if you want to adopt the dog, adopt him instead.

To stop dog breeding, society has to change. Dog breeders are there to earn money. Stop buying dogs instead adopt them. People think that pedigree dogs are better than DESI dogs. But it’s actually opposite. DESI dogs are better than pedigree dogs. and instead of paying so much money for the pedigree dog, you should adopt a Desi dog. This will help the society as there will be fewer dogs on the street and a dog will get a good life. ADOPT DON’T SHOP.

Compiled  & Shared by- Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)

Image-Courtesy-Google

Reference-On Request.