a crazy mom

Website design By BotEap.comThere are too many people in this world hoping to make a quick buck by putting up a “puppies for sale” sign. Unfortunately, there is a market for puppies all the time, so it’s almost like an addiction; they are lucky selling a litter so they are in a hurry to have a second one and so on. When puppies aren’t for sale and start to grow up, it’s rare to see a sign in these people’s yards that says “dogs for sale” because at this point they’re usually free for a good home.

Website design By BotEap.comA responsible breeder does not breed just to put an ad in the newspaper to sell their puppy or puppies. The responsible breeder ensures that the breeding mother receives the correct nutrition and additional vitamins and supplements that she may need during pregnancy. The mother has no control over how healthy the pup will come out of her; only the breeder does.

Website design By BotEap.comFor new breeders who want to be responsible for their puppies, there are many things to consider. One of the first things a new breeder should do is plan ahead; When he or she is reviewing dog for sale ads, special attention should be paid to the pedigrees and backgrounds of both parents.

Website design By BotEap.comWe have bred many instincts from our domesticated dogs. I think even some breeders don’t understand this, but we don’t get to choose what instincts our puppies are born with, so it’s our job to help print them correctly. It is also our responsibility to be there when the puppies are born. And instead of puppy sales ads, many times good breeders have already sold an impending litter to good, loving, responsible homes. These breeders will never have older dogs for sale unless it is on purpose; An example is trained dogs that are imprinted, socialized, and groomed to be working dogs.

Website design By BotEap.comWhy talk about instincts? A responsible breeder knows the parents, raises physically and emotionally healthy puppies. Knowing the bitch of your breed is important. One of my East German pastors, Whitney, is a great example. Yes, I bought her by researching dogs for sale on the web, but I also sent her pedigrees and photos of her ancestors. I did x-ray her when she was of legal age to make sure she was healthy in every way before she was raised.

Website design By BotEap.comWhen we got Whitney, she was a six-month-old puppy and had the energy of ten dogs. Literally, she was like she lived on caffeine or something; It was nothing to walk up the stairs and find her standing proudly on the kitchen counter as if she had conquered a mountain.

Website design By BotEap.comDue to her high energy level, her pedigree and the way we imprinted her for 18 months, I was sure she would have quality puppies. I bred her to my West German Shepherd who also had excellent lines and imprint. He came to join our family when he was 3 months old.

Website design By BotEap.comShe had the whelping bed ready for the puppies and had already spread the word that there would be puppies for sale before breeding and had several good homes lined up. I found that any mother’s first litter can be a bit traumatic, but Whitney’s first litter would have died if I hadn’t been there.

Website design By BotEap.comAs responsible breeders, we don’t just care about the puppies, we also care about the emotional needs of our dogs. I monitored Whitney’s temperature and her behavior and realized that she was due to give birth at any moment, so I moved the birthing bed into the living room so I could sleep on the couch. I fell asleep and a couple of hours later, Whitney jumped on me and woke me up. I heard a noise, looked and there was a new puppy on the delivery bed. Fortunately, his bag had broken because Whitney was so worried about this pup that she wanted to get away from him. I gently forced her back to bed, held the puppy for her, and helped clean her postpartum; once she started that part, it was like those instincts to clean the puppy and rip the umbilical cord to the surface. As with other dogs, I had to get him to let the new pup nurse; I even gently pushed the puppy’s paws against her to help the labor continue.

Website design By BotEap.comWhitney had 6 puppies and with each one she jumped out of bed and left. She was madly excited, literally giddy with joy. So much so that she couldn’t sit still. Only 4 of those pups lived, I’m sorry to say. This was a great learning experience for me. It took a lot of work to get Whitney comfortable lying in one position for over ten minutes and even with my attention and the rounded plastic pool, she managed to suffocate a puppy when I fell asleep on the floor next to the bed. I sneaked the pup out so she wouldn’t get her down.

Website design By BotEap.comSadly, although I sold as many as 8 puppies and it turned out to be a great litter, another died when Whitney jumped onto the delivery bed and literally cut one in the belly with a fingernail. This one was difficult for me as I had to take the puppy out, hold him and love him until he passed.

Website design By BotEap.comPlease don’t be eager to put up that puppy for sale sign just to make money or think that what’s wrong with your dog is “nothing” and all instincts will take over because that’s not how it happens. Every puppy needs your help; each birthing mother is different from the next. Breed responsibly, but be prepared to spend a lot of time and energy caring for your mother and her pups.

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