6 HANDLING THE MATING OF DOGS 



two litters, even by the same stud, or separate studs, altho one does 

 not develop. 



During the second week of heat, the vulva loses some of its 

 hardness and size; the quantity of discharge however may increase 

 until the fifteenth day; and the color pales from a deep red after the 

 ninth day. 



Then is an advisable time for actual mating. The conduct of the 

 bitch also tells the condition. She shows signs of excitement, carries 

 her tail to the side, and invites attention. If it is attempted to breed her 

 too early in the season, she may fight the male — but the best day 

 on which to breed the bitch is any day when she accepts the male. 



Do Not Breed and Ship on Same Day 



A bitch when received for mating, is best kept in the crate until 

 she arrives in the kennels. She is away from home; is uneasy on 

 account of her heat; she is among strangers; she may be inclined to 

 snap or to try to run away. After the stud owner accepts her at the 

 station, the liability for her keeping is upon him. 



A bitch should not be brought to the kennel, mated and shipped 

 away the same day. It is true that a howling bitch is a terror to all 

 and an exceeding great nuisance. Yet she should be kept over night; 

 it may be necessary to bring her into the house or bedroom for the 

 night. A bit of human understanding of animal nature is well in 

 place in these instances. 



Immediate Preparations to be Made 



The stud should not be fed at least two hours before mating. Both 

 he and bitch should have opportunity to relieve bladder and bowels 

 before the mating. 



It is well that the sexual organs of both stud and bitch be sponged 

 before mating to remove dirt and possibility of infection. 



Examination should be made (of both dogs) for possible 

 infectious skin or other conditions. 



Douche the bitch's vagina before service with carbonate of soda 

 in lukewarm water to eliminate any acid conditions, a tablespoonful 

 per pint. Older bitches usually are more likely to have an acid 

 condition of the vagina. Douching should be done about thirty 

 minutes before mating. However, douching is not essential. 



Precautions to be Taken at the Mating 



A bitch usually does not eat for several hours after mating. 

 Morning matings are preferred for this reason. She then has time to 

 settle down, rest herself, and regain a hearty appetite by eventide. 



