HANDLING THE MATING OF DOGS 



.9 



63 days is the usual calculation for the period of gestation, not including the day 



of mating. But nature does not run uniform in this regard for the whelping 



date may fall as early as the 58th or as late as the 68th day. 



The bitch should be held still by the handler or other attendant 

 when she shows that she is ready. A nervous bitch may leap forward 

 and twist herself away from the stud with injury to the stud's sexual 

 organs. 



The bitch's tail should be pulled from between her legs and the 

 stud permitted to mount. Some help may be necessary with the large 

 breeds in guiding the penis into the vagina. 



A small bitch can be held with the hands. A medium-sized bitch 

 can be held by standing astride of her neck, holding her shoulders 

 between the knees ; the hands are free to support or steady her. 



Two attendants should hold a large bitch, lest she move away or 

 sit down after sexual contact is established. One attendant can grip 

 her collar in the right hand, kneel by her side on his right knee and 



