THE CARE OF PUPPIES 41 



As the weeks go by the amount of the bitch's daily 

 exercise may be judiciously limited, and it is advisable 

 that she be exercised alone. Racing about with other 

 dogs, and especially jumping, are to be carefully guarded 

 against, the latter being a frequent cause of miscarriage. 

 Fortunately the instinct of the bitch usually warns her 

 against these undesirable exertions, and she will take 

 care of herself. Occasionally she errs in the opposite 

 direction, and becomes too lazy, in which case she should 

 be led out two or three times daily, alone, for slow 

 walking exercise of about a quarter of an hour at 

 a time. 



Meanwhile, she must have a plentiful allowance of 

 nourishing food, for a large litter is a very heavy tax 

 upon her strength, and one which is to be carefully 

 insured against. 



At the end of the eighth week a suitable spot should 

 be selected in a well-ventilated room, loose-box, or kennel, 

 where she will be quiet and undisturbed; and a comfort- 

 able bed prepared for her. This bed should be slightly 

 raised above the ground, plentifully supplied with wheat- 

 straw, and the bitch should be accustomed to sleep in 

 it for a week or so before the arrival of her family. If 

 she shows a tendency to scratch away the straw and 

 to leave a bare space like a nest in the centre, leave her 

 alone ; she knows her business. 



During the last day or two a dose of castor oil may 

 be administered if she is at all inclined towards consti- 



