246 KENNEL SECRETS. 



soothed and encouraged if such treatment seems grateful 

 to them. 



While companionship at this eventful time is advo- 

 cated, the fact is kept in sight that in some instances 

 bitches urgently desire to be alone, and do better when 

 so ; and if this disposition is plainly evident the breeder 

 has really no choice. Yet with bitches of the largest 

 size, at least, he should satisfy himself beyond all doubt 

 that to intrude would be decidedly hazardous for them ; 

 and if he exhibits tact he will only rarely find such to be 

 the case, but after a short time the sufferers will give un- 

 mistakable evidence that they appreciate his solicitude 

 and are grateful for his attentions. 



Of course, there are not a few breeders who give them- 

 selves no concern during the whelping period and yet have 

 good success, but probably with scarcely an exception 

 theirs are brood animals of small or medium size, for 

 surely no one could successfully breed the large varieties 

 in this convenient way. And all whose first experience is 

 before them may accept that for mastiffs, St. Bernards 

 and the like, the most painstaking methods of manage- 

 ment are required, especially during whelping and with 

 the puppies until long after weaning ; consequently they 

 who have but little time to devote to their dogs should 

 choose much smaller varieties. 



Obviously the attendants at whelping should be persons 

 to whom the bitches are deeply attached, for in some 

 instances they are very nervous indeed, and at such times 

 are generally beyond the influences of all but their best 

 friends. 



For this condition, by the way, nervines have been rec- 

 ommended by some, but they are simply valueless as long 

 as the cause of the nervousness exists, and to pet, soothe 

 and encourage is the only treatment that can have any 



