254 KENNEL SECRETS. 



intruder as soon as he was left alone with her, notwith- 

 standing he was then three days old. And although she 

 afterwards had four litters during the time she remained 

 in the kennels this is the only instance in which she was 

 guilty of such an act. 



When bitches have been fed generously on meat during 

 gestation the chances are many against their eating their 

 puppies; but still, all will bear watching during the first 

 twelve hours at least, and then those that have never ex- 

 hibited the tendency with previous litters can be consid- 

 ered quite safe from it. But a bitch once guilty should 

 be held in suspicion until the second day. 



It is well to add that many breeders are strong in 

 the belief that once this habit is indulged it will persist 

 and the victim of it be ever afterward worthless for breed- 

 ing purposes. This, however, is a mere notion, for the 

 tendency can be overcome by a meat diet and careful 

 watching, and if one litter is saved the subsequent litter 

 will generally escape, the habit having been cured by 

 the break. 



Surveillance over the mother during the first hours 

 after whelping should be as quietly enforced as possible, 

 otherwise it must be irksome and perhaps disturb her 

 greatly ; and instead of remaining in the quarters the 

 attendant will do well to make seemingly a casual visit 

 occasionally, or have a peep-hole through which without 

 being seen or heard he can observe how affairs are going 

 on within. And when visiting her he must not break in 

 upon her suddenly, but as he nears her quarters he should 

 walk slowly, call her by name, indulge in some kindly 

 expression, and so prepare her for his coming. 



When a bitch has been alone during her whelping it is 

 especially important that this course be pursued on the 

 first visits whether her nature is amiable or otherwise, for 



