| Most females growl
or snap at the male when they are not quite ready for making whoopy because
they still may be in the proestrus phase of the cycle. The proestrus stage
usually lasts from 4-9 days and includes signs of bleeding, vulvular swelling
and increased urination but this stage can last up to 2-3 weeks in some
animals. Heat cycles vary from dog to dog and most of the numbers written
are averages so this needs to be taken into consideration when deciding
the time for breeding. Other females will exhibit this behavior when they
are frightened, even if they are in true estrus. It is best to keep a log
if possible of when the heat cycle starts - when bleeding and swelling
is first noticed, when those signs disappear, etc. and time interval between
heats if you have not already done so. This may help with determining the
length of her cycle. Having your veterinarian perform cytology during the
heat cycle will also help determine the optimum time for breeding. Using
progesterone and lutenizing hormone testing may allow an even closer estimation
of the time of ovulation. Some females would rather be bred at home instead
of being taken to the male - feeling more comfortable on familiar territory.
Other females may feel more comfortable (if bringing her to the male) to
bring her a week or so before the expected heat (reason for the log), boarding
her at the male's home so they can see each other and allowing them to
breed on "their" terms. Then there are those females that will not breed
no matter what. If it is really important to have a litter from a particular
female that will not breed no matter what is tried, there is always artificial
insemination.
The most common mistake in breeding dogs is simply missing the time when they are receptive to the male. This can happen as early as 2 or 3 days into the estrus and can be as late as 21 days after first signs of bleeding and vulvar swelling. The best approach is to attempt breeding every other day from the first days of the heat period. The only problem with this is that it requires a lot of cooperation from the owner of the stud dog.  |
