Our dams are our friends. They are not bred every season. We first ensure the dam's well being. Our goal is beautiful, healthy, happy dogs. If our girls are beautiful, happy, and healthy then the likelihood for beautiful healthy puppies greatly increases.
First we look for maturity. If a bitch does not have a physical and mental maturity for her breed, she is not a candidate for our breeding program. She must be in excellent health, both physically and mentally. Disposition is also crucial to our breeding program. No grumpiness allowed.
Our dams remain in companionship with other dogs, until three weeks before their due date. They are then moved into their whelping house. We believe dogs like companionship of other dogs, so they all have a companion playtime until the time to move to the whelping house. By this time, they are large and are ready to settle in and relax in their new quarters.
I closely monitor the dams ensuring they never have to whelp alone. I personally remain with the mother to be until the last puppy is delivered and all are doing well. The mother is encouraged to bond with and take care of her puppies as naturally as possible. Births are not rushed for my convenience, as the mother and puppy health is most important. The new puppies and their moms are kept in a heated/cooled whelping house where their well being can be closely monitored. This ensures a healthy mom, healthy puppies, and puppies who like and know human interaction. They do not leave the whelping house until they are physically ready.
