Blessed Events In a Brittany Home
If the bitch does not proceed with one puppy after another in normal fashion (the puppies should arrive from ten to thirty minutes apart, but intervals of an hour or two are not uncommon), take her outside and the exercise plus a drink of water may encourage matters. If she seems to be in prolonged labor without results, the puppy may be presented backwards or upside down, a so-called "breach." Careful assistance may be given by means of a well-soaped finger to ease the puppy back so that it may turn around and be born normally. If the bitch evidently has more puppies in the offing but shows no sign of producing, and you have tried the walk outside and waited beyond the normal expectation, other action is necessary. It is best to call your veterinarian to make sure all is well and take measures so that another puppy will soon be on its way. To return to the puppies, try to make sure they get a meal as soon as they are dry, for then they will settle down to sleep peacefully in the warm basket. Keeping them together, warm and dry, in the basket will prevent chills.
Many breeders also keep a baby or grocery scale handy when the puppies are born and weigh them, noting down markings and any outstanding characteristics. The record may be kept up to date with weekly weighing and noting qualities; when you are ready for final selection you will have a better basis for choosing the best pup.
When the bitch is through whelping, take her outside so that she may relieve herself, and meanwhile remove the soiled newspapers and put down a thick fresh layer. It is a good idea to give the bitch an old quilt or rug to lie on for it will give the puppies better footing than the slippery newspapers. Have a spare to use while you wash one, and the puppies and their mother will be very comfortable, cushioned from the floor.
Keep an eye on the puppies during the first week or two to make sure all are getting their fair share of food. If it is a large litter, you can raise them all by keeping half in your heated basket and half with the mother, alternating shifts every two to three hours. It's work, but a much more sensible plan than arbitrarily picking puppies to be destroyed.
It is surprising how fast the puppies learn to be clean. As soon as they can squirm actively and walk a little they will leave their sleeping place to relieve themselves, and then waddle back. Putting a low (two-inch) partition in the pen will generally be enough to make them use one part for sleeping and the other for their "exercise ring." Page 1- Page 3