The mother dog specifically by ODA (Ohio Division of Agriculture) law must have a veterinary health check and the okay given before she is allowed to be bred. She also in accordance with Canine Care Certified will have no more than six litters of puppies in her lifetime. These laws and other guidelines are important to maintain the health and well-being of all dogs in Ohio. Responsible breeders have worked closely with lawmakers to achieve these standards and will continue to work together with the ODA on continued training and implementation of best practices. Voluntarily working with Canine Care Certified only solidifies Ohio breeders' commitment to the welfare of the dogs in their care and shows forward thinking and continual improvement.  More information about this program can be found on their website by following the appropriate links.

 

After it is determined that the mother dog is, in fact, pregnant she and her unborn puppies will be monitored closely. She will be fed special supplements with her daily diet giving her extra sustenance and assisting in the development of her unborn puppies. Two weeks before the expected birth date the mother is moved to a special whelping area where she is alone and can begin to prepare for the coming birth of her puppies. She will have continued access to the outdoors at all times during this period. She can come and go from the whelping area as she pleases, and she receives extra attention and comfort. She will also be given a prenatal vitamin to assist in the development of the mother’s milk.

 

At the birth of the puppies the breeder is there to assist as needed and for certain breeds of dog special operations and procedures are carried out by a licensed veterinarian. After birth, the puppies are licked dry by the mother and within hours are nursing. For the first three to four days the puppies will be checked every few hours by the breeder. The breeder makes sure that everyone including the mother is eating and in good health.