Is It Safe To Have A Male Cocker Spaniel Around When A Bitch Is Giving Birth?
by Marissa
If I did happen to leave him with her and her pups, would he try to hurt them, or maybe make Emmy worry? Reply from Pauline (Web Owner) Normally breeders don't allow the stud (or any other male dog) to be present when the bitch is having her puppies; after all, she has a job to do. After giving birth and up to around 4 weeks, most bitches will fiercely protect their puppies from other dogs, and sometimes humans. In protecting her puppies, the bitch may become distressed and very fierce indeed. It's therefore in the interest of the health and welfare of both bitch and puppies that she's left alone to give birth in peace and quiet and to allow her to rest between puppies. Even the breeder will keep out of sight, although she will keep a watchful eye on her whilst she's giving birth. That way if there are any complications she can act immediately or call the vet for assistance. However, once she's had her puppies, if, and only if, the bitch doesn't seem to mind can you allow the male dog to sniff and lick the puppies. Take your lead from the bitch, if she growls at the dog - move him. Alternatively, you could show the male dog the puppies when the bitch is not around. In the wild, it's the female that rears her puppies - the male dog goes out in search of food and isn't much involved unless he's needed to protect the bitch and puppies from predators - let nature take its course. Cocker Spaniel Questions And Answers Return to About Cocker Spaniels - Homepage |