In the life of almost every dog owner, the time comes when the issue of acquiring offspring becomes relevant. The health of future puppies and the well-being of the animal largely depend on how well dogs are mated. On which estrus day this process should be scheduled, how to choose the right partner, the age when it is best to breed a dog - these and many other other questions arise for the owner.
Suitable age for breeding a dog
When the dog begins the first estrus, this means that the body is ready for fertilization. But this does not mean that it is already possible to happen. As a rule, the complete physical formation of the dog does not coincide with the onset of puberty, so premature mating can slow down the further development of the animal. For this period, his muscles, joints, and his psyche are not sufficiently developed. In fact, this is a puppy that is too excited and unbalanced.
Dog mating should be done when the animal’s body is fully prepared for this. Puberty occurs approximately at the age of one and a half years or even a little later. Timely mating will contribute to the fact that a new phase of the development of the animal will proceed more harmoniously and naturally.
Mating day selection
If the dog can participate in mating on any day, then the owners of bitches should monitor the period of leaps that occur every 6 months and last from two to three weeks. At that time, only a few days are suitable when dogs are breeding. On which estrus day can this process be scheduled?
In the first 7-10 days, the female has abundant discharge, during this period the maturation of the eggs occurs , and despite the fact that the males already show an increased interest in her, the dog does not let them close. This stage is called proestrus. The next period (estrus) lasts 2-4 days, it is these days that are considered the best time for mating. The eggs are ready for fertilization, the discharge becomes a little less, the dog is already very willing to allow males to come. During this period, the estrus day is chosen, when dogs are mated. In order to ensure the result was guaranteed, spend two knitting with an interval of 1-2 days.
How is estrus
At the first stage, the production of estrogen increases, as a result of which the internal genital tract swell, causing swelling of the vulva. Thanks to this hormone, a special smell appears that attracts males. Blood penetrating from the vessels of the uterus comes out. Estrogen is produced by the follicles until its amount becomes maximum. After which there is an increase in lutenizing hormones, which leads to the growth of follicles and causes ovulation. It is during this period, even before the moment of ovulation, that sexual hunting of bitches occurs.
But the eggs become ready for fertilization not earlier than after 2-3 days. It is easy to calculate on which day the estruses mate dogs - the days from the second to the fifth from the moment of ovulation are considered optimal. Then, the production of the hormone progesterone is enhanced, as a result of which the edema of the genital mucosa decreases, and the amount of secretions decreases every day. The entire estrus period takes approximately 3 weeks.
Signs of estrus
An attentive owner will immediately notice some changes in the behavior of the dog, which starts estrus. The animal becomes less obedient. Due to hormonal changes, the dog begins to behave more actively and freely. Droplets of blood appear from the genital loop, which the dog constantly licks. Males begin to show an increased interest in her.
During this period, you should not engage in training, because the dog does not listen well to commands and behaves too playfully. It is better to postpone training until estrus ends.
In order not to stain the floor and furniture in the apartment, dog owners often use special pants or diapers for their pets. But experienced dog handlers recommend teaching a dog to carefully lick from the very first estrus.
How to control a dog during estrus
All the aspirations of the dog during this period boil down to the interest of the males, leaving their scent everywhere. Therefore, it is rather difficult to control her behavior, which sometimes does not lend itself to any logic. If the dog is well trained, even at the sight of the dog he will carry out the owner’s commands. The same applies to the dog - if he is trained, he can always ignore the smell of a flowing bitch and run to the call of the owner.
Signs of readiness for knitting
Owners, of course, should know the breeding of dogs on which day the estrus is produced, but there are also a number of signs by which one can determine the readiness for a meeting with the “groom”. The sexual loop grows in size and becomes soft to the touch, the discharge from it becomes yellowish, when stroking the dog’s croup, it takes the tail to the side and becomes in a pose. All these signs indicate that ovulation has occurred and the dog is ready to mate. As a rule, this happens after 13-15 days from the beginning of estrus.
Experienced dog breeders recommend keeping a diary with a description of the timing and characteristics of their dog's leaks. Some individuals have almost no discharge during this period, the loop may remain stiff throughout the estrus, and the dog may exhibit aggressive behavior towards males. The owner must know these individual characteristics of the dog. Keeping a diary will help to take into account all the errors in determining the right day for mating.
Dogs of different breeds have their differences in the process of copulation, because they have their own physiological characteristics and specifics that are characteristic of a particular breed.
Large breeds are quite heavy and often require the presence of the owners, and preferably a professional instructor, when dogs are mated. On which day of estrus a German shepherd is ready for this process, it is determined by characteristic features (as a rule, it is only 3 days between 9 and 20 days of estrus). Before mating, do not feed the dog for 12 hours. Be sure to put a muzzle on both the male and the female, because aggression is possible. To prevent the dog from settling under the weight of the dog during mating, the owner needs to insure it under his stomach.
Mating of small dogs - on which day estrus is carried out
Dogs of small breeds practically do not need help with mating, but because of their miniature size, certain difficulties arise. Therefore, a situation is not excluded when the participation of an instructor is required, especially if it concerns the first mating. To determine the appropriate date, careful monitoring of the dog is required. For example, a toy terrier estrus lasts 20 days. From the moment of spotting , 7–9 days pass when they acquire a lighter color. On days 10-16, the discharge becomes completely transparent, and it is during this period that dogs are mated. On which day in heat is the toy terrier ready to mate? The individual characteristics of the dog can also affect this.
The behavior of a dachshund during estrus is not much different. These dogs are not aggressive, so they put on a muzzle when mating in exceptional cases. But the collar must be necessary, it is necessary in order to hold the dog when it will be in the castle. Mating is carried out approximately 12-15 days after estrus begins.
The ovulation period lasts only three to five days. During this period of time, fertilization can occur. You should not use the very first day for this, even if fertilization takes place, then there can be very few puppies in the litter. The most favorable two days in the middle of the ovulation period for a process such as breeding dogs. On which day estrus the dachshunds are ready for this process, it can be determined by the behavior of the dog.
Possible deviations
Some females, regardless of breed, have their own physiological characteristics, when the willingness to mate is difficult to determine. Allocations are not bright enough, sometimes a bloodless estrus is found, so it is simply impossible to notice them. Sometimes the loop practically does not increase in size and remains stiff throughout the entire estrus period. Sometimes the aggression of a bitch in relation to a dog is manifested even at a time when dogs must be mated. On which estrus day to make plans for a trip to the dog, only knowledge of the individual characteristics of his dog will help determine. Very useful here are observations and records made during the previous leaks. They will help determine the optimal day for mating.