Wednesday 24 April 2013
Wednesday was Day 14 of Summer's season and DAY THREE (possibly) of her pregnancy.
All good breeding books mention that you should mate dogs twice, 48 hours apart so that the sperm has had time to get back to its strongest. Whilst Summer's first mating on Monday looked successful, of course it is too early to tell. The earliest time we could be sure she is pregnant, is by ultrasound at around 24 days of which the cost at a town/city vet is about £85. If you know a sheep or other livestock farmer, some will agree to scan your dog for a minimal fee of around £20, I am told.
Having taken Summer our Tibetan Terrier bitch for a 20 minute local road walk, it was time to tavel to Northamptonshire again. So off Judy, Summer and I went!
We arrived at the Tyngeli Kennels, where we were made so welcome on Monday. Summer knew exactly where to go and why we wandered round one side of the house, Rose (one of the owners) collected her gorgeous stud, Claude, from the other side.
Summer and Claude touched noses under the gate, which was then opened. They were very excited to see each other! Within possibly 5-10 seconds (a run togehter of about 5 metres), Claude was climbing on Summer. He looked as if he was on her a little lop sided, so we thought they were just getting ready, BUT a moment later he moved away and we realised they were tied already! How quick is that?! And yes, it really did happen that quickly...
Tie
After a tie of 20 minutes again, they relaxed panting. During the tie, I gently held Summer's head with an arm around her tummy as she does wriggle every now and again (this is expected of the bitches owner). Also sitting on the floor with my legs out has been most comfortable for me, and Summer can rest her head and relax a bit easier whilst we wait for the tie to break (I do suggest wearing a watch).
Once the tie was over, Claude was put in the large kennels and Summer came with us to have a cup of coffee and cake. The dogs called to each other, but whereas Summer was a not quite herself on Monday, she wanted to play with Claude's mum today.
On both mating days, Summer has not been interested in her food during the day, but once back home, she has eaten and drunken with gusto! She's not always been her best on car journeys, so some of her "offness" I've put down to that.
Looking back on the day, it was once again very relaxed, made so by the experience and attitude of Rose and Mike at the Tyngeli Kennels. Thank you.
Having left the kennels, I took a little trip down memory lane, and drove through the village of Moulton about 15 miles away, where I'd been to school aged 14 to 16.
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