FIVE WEEKS - 27 May 2013
I can't believe that the time is flying by so fast! We are less than a month away from Puppy Time!
There hasn't been too much to report on in this last week, except Harris (Summer's boyfriend) has become very respectful of her - no chasing or rolling when we go for walks.
Summer our pregnant Tibetan Terrier is very very hungry and we have now upped her meals to three a day, but only a touch more than she was having with two meals a day. The change in her was instant and she stopped begging quite so much.
We have decided to introduce an Arden Grange puppy food into Summer's food, as instructed by all the books and our vet, and this will then be used to start weaning the Tibetan pups from about 2/3 weeks old.
Summer's tummy is growing. I didn't think we'd see this early on, but we can. And if we are out walking, and I bump into someone to talk to, she lies down on the floor (lazy!)..
She is still being fed a Raspberry Leaf pill everyday, which I crush in a think plastic sandwich bag and then mix with a touch of peanut butter. When I get the peanut butter out of the cupboard, I turn the lid and say to Summer "And what is this?" - and she licks her lips! I kid you not. I do this each time... Makes me laugh anyway ;-)
Showing posts with label dog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog. Show all posts
Wednesday, 29 May 2013
Tuesday, 23 April 2013
Day 12 - Mating Summer so DAY ONE?
Monday 22 April 2013
I wasn't totally convinced that today would be the right day, but, by gove, it was!
As with Friday, our Tibetan Terrier, Summer's bleeding was still a pink watery substance this morning but having discussed a possibly good day to take her to visit her prospective bow, Claude's owners and I had decided that today should be the one!
Claude's experience as a stud would tell us if Summer was ready to mate or not. If it wasn't the right time, as the drive from Surrey to Northamptonshire is around two hours, Claude's owners were happy to have Summer to stay, possibly until the right time (which would not be long). As Summer is a much loved family pet who has never spent a night away from us in all of her (nearly) four years, we weren't sure how either us or Summer would feel...
...But we didn't need to find out...
My friend, Judy (owner of TT Harris' who is Claude's brothers), accompanied us to Northants as support and company. We left late in the morning, stopping once so we could all stretch our legs... (I'd read that you should let the bitch have a wee before arriving at the studs house).
THE MEETING
On arrival at Claude's house, as instructed, we let Summer off her lead in the lovely enclosed garden. She had a good sniff around, a few more wees/marking, and then Claude was let in.
I can only say, it was an instant attraction, and any worries that my "little baby" would suffer, instantly disappeared! Puppy bows all round (bottom in the air, front legs parallel with the ground and wagging tail), jumping and playing - phew! Within minutes Claude climbed onto Summer's back and started humping her. This stopped and started as they moved around the garden. He was arousing her, something I hadn't read about.
Claude's owner watched very closely and as it was a windy, cold day, we took the dogs inside where it was warm, when it became obvious that the actual mating was imminent (they had been playing around for maybe 15-20 minutes).
Inside, Claude climbed on Summer, started humping and Claude's owner confirmed that this was it! After a few minutes or so, Claude stopped humping and they were tied. Summer did not look to be concerned, worried or stressed, at any point of the proceedings. Together with Claude's owner, we held Summer's head and comforted her as she tried to move away. Claude was moved around so they were bottom to bottom (a bit like Doctor Doolittle's Push Me Pull Me). Summer tried a few times to move away so we had to hold her gently but tightly, so she wouldn't damage Claude's boy bits!! But she wasn't stressed.
After a twenty minute tie, which I'm told is a good length of time, Claude moved away and was put in an area of the garden way from Summer. They would not meet again that day. Summer was kept inside for about another 15-20 minutes and then let out for a wee.
It was time for tea and coffee, and a nice long chat. And for me to ask lots of questions...
QUESTIONS & THOUGHTS
COLOUR I was once told that Tibetan Terriers do not breed true (a colour outside of the breeding family can just appear) but this is not true. You could find a colour coming through from the parents etc but generally the pups should take on the parent's colouring.
Touch wood, Summer and Claude's pups will be black and white (like Summer) or white and black (like Claude). There may be a bit of tri-colour.
The colour breed standard for Tibetan Terriers are "white, golden, cream, grey or smoke, black, parti-colour and tricolours, in fact any colour except chocolate or liver permissible".
REGULARITY OF SEASONS We had expected Summer to come into season 10 months after the previous season, which was 10 months before that, and 10 months before that. Her first season was at 11 months and 3 weeks old. The last season did not happen in November 2012 as expected and when I expressed concern to our vet, he said that we must have missed it and that all dogs have seasons between 5 and 8 months. I wasn't convinced. I have since learnt that it isn't unusual for a Tibetan Terriers season to be around every 12 months. Phew again!
GIVING BIRTH / WHELPING From simple research, I know that the bitches temperature drops and when it does (around 60 days) birth is due within the next 24 hours. I learnt that the bitch also gets very clingy nearer the birth and won't want to leave the owner. She will also start to get very restless.
It also isn't unusual with Tibetan Terriers for the bitch to go into labour early, maybe even up to five days!
BIRTH ISSUES I did wonder about things to look out for when the puppies are born particularly with Tibetan Terrier pups. Umbilical hernias aren't unusual and for non show dogs don't always need to be touched - a show dog won't be penalised. Also we need to check for back feet claw nails and these must removed around day three.
---xxx---xxx---
I'm sure there must be other bits I learnt today, but I'll maybe add them as I remember!
Next step for Summer and Claude now, is to wait for 48 hours and see if they will mate again. 48 hours is necessary so the dogs sperm is at its strongest/most effective.
Sooooo DAY THREE will be Wednesday 24th April, and Summer and I will return to Northants. Tomorrow (DAY TWO) we are going for a walk with Harris (Claude's brother, and Summer's boyfriend!). I wonder what Harris will think of her and if he will sense if she is pregnant?
If Summer is pregnant, that means puppies should arrive around 21st June, give or take a few days!
I wasn't totally convinced that today would be the right day, but, by gove, it was!
As with Friday, our Tibetan Terrier, Summer's bleeding was still a pink watery substance this morning but having discussed a possibly good day to take her to visit her prospective bow, Claude's owners and I had decided that today should be the one!
Claude's experience as a stud would tell us if Summer was ready to mate or not. If it wasn't the right time, as the drive from Surrey to Northamptonshire is around two hours, Claude's owners were happy to have Summer to stay, possibly until the right time (which would not be long). As Summer is a much loved family pet who has never spent a night away from us in all of her (nearly) four years, we weren't sure how either us or Summer would feel...
...But we didn't need to find out...
My friend, Judy (owner of TT Harris' who is Claude's brothers), accompanied us to Northants as support and company. We left late in the morning, stopping once so we could all stretch our legs... (I'd read that you should let the bitch have a wee before arriving at the studs house).
THE MEETING
On arrival at Claude's house, as instructed, we let Summer off her lead in the lovely enclosed garden. She had a good sniff around, a few more wees/marking, and then Claude was let in.
I can only say, it was an instant attraction, and any worries that my "little baby" would suffer, instantly disappeared! Puppy bows all round (bottom in the air, front legs parallel with the ground and wagging tail), jumping and playing - phew! Within minutes Claude climbed onto Summer's back and started humping her. This stopped and started as they moved around the garden. He was arousing her, something I hadn't read about.
Claude's owner watched very closely and as it was a windy, cold day, we took the dogs inside where it was warm, when it became obvious that the actual mating was imminent (they had been playing around for maybe 15-20 minutes).
Inside, Claude climbed on Summer, started humping and Claude's owner confirmed that this was it! After a few minutes or so, Claude stopped humping and they were tied. Summer did not look to be concerned, worried or stressed, at any point of the proceedings. Together with Claude's owner, we held Summer's head and comforted her as she tried to move away. Claude was moved around so they were bottom to bottom (a bit like Doctor Doolittle's Push Me Pull Me). Summer tried a few times to move away so we had to hold her gently but tightly, so she wouldn't damage Claude's boy bits!! But she wasn't stressed.
After a twenty minute tie, which I'm told is a good length of time, Claude moved away and was put in an area of the garden way from Summer. They would not meet again that day. Summer was kept inside for about another 15-20 minutes and then let out for a wee.
It was time for tea and coffee, and a nice long chat. And for me to ask lots of questions...
QUESTIONS & THOUGHTS
COLOUR I was once told that Tibetan Terriers do not breed true (a colour outside of the breeding family can just appear) but this is not true. You could find a colour coming through from the parents etc but generally the pups should take on the parent's colouring.
Touch wood, Summer and Claude's pups will be black and white (like Summer) or white and black (like Claude). There may be a bit of tri-colour.
The colour breed standard for Tibetan Terriers are "white, golden, cream, grey or smoke, black, parti-colour and tricolours, in fact any colour except chocolate or liver permissible".
REGULARITY OF SEASONS We had expected Summer to come into season 10 months after the previous season, which was 10 months before that, and 10 months before that. Her first season was at 11 months and 3 weeks old. The last season did not happen in November 2012 as expected and when I expressed concern to our vet, he said that we must have missed it and that all dogs have seasons between 5 and 8 months. I wasn't convinced. I have since learnt that it isn't unusual for a Tibetan Terriers season to be around every 12 months. Phew again!
GIVING BIRTH / WHELPING From simple research, I know that the bitches temperature drops and when it does (around 60 days) birth is due within the next 24 hours. I learnt that the bitch also gets very clingy nearer the birth and won't want to leave the owner. She will also start to get very restless.
It also isn't unusual with Tibetan Terriers for the bitch to go into labour early, maybe even up to five days!
BIRTH ISSUES I did wonder about things to look out for when the puppies are born particularly with Tibetan Terrier pups. Umbilical hernias aren't unusual and for non show dogs don't always need to be touched - a show dog won't be penalised. Also we need to check for back feet claw nails and these must removed around day three.
---xxx---xxx---
I'm sure there must be other bits I learnt today, but I'll maybe add them as I remember!
Next step for Summer and Claude now, is to wait for 48 hours and see if they will mate again. 48 hours is necessary so the dogs sperm is at its strongest/most effective.
Sooooo DAY THREE will be Wednesday 24th April, and Summer and I will return to Northants. Tomorrow (DAY TWO) we are going for a walk with Harris (Claude's brother, and Summer's boyfriend!). I wonder what Harris will think of her and if he will sense if she is pregnant?
If Summer is pregnant, that means puppies should arrive around 21st June, give or take a few days!
Tuesday, 16 April 2013
Day 6
So Day 6. The 6th day of Summer's season.
For the past six days Summer has been very lethargic. She sleeps in a big cage at night (which I highly recommend) and when we open the door in the morning, she usually trots out, stretches and climbs on a sofa to go back to sleep, but is then excited to go for a morning walk. Now she is happy to stay in her cage and lumbers out, climbs on a sofa and falls into, what looks like, a deep sleep. Until the house front door is opened, she would be happy not to move!
A VISIT TO THE VETS
Yesterday, on Day 5, I took her to the vets. She was due for her booster vaccine, but I wanted to make sure it was still a good thing to do, bearing in mind we hope she is pregnant next week...
The vet weighed her and checked her over, giving her a clean bill of health. The vet's thoughts on vaccinating, is that there are many nasty things that the dog can catch without it, so safer to be vaccinated. I'd done a little web research and couldn't find any issues to of dogs being vaccinated and it effecting the puppies, so Summer had her annual booster jab.
I'd forewarned the surgery that I wanted to talk about the puppies, and I'd prepared some questions. They gave me a double appointment at the end of surgery which was nice. Having done so much research, maybe too much, I was coming up with contradictory information, like when will the puppies come? Do you base the days on "from conception" or "from ovulation"? Vets answer, 60 days from conception.
WORMING
When should I worm Summer and the puppies? Again, everyone seemed to have a different opinion. As we use 'Advocate for Dogs' (Advocate is a 'spot on' product, which is very effective in the treatment and prevention of fleas and other parasites on and in your dog. As well as killing fleas and their larvae it is effective against Roundworm, Whipworm, Hookworm, Lungworm, Heartworm, Ear mites, Lice, Sarcoptic and Demodectic mange. In summary, it is effective against ALL the common external and internal parasitic problems your dog can acquire, with the exception of ticks and tapeworms.) we don't have to worm Summer, we're advised by the vets, but in this instance, and as worms can be a serious problems to new born puppies, I was given one single Droncit tablet (less than £2) to give her in a few days time. It lasts for 6 months. For the puppies, a Milbemax worming tablet should be given at 6-7 weeks old.
WHEN TO MATE
When the blood becomes a clearer liquid (maybe slightly pink) and the bitch likes to be rubbed near her tale (!!), that is the time she should be ready to mate. This is also the time when she has ovulated. Ovulation = time to breed. This tends to happen around day 10-14 but it isn't unusual to be longer or shorter. You then have around 3 days to mate the bitch and stud.
At the moment, having never watched Summer this closely, I feel very pressurised to make sure I notice the right changes on the right days and don't miss this 'window'!
I discussed with the vet about tests (take the pressure off of me!) but this would involve drawing blood and sending it off to a laboratory. The vet said he'd happily do this if I wanted to, but thought it was more appropriate for bitches that were having problems conceiving. I didn't ask how expensive this would be, but decided I'd go with my gut instinct.
KNOWING SHE'S PREGNANT
It was suggested that Summer has an ultra scan at 24-25 days after conception to check she is pregnant. Once you know you have a pregnant bitch then you can start going mad and buying the huge list of implements and objects needed to get through the birth and to house and look after the puppies. I've already got a list of where to order everything and believe me, the list is extensive... Don't leave research to the last minute! The cost of the scan, by the way, will be around £85.00.
DIET FOR SUMMER
The vet suggested giving Summer a puppy diet for the 2 weeks prior to giving birth and 2-3 weeks after as this has a lot more nutrients in it. I asked about the first puppy food at 2-3 weeks old as I'd heard of some giving scrambled eggs. The vet said he would buy puppy kibble and soak it in warm water for about 30 minutes, and that the pups would love it. The amount of water could then be lessened as they got older, until they were on the nutritious kibble with no water. Sounds like a good idea to me!
EXERCISE
Summer and I attend Agility Classes run by KC registered Ann Cook in Reigate. We both enjoy it, and definitely good exercise for both me and Summer! I had read that we shouldn't continue classes but I thought that with the jumps laid on the floor and avoiding apparatus like the see-saw, we could continue. The vet agreed and said to just wait 4 weeks after conception and to take it easily.
LABOUR
A last tip was to watch Summer's temperature close to the 60 days after conception, as it drops significantly and almost certainly means that within the next 24 hours, puppies will be born!
For the past six days Summer has been very lethargic. She sleeps in a big cage at night (which I highly recommend) and when we open the door in the morning, she usually trots out, stretches and climbs on a sofa to go back to sleep, but is then excited to go for a morning walk. Now she is happy to stay in her cage and lumbers out, climbs on a sofa and falls into, what looks like, a deep sleep. Until the house front door is opened, she would be happy not to move!
A VISIT TO THE VETS
Yesterday, on Day 5, I took her to the vets. She was due for her booster vaccine, but I wanted to make sure it was still a good thing to do, bearing in mind we hope she is pregnant next week...
The vet weighed her and checked her over, giving her a clean bill of health. The vet's thoughts on vaccinating, is that there are many nasty things that the dog can catch without it, so safer to be vaccinated. I'd done a little web research and couldn't find any issues to of dogs being vaccinated and it effecting the puppies, so Summer had her annual booster jab.
I'd forewarned the surgery that I wanted to talk about the puppies, and I'd prepared some questions. They gave me a double appointment at the end of surgery which was nice. Having done so much research, maybe too much, I was coming up with contradictory information, like when will the puppies come? Do you base the days on "from conception" or "from ovulation"? Vets answer, 60 days from conception.
WORMING
When should I worm Summer and the puppies? Again, everyone seemed to have a different opinion. As we use 'Advocate for Dogs' (Advocate is a 'spot on' product, which is very effective in the treatment and prevention of fleas and other parasites on and in your dog. As well as killing fleas and their larvae it is effective against Roundworm, Whipworm, Hookworm, Lungworm, Heartworm, Ear mites, Lice, Sarcoptic and Demodectic mange. In summary, it is effective against ALL the common external and internal parasitic problems your dog can acquire, with the exception of ticks and tapeworms.) we don't have to worm Summer, we're advised by the vets, but in this instance, and as worms can be a serious problems to new born puppies, I was given one single Droncit tablet (less than £2) to give her in a few days time. It lasts for 6 months. For the puppies, a Milbemax worming tablet should be given at 6-7 weeks old.
WHEN TO MATE
When the blood becomes a clearer liquid (maybe slightly pink) and the bitch likes to be rubbed near her tale (!!), that is the time she should be ready to mate. This is also the time when she has ovulated. Ovulation = time to breed. This tends to happen around day 10-14 but it isn't unusual to be longer or shorter. You then have around 3 days to mate the bitch and stud.
At the moment, having never watched Summer this closely, I feel very pressurised to make sure I notice the right changes on the right days and don't miss this 'window'!
I discussed with the vet about tests (take the pressure off of me!) but this would involve drawing blood and sending it off to a laboratory. The vet said he'd happily do this if I wanted to, but thought it was more appropriate for bitches that were having problems conceiving. I didn't ask how expensive this would be, but decided I'd go with my gut instinct.
KNOWING SHE'S PREGNANT
It was suggested that Summer has an ultra scan at 24-25 days after conception to check she is pregnant. Once you know you have a pregnant bitch then you can start going mad and buying the huge list of implements and objects needed to get through the birth and to house and look after the puppies. I've already got a list of where to order everything and believe me, the list is extensive... Don't leave research to the last minute! The cost of the scan, by the way, will be around £85.00.
DIET FOR SUMMER
The vet suggested giving Summer a puppy diet for the 2 weeks prior to giving birth and 2-3 weeks after as this has a lot more nutrients in it. I asked about the first puppy food at 2-3 weeks old as I'd heard of some giving scrambled eggs. The vet said he would buy puppy kibble and soak it in warm water for about 30 minutes, and that the pups would love it. The amount of water could then be lessened as they got older, until they were on the nutritious kibble with no water. Sounds like a good idea to me!
EXERCISE
Summer and I attend Agility Classes run by KC registered Ann Cook in Reigate. We both enjoy it, and definitely good exercise for both me and Summer! I had read that we shouldn't continue classes but I thought that with the jumps laid on the floor and avoiding apparatus like the see-saw, we could continue. The vet agreed and said to just wait 4 weeks after conception and to take it easily.
LABOUR
A last tip was to watch Summer's temperature close to the 60 days after conception, as it drops significantly and almost certainly means that within the next 24 hours, puppies will be born!
Friday, 16 November 2012
Why did we get a dog? Why a Tibetan Terrier?
We had a cat. Gary. He was nearly 18 years old when he died of old age in January 2009. He had accompanied two of us into adulthood, been there to see our children grow into teenagers, and was much loved as a family member.
The decision to actually become dog owners took another eight months. Two of the family had wanted a dog for a long time. One was indifferent. I wasn't totally convinced, knowing that all the caring would be down to me, and I still missed Gary cat.
In my early teens we had had a German Shepherd, who could, in a breath, pull me over so my face met dirt! I didn't want this to happen again! I didn't know which breed of dog I did like, but this breed would not be for me (although our German Shepherd had a gorgeous and lovely temperament).
In late July 2009, on a trip to New York, our family of four were drawn to a pet shop. Fascinated by the funny jackets, over the top dog bling and the fluffy animals in the window, we investigated. The puppies on display were the most gorgeous fluffy Golden Wheatens - so cute!
We were all decided. A cute dog was for us, and this is what we wanted. But heads in gear, we headed home to Surrey, UK, and properly looked into what these dogs would be like. Whilst gorgeous, we eventually decided for a number of reasons a Wheaten wasn't for us, but that we all were now, in agreement about getting a dog!
In mid August on a trip into London, we were stood at London Bridge station where we watched a family reunite. With them was this most gorgeous black and white dog, with mid length hair, and of medium size. He was so excited to see them and bouncy, and they were just as happy to see their dog. It was then we knew. This was the dog we'd like.
"What breed is your dog?" we asked.
"A Tibetan Terrier" was the answer.
The decision to actually become dog owners took another eight months. Two of the family had wanted a dog for a long time. One was indifferent. I wasn't totally convinced, knowing that all the caring would be down to me, and I still missed Gary cat.
In my early teens we had had a German Shepherd, who could, in a breath, pull me over so my face met dirt! I didn't want this to happen again! I didn't know which breed of dog I did like, but this breed would not be for me (although our German Shepherd had a gorgeous and lovely temperament).
In late July 2009, on a trip to New York, our family of four were drawn to a pet shop. Fascinated by the funny jackets, over the top dog bling and the fluffy animals in the window, we investigated. The puppies on display were the most gorgeous fluffy Golden Wheatens - so cute!
We were all decided. A cute dog was for us, and this is what we wanted. But heads in gear, we headed home to Surrey, UK, and properly looked into what these dogs would be like. Whilst gorgeous, we eventually decided for a number of reasons a Wheaten wasn't for us, but that we all were now, in agreement about getting a dog!
In mid August on a trip into London, we were stood at London Bridge station where we watched a family reunite. With them was this most gorgeous black and white dog, with mid length hair, and of medium size. He was so excited to see them and bouncy, and they were just as happy to see their dog. It was then we knew. This was the dog we'd like.
"What breed is your dog?" we asked.
"A Tibetan Terrier" was the answer.
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