When we decide to adopt a dog, it is essential to carry out effective and responsible reproductive control to prevent an unwanted pregnancy and avoid overpopulation of abandoned dogs, both in shelters and on the streets around the world. However, if you have a mate and have decided to breed them, you will need to take some steps to keep the pregnant female and her newborn puppies in good he alth.
One of the most frequent doubts among guardians preparing for the arrival of small puppies is whether the male dog should be separated from the pupsIn this article on our site, we tell you when the presence of the male should be avoided to guarantee an environment of peace and safety for the mother-to-be and her puppies. And what is the best time to introduce the male dog to the new furry ones in the home.
Is it necessary to separate the male from the pregnant female?
During the bitch's pregnancy, future mothers experience a series of physiological and hormonal changes that prepare her for the development of her pups and lactation. It is a very special and delicate process that his body and her mind go through. Therefore, it is essential that guardians offer a positive environment and the necessary care so that their furry ones can live a calm and he althy pregnancy. On our site, we tell you the main care of pregnant dogs. Do not miss!
In the last weeks of their pregnancy, females undergo a process of hormonal changes, as their body prepares to the imminent moment of childbirth and subsequent lactation. Although these hormones are imperceptible to our senses, dogs detect them easily thanks to their privileged sense of smell. The males will then be very attracted to constantly smelling the female and exploring these new scents.
The insistence of the male usually causes stress or anxietyin the pregnant bitch, which is detrimental to the he alth of the mother and the her future puppies. Therefore, during the last 3 or 4 weeks of gestation, it is best to separate the male from the female so as not to expose her to negative stress factors.
When the time of delivery approaches (between 10 or 15 days before), the female will look for a quiet corner of the home to prepare a "cozy nest" where she can relax and feel safe to give birth to their young. At this time, it is best that the male does not intervene in this environment of peace and security to preserve the calm state of the female.
When the bitch begins her labor, it is important that the guardians remain vigilant to identify any problems or complications in the delivery. However, we must also respect her space and remain calmso as not to transmit more anxiety or nervousness to our dog at this important moment. Again, it is recommended that the male is not near the female in labor and her newborn pups.
Should I separate the male dog from the newborn pups?
Of course, the male dog will be very curious about these "new presences" in her home. By his senses, he will easily recognize that there are new puppies in the house and will want to smell, interact and/or play with them However, newborn pups are just as sensitive and delicate that any more intense interaction or sudden movement can hurt them. Due to their natural strength, drive to explore or desire to play, adult male dogs can cause an accident without intending to hurt the little furry ones.
In addition, the dog will be very protectiveduring the first few weeks of her puppies' lives. The female understands that her maternal function is to preserve her offspring and give them the optimal conditions to develop until they can survive on their own. Therefore, the presence of the male or other animals is almost never welcome during this neonatal period. In some cases, the female may develop aggressive behaviorsto protect the young from her and ward off potential threats. Therefore, it is best to respect his "safe zone" to avoid unnecessary conflict and keep the male away if the female shows this behavior.
On the other hand, it is important that guardians know how to help females take care of their puppies and offer them the ideal environment for their physical, cognitive, emotional and social development. It is also essential to have the guidance of a veterinarian to control the growth and weight gain of the offspring, in addition to guaranteeing the optimal recovery of the parent. In addition, the professional will be able to guide you on how and when to start introducing the male dog to his offspring, depending on the case.
When can I introduce the male dog to her puppies?
First of all, we must understand that there is no exact dateto introduce the male to her offspring. As every dog is a unique being, this optimal moment will depend on the development of each puppy and the reaction of the females to the inclusion of another individual in the territory of their puppies.
Dogs are generally most protective and "closed" during the first 15 days after giving birth, which represents the neonatal periodIn this first stage, the male must remain away from the offspring and our interaction must also be limited, taking into account the receptivity of the female.
After this first period, the transition phasestarts, which usually lasts until the 20th or 21st day of life of the offspring. In this new phase, the puppies will begin to be active and have some curiosity about their surroundings. Their mother will take care of providing optimal hygiene and keeping them well fed. However, her demeanor will become more serene and she will begin to accept new presencesin her environment
So, from the 21st or 22nd day after delivery, the puppies will already be mobile and will experience their socialization period. This is a key stage for the development of children, as they begin to recognize themselves as individuals in their own species and also within their social context. The females, in turn, will already be receptive and will be in charge of guiding their young in their new discoveries, presenting them with positive habits and teaching them the basics of canine language and coexistence.
At this point, we can begin to introduce the male dog to the puppies But this interaction should always begradual and progressive , since it is a new reality for the male and for the little furry ones. In addition, it is essential that the guardians monitor and control the dog's first contacts with the offspring, to avoid any accident or conflict with the female. Likewise, it is essential that the male is he althy, with all his vaccines and antiparasitic treatments up to date so as not to put the he alth of the furry little ones at risk, and that he does not present behavioral problems.
The benefits of the presence of the male in raising the puppy
Many guardians are afraid to let the pups live with their father or another adult male dog, but this interaction can be very positivefor the cognitive, emotional and social development of children. Logically, always with due care to preserve the well-being of puppies that are still growing and are more sensitive than adult dogs.
Let's remember that dogs are sociable animals that have become accustomed to living in groups that maintain a hierarchical structure and rules of coexistence to guarantee the survival of all its members. Breeding together with an adult male and female (a "collective" structure so to speak) can help the puppy understand the natural social order of dogs and the role of each individual within their community, as well as learn canine language, the limits of the game and the proper management of the bite.
On the other hand, living with individuals of the same species during early childhood helps in the socialization of the dog. Although socialization is a lifelong process, furry ones experience a critical period between their birth and their third month of life. When a dog is not properly introduced to the stimuli and individuals in his environment in this period, he can show serious behavioral and learning problemsthroughout his life
Of course, the simple presence of the male does not replace the need to carry out an adequate process of socialization of the puppies with other dogs. But it represents the possibility of beginning to socialize it early in the safe environment of our home, with a dog we trust.
Also, it is crucial to remember that puppies can only begin to walk outside and live with other animals (mainly strangers) after completing their first cycle of vaccinations and deworming.
