We had plans to mate our bitch next season,but the timing isn't quite right unfortunatly.She's due in season next month.My son is booked in for his op on the 25th of next month for another Palate repair.

Unfortunate but these things happen,but it has to be the right time and we feel that it isn't the bset possible time to mate her,a summer litter would have been nice but never mind,she's two yrs old in June so we still have plenty of time.

My bitch has missed (hate letting so many people down), and a February litter would have been ideal for me, plenty of time for her to recover and still have some of the show season left (they aren't back in coat until about five months after a litter).

I like Winter litters as less disruptive to neighbours, shorter daylight hours, people have windows shut so aren't going to be disturbed by noisy pups etc.

Really would rather not have an early August litter as if it is hot pups can get very distressed, far easier keeping them warm than cooling them down. They also tend to sleep through the heat of the day and are awake at 4am!

If I left it until the season after that she would be 5 1/2 and the dog would be 9. Also by then I would be looking at proving her daughter who would be over two, and this litter will partly decide on the direction I wish to go with her.

Best laid plans of mice and men.

We missed with Meg too, we were going for summer pups and had to take her over to the stud on boxing day she missed...think my calculations were slightly off. we tried again in June and she caught and I have to say it worked out better, she had her pups in Sept...and like you say Brainless, dark nights, dark mornings, made all the difference. Also as we kept ours in the conservatory, just off the lounge, my one concern for summer pups would be that they would get far too hot! Didn't have a problem in September as it was cold out and the conservatory was easily heated to the right temp for them. Think I would definately go for winter pups if I tried again.

Breda

__________________
[SIZE="3"][COLOR="RoyalBlue"]
A dog is not intelligent. Never trust an animal that's surprised by its own farts.

In your average domestic setting winter litters are less stressful, more work if you get a lot of rain from when they are 4 weeks plus, but still prefer winter months.

Also the main shows are in Summer.

Such a shame Sally but there will be another time - Your son has to come first
Winter pups are easier in the house but harder in the garden etc....Summer pups are harder in the house but easier in the garden......Swings and roundabouts really

Now I like that saying

Sally, your son comes first obviously. Not to worry good luck next time

__________________
Heres my website, take a look.www.freewebs.com/shellies-shihtzu

Thanks but she's been spayed unfortunatly,she developed Pyometra