Hi,
We have a female Lab and she is in heat. We have a friend that has a male lab. We are wondering when exactly is the best time to put them together.
We have never done this before and have been reading up on it, but would like advise from someone who knows better than the books.
Thanks.

[reeskujo]

I don't mean to offend you but as a former breeder I can tell you that your not ready....There is a lot more involved in breeding then just putting 2 dogs together...There's genetic testing and hip x-rays that need to be done on both parents to make sure there's no genetic health issues and that they both have good hips....The female needs to be at least 2 years old....The female also needs to be checked by a vet to make sure she's healthy and she also needs special nutrition during and after pregnancy....You also need to have contracts written up for new owners and you should have homes already lined up...Do you know how to tell if the mom is having a hard time delivering?...Can you afford to pay for an emergency c-section if she needs one?...The pups will also have to be vet checked and have their first set of shots and wormer and this is just the beginning...I would seriously reconsider until your more educated on what needs to be done.

a couple other things to consider - if you don't get them tested for brucellosis & STD's & either dog has them she will most likely abort or puppies will die

Brucellosis

you should read these links too & then get your girl spayed. did you know she is at 80% higher risk for cancer & 100% greater risk for a pyometra by not being spayed? a pyo is a raging uterine infection which is usually fatal

So you want to be a breeder?

Things to think about BEFORE breeding your dog

HOW TO RECOGNIZE A REPUTABLE DOG BREEDER

I would like to suggest you check PETFINDER.COM before you think about breeding. There are hundreds of thousands of dogs who already need a home. Having your pet fixed prevents cancers and other health issues. It was just on Oprah this week: do them and yourself a favour, if you really love your dog, have them fixed.

[lil mutt]

Originally Posted by percysmomma

I would like to suggest you check PETFINDER.COM before you think about breeding. There are hundreds of thousands of dogs who already need a home. Having your pet fixed prevents cancers and other health issues. It was just on Oprah this week: do them and yourself a favour, if you really love your dog, have them fixed.

i totally agree with you... we dont want another homeless dog to add to the list... if you want another dog please consider adopting from rescues...

[wishbone]

I would suggest too, to be part of the solution rather than being part of the problem. Please consider first the homeless and suffering dogs in shelters/rescue centers before breeding one that might add up to them.