Breeding German Shepherd Dogs.
by Dennis Fisher..

This article is one of a great many articles written by Dennis Fisher about a very wide variety of subjects concerning different  dogs, such as obedience training, breeding, showing, health matters, training problems and other subjects.  All these articles appear on Dennis Fisher's websites.   Visit  http://www.allaboutgermanshepherddogs.com the site that has been set up specifically for German Shepherd Dog enthusiasts, or http://www.freedogadvice.com  if you interested in a breed   other than German Shepherd Dogs

SIGNS OF APPROACHING WHELPING

Whelping usually occurs about the 63 day after mating, but there can be quite a wide divergence in dates.  It can be as early as the 58th day, or as late as the 65th   day, but if it is later than this it is wise to take the bitch to your Veterinarian to check if everything is normal.

Sings of approaching labor are very easy to spot.  A few days before whelping the bitch is obviously restless and she may go off her food.   A usual sign is when the bitch starts making a nest; this is frequently combined with digging, scratching  material and sometimes tearing it into small strips, so make sure that suitable material is provided.