pregnancy

Question
Hi, my wife and I own a 1 1/2 year old female cocker named Sara.  We are trying to breed her. How many times should she be bred to insure pregnancy?  Also, how do we know if she is pregnant?

Answer
Hiya, Im going to give you my personal advice, firstly 1 1/2 is a little young she is actually only a baby herself still is this her first season? if it is its wrong, you should wait for at least two seasons.
The best time to mate is between 10-12 days from her first day of spotting, you will know if the mating was a success because they will tie together from anything between 10- 20 minutes, sometimes you can try mating them again the day after but usually only one mating is needed.
If the pregnancy is successful you will notice after about three weeks she will become more loving a little quieter, a little rounder at the sides and her behaviour will alter slightly, they are pregnant for 63 days near enough to the day, towards the end you will need to increase her food by double, and the last week you will need to change her to puppy food as this is higher in nutrients which she will need, she will start looking for a place to give birth and nesting so you will need to provide her with a whelping box in a darkish corner where she will feel safe and encourage her to use it.
Kathy