first litter of pups

Question
Hi joyce, me and my partner are going to breed our dogs , we have male at 2 1/2 years old and a female at 2 years old , this will be her first litter and our first time of breading , we ant to get all the information first and read up on what to do and what to expect before during ad after the pregnancy , can you please give us some advice and if there are any books that you are aware of that they sell can you please let me know , My dog will be starting her season in the nxt few weeks . Thankyou for your time .

Answer
Hi Jenna

What breed have you chosen?
Is your partner your life partner or your breeding one?
Have you had the dogs tested for hereditary defects?
Are you doing a line breeding or out cross?
Do you know the lines of at least 3 generations on both sides for both sets?

It's important to understand that breeding is more than throwing two dogs together. It's about pedigree, lines, etc. etc.

Your female should be checked out by a vet prior to breeding.  If she isn't in season yet now's the time to get her de-wormed and depending on her lifestyle, started on a light dose of antibiotics to ensure she has no low grade fever or infection that would harm her litter.  It's a good idea to have the male tested for brucellois too.

Depending on the breed (as each breed as their own idiocies)I would recommend Breeding Beter Dogs by Dr. Dieter Fleig.

Good luck.