6. Reproductive Behaviour

Question 1

Describe male puppies and mounting

Answer 1

Can begin as early as 5wks, may be followed by thrusting
-may mount children - should be discouraged
not a sign of dominance
female puppies may mount as well

Question 2

Describe urine marking, when does marking begin?

Answer 2

• 3mos onward. more commonly at 9-12 months when sexually mature

males dogs lift leg, rotate body, voice small amount of urine horizontally,

may reduce w/ neutering

Question 3

Describe courtship + mounting in dogs

Answer 3

Femals will mark when in heat

Males will check these scent marks for females in heat near him

He will sniff her head and body, then to vulva. receptive female moves tail and will stand to be mounted.

Inexperienced dogs start from the side and move backwards, less successful

Question 4

When does the female estrus cycle start? How often does it happen?

Answer 4

Usually 6-9 mos starts, bi-yearly, evenly spaced

Question 5

What is false heat?

Answer 5

Common in all ages, pro-estrus like behaviour

normal estrus 2-3 months later

Question 6

Describe proestrus

Answer 6

Has vaginal discharge
May run and play w/ dogs and check out genital area
not ready to mate

Question 7

Describe a dog’s estrus

Answer 7

Increased activity lvl _ nervousness and is ore vocal
increased male interest
stands for dog’s attention
will stand to be mounted

Question 8

Describe copulation

Answer 8

intromission may not be attained at first attempt and will repeat

Bulbus glandis of penis
swells
oVaginal muscles constrict
oCreates the Tie
oMale usually dismounts to
side
oThen throws a hind leg
over her rear so that they
stand butt to butt

Question 9

Describe the tie

Answer 9

can stay loked from 10-30 minutes, ejaculating during this time and will deflate on its own. Should not be pulled out.

Question 10

Problems of copulation

Answer 10

some are sexually excited but view it as test of dominance

Dogs sometimes more comfortable with female brought to him

Intromission more successful if dog mounts from rear

Question 11

Describe maternal behavior in dogs

Answer 11

female licks nipples + genitals as parturition approaches

lactation starts 1-7 prepartum

appetite decreased and body temp below 37 C about 24 hrs prior to whelping, nesting behaviour, aggressive to strangers

Question 12

Describe whelping

Answer 12

Birth

Mother may regurgitate food after 4wks of whelping and reduces time puppies can nurse