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I am trying to word this as gently as I can for any kids that may be here.

A few months ago, I was visiting a dog breeder, to see if it was possible to buy one of his pups. He informed me that he was sold out and suggested that since I had driven four hours, to come and watch the mating of his youngest dog, which would be the mother of the pup I would buy at some point.

I saw no harm in that, since I happened to own a dog of myself and have seen dogs mating beforehand.

Anyways, I followed the guy, who bred white German Shepherds, to a small outdoor like pen.

Inside the pen, was a man holding a young female dog's head, so that she was not distracted and moved. On top of the female dog was a male German Shepherd [hardly bigger than her].

What surprised me was that during the mating, the female dog continually whimpered and whined, and showed signs of pain.

Is this normal or is this breeder doing something wrong by pairing such a young dog [1 and a half, I believe] with a mate.

>>I am trying to word this as gently as I can for any kids that may be here.
>>
>>
>>A few months ago, I was visiting a dog breeder, to see if it was possible to buy one of his pups. He informed me that he was sold out and suggested that since I had driven four hours, to come and watch the mating of his youngest dog, which would be the mother of the pup I would buy at some point.
>>
>>I saw no harm in that, since I happened to own a dog of myself and have seen dogs mating beforehand.
>>
>>Anyways, I followed the guy, who bred white German Shepherds, to a small outdoor like pen.
>>
>>Inside the pen, was a man holding a young female dog's head, so that she was not distracted and moved. On top of the female dog was a male German Shepherd [hardly bigger than her].
>>
>>What surprised me was that during the mating, the female dog continually whimpered and whined, and showed signs of pain.
>>
>>Is this normal or is this breeder doing something wrong by pairing such a young dog [1 and a half, I believe] with a mate.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

He was doing at least one thing wrong if he was breeding a GSD who was under 2 years old.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

Well the female dog was in PAIN.

That is to me, wrong!!!!!!!!!

Maybe I should have asked, is it typical for female dogs to seem to be in pain?

>>Well the female dog was in PAIN.
>>
>>That is to me, wrong!!!!!!!!!
>>
>>
>>Maybe I should have asked, is it typical for female dogs to seem to be in pain?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>..

It can happen. Whether it's ethical for a breeder to do such a breeding is each person's own decision. I wouldn't, of course, but I don't breed dogs in the first place.

The age of the dog in the case you mentioned is VERY important, though. Do not get a puppy from someone breeding German Shepherds without hip clearances first. They can't get clearances until the dog is a minimum of 2 years of age. So that breeding was unethical for that reason, aside from the inhumane concerns you have.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

Ok as a professional breeder I must intervene.... It is typical that the female whimper during the act and it may sound corney but most of the time its moans of passion... I know I know it sounds wrong, but if you stick around for the 15 - 30 minute when they unlock the female is willing to stand again (no I would never allow a double locking) but the moans and the yelping could also be from the weight of the male on her back if the male is not turned around after they lock.

Yes they do feel pain. Some bitches will react more than others, some don't at all. A maiden bitch may react more than an experienced bitch. If a bitch does react it doesn't mean that dog shouldn't be bred, it doesn't have any effect on her having puppies (unless of course there is some physical abnormality), it doesn't effect the puppies. Whelping is also painful. If you ever watched cats breeding, it can be worse! Yes the queen feels pain! and she will lash out at a tom, so you have to make sure he can get away from her! BUT it sounds like these to should not be bred because of their age. If health clearances weren't done (OFA and CERF-and/or others) don't buy from this breeder. IF they are breeding many litter per yr be extremely cautious. IF they won't answer any of your questions don't buy from them. I give a dog and cat care class and one thing we cover is what to ask a breeder.
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