Should You Consider Getting Your Pet Dog to Mate?

Dog mating is a tricky subject, and the decision to breed dogs is something that must be thoroughly thought and well-planned. Raising a whole litter of puppies will be nowhere as easy and fun as shown in 101 Dalmatians because the process calls for much more effort and responsibility, which a lot of people aren’t ready for.

There are a number of reasons why dog owners may consider their pets to mate. Even though most dog breeders are sincere dog lovers who are aware of the physical and financial responsibilities, others just decide to breed dogs for profits. While the latter idea isn’t a bad one to keep in mind when breeding dogs, the important thing is to put the dog’s welfare above any financial gain from the mating process.  Before you consider getting your pet dog to mate, here are a few factors that will help you decide whether or not it is a good idea.

1. Increased responsibility. It doesn’t matter if you want more puppies because you want to extend your fluffy family or because you plan on selling them – you should know that there is a great level of effort and responsibility involved in both cases. Assuming that selling off the puppies will bring an end to your responsibilities is wrong. As a responsible dog breeder, it will be your job to keep tabs on the puppies’ health and welfare even after 6, 12, and 24 months from now. On the other hand, if you decide to raise the puppies on your own, you will have to ensure they have a safe and dry environment where all their basic needs are met efficiently. In addition, be prepared for grooming, training, cleanup and medical responsibility, all of which will substantially drain your wallet and your energy levels. 
2. If you are considering dog mating because you have a certain puppy image in mind, you should know that is there is only a 50% chance of that image becoming reality because puppies can take after either parent. Your dog is unique, and the laws of genetics don’t work to deliver the product of your dreams. Your new puppy may turn out completely different looking than what you expected and may even have different personality traits, which can either be a pleasant surprise or a slight disappointment. So instead of relying on dog mating, you can adopt a puppy from a pet store or even a shelter house – that way it will be quite affordable and much closer to your expectations.
3. One of the many reasons why pet owners get their dogs to mate is because they are asked to do so by potential buyers. However, you should be smart enough to know that not everyone will commit to their word once it is time for them to adopt from you either because they are “not ready” or find it “too expensive”, or other countless reasons.
4. Some people believe that allowing their dogs to mate will help them settle down. However, it should be noted that male dogs think about sex when they are near a female dog in the mating season and female dogs only think about it during the mating season, and once the season has passed, the experience is soon forgotten. Bottom line: the whole sex experience does not help calm your dog. In fact, for a male dog, it will only worsen the situation as he might become unmanageable around the ladies, more aggressive towards other male dogs, or lose his manners in the house. If your dog has no idea of what the mating experience is like, he/she won’t miss it. Remember that teaching your dog to behave comes from maturity and good training, not sex!