Isn't it amazing how quick the accidental breedings can happen? That's why we are so VERY careful any time we have a girl in season. I swear a dog would dig through concrete to get to a girl in season; and the girl would help him!!

If the nipples are changing, that's a pretty good sign she's pregnant. We look for a base to start forming at the nipple and the nipples to start getting bigger. When we see that, we get an ultrasound just to be sure because we want to change the diet and amount of food the last month or so. Let me say, though, that change can happen with a false pregnancy too; we have one girl that was bred and it didn't take, but she even had milk come in just before what would have been her due date.

At about 1-1/2 weeks before the due date, we get an x-ray for a puppy count (ultrasound is not reliable for a count; even the x-raycan be off). That is important so that we know when we are done with puppies or if there is a problem with the welping.

You mentioned you were pretty busy with school. Can you make arrangements to get away and be with the girl when she starts welping? Pretty important if something goes wrong during welping. You might also consider buying a book on breeding to help recognise any developing problems during welping or puppy rearing. Just like in humans, there's lots that can go wrong.

My wife and I have been breeding dogs for about 10 years now (not a long time) and we still are a bundle of nerves with every litter. But it's a real kick when the litter is grown up and going to their new homes. Good luck and I hope you have a healthy litter and mom with no problems.