Actually, the very best way would be to be present at at least one whelping beforehand, altho that's not always possible. So, get a good book or two, and maybe a video (there are some available somewhere)...make sure your vet is going to be available and maybe a good friend who has experience, and hope for the best. btw - it doesn't matter what breed you get the experience in---and after some breeds, Shepherds are comparatively easy. If you can go to a seminar, do so...........there is a woman named Myra Savant who gives seminars on whelping and caring for neonate puppies.............she's giving one at the end of August in Phoenix..........(information available on request, and I'll also post the info to the list. Peggy >In a message dated 7/3/2005 10:47:45 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, >texasgsds@xxxxxxxxx writes: >How did you gain knowledge and experience in whelping a litter before you >bred and whelped your first litter? > > ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2005. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://www.showgsd.org ============================================================================