Course Overview
This course gives you the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to manage pregnancy, whelping and newborn puppy care safely and confidently.
It is designed for both first-time breeders and those wanting to update or improve their understanding of responsible breeding.
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You’ll learn everything from preparing for labour to dealing with complications, caring for vulnerable puppies, and ensuring your litter gets the best possible start.
What You Will Learn
✔ Understanding Canine Pregnancy
Gestation timeline, physical and behavioural changes, puppy development stages and what to expect.
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✔ Preparing for Whelping
Setting up your whelping area, equipment needed, hygiene, temperature control and safety.
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✔ The Whelping Process
How to recognise the stages of labour, normal versus abnormal labour patterns, when to assist, and when to call the vet.
✔ Hands-On Practical Guidance
Correct handling of puppies, stimulating breathing, cutting cords, assisting weak puppies and safe practical techniques.
✔ Recognising Problems & Red Flags
Signs of dystocia, stuck puppies, fading puppy syndrome, infection risks and when urgent action is required.
✔ Immediate Neonatal Care
Temperature regulation, feeding, colostrum, weight monitoring, hydration, and early-life checks.
✔ Emergency Support for Newborns
Tube feeding guidance, reviving weak puppies, dealing with rejection and hand-rearing basics.
✔ Post-Whelping Care for the Dam
Recovery signs, milk production, mastitis, nutrition, and when veterinary attention is needed.
Who This Course Is For
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New breeders
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Experienced breeders wanting a refresher
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Pet professionals
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Owners preparing for their first litter
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Anyone wanting to whelp safely and confidently
No previous experience is required.
Course Includes
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Full course workbook
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Diagrams, charts and practical examples
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Step-by-step neonatal guidance
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Emergency reference sections hours and certificate
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Ongoing support after the course
What Makes This Course Different
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Taught by someone with 40+ years of real breeding and whelping experience
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Practical, clear and easy to follow
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No scare tactics, no confusing jargon — just proper, safe information
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Focus on welfare, responsibility and correct technique
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Support before, during and after your course
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📜 Option to purchase an internationally recognised ICOES certificate
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CPD accredited certificate can be purchased
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At your own pace this is an E-Learning Course
Outcome
By the end of this course, you will:
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Understand the entire whelping process from start to finish
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Be able to recognise normal vs abnormal labour
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Know how to safely support the dam
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Understand proper newborn care
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Feel confident dealing with common problems
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Be prepared and capable when a litter arrives