This means there has been placental detachment and the puppies are on their way. The mother will stop what she is doing at times and you can actually see her abdomen swell and as well as her efforts at pushing. This pushing can go on for several minutes or even hours. When a puppy has entered the birth canal and is about to be born, the mother will usually start licking her vulva. It will swell open as the puppy reaches it.
Puppies can come head or tail first.
It often makes no difference in the delivery time. As the puppy slides out, let the mother lick and tear the amniotic sack off. Unlike humans, puppies usually are born still inside this sack. If the mother seems confused as to what to do, gently tear the membrane itself and allow the fluid to be released. Tying the cord is a simple procedure in which heavy -duty thread may be used.