My uncle used to breed dogs. Here's a little bit of info. The female licks her %#@&#! and genital area very often, as well as her abdomen when she is close to labor. She seeks calmness. Some female dogs tend who are always inside the house tend to locate themselves under furniture, while the ones that are always outside recover their wild behavior and dig a hole on the ground. Some female dogs stay still and calm before this miraculous happening, others groan and rip their blanket apart. During the first contractions the female urinates constantly. From the time labor begins she will not accept any stranger near her, but can call for her owner.

Her teats will get swollen about 24 hours prior to birth. Her vulva will swell, and her abdomen drops.

Hope this helps a little bit.

hugs, Lisa