I have never had a dog that needed a C-section but have been around dogs that do...usually it is a wait and see situation. You do not know ahead of time, but when the bitch is in labor she should not go to long without delivering a puppy. Usually it is evident the day that they are going to have the pups, they refuse food. But most dogs will deliver at night-it is pretty easy to tell that they are in labor and trying to deliver the pups. If they have problems and do not deliver any pups within a certain amount of time, it is time to find the vet. Usually bitches that come from a bitch that free whelps will also be a free whelper, but not always. Things can change the facts-large puppies, from either too few puppies or a larger male, etc. It is really a wait and see with judgment situation... :wave: