Signs of labor are almost same in all dog breeds. These signs start 8-48 hours of before true labor. These signs are decrease in rectal temperature below 100, agitation, no eating, restlessness and pacing. During the labor, abdominal contractions can be seen. Sooner, a membranous sac at the vulva can be also observed.
Your dog should pant very heavy, nest or even rip newspaper up, shiver, look at her back side a lot knowing there is something happening to her or she may even hide. She can do this for hours before even having a puppy but watch her very close at all times.