I was wondering if anyone has had a similar experience? I had a friend's proven stud to stay for two weeks while my bitch was in season. He was with us from day 9 for two weeks - during that time I never saw them tie, although they had been left alone on a few occasions and they are familiar with each other.
I had just assumed no mating had taken place. However, it is now day 62 and my bitch has a lot of milk but no other visible signs of pregnancy.
I decided to make a vets appointment as I had no explanation for the milk and just wanted to double check.
The vet had a quick feel of her tummy asked if she had been acting any different to which I replied no. She reckons she is having a phantom pregnancy and told me to bring her again tomorrow to scan her just to double check. I feel as if I am no further forward as I thought a phantom would have been visible earlier.
Can anyone shed any light on this? Has anyone had a similar experience? She is a toy breed.

My bitch had a phantom after her first mating.... she was incredibly convincing all the way through to the point that she had a temp drop, milk and even started to put herself through labour. It was only because I too took her to the vet and they said no puppies. Was very strange!! never had one since and she went on to have a lovely litter of 10. How did you get on with the scan? what else have they said about your bitch?

If the pair of them have been left alone for even 10 minutes, they could easily have mated, so you can't rule out pregnancy. Best bet to make sure would be to get her scanned so you can prepare.

If she is having a phantom, they can be very convincing, to the point of straining to give birth. they have fooled many a breeder, myself included :)

Why would you leave them alone? Were you hoping they would just get down to business?

You should never leave an in season bitch with a male unattended.  Not ever.

Hi,I did take her for her scan,the scan showed no puppies,the vet decided to xray her just to be sure but there was nothing.
She has given her treatment to dry up her milk so hopefully better luck next time.The vet put it down as phantom preganancy
and said otherwise she was healthy.

Hi,Thanks for the advice I will take it on board for the future.

to be honest you would be better having your bitch idexx tested as this will determine when she ovulates so you can the put the dogs together when she is ready rather than just leave them to it . But the mating should be supervised as there could be alot of damamge done to either party if one has decided that they have had enough etc once in a tie! I have heard that pugs are a difficult dog to breed from (I am assuming it is a pug from your avatar) but there are pug people on here who can verify that? But also if you keep the dog and bitch seperate until mating times then the males tend to be more eager as they have been able to smell the bitch and not get to her (well that is the experience i have with my male) Is she a maiden aswell? as she will want you around also for reassurance, they aren't always receptive just because it is the right time. I would get yourself some good boks to read and do alot of research on the net too into breeding just so you have a better picture of what it is like. It isn't just about putting 2 dogs together and hoping for the best, we usually play a big part in the whole process too. A good book to start you off is 'book of the bitch' it's by J.M Evans and Kay White. Others on here may recommend some more books too.

Hi,
Thanks for replying,When I say they were left alone  I mean for short periods of time,at no point did I leave the house and put them in a room unsupervised to get on with it.
I do not have a great deal of experience in breeding however I have had one previous litter and do possess a copy of The Bitch.
I was just worried that he had caught her,and will indeed be more vigilant next time.
Thanks for all your advice,it is greatly appreciated.