i have a toy poodle male. a lady would like her bitch to mate with him. how do i go about it?

Firstly it is viatally important that both potential partners have their eyes tested by a British Veterinary Association eye panelist, to check for the presence oor absense of hereditary eye disease (this can only be ruled out by an expert). You can get a list of panelists from their offices in London.

Also no matter how special you feel your boy to be you would do well to look at him dispassionately and try to find an unbiased person to assess his quality or lack of as regards the requirements of the breed standard. Try contacting one of the breed clubs for advice, as well as your dogs breeder who may be best placed to advise as regards suitability of the two pedigrees.

Lastly and most importantly what about the welfare of the proposed puppies. Do you know that the bitch owner will rear and sell them with care, and will you be willing to help if any of the pups come back for rehoming! Breeding carries serious responsibilities, and those who shirk them only add to the poor unfortunate animals in Rescue.

And on a more personal level, I know someone who mated their Norfolk Terrier with a friend's bitch and her dog now is impossible to keep in, he escapes at every opportunity and has also started scent marking all over the house.