This will be the second time I mate my bitch, she never took the first time. after much planning, blood , sweat and finances we decided not to travel to across the water AGAIN and chose a different stud.  my bitch is now on day 8 at the latest. using the ovulations pads to see if they help.

SO HOPE we get puppies this time.....

I know some breeders who have used them and been successful.
Good luck shall watch for up dates. :)

>using the ovulations pads to see if they help.

I, like many others, found them useless.  I would go to the vet and do it properly, rather than find out too late that the pads are not right for you.

Yes i agree, good as a back up to see if they come out the same...

Oooh good luck!

Well I wont get to try them now , were on day 10 and no positive results, took her to the stud dog owners today..!! Miss her already lol.  the stud dog owner likes to do things natural, she likes the dogs to work it out for themselfs really.

I will be on the edge of my seat now for the next few days, wating for a phone call to say shes ready :-) atleast she is close by and not several hours drive and a ferry trip away.

Keeping everything crossed, i have 2 bicthes, but i really want her to be our foundation, she has the best of tempraments, is tested clear of heart abnormalities , which we have to be honest is more important than gaining any titles..!!! that said she has done consistantly well at all levels and has always had good write ups from alrounders and breed specialists, i just hope she takes this time, the stud dog has a fantastic pedigree and i'm very lucky to be able to use him..!

>the stud dog owner likes to do things natural, she likes the dogs to work it out for themselfs really.

I hope they're kept separately and only brought together on daily supervised occasions, and not left loose together the whole time.

>the stud dog owner likes to do things natural, she likes the dogs to work it out for themselfs really.

I hope this still means supervised matings?  (Someone to hold your bitch during the tie, and reassure her, as some do change their minds when it's too late!)

I have always allowed flirting and play to commence naturally, but I owe it to a bitches owner to take good care of their girls.  And, let's be fair, I dont want one of my boys hurt.

Have you discussed what 'work it out for themselves' actually entails?

It Certainly it would be 'work it out under supervison' in my breed. 

I would be surprised if it meant anything else to someone who knew what they are doing!!! 

We are not talkign ignorant back yard breeding here.