Have a 2 year old male, good type, good pedigree, good health tests, exceptional temperament. He is my first stud dog, I have always had bitches and used experienced stud dogs so whereas I am experienced at whelping have limited knowledge in this area. I have done vaginal cytology on the bitch and she has just ovulated. They are both very keen and he is getting a full erection but does not seem to be far enough on to penetrate. He also seems to be at a low angle when thrusting. Can anyone give me tips on how to help him, I'm not squeamish and don't mind helping.

If he's aiming a little low, try them on an incline, with her facing downhill.  Or pop her back feet in a 'hole' if you have some uneven ground.  Some dogs just need to get the hang of stud work, then they're away, and it certainly helps to use them on an experienced, rock-steady bitch first time (although for saying that my boy's first few were all maidens, but then he's a demon!).

He needs to be aiming better to get close enough to penetrate, and it sounds like he's just a bit low :) 

Best of luck!

If he's fully erect he's got too excited too soon and can't enter her like that. Dogs only have the end bit showing before mating and when they get the right spot and enter the bitch the sheath is pushed back.

The problem is probably that he's rubbing against her and getting too excited without being in the right place. With a keen inexperienced dog like that I would pull him gently away and let him cool down for a few minutes then try again. If you kneel at the side of them and reach your hand under the bitches back leg when he mounts her you can gently guide him into the right spot. Don't get hold of him too tightly or you'll have the same problem! I use one hand, my pinky feeling where I want to aim and two fingers guiding him. Once he gets the right place you will both know it, he will almost lift his back legs off the ground - climbing the ladder some people call it. At this point move to the back and clasp your hands round both their hindquarters as a maiden bitch may struggle and a maiden dog might back out - so hold them together till you're sure they've tied.

How tall is the dog in relation to the bitch? Matings are easier when the dog is slightly taller, if not you may have to improvise with sloping ground, things to stand on etc.

I've known of telephone directories being used to raise the male or bitch to the right level.

Good Luck some take longer to get the knack.

Have you got anyone nearby to come and help? The first couple of times with my stud dog I was lucky to have bitch owners who had dogs too, so I just held the bitch and they aimed my dog and explained and showed me what they were doing.

Thanks for the advice. I helped him with his first tie and today he was spot on without any help! Provided it all works out I don't think he'll have any problems in the future and I know how to help any future stud dogs I may have too!