If the progesterone results come back as ready to be mated, but the bitch is not particuarly swollen round the vulva area, nor is there any bleeding, is it still possible that she can be bred successfully? i.e will the mechanics of the mating be painful for her, or will the male have trouble actually entering her?

I have a bitch that doesn't get a swollen vulva, and since she was always mated to dogs abroad, I had a couple of very experienced stud owners picking me up from the airport and commenting that my girl didn't look ready (and probably thinking that I had hopped into a couple of planes for nothing). She mated, very enthusiastically I must add, every time, and had 3 lovely good size litters (she is now nearly eight, and enjoying retirement). And her daughters are just like her when it comes to seasons.

Thanks Chillington, this is our first litter, so we want to make sure we do everything right, and certainly don't want to do anything which may hurt/upset her. The stud dog we're going to is very experienced, so hopefully it'll all go to plan

Good luck with it!
Just be prepared - she may scream the place down and protest quite voiciferously!  Don't know what breed you have but in my breed, many do this so try not to panic if it happens! :)

I have had bitches who were smaller in the lady parts when ready for mating than some are when not in season.

Most bitches are ready for mating once the swelling and engorgement reduces and the area softens, as mating at the very swollen stage is more likely to be uncomfortable really.

Thanks Brainless

Put a vinyl glove on your hand, wash it with dilute Hibiscrub, and put plenty of KY jelly round her bits if you're a bit worried.    If the stud owner is clued up you should be fine -

(I had to edit this post after I read it again, and it might have been misconstued ;-)  !!)

Jo  

KY Jelly has been known to kill sperm so I read somewhere, don't know if the same applies to gynae lubricant.

KY does not contain any spermicide.

That is what I thought but I did read it some time back and stored the info at the back of my brain.