We got my black lab and our family's yellow lab together to breed. The bitch (yellow) is in heat and seems to try to get him interested but he never seems to get the drift. We've left them together for a week but have yet to see them breed so we don't think they have. He sniffs a lot and seems to "flirt" with her but we have no idea if this is going to work out.

Anyone have any experience on this? Is this normal for a 1 1/2 yr old black lab?

When he was a puppy, was he ever scolded for mounting? If he has been taught that this is a "wrong thing" to do, he could well be inhibited.

Also, how far into her season is the bitch? Mine was never ready for mating before day 14, and for her last litter wasn't ready till day 18. It may be that she simply isn't ready yet.

I assume both parents had all the relavent health tests before deciding to mate them?
Dawn.

That means Hip X-rays, Elbows which are then sent to the BVA (in UK) or to OFA (in USA) to be evaluated by orthopaedic experts. they should also have their eye tested by a BVA/CERF panelist Opthalmologist.

You really shouldn't consider breeding unless these things have been done. Labradors are one of the breeds with a high incidence of Hip and Elbow dysplasia, and also eye disease.

Jean,

Thanks for responding to the question directly.

No, he wasn't scolded although my other dog (a male) was scolded for mounting him. But how can you tell when the bitch is ready for mating other than it being clear she is in heat?

There is a "window" of roughly 5 days during a bitch's season when she is fertile and will be willing to mate. On average, the best day to mate them is day 11, but all bitches are different, and the best day will vary not only from bitch to bitch, but also from season to season with the same bitch!

When a bitch is "ready" she will whisk her tail to one side if you rub your hand firmly on her back, near her tail. She should also brace herself, as she will need to stand strong and steady to receive the dog - the signs are unmistakeable when you've seen them once! :)

Hope this helps!