Why is that many breeders repeat matings 48 hrs apart.Bearing in mind they have often been guided by progesterone levels in the first place.

For the "just in case" lol i no it only takes 1mateing at the right time, lol

Have they often been guided by progesterone levels? To be honest, I've hardly ever come across anyone doing it other than people here on CD, seldom in real life, and the few times I have heard of it, it's not been successful. Personally I have never seen a need for testing and have never had a failed mating yet -whether it was one, two or 3 matings.

I've wondered myself about the worth of these as over several bitches I have only ever had one miss ( mated over 3 different seasons and with different dogs so ). I had blood tests for her 2nd time but felt it was telling me too early. It just wasn't to be for her.
All my other matings have been based on number of days, instinct and behaviour with the other dogs. Mainly flirting with the other girls. I do now have a Draminski but would rely on the former for when I make my trip to the dog. I do 2 trips or stay over as a security mating.

Any thoughts on this everyone ?

In over 35 years I've only used progesterone testing  twice and both times bitches missed.
I generally do one mating on a day determined by my males....and on the whole they get pregnant (if not I've been able to pinpoint the cause...suddenly sterile male for one).
One bitch missed twice ( one of those a progesterone mating)  I then sent her stay with an experienced dog ...she had her first litter...to a mating at day 7.
Next time one mating day 6... Litter produced.

Have they often been guided by progesterone levels? To be honest, I've hardly ever come across anyone doing it other than people here on CD, seldom in real life, and the few times I have heard of it, it's not been successful. Personally I have never seen a need for testing and have never had a failed mating yet -whether it was one, two or 3 matings.


Agreed.   I tended to like to take a second mating but in reality, if I felt the first seemed to be 'good', both parties were willing etc. then sometimes I didn't bother.   A lot would depend on the distance having to be travelled (because I've only once left my bitch with the stud dog owners - and never again!!).   We didn't get misses although occasionally we only had small litters for my main breed.

Having seen the difference in the sperm of 1st ejaculate and 2nd a day later, I will always do two matings.
If dog has not ejaculated for a while, the quality can be much worse on the first time.
The difference can be huge, from few lazy ones swimming to the right direction&in circles to busy billions!
When preparing dogs for freezing sperm(best possible quality needed) collecting the dog few days apart often the second collection gives a better sample. So 2 matings always.
I have had few single matings based on progesterone and all missed&I truly think this might be contributing factor.

Thats really interesting :)