We have a 2 year old cocker spaniel who is on around day 10 of her season. She has had very little blood loss but is keeping herself very clean but her vulva isn't swollen at at all. She is very interested in and is standing for our dog who is trying to mate with her but he isn't getting anywhere, when he is exhausted she starts to 'hump' him? Is she likely to open up in order to mate still or is it unlikely after 10 days? Does anyone have any advice?

10 days is still quite early!

> 10 days is still quite early!

I have a bitch who ovulates on day 4!!!!!!

10 days, for me, would be a time to start progesterone testing for most of my bitches.  Although I do tend to think that this can be breed dependent.  However, dogs who have lived with bitches as pets, while being happy to mate outside bitches, for some reason it isn't on the agenda.

There are bitches who will play the hussy and stand to be mated from day 1 till day 25 -26 and then those who will never allow a dog to mate them.. Also there are dogs who will never have any idea what to do. May I suggest you speak to the breeder of your bitch and ask for some advice and help from them .  It is never the best idea to use a maiden dog and bitch as niether will have the experience needed to effect a safe mating and if you are also a novice then that will not help.
It is far more important to know when your bitch is ovulating because a mating at the wrong time will be worthless. It is not good for dog or bitch to keep trying till they are exhausted, its not fair on the bitch or the dog.
I think you could use some help from a mentor in your breed, your breeder is your best source of help (If they are good breeders) and if not then maybe untill you can find someone in your breed to help and advise you on mating, health testing, whelping etc.. it would be better to wait a while before having a litter.
I am sorry but your original post comes over as your being somewhat of a novice and forum can only do so much to help, better to have a good knowedgable breeder walking you through  the process.
Aileen

You don't say what breed your dog is, but I'm assuming that he's also a cocker spaniel. How old is he? Has he been used at stud before? Day 10 is still quite early in a season for a bitch to allow a mating so you might need to separate the two for a couple of days and then try again. (I'm also assuming that they're both fully health tested for hereditary conditions, and not just a general check by your vet.)

I also suggest you buy a copy of The Book of the Bitch by JM Evans and Kay White, and thoroughly learn it. It's considered to be about the most helpful book on breeding on the market.

Are you used to handling matings, or do you have a friend who is, who can help you? It would be sensible to keep them apart and only introduce them together once or twice a day; if you don't manage a mating (sometimes you need to be very 'hands-on', literally!) separate them again for 8 hours.

We would be able to help you more if you answered our questions. It's frustrating to offer advice freely and have no response.