My bitch is now on Day 14, has been flagging and standing for dog for the past three days but no tie.  Up until today I hadn't actually seen his penis, started to wonder if he had phimosis!  He's very keen and wants to do it but isn't getting to grips with the 'how'.  Any suggestions?  He's my own boy and lives here, current plan is to separate the pair for the rest of the day and try late tonight but if his penis isn't coming out I can't even assist in guiding him, what would you guys try?  bitch is not a maiden after tying with another dog last season (unfortunately didn't catch) and is standing beautifully.

It's quite common for dogs to refuse to mate bitches they live with, especially if said bitch is the boss at home! Better to use him on someone else's bitch first to prove him, and then try again on your bitch next season.

Other option to what JG has said is to do side by side AI. Not for everyone but is an option. Either repro vet or a specialist who does this on a frequent basis

I'd definitely be separating them except for when you are breeding them...

She might still be too early at day 14, some dogs will only mate a bitch that is ready and can tell when she isn't...

Does he like to play with you?  I'd suggest playing tug with him (alone) and getting him really excited and aroused, then open the door and let him in to the bitch... Arousal often carries across - that's why we often get lipsticks out when dogs play rough or play tug etc etc - so get him hyper somehow through play, then let him in to see her....

Why do people jump for AI if a dog fails to "perform".

Perhaps if you were experienced in handling stud dogs you would have the knowledge of how to teach your dog to mate a bitch.

Have you blood tested your bitch to see if she is ready ? Not all bitches ovulate at the same time.

Why is the assumption that she's ovulating on day 14?  Because a bitch is standing doesn't mean she's ready - I have one bitch that will stand from day 3 - she's a trollop.

My stud dog won't even consider a bitch, standing or not, unless she is ready.  He won't waste his energy.

> She might still be too early at day 14, some dogs will only mate a bitch that is ready and can tell when she isn't.

In my experience, especially with bitches that have been mated before, they will often signal readiness about two days before some males will even consider mating them, but this is often flirtation as opposed to willingness to stand for actual mating.

Of course as has been said if this is a very confident bitch he lives with, he may feel a bit intimidated.

I would suggest a progesterone test to check if she has actually ovulated, bearing in mind that she won't actually be able to conceive until two days after ovulation and remain fertile for another two.

Yes to separating them - as suggested all too often males who live with a bitch and used to being put in their place, are reluctant to mate with them.

Do you have an experienced breeder-friend you can call on to help you mate your two?   As my main breed can be very difficult to mate, I had a good friend who was very experienced with my breed (she could mate chairs to tables!!) and for a small percentage of a stud fee, I'd call on her!   Far better than messing around and getting nowhere (especially with a visiting bitch).

On the other hand if you guide him, regardless of his penis being exposed beforehand or not, you may find he will penetrate just fine, if in the right place!

I've not known toy poodles to be reluctant in this area

Thanks everyone but I posted too soon - we had a lovely tie last night

As most of us thought, it wasn't yet time.