I have mated a large breed bitch yesterday, she was AI'd using TCI method with fresh seaman.The reason it was done I used my older male of 9 years and he was half heartily trying I think due to the fact he lives with her( he is a good stud dog and never had a problem before), vet checked seaman and it was at 90%. Bloods taken and had ovulated. I have never AI'd before and wonder what the success rate is.

> vet checked seaman

LOL!!!

I had to have AI done when having travelled for 12 hours from Toronto to the American stud dog I wanted, he wasn't remotely interested.  And she was right on too.     If dogs could talk - she got so teed off with him messing around that in the end, she just turned round and sat down.    We took both to his vet the following morning (his owner was working but let us do this), had her checked and his vet did the job, dog to bitch.   We tried for a natural one the next morning just before we left for home, but he was having nothing of it.  So much for an American on an English bitch ().   It was successful although only two puppies, one doa!!     We went back the following year (free repeat) and did another A1 with him and the result - 5 puppies.

Statistically, AI - with both parties present - is basically as successful as a normal mating.  This means simply taking the semen out of the male and injecting it into the female.  I've had quite a lot of experience with this and always with success.