My bitch is coming into season late December and I want to mate her with my dog. Both have had the necessary hip scores and are good show dogs. I tried to mate them last season but had problems. The dog is very eager and mounts readily but ( I dont know how to put this politely) he has problems getting "connected" He seems to be standing too far away or something, because all I can see is air between them. they are big heavy dogs and very difficult to manhandle. Also he is a lot heavier than her and she can't take the weight of him for long. I want to get this right in Dec, so has anyone had this problem before and how did they get over it.
Shannon

those of delicate sensibilities do not read, lol!!!

This is why having one or other proven first is so useful. Mting two maidens is fraught with difficulty! i think you will need help from another handler that the dogs know and trust.

Also are you sure that your bitch was actually ready. a lot of dogs will half heartedly jump on and off a bitch, practicing if she is not ready yet.

A nice steady bitch is a godsend to an inexperienced male as you can rely on her to stand still while you do a little steering. If you can get someone to hold the bitch steady, possibly supporting her weight on an extended thigh. you can then use one hand under the dog, keeping the other near his bottom, and when he starts to thrust, use one hand to guide him underneath, and the hand on his bottom to keep him close. You will know when he is actually THERE as they do a sort of skipping Upward rather than forward, keep him on the bitches back until the thrusting has stopped, as some are too quick to turn and can pull themselves free (I have seen this happen and the dog ejaculating all over the grass), and then you will find he will be lifting one leg in an attempt to turn, so help ease this leg over, ensuring they both keep their balance and steady him so he doesn't try walking away. They can look quite surprised when theyrealise they can't walk away!

Brainless is right, you really need someone to steady the bitch and support her if necessary. Its also handy to have another pair of hands around incase something goes wrong.

I would also agree, that maybe your bitch wasn't quite ready.

If I needed to *help* I would stand behind the dog and use my knee's as a barrier to stop him moving backwards and to gently push him forward. Using my hands to gently hold/pull the bitch's pelvis/legs back towards the dog and also stop her moving forward to far. Using my elbows to push his rump down if he was to high.This worked for my young dog, who was happy to have me *stand over* him like this until he got the idea. It might not work for some maiden dogs tho', so play it by ear and watch his reactions carefully.

Leigh