Could anyone suggest what i can do to get any experience of mating. Do I contact breeders and ask if i could sit in and watch, but would they think im trying to take over their patch. Without taking my girl to a stud dog as i would like to mate her from my dog. I know ive had different views on that subject. How do people start to gain knowledge of if its been done right.  Dont just want to leave them to it as i know that is wrong and could cause alot of damage.  By the way meg had second scan and no pups. 

Not sure if anyone would like you to attend a mating of their bitch I know my girls would be stressed having someone they didn't know there...perhaps you could ask someone you know and who know's your girl to attend the mating if they have experience..not sure what to suggest perhaps someone with more knowledge will be able to advise you further

Even if you have ascertained that you dog is a good match for your bitch I would suggest that for her first litter you use a dog who's offspring you can see and know the quality of. Then you can use your dog on her, otherwise if you use 2 novice dogs and you have any problem you will not know where it is coming from. IE. Your bitched missed this time, may be one of those things but it may be your dog, or it may be your bitch, you have no idea.

So use a suitable health tested experienced stud on her next time and you will have far more idea of her potential as a brood bitch, add to that that the fact that the stud owner will help you not only through the whelping but also with the homing and re-homing of the pups.

Thanks fo advise, I may try and trace my dogs father and see if he is still used as stud, if he is compatable then at least i willhave some of my dog in there which is what i realy want in the end. How old can a stud dog be?

Hi Woomeg, dont want to be a wet blanket, and I havent done a search to find your original posts, but I seem to remember that the first 2 or 3 generations of your pedigrees were, to put it politely, purely average.  I remember that you said you were very impressed by your dogs wonderful nature, and wanted to pass that on, which is a lovely thought, but please also consider the wider aspects, if you are intent on breeding, then why not do some more research (and visit Leeds show, which you said you wanted to do) to watch lots of other goldent Rets.  As you are intent on breeding, why not try to produce the very best pups you can?  I am sure you will find that there are lots of dogs with superb temperaments out there, who are excellent specimens of the breed, have generations of careful breeding behind them, and have first class health test results.  These proven stud dogs will have lots of offspring and granchildren for you to asses, and possibly siblings too.  that way you can form an opinion of the dogs capabilities to pass on your desired qualities.
bye
Gwen

Now why could I not put it as clear as that Gwen, but that is more or less what I meant ;)

For my girls first ever mating we went to a CH stud dog, and the experience is something i will always treasure. I will in time mate one of my girls to my own boy however will still probably be worried and nervous until i have done it myself a few times. Its like anything new, your scared to do it but after you get the hang of things you don't worry anylonger. But i also would say taking her to a stud dog is a good idea its a good way to learn how the process goes etc. I haven't regretted it once!

Yes thankyou, I will be going to Leeds to have a look at the retrievers and the breeders that are there will they be willing to discuss using their stud dogs. I do understand what you are telling me, and I Probably know deep down that I will end up using a proven stud dog, as they are both novices and maybe its too late in the day to use him.