i have just brought my first stud dog to use with my own bitches, i have a bitch in season now and is running with the stud,she is not atall aggressive, i keep aclose eye on progress, she isnt quite standing for him although he is cleaning her, but hasnt attempted to mate, they do a bit of flirting, and was wondering if this is normal for the stud as i have always took my bitch to the stud and has got straight to work, would he know she isnt quite ready, i just thought he would  try to mate straight away,if someone could offer me some advice on this id be very grateful, i am always watching as i am well aware i need to be there when they tie, as to not damage one another if one tried to pull away, thanks if anyone can help,

It is not advisable to allow these two unlimited access to eachother. Matings should be supervised and assisted, and the pair strictly separated otherwise. If either, or both of these dogs are maiden then you will in all likelyhood require the assistance of another handler one for each dog. Especially if they are a medium or large breed. May I suggest you get hold of a copy of The Book of the Bitch, it guides you through all aspects of bitch ownership.

Dawn R.

I would have thought it very unlikely that someone would sell a proven stud dog who produces quality puppies.

Is he a proven, experienced stud dog (if so, I would wonder why he was sold) or just a maiden dog? If he's a maiden you'll need to get in a handler who's used to helping dogs 'learn the ropes'. I wouldn't let them run together all the time anyway. Keep them apart until you judge the bitch is ready and have her on a collar and lead. If she's not ready, separate them again until the next day. If he tries and fails, take her away again for a few hours and try later.