In the next few days my boy is having his first mating with a female. Could anyone give me details of what to do when she arrives! Thanks

Hi

Usually when my boy has "visiting ladies" I make sure he's been out in the yard for his "toilet" for about half an hour, i also do not feed him before mating (can cause bloat). Then when the people arrive i ask them to keep the girlie in the car (if happy to do so) whilst we exchange paper work and contracts etc with a coffee. Then put my boy is his kennel whilst we bring the "girlfriend" into our yard, allow her a few mins with lots of fuss and love, get her stood and all set up, then bring down my boy, allow him to give love kisses etc, then usually find if the bitch is ready he just does his deed.

I find it very important to make sure the "lady friend" is comfortable and settled (well as settled as poss) that way things go a little easier :-) Good luck!

>get her stood and all set up,

You've lost me. Bitches, if at the right time, won't flag till the dog's brought in. Then we allow a few minutes flirting before she stands for him.

With my breed the couple are generally introduced and allowed to play together and the owners stand by discreetly and only approach once the dog has mounted in order to steady the bitch if she seems at all worried or skittish (if a maiden), otherwise you just praise them and ensure they don't pull each other during the tie.

Usually when they mate a second or thrid time even less interference is needed.

In some breeds there is a lot more human intervention :(

Suggest you ask someone experienced in this field to come an assist if necessary.  It is not just a matter of sending them down the garden to get on with it.  If it is a maiden bitch this is essential because she could do him a lot of damage if she pulls away etc.

I also ask the owners of bitches to get a swab done to make sure she is not infected in anyway.

Becky

i have the bitches owners visit us once or twice 1st on their own then with the bitch,then they bring her a day before mating is due so the dogs can "court each other if she seems ready then the following day allow them to go ahead
mel :)

Golly, I couldn't do that when I'm travelling 400 miles each way to use a stud dog!!!

if it was that distance then it would have to be photo's etc via internet or mail and lots of phone call's,i also try to keep in touch with the bitches owners after the mating,make sure all is ok with the bitch.some owners dont seem interested in talking after the event,but most seem to appreciate that you really are interested in the bitches welfare
mel:)