wWell,the day is here - I have researched and planned a mating / litter from my third bitch in this breed for many many years,I have been compiling a  'bible' of information and buying the kit of needed bits and bobs for ages . . .and today it happened.The season has arrived! so WHY am i a complete BAG OF NERVES! I cant sit still,I am biting all my nails and have constatnt butterflies!
Im so worried about getting the right day for ovulation now , I cant think straight!
Has anyone used a Vaginoscopy at the vets before to test for ovulation ?
Ohh gosh - calm down - deep breathes - VALLIUM please ! lol

Deep breaths, calm down - easier said than done ;-) It's perfectly normal, I still get nervous when I know there is going to be a mating that season. :-)

The only time I did a vaginal check was when I was having problems with fertility and took both dog and bitch to a specialist. I was told I had to mate her NOW to get a pregnancy but the male was sterile so I didn't go ahead with a mating. My male tells me when the bitch is ready, even though he can't be a dad he still reacts to the girls. My neighbours spaniel is in season just now and I have to walk past their house - nightmare! :-p

Good luck for your forthcoming mating/litter.

Thanks Lindylou - I am a bag of nerves! we thought we might make it till Feb before her season arrived,but knew it could be any time from December onwards - just thought it was too good to be true that she would come in this early!
We have a male - but he is not entire,My parents have two males wh have also been done and an 8 month old male pup - who has been showing her a lot of interest of late I must admit.
We have quite far to travel to stud,last season I practised by using ovulation pads - and didnt manage to get a reading at all so wont try them again.My vet does not do pre mate blood tests but said he would do a vaginoscopy.I c=wondered if these are usually uncomfortable for the bitch ?
ohh - tea time - calm my nerves!

Every Vet can take blood samples to send off to Idexx who do the reliable quantitative progesterone Assay tests.  Just make sure to Post them next day guaranteed deliver so you can get results quickly.  You can ring the lab.

Personally if I am able to board the bitch with the stud owner I would take the bitch when she is most likely to be first receptive based on female relatives (I have never had a bitch stand before day 11) and wait until the stud and bitch decide the time is right.

I have only ever done premate tests once with a bitch who played silly beggars over being mated as I wanted to ensure I was not over handling/restraining a bitch that wasn't actually ready.