
I would want to have a Progesterone test result to be sure she is ready as I would not be happy holding a bitch that wasn't ready, but if she is seeming willing and just moving at the critical moment, but not showing any negative objection to the advances then gently holding her with a hand under the tummy may be enough to steady her.
I have a very flirty girl who is not actually ready until at least day 18, and has had her litters from matings on day 18 - 20 and days 19 - 22. with her first litter we were worried as to why the dog wasn't proceeding to mating as she seemed very willing, so a progesterone test showed that eh was quite right and had no intention of wasting his energy on a bitch that had no yet ovulated.