Hi

My bitch is day 10 of her season, my male is mounting and thrusting but it's not actually going in ?
Thanks

What age is the male?

Is he experienced or a maiden?

He may need 'help' getting further forward on her!    Oh boy do I know how much fun it is mating my main breed given their length of back for starters.   We have to have the bitch across our knees (ideally with somebody up the front end to stop her moving around - assuming she's ready!!) and then help the dog get into the right place.    If the dog is a maiden, he may even more need gentle assistance to hit the spot although some dogs back off completely if their owner tries to interfere!    We had a 'rare bird', a male who preferred not to be helped and he could do it without anybody being involved - as I say, not usual with my breed!    

And further, if your dog lives with her, it could be that the intention is there, but he's just a bit reluctant to really get on with the job, having been used to being seen off by her normally.    It's usually best to remove the bitch from him as soon as she comes into season, only putting them together when you feel she's ready.

Do you know of somebody experienced (specifically in mating your breed) who you could call on to come and help - we had such a person and quite often would take our males to her, meeting the bitch and her owner there.   She was brilliant and could mate tables to chairs!!   It saved a lot of messing around, and the male getting exhausted.   We'd give her a percentage of the stud fee - money well spent!

He's 3 and yes he's had pups before

I'd say she is too early, some bitches will stand way before they're actually ready.

Hi I don't know anybody really that can help I've tried holding her whilst he is there but he backs off I've given them lots of praise but it's just not happening my bitch is very willing though

Assuming the male is experienced this is often the case when the male is just testing the water/excited as the bitch isn't ready.

In my breed and bitches day 10 would be far too early, mine are usually day 15+

Some bitches will stand way before they are ready and experienced males won't bother until they are.

Have you watched him mate previously, you will know the difference between playful foreplay and really meaning business.

> I've given them lots of praise

All the praise in the world doesn't mean it's the right time for this particular bitch.  If she has previously ovulated this early doesn't mean that she will be the same this time.  Bitches can alter on each season.

They do it to punish us. 

If this dog is experienced I would listen to him.  Some of my experienced stud dogs will stick like glue until the time is right.

Yes, on day 10 it could well be he's just going through the motions as yet!!   I usually went for a mating on days 11 and 13.   But it's not always the same, even with the same bitch!!

Good luck!

We've finally had a 30 minute tie tonight thanks for all your advice x