Hi all, first time posting and hoping for a little advice. I've got a stud dog staying with us for a few days and my bitch and him have been trying a lot to mate but having no luck so far. She's moving her tail for him and allowing him to mount her and lick her and giving him lots of opportunities which of course he's taking, but it seems he's a little short legged in comparison to her and hangs low so can't quite reach the right spot to penetrate her. They're the same breed so there's not a huge height difference but my bitch is more slender and long legged where he's broader with shorter legs. He's only off by a few centremeters or so but he spends so long positioning himself trying to get it right that my bitch just moves off him or walks away. I'm torn between wondering if she's not quite ready or if it's an issue with different heights. I've tried holding her and trying to position her and tried guiding him but as soon as I'm around they just won't do it and the male retreats. Any advice? Thanks

Assuming they are both the same breed (you never know these days ) this is why there are Breed Standards.  Perhaps if he's that short in the leg, and she's taller, the two are not meant to be mated together?  Having lived with my main breed (Bassets - short legs, long backs) for years, mating wasn't easy, sometimes.   We'd have to sit with the bitch across our knees and guide the dog in.  Some dogs didn't like to be helped however.  I had a male who would help himself and backed off if I tried to interfere, so perhaps when she's right on, nature will prevail without you helping.  Many times, a bitch will help too .......

Can you get an experienced breeder involved?

ps   I had a good friend in the breed who we took our males to, meeting up with bitch and owner at her place.  She was able to get a mating done, even if with another of mine, it was always a slip.

You need to find a slope and try there, with him higher up the slope than her. If you have a driveway which slopes, that's ideal because also very secure footing. You can try a raised step or furniture but it's less secure - they can feel like they're going to fall off it.

You can also help position her vulva to line it up for him - don't touch the penis as it's too sensitive and will put him off, but you can position the vulva to meet it!

Sounds like a two person project.
A pity we don't have those thick telephone directories anymore.

> If you have a driveway which slopes,

Our driveway would be perfect!!  I was thinking raise the dog, but unless he feels secure, this probably won't work.

Agree, don't touch the male, but have the bitch with her chest against you, and spread your hands in her groin either side of the vulva.

You could also stand her rear a little wide and therefore lower.

You then aim her vulva to meet his thrusting.