I have a cocker spaniel dog who we are trying to mate to a cocker spaniel bitch. My dog has mated before so we know he is willing and able but this is the second time we have tried to use him on this particular bitch, she seems to be scared about the whole business and although she will stand for him as soon as he enters her she jumps away. On her last season we tried for 4 days when she seemed to be "ripe" cocking her tail over and flirting with him but as soon as he was "there" she jumped away. She is doing the same thing this time. I have bred collies in the past and they were no problem, do you have any advice on why she is doing this or how we are to achieve a successful mating with her.

The vet has said that once she has been mated for the first time he does not think there will be any further problems - but how do we get that first mating?

Many thanks.

A M Nicholls

Hi

We have Cockers too & very often maiden bitches are like this when mated for the first time, particularly if they are pet dogs who don't live with other dogs. It also depends on the bitch's temperament - if she is generally nervous around other dogs, then she may be reluctant to let a dog mate her. Has this bitch been swabbed or blood-tested (Premate) to ensure this is the right time for mating - the flirting & turning the tail to one side does not always guarantee that a bitch is "ready" for mating. If she is "ready", it ought to be possible for someone to hold the bitch steady whilst the dog enters her, so that she cannot swing away. With Cockers generally, it is usual practice for one person to hold the bitch still whilst another person looks after the dog - maiden bitches are frequently fidgety & will try to wriggle away but will usually settle once the pair are tied. I'm assuming you have made sure she is well-lubricated so that entry by the dog is easier for her? If you have done all this & she still resists strongly, then either she is not ready or she just does not want to be mated, in which case its best to just leave it!

Regards

Jane