Hi, my doberman bitch is ready to mate. Every sign is there and she keeps going o the dog, however, when the dog tries to mate she squeals and this has since put him off. Can anyone offer advice please?

Is he an experienced stud, or are they both maidens (often a problem)? Have you or the dog's owner supervised a mating before? You will probably need to hold her collar firmly throughout the mating to keep her still.

Thanks - both maiden, which we realise is an issue but they are good friends normally. Stud is a real gentleman. How many days is she likely to be fertile for? She is in day 12 today, and as of yesterday moved tail to side and today is chasing him but then yelping at last minute. What can I do to stop her noise?

I've never known a bitch stand for more than 5 days (mating on alternate days), so you've got time yet. Some bitches are very vocal during mating, and it could be that, because they know each other well, he's in awe of her and won't mate her without assistance. After a few minutes flirting, hold her firmly and don't let her chase him.

I'm assuming they're both hip-scored, vWD clear etc etc?

We moved last year about 250 miles so have been lucky to find a stud locally with no links in pedigree and clean health like ours without travelling. Do you feel it is best to give her tomorrow away from him and then put together again on Thursday?

No links in pedigree? That's a gamble ... Still, you'll have researched the health of all the individuals and know their strengths and weaknesses, and will know that the stud's strong points counteract your bitch's weak points, and vice versa.

As they haven't mated yet I'd try them again tomorrow. And make sure you and the dog's owner take control.

No similar relatives isn't a good idea unless you know each individual dog in the pedigree!  It would be a good idea to leave it this time and spend the time until your bitch's next season to research and find an experienced stud who will really compliment your bitch.

Thanks for all your advice. I have just been playing with her and she is not happy - my husband and I think we may just leave it as the last thing we want to do is distress her. We will see how it goes.

At the end of the day I am not and never want to be a breeder for anything more than enjoyment of the experience, having gained experience as a child when my dad bred springer spaniels and my aunty made a living breeding.

Probably wise, because the public is getting very litigious nowadays (and rightly so in many cases) where pups they've bought have had avoidable conditions. It can cost the breeders thousands of pounds in court costs.