Hello
I was always told mate a bitch on day 12 and 14 and
you will get pups. But over the years I have found this
not always the norm, as some bitches are earlier and
some later than 14 days. Some are ready day 7 others day 16.
My question is when the bitch is in season and the dog
shows interest, should you let him mate her straight away
or wait? As also I was told that if you mate on the right
day your bitch will have one or two puppies more.
So the my other question is do you think litter size is a
matter of getting the right day. So then when a dog is
interested in a bitch for four to eight days which is the
best time to mate a bitch? In the middle or straight away?
Nutkin.

If I can, I always mate a bitch the first day she will stand happily for the dog - without any resistance and then again 36-48 hours later. If the dog was mine or nearby I would try again another 36-48 hours later if the dog and bitch were still completely willing. With 3 matings over 5 days I think you would be certain to get a maximum size litter, all other things being equal. I agree that one mating at absolutely the right time will give as big a litter as any combination of mating times. But its so hard to judge the exact right time down to 24 hour period. My bitches seldom have a second mating if the first was a good one, mainly because of the long distances usually involved and rarely miss. I have litters of 2 from 2 matings and 6/7/8 (occasionally) from one mating. But I would always go back for a second go if the dog was not on the other side of the country or if the bitch at the first mating was at all unwilling. Trouble is you get the odd bitch that will always wriggle and squirm a bit and fool you thats she's not ready and then "go off " without being mated! they are the exception to the rule though thankfully!