Tips for Helping them Mate

  It is a rare case when the stud will allow the handler to place his hands as far back as the waist of the bitch.  Should it be necessary to hold the bitch in a standing position, be sure that it is done in such a way that the stud does not come in contact with the hand which you have placed under her belly. Always keep as much in front of her as possible and back her toward the stud as he mounts. Hold her steady against his pushing until he has grasped her with his forelegs around her waist.

  When the stud has attained this position, be sure that the tie is completed; otherwise there will be a waste of the flow of semen. Should this happen, it is much better to postpone the breeding until the next day than to allow him to try again a short time later, as the semen on the second ejaculation may be almost sterile. If you see from his frantic excitement that he is about to lose his semen before the penis has entered the vagina, give him a sharp pat on his back. This will usually cause him to dismount and start over again.

  When the tie has been completed and the excitement of the stud has abated, it is as well to hold him on the back of the bitch for a few moments before allowing him to turn himself so that his four feet are on the floor. It may even be necessary to assist him in getting turned so that he will not strain himself. Some breeders do not believe in allowing the stud to turn and stand back to back with the bitch. They claim that if he is kept on the back of the bitch for the whole time, it lessens the strain, but I do not think this is the case. When he is allowed to assume the back-to-back position his weight is distributed over all four legs, and this is a more natural position than the former. It is the position which nature evidently intended, for it is the one assumed when mating naturally.

  Once this position has been taken up, the time of waiting will seem endless to the beginning breeder, though it may actually last from five minutes up to three quarters of an hour, sometimes even longer. During this time care must be taken that the tie is not broken by the stud pulling, or by the bitch attempting to get away. Usually all that is necessary is to hold the head of the bitch and keep her from getting restless. However, should the stud commence attempting to free himself, he should be quietly taken in hand also. In small breeds it is possible for one handler to take care of both stud and bitch, but with larger breeds two handlers are necessary.

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