Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

442 •DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
NORMAL MATING
Neither animal should be fed for several hours before mating. Avoid the heat
of the day. In hot weather, bring both dogs into the house or kennel where it
is relatively cool. Normally, the bitch should be taken to the stud’s enclosure,
as the male is more confident and assertive in his own surroundings. If the
bitch is shy and retiring and the male is strong and assertive, it may be better
to take the male to the enclosure of the bitch.
Keep the number of observers to a minimum. The fewer distractions, the
better. Both dogs should be introduced to each other on leash. Once it is certain
that the bitch’s behavior is friendly, the dogs can be let off leash for a short
period to romp and flirt. If the stud is not interested, and particularly if the
female rejects the male, she is not in standing heat. Separate the dogs and try
again in 48 hours. Do not persist when it is apparent that the bitch is not receptive.
This can confuse or frighten the female and frustrate the male, making future
attempts more difficult.
If the bitch is ready to mate, she will hold her tail to the side and stand quietly.
As the male mounts and penetrates, he clasps her around the loins with
his forelegs and thrusts forward. At full penetration he treads up and down
instead of thrusting forward. The bulbus glandis swells and is clasped by the
vulva. This produces the tie and stimulates the male to ejaculate.
After ejaculation, the male unclasps his forelegs and places both feet on
the ground on one side of the bitch. He may lift his hind leg over the back of
the bitch and swing around so that the two stand rump to rump. The dogs
usually remain joined for 10 to 30 minutes.
A bitch may cry, whine, or grunt during a tie. It is a good idea to have
someone posted at the bitch’s head to calm her so she doesn’t become frightened
and try to pull free. As the dog and bitch separate, it can be momentarily
painful. Be prepared for either to turn and snap.
HELPING THE MATING ALONG
Maiden bitches, nervous bitches, and bitches who do not show strong signs of
estrus can be difficult to breed. With these individuals it is often necessary to
hold or restrain the bitch.
The procedure for assisting large dogs requires two or three people. One
person sits on a stool at the bitch’s side and supports her with a knee beneath
her belly. This handler also draws her tail around the outside of her hind leg,
exposing the vulva. A second person holds the leash of the male. If the dog
mounts at the side or front, this handler gently pulls him off and encourages
him to mount from the rear. An optional third person steadies the bitch from
in front. A cooperative female raises her vulva so that the male can make a
straight entry into the vagina. The individual holding the bitch can make this
easier for the male by raising the vulva with a hand between the bitch’s legs.