Gundog Expert Articles

Having Your Bitch Mated by Keith Erlandson

Having decided which sire you are going to use, it is now incumbent upon you to make sure that you have her mated on the correct day of her reproductive cycle.

A close watch should be kept on her when you would expect her to come in season and at the first sign of bright red blood, the date should be recorded.  Most bitches are ready for mating from the 10th - 14th day of the oestrus but occasionally some are ready earlier.  If possible, introduce her to a dog at home to see if she is willing to 'stand' with her tail to one side.  A fairly sure sign is when the bitch twists her neck and body to sniff the dog.  Some bitches stand on their own territory but refuse to do so on strange ground and it may be necessary to hold her.  Forget old wives' tales that a forced mating will not produce quality pups.  Some of the best trial dogs of all time have been the result of  'forced matings'.

If you have no access to a dog as a 'teaser' a bitch often will stand if you rub your hand along her rump.

(posted 28/07/2003)