Breeding Question

[caseymcq]

Has anyone had any experience with breeding dogs that seem to have enough of a size difference that the male has a little trouble getting down the female's level?

I have a slightly smaller female lab that is inexperienced (this will be her first time) that we are trying to breed with an average sized male lab that doesn't have too much experience (bred one other time). His aim is a little high or she is a little low slung which ever way you want to look at it. We have tried a few different things to elevate the female but it hasn't been working.

Anyone have any suggestions? Any experience with a similar situation?

[LABS4ME]

Try a thickened slab like out of a garage service door, one that has a 3-4" difference. Keep the females back legs on the slab and all of the male on the slab... Or try a slight incline, with the female pointing down hill and the male on the uphill side. They will need to be on leashes during any of these to keep them in the right position.

Are you sure she is ovulating? If she's not, you may not get a tie. Most of the time even an inexperienced male will figure it out if they are ovualting. If she is close but not quite ready, you will get a lot of mounting and no deal signing. You can have your vet do a progesterone test to 'nail' the day of ovulation, or a cheap and simple smear to get an idea where they are in their heat cycle.

You can also help guide the male in by holding the back end of the female up a little and pushing the males rear end down and in... Some dogs will not put up with any manipulating and some dogs you can manually help them 'aim'... they're all different.

As a last resort you can do A/I.

GOOD LUCK!

Ken

[duckbuster]

That's what we just did LABS. Dr. Rice did the AI on Sunday. We did 6 progesterone test.

[LABS4ME]

Dr Rice does a good job with his A/I's. He did my last one last year. That male loves going to the vet!!!

Good Luck!

Ken

[Trouthunter]

try throwing your leg out there a few times a day before you get him in the game for real...works for my dog

[caseymcq]

Thanks for the tips. I guess we just had to let nature take its course. They finally sealed the deal today. Maybe my female wasn't ready.

Trout- I just don't think I could bring myself to be a fluffer.