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How to Get Dogs to Mate
Understanding Your Dog’s Mating Cycle
Just like humans, dogs have their own mating cycles and understanding them is crucial if you’re planning on breeding your dog. Female dogs, often referred to as ‘bitches’, usually come into heat twice a year. This is when they’re most receptive to mating.
- Proestrus: This is the beginning of the heat cycle and lasts for about 9 days. The female dog’s vulva will swell and she will bleed.
- Estrus: This is the fertile phase where the dog is receptive to mating. It lasts for about 9 days.
- Diestrus: This phase follows ovulation and lasts for about 60 days, whether the dog is pregnant or not.
- Anestrus: This is the resting phase before the whole cycle begins again.
Preparing Your Dogs for Mating
- Health Check: Ensure both dogs are healthy and free from any genetic diseases that could affect the puppies. Consider doing a vet checkup.
- Nutrition: Both dogs should be fed a balanced diet to increase their chances of successful mating.
- Exercise: Regular exercise is important to keep your dogs fit and ready for mating.
The Mating Process
The male dog will mount the female from behind. If the female is receptive, she will stand still and hold her tail to one side. This is known as ‘flagging’. The male dog will then penetrate the female and begin to thrust.
After the Mating
Once the dogs have mated, they may become ‘tied’ or ‘locked’ together. This is completely normal and is a result of the male dog’s penis swelling inside the female’s vagina. This can last from 5 to 30 minutes.
Potential Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| The dogs are not showing interest in each other | Try reintroducing them later or consider using a different partner |
| The male dog cannot mount the female | Assure that the environment is calm and free of distractions |
| The female dog seems uncomfortable during the tie | Keep her calm and reassure her. Do not try to separate the dogs forcefully |
FAQ
Q: How often can a female dog mate?
A: Most female dogs come into heat twice a year.
Q: How do I know if my dog is pregnant?
A: Pregnancy in dogs can be confirmed by a vet through an ultrasound around 28 days after mating.
Q: What should I feed my dogs to prepare them for mating?
A: A balanced diet with enough protein and minerals is important.
Q: How long does dog pregnancy last?
A: Dog pregnancies usually last between 58-68 days.
Q: Should I stay with my dogs during mating?
A: Yes. It’s advisable to monitor them to prevent any potential problems.
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