Advice Before the Mating

1. Before the mating, ensure that both dogs are free from sexually transmitted diseases.

2. Do not apply lubricants from an opened tube; they may be bacterially contaminated.

3. Avoid actively trying to help a dog gain entry. Especially for a young, excited male, your helping hand is likely to lead to his ejaculating before entry.

4. If a bitch has a very long coat, help by clipping hair from around the vulva beforehand, or by holding the hair to the side to enable the male to gain entry.

5. Take care with large, possibly aggressive dogs. Use muzzles if you feel there is any risk to you or to the dogs themselves.

6. Take your lead from the bitch's behavior. If she totally lacks interest you probably have her ovulation date wrong. Try again a few days later.