Hi, can anyone tell me how to help my labradors mate. I have a beautiful pair of thoroughbred labs and my female is in her 3rd heat cycle. She is passed the bleeding and allows him to try but the thing is his aim is waaay off.. after trying for about an hour they both get tired.. I'd really like them to breed but they just don't seem to get it right... any advice??

How old is the male? has he ever been used? You may need to do an AI.

Did you read the post by Nattie at the top of this forum's page?
I would suggest that you do that before you go any further with your present course of action.
Please be aware that this decision, which so many people take so lightly, is creating the possibility of abuse and suffering for the results of this mating for their lifetimes, if the mating ever succeeds, and for that you and you alone will be responsible.
The welfare and rescue organizations are groaning under the weight of animals abandoned by people who have lost their jobs and homes in these difficult times, why would you want to add to that suffering?
Labradors can have large litters, they carry a number of very crippling genetic diseases which must be tested for before they are even considered as breeding dogs, and you must have the facilities to whelp and rear a possibly large litter of very hungry and very noisy puppies for 8 weeks, and know what they require by way of care and environment to grow up well-balanced, and to add to that you must find homes that you are sure will love and care for them as they deserve.
And, unless you are very, very, lucky, you won't make a penny out of it either.
Please rethink this.

Registered and Accredited Labrador Retriever Breeder

I am in total agreement there!

[Lara's mom]

I am absolutely in agreement here.

[chevy & karen]

I also agree..

AI sounds like a good idea, a friend of mine had to go with that as her stud wasn't performing either, if you are in the right situation to breed your dog and aren't just doing it to make a quick buck, there's no reason why you shouldn't.

provided both dogs are over 2 years old and have passed their OFA hips, elbows and heart, CERF, optigen and PRA testing and are champions, titled or at least excellent representations of their breed with correct breed type then the AI is your best bet.