[xsamimariex]

My neighbor and I are aiming to breed our american bulldogs. We've had them both checked out by our respective vets and they both gave us the go ahead. Her female is in heat and fully receptive. My male is very eager and is having difficulties penetrating.. Is there anything that can be done to help them along other than holding the female still and comfortable? This breeding will be a one time thing and both animals are going to be neutered after the pups are born and ready.

[cigwyllt]

Is she at the right stage of her cycle - it's not enough just for her to be in season of course. Breeding is a lot more complicated than having a receptive bitch and an eager dog. It can be very "hands on" if the dog is struggling to penetrate and it can be a dangerous experience when the bitch is not keen to stand. But of course you have to hold the bitch throughout anyway so that she doesn't struggle during the tie as she could fatally injure your dog.

It sounds like this is the first time for both of you. If you are determined to breed you should find a respectable breeder in your area who can mentor you and help you through the process and you should consider the ethical aspects - are your respective pets outstanding examples of the breed? Have you considered that for every puppy born a dog in a shelter will be destroyed? Unless you have outstanding reasons to breed your dog it is a very selfish act.

[xsamimariex]

We have been holding the bitch still, well I have because I'm aware that the tie can harm one or both of them. As for the reasons for breeding. I am aware of the situation of dogs in shelters, which is why we've made plans to have homes for most if not all of the pups throughout our respective families before breeding. The bitch comes from a line of females that have large litters but you never can tell how many will be born before breeding.

[acmj1985]

would have to say that an unexperienced female sometimes wont stand for a male. you could hol her still but if shes trying to bite off the male or fights you about being held then dont do it. it might just be that she isnt on the right day of her cycle. many females differ from each other on days they will allow male to mate. one of my female boxers always allows males starting on the 11th day of her cycle while my other female wont allow males to mate her until her 16th day. both ended in healthy litters of pups. hope this help!

[pinsnpugs]

First, I would ask what the ages of the 2 dogs are.
Also, it is important to have the genetic testing specific for your breed complete prior to deciding to breed. It is more complicated than a simple vet exam. Every breed has a set of specific health concerns that are prone to that breed. To avoid producing puppies with these conditions, it is important to do the required genetic testing/OFA screenings prior.

That being said...every female is different and is in standing heat/most fertile time at different stages.
If both the male and female ar inexperienced, you may have a rodeo on your hands, lol.
Many times the female will stand while the male is attempying to mate, but will turn nasty the moment he actually penetrates. you must be ready for this to avoid any injuries to the dogs or yourself.

Once you are certain she is ready, it is best to have 2 people present.
1 to hold the female the other to help giude the male to the proper spot and once tied, hold him so that he doesnt get scared and attempted to yank himself out, run, bite out of fear of the new experience, etc.

As a whole....this is the easiest part of being a breeder......the rest of the process is the hard part.