BEST DAY FOR BREEDING

Question
I HAVE A MALE AND FEMALE STANDARD POODLES.  THE FEMALE HAS BEEN IN HEAT FOR 8 DAYS NOW AND THE MALE HAS NOT TRIED TO BREED WITH HER.  WHAT IS THE BEST DAY FOR BREEDING?  WHEN WILL THE FEMALE BE READY?

Answer
Hello Sue,
The best time for breeding is about 9-11 days after you first see blood.  Your female should let you know though because she will only let the male mount her when she is ready (though some females are never WILLING to let the male get close enough to mount).  Your male should also be getting very interested by this time.  
I am assuming that this is their first time.  Sometimes the males just don't know what to do when the time comes.  You might try physically putting him up on the female (you may have a buddy help you if you need help) or let them run around in the yard for a bit to get them both excited.  If you let them stay together all the time, try separating them for about 2 hours, then put them back together to see if that doesn't encourage them to breed.  
If they will let you, you might have to "help" them get together by assisting where needed.  Sometimes, over-zealous males will try to mount the females head, or will try to penetrate her anus rather than her vulva.  
You should breed them about 3 times during her standing heat.  Give the male a days rest in-between so that he can build up his sperm supplies and after breeding, crate the female for about 30 minutes or so, to allow the sperm to travel to the egg.  

I hope this helps you some.  If you have other breeding questions, or have other questions in general, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim