Tie

Question
My Shih Tzu's tied once (rear to rear) but it only lasted about 5 minutes if that.  It was on my females 14th day in heat. It is both their first time ever mating. Is it usually certain that they conceive if they have tied? Can they conceive without tieing? Does a shorter tie mean less of a chance?
Thanks

Answer
The time the tie last does not mean much just that they tied, and not they do not have to tie to conceive, I've had plenty of litters with females that impregnated from just the mount.  I breed from day 7-14 on some and on others I've bred earlier or later depending on what I know of their cycles.  It is all up to mother nature and the animals in the end, they know what they are doing and we are just there for them in the end.  I would count from the first mating 63 days to plan for delivery and give her until the last mating.  You will know if she is pregnant within 2-3 weeks if her vulva stays swollen, she changes her sleeping or eating patterns, has personality changes (wants more attention from you or less), has morning sickness, she may even be walking a little strangely for a few days .  Let me know any changes you notice.