How to about my poodles, timid male, elusive female?

Question
QUESTION: I have two toy poodles, a femal just over 2yrs old, and a male that is four. They are both in gear so to speak... she is well into her heat, and he is ready. Yet, she wont let him mount? She is playful, is fine with licking and he has at times managed to mount, but was off target ? Other times he approaches her side?... If my wife or I try any passive assist... he is distracted to disinterest. She is hard to hold and I feel bad restraining her so severely? What can I do, what should I do to effect a breeding ?
Many Thanbks,
Steve

ANSWER: Hi Steve

What day is she at in her heat?  Too early and it makes the boys crazy and frustrated.

Your best bet is to separate them completely for 24 hours. The problem with breeding 2 animals that live together 24/7 is sometimes, they can be just not into in each other.

If you have time in her season, take a couple of days to keep them apart...absence makes the heart grow fonder (and heightens sexuality, gives time for ovulation, and makes the males more excited).

Good luck.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: To start, many many thanks for your attention. I'd like to add some detail, in hopes that you too may have additional details to suggest. She is on day 11 as of today, he is a friends dog, they came together the day before she began her cycle. He is likely to stay with us perm. as my friend has fallen on difficult times, but they have not "lived" together longer than this past week or so. Last night they got as close as we've been yet still not consummated. He has renewed vigor it seems after a 'misfire' that seems to have clarified what and why and how much he wants to. However, the most frustrating for us is his potential lack of natural instincts.. ie: not mounting her, not in any ways that would work... and the ease with which is is discouraged by her playful yet hot and cold behavior and accommodation. What is the time frame to focus on? What if any things can and should we be doing to help or to encourage them? I've read of ways to contain her in some way for some time and at some point, but this seems disruptive, un-natural and can even hint of force where it shouldn't be forced. a point about each day that may carry weight is that she has seemingly had a smoother life thusfar than he must have had...(tension, changes.. ??) I say this based on his timid reactions and cowering at times when no discipline or shouting is happening. Of this, he has, in just these days, shown progress and is more and more confident, secure, even courageous where nothing like this was apparent before.
Again, many thanks, and I hope this can help you provide additional insights.
Steve

Answer
Day 11 is still early, so it makes sense that things aren't gelling yet.  Is the male experienced?  

Typically days 9 thru 15 are good breeding days. You may want to leave them alone (in a small pen or room) where they can get down to business without an audience.  Especially if the male is new to the household and not clear or comfortable with the rules or the new pack.

On a side note, if the male is timid and fearful, you may want to have a groomer, vet or yourself if you are comfortable doing so, check his scent glands.  Impacted scent glands can change the personality of a dog 100%. Especially smaller dogs that may consume a richer diet.