Doberman bitch wont tie

Question
QUESTION: Hi my name is rebeccah i have a 3yr old doberman bitch, i have been looking into breeding her for a while and recently found a good breeder with a fantastic stud, my bitch was on her 12th day of season and went to stay with the lady and her stud he was very interested in her but she wouldn't let him near.  She has now stopped bleeding but is still quite swollen from behind.  We were going to re introduce them tomorrow but i am a little disheartened now. Can you please give me some advice i love my bitch dearly and would love her to have a litter she is a fantastic dog with a fantastic pedigree please help.

ANSWER: Hi Rebeccah

Don't worry.  It's AFTER the female starts bleeding that she typically ovulates.   And it's ovulation that is require.

Breeding between days 9 - 15 are usually when breedings take place.

My advise, don't give up yet, you still have time!

Good luck

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

QUESTION: Hi again, thanks for your answer i forgot to mention that she has been bleeding for about 3 weeks now and at one point ran clear for 2 days and then started to bleed again and now seems to have stopped.  She was with the stud for 2 weeks we only got her back on Friday night and the whole he managed to mount her but that was it.  I spoke to my vet about her season he said if she was still bleeding this week then to take her to be checked out.  Sorry for the long message.  Anything else you can suggest I'm supposed to be taking her back to meet the stud again today. Thank you

Answer
When doing a breeding, if you are not doing progesterone testing, you should keep accurate dates.  "About 3 weeks" is vague in terms of breeding.  Day 15 is more accurate and gives you a better handle of when to take your female to a male.   

Bring a male around to soon and the female can become skittish and the male frustrated.  Bring him to late, and nothing happens.

A quick test is for you to touch her vulva.  If you notice her tail move to the side, then she's flagging and ready to go.