late breeder

Question
Hi, i have recently brought a new english cocker spaniel male who is 3.5 years old. He is registered and a very well put together dog but has never mated before due to me buying him from a family who just wanted a pet. I want to put him to my cocker girl who has had a litter of pups before. She has started bleeding and he has sniffed her a few times but thats it. What is the likelyhood that his instincts will kick in when she is ready? This is a special mating because my girl is getting spayed after this and i am hoping for a daughter but cant send her out because she is a "mummy's" girl. Any advice on how i can coax him would be great.

Thanks

Answer
Hi Deb

If she just started bleeding, she won't be ready to be bred.  She will be ready between days 9 and 15.   

You can assist him by holding your female and encouraging him and guiding him to the business end and holding him in until a tie occurs.

Good luck