getting dogs to mate.

Question
QUESTION: I have a 4 year old lab male who has not mated before.  The female is about 4 and has not mated before either.  Both are in excellent condition and have excellent pedigrees.  The female started her cyclce (we think) about 10-12 days ago.  I have put them together for the first time today and he smelled her a little but nothing more.  Is there anything that I can to do help them?  Should I just keep her next to him or should I let them run and play together imbetween trying to put them together?
Thanks....

ANSWER: Hi Rob --

It still may be early for the female.  Is she flagging the male at all?  

Keep bringing them together for short periods and putting them in their separate "corners".  

If that doesn't work, you may consider getting a "teaser" male.  Another dog that your male would consider competition for the female.  

You should be aware that some lines of labs can no longer breed naturally and require artificial insemenination.  Just a thought.

Good luck.



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

QUESTION: Thanks so much for your reply.  I learned some more after I asked by reading other questions and replies.
I noticed today that she is still spotting (blood drops in her kennel).  Does that mean that she is still in the early stages and it isn't time yet?

Thanks.

Answer
Typically a female has a dark red discharge then it tapers to a pink. Usually that is the end before ovulation.  But you have to keep in mind that every female is different.

If you've kept accurate records from her first day of bleeding, you should be okay.