does size matter when mating?

Question
QUESTION: Greetings!  I have a toy female poodle that is trying to mate with a slightly bigger male.  They both are in "ready mode", but he seems to be skimming the underside of her belly instead of making contact.  Is there a way for me to "assist" or help make the connection?  Any help would be appreciated.  Both parties are very frustrated as am I!

ANSWER: Hi Brooke

Sit yourself on the floor and place your female across your lap.  Use your knees to lower and raise her to the approximate height.   

Encourage the male to come around to the business end and when he starts going you can ease him inside and hold him until the tie takes place.

Good luck!

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

QUESTION: Thank you for your quick and thorough response.  How many times do the dogs need to "mate" (is this the correct term?) and what does "tied" mean, please?

Answer
Like my Momma always said... it only takes one time.  

Breeders usually bring a pair together over a course of a few days to ensure a litter.  An egg takes 7 days to mature and sperm can live up to 5 days, so if a tie takes place on the 10th day, the sperm is released then, and if the egg is released on say the 12th day, then there is room for error.

A tie is when the males penis enlarges and locks the male and female in place.