Male not responsive to females invites to mate

Question
I was shipped a bitch yesterday from out of state to breed with my stud dog. This will be his first time siring a litter as well as mine. They are getting along great and were playing in the backyard last night and my male tried to hump her and I called his name because I was trying to get ahold of his breeder/my mentor. He tried again while I was inside and my fiancee did the same thing. Now I realize this was a bad idea because I'm afraid we've discouraged him. The bitch is in her 8th day of bleeding today and is flagging him this morning as well as last night and my male now only sniffs her and walks away. What should I do?

Answer
Hi Paige:

It sounds as if the female may not yet fully be in estrus, the fertile portion of the heat cycle. On average, this usually begins around day 9 or 10 from the initial onset of the cycle. Normally the vaginal discharge will lighten in flow & color, becoming more of a light pink to straw color. So I believe you still have some time on your hands. I would continue to allow them to play together as it sounds as if she may just be on the verge of estrus. If a successful mating does occur, you'll want to skip a day in between matings & try for about three complete breedings total. I understand what you mean that by calling his name you feel you may have discouraged him but trust me, unaltered males near a female in estrus are not easily dissuaded so I really doubt any permanent damage was done. He's more likely to live in the moment, as dogs do, & react via instinct.