Natural Breeding of English Bulldogs

Question
Hi Joyce. Wow...what a great site!!!  We have an 18 month old English Bulldog bitch that is currently in her 11th day of her heat.  We have a 3 year old male stud that is "visiting" for the weekend. He is very eager, and she stands for him and he does his "thing" but he hasn't been able to penetrate and tied outside on an attempt yesterday (Saturday).  My question...should we try again with our assistance or bring them in for an AI on Monday?  Also, we want viable sperm, so should we just hold off...I don't want to miss out on the ovulation.  Why exactly is it that so many EB are AI???   Your expertise would be appreciated.  

Answer
Hi Amy -- thanks for the kind words.

The male not able to penetrate is typical in the EB breed.  You can do a number of things.

Sit down and have the female straddle both your legs.  Then when the male mounts her, try and put your right hand underneath his "equipment" and steer him in.  When he gets inside try and hold them together until the tie takes place.  This can take a few minutes to happen.

Some breeders AI their dogs because of a) the frustration factor and b) if the male is panting and wheezing, it hard for him to do anything productive.

Is she in full standing heat?  I would do the progesterone test first before A.I. because if she's not ovulating it won't matter.  

Good luck!!