Male wont mount from behind

Question
I have a 2 year old female Shihtzu and a 2 year old male.  The female is just a little bigger than the male.  This is the second heat in the last year that we have tried to breed these two dogs.  We tried to breed them the first time she went into heat after her second birthday and the male while very excited, licked her alot, never left her side, and constantly tried to mount her from the side but never mounted her from behind at all. Now during this heat he is more aggressive.  She is standing and flagging but the male will lay his chin on her shoulder, then try to mount her from the side and she will stand for just a few seconds and then move.  We had this problem the last time.  I tried puting a halter collar on her and holding the leash while petting her so that she would be calm and not move around as much but he still continues to go to her side.  Just tonight he started putting his head under her belly (when she is standing) and pushing her front legs forward with his head.  He will even walk all the way under her.  If she does lie down he will lick her to get her back standing. He has never tried to mount her from behind and if we try to help him he fights us and goes back to her side.  Do you have any suggestions as to anything we might try to help this breeding along. Also do you have any idea what the male might be trying to accomplish by putting his head under her belly and pushing her front legs forward with his head.  Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.

Answer
Hi Gretchen,

It sounds like your male is just inexperienced and slightly "clueless".  Which happens. Some males aren't natural breeders.

Sitting on the floor have the female straddled across your legs. You can use your knee to raise her up if she needs to.  Coax the male to the back and guide him in. You can use one hand to put slight pressure on the penis him to   get him excited and to guide him and hold him in place. It may be easier to have assistance when attempting this.

The alternative is to collect for artificial insemination.

Good luck.