Dog Breeding

Question
QUESTION: Hi Joyce, I have a three year old shih tzu that came into heat last Thursday. Is Saturday the start of her most fertile days and do you think it wise to leave her with her mate or they will get into fights. Thanks for your advice

ANSWER: Hi Cheryl

Each female is different but she should be coming into her prime breeding time.  Is she standing and "flagging" the male?

The problem I have will leaving her 24/7 with the male is they can become frustrated and fight and/or get bored with the whole process.

If you are going to breed her, it's best to seperate them and allow them to come together for about 30 minutes a few times a day.  If a tye occurs, you only need to do it once.  Any more than that is over-kill and exhausting for the male.   The female produces all the eggs she is going to release so "more" is not "better" in this case.

Good luck.

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

QUESTION: Hi Joyce, my pup mated Twice on Monday 28 in the morning and late evening. Should that do it or put them back together again today. Thanks for your advice

Answer
Hi Cheryl

It's important to breed them over the course of a few days unless you do a progesterone test, then you only have to do it once.  

But I would place them together again today and maybe tomorrow.  Friday, see if she will still stand for the male.

Good luck