After all formalities
and paperwork are done, the actual mating can take place.
The dog is allone
in a large dog run. The bitch (not knowing the dog) is also taken to the
dog run. After they had a chance to get to know each other, had a bathroom
break and played for a while, the real work can begin. However, I never
try to rush things. I give them time to get comfortable with each other.
When allowed to proceed at their pace (rather than mine), they'll very
soon do what comes natural to them, friendly as Labradors are.
The mating is done in the natural way. The
dog will not be assisted. After some abortive attempts the dog finds the
vulva and he penetrates the bitch. After mating, the female's muscles contract
and the male's penis swells.
The resulting "tie" will often keep the
pair locked together for 10 minutes to an hour. I watch that they don't
hurt themselves, because an inexperienced male doesn't always know he has
to get off and turn around backward. An experienced male knows what he
has to do, but the female might panic and hurt both, which might result
in the fact that one or both dogs won't be too keen on a mating next time.
I hold the bitch and make her feel at ease.
Calm, experienced bitches don't have to be held.
It might take a while, so I kill the time
by grooming the dog, Artie in this picture. Notice that I don't hold the
bitch under her chest or in the belly region, because this might block
the sperm from travelling to the uterus.
Some bitches start to "hang" after a while,
because they want to untie the knot. Usually the knot will be untied within
a few minutes. The bitch is now taken to her owner's car and shouldn't
jump or play rough games withing the next couple of hours.
If no blood was collected to determine the
progesteron level, the mating will be repeated after two days.
.
Lotte tries to take a walk, because she
feels being pushed and doesn't quite know what is expected of her. Oliver
wants her to stand still, so I maneuver Lotte in the appropriate position
.
Oliver and Lotte are tied up. The waiting
can begin. Luckely I brought my tobacco.
.
"Hey Jack, I feel a bit tied up with this
bitch. Do something about it, will ya?"
.
Oliver - a bachelor once more
. |
