Preparing your dog for mating: safe handling and smart choices

What every breeder should know about dog matings

Most people think about breeding in terms of the outcome, puppies. The part that often gets skipped is the mating itself. It is fundamental, nuanced and can make or break your plans.

In our latest Breeder Brief, part of the B!tch & Brew Catchup Calls, we took a focused look at natural matings, artificial insemination, stud preparation, supplements and safe handling. This was a practical, real-world deep dive designed to help you make confident decisions.

​Natural mating is more than meets the eye

A young male may be fertile from six months, but that does not mean he is ready for stud work. Health tests, physical maturity and temperament all matter. A nine month old can look very different a year later. Breeding an unfinished dog is a risk you do not need to take.
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Simple checks matter. Undescended testicles, soft or undersized testes, or poor overall condition can all point to reduced fertility. On the female side, strictures or awkward angles can make natural matings difficult. Knowing this in advance prevents wasted trips and disappointment.

​Supplements that make a difference

​Proactive stud owners support semen quality. Three proven allies are organic wheatgerm oil for natural vitamin E and antioxidants, natural selenium to support sperm formation, and royal jelly as a fertility booster when there are concerns. These are not gimmicks. Used correctly, they support semen quality and protect your chances of success.

PURCHASE SUPER STUD BUNDLE

​Set the scene for a safe mating

Create calm and control from the start. Let the dogs settle and flirt. Use non-slip flooring to avoid strains. Keep the room quiet and limit the number of spectators. Children and other dogs should not be present. Good hygiene is non-negotiable. Clean hands or gloves, single-use equipment where relevant, and basic disinfection protect both dogs.
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If you are unsure, ask the stud owner to explain the plan before you begin. Two experienced handlers are ideal, one for the stud and one for the bitch. This ensures everyone's safety when temperaments shift at the point of a tie.

​When alternatives are the kinder choice

​Artificial insemination and trans cervical insemination exist for good reasons. They can help when there are strictures, size mismatches, imported chilled semen, or very valuable frozen semen. Ovulation testing is essential in these scenarios. With the right timing, one well planned mating is often enough. Multiple matings are usually only worth considering for last chance breedings or where there is a history of missed litters.

​Stud management across a lifetime

​Clashes happen. A proven stud can cover two bitches in one day with planning and transparency. Collections can be split and chilled if needed. As males age, abnormality rates may rise even if behaviour looks the same. Recheck fertility after illness or medication, and remember that results reflect roughly the last three months of health and management.

​Why this knowledge matters

Breeding is not guesswork. It is planning, observation and sensible decision making. Understanding the process protects your dogs and improves your outcomes.
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This is exactly why the Brew Crew exists. Our Spotlight Sessions take one key topic each month and turn it into clear, practical guidance you can use straight away. Members also unlock the complete on demand archive, including Breeder Briefs, activity sheets and debrief calls. If your girl is due soon, or you are planning your next pairing, the answers you need are already waiting.

​Join the Brew Crew

Become a member to watch the full session on matings and fertility support, and to access the complete Spotlight archive. You will also get Tap Room access for questions, context and ongoing support.

Join here: www.breedersbrew.com/joinbrewcrew