Things have calmed down around here enough to consider producing a litter of pups that can at least do club level work. So with that in mind and Erika going thru a heat cycle and flagging I thought I'd try to see if she would be receptive to another male besides Max, my neutered male which she has tied to before(long story, expensive vet ER visit) and been pestering him every chance she gets. So Barbara was kind enough to let us do an introduction with her neutered male Falcon. Erika has been over at Falcon's house a few times before for eggs and we did some training and exercising there. I had Erika muzzled with a Jafco muzzle which she was use to and we used loose leads at let them nose greet. Long story short she punched him in the noise and jabbed him in the ribs. I corrected her and started into some obed and then some play. Erika and Falcon found there comfort level again, I got my eggs and decided Erika is not going to be bred any time soon.

AI just sounds too expensive and will not use a box which would only increase her dog aggressiveness which I spent a lot of time to fix. Would letting the potential stud and Erika "date" or work/train in the same area regularly for time be more receptive? She is not oppose to the act but she only lets Max near her.

And all Falcon wanted was a little kiss...he never expected to go all the way on a first date.

Well, on the up side Dennis, she'll not be just used by any that's not her equal.

 Quote: randy allen

Well, on the up side Dennis, she'll not be just used by any that's not her equal.

that the thing, Max is one of the worst specimen of German Shepherd there is, weak nerved, white coat, picky eater,couch tater

Yeah, but Max wouldn't leave before coffee and breakfast, then not call back ever again.

My female does not allow any males near her when she in heat until she is ready to be bred, and then only those that she likes. I do not plan to breed her but I do work her around males when she is in heat (only my friends that I know and trust to have control of their dogs) for her practice and theirs. (all on leash doing OBD, no visiting)

I did find she was more receptive to these males than the ones that she either did not know, or had not been worked with, but only introduced to prior to her heat. Actually, the only male that she allows around her anytime is one that she has been worked with sporadically over the next 2 years. He has moved to another province now, but it was quite "cute" to see them in a downstay next to each other, holding each
others paws It can't hurt to work her around a potential male and see where it goes.

 Quote: randy allen

Yeah, but Max wouldn't leave before coffee and breakfast, then not call back ever again.

And you assume my boy would have? Rough. Good thing he can't read - Falcon would be incredibly insulted.

 Quote: Barbara Schuler

And all Falcon wanted was a little kiss...he never expected to go all the way on a first date.

Falcon doesnt know about alcohol, does he. Erika would'nt even notice he's un-armed.

Ah. Is that how you've been getting dates, Steve...

My bitches are in full on attack mode until they are in standing heat with boys who are interested and pestering. After that they go through a funny play ritual which sometimes involves snapping and ta da... they're ready to roll in the hay. This is of course if they are left to their own devices. I don't normally suggest breeding dogs this way especially with maiden bitches.

I doubt the breeding ritual well controlled rather than dumping two dogs in the yard would play into her dog aggression. Most breeders I know don't allow maiden bitches a lot of freedom their first go around and a fair number never do.

As far as breeding Erika or not breeding her it's entirely your decision. Personally I like what breeding did to my eldest papillon bitch behavior wise and I love the results I see with my youngest dog. I learned a lot from the process and felt the difference in the connection between that puppy and I. I do plan to eventually breed dogs again when I'm ready for another.