A female in heat emits a distinct smell that “announces” to the male dogs in the neighborhood her availability to be mated. We know that dogs have very acute olfactory senses and when they became aware of a female dog’s availability they would try to scale fences, break from being chained to be able to get near the bitch. The bitch on the other hand would entice the male dog she favors by raising and holding her tail to the side to show her genitals. This action that shows the female’s receptiveness is called flagging. The favored dog will be allowed to mount the bitch from behind in a position that is commonly called “doggy style”. A female dog that is unreceptive may move away and snarl at the rejected male dog.

A male dog’s penis is not erect when it enters the vagina. A small bone inside the penis called baculum holds the penis rigid to achieve penetration. Once the penis has gained purchase and inside the vagina, the bulbus glandis will start to engorge with blood. The bulbus glandis that is a sphere shaped erectile tissue found at the base of the penis will swell once inside the vagina virtually locking the dogs. This is known as the mating tie. This could last from 5 to 30 minutes. The male dog would usually swing its leg over the back of the bitch causing both dogs to be tied rear end to rear end. After the male has finished ejaculating the bulbus glandis will return to its normal size and the dogs will be able to separate.

The mating tie ensures that the sperm will get inside the vagina and that the female dog will be impregnated. Since the dogs are stuck together the male will be able to finish releasing his sperm. The mating tie prevents sperm leakage.

Dog may appear to be hurt, get stressed and panic when they realize that they can not separate. NEVER try to separate the dogs. The male dog would usually stand quietly but the female may squirm and try to run away especially if it is being mated for the first time. If the female dog is bigger than the male she can hurt the male if she tries to pull away. Try to calm your pet. If she knows that you are there she would settle until the male has finished ejaculating and pulls away