Ok, before you all go nuts on me....let me preface this by saying that all my dogs are of age...all have had proper OFA/PenHip/Cert testing and passed. We are breeding good to good, and all dogs are being bred to standard and involved in the sport of dogs...so please...do not lecture me on this! I do have experience whelping pups and have lots of great local mentors/breeders helping me. I just want more outside advice. I am breeding for myself to continue with my dogs and my goals for my dogs.

We have golden retrievers that we are starting to breed. The pair are both inexperienced. The boy is trying, but we now have had three "slip" tie breedings, on day 14-15 with having her discharged change and boy very interested in mounting. (Dam started bleeding on July 1st.) She will stand for him sometimes, sometimes she will sit or growl a bit at him, either just has he tries to mount, or at the actually point of entry. Urgh. I am not sure if it's because she is not ready or because this is her first time. She is humping my other girl like crazy (she is also in heat, but a few days behind her). The last slip bred was this morning, and about an hour later, I was checking her sister and noticed that the bred girl was back to a red discharge. ?? Is this due to the breeding that took place or what is that about?

So, do I just watch and wait to see if nature takes it course and we get a tie...am I over thinking it and just anxious? Should I help hold them together or just hold her head and hope for the best?
Not sure what to do here. As I am so ready for their first litter. I do have a very experienced breeder that will willing and able to do an AI, if I have to. But, I prefer they figure this out alone.

I also want to ask how long do I need to space out the attempts for my boy? Every other day? I guess what I am asking is regarding sperm counts and him having viable sperm with multiple attempts?? it is killing me to see it on the ground! Sorry, TMI. Are dogs able to impregnate each time? or when/how is there sperm replenished ? I do know that a bitch can get pregnant with slip ties...but not likely ?? THANK YOU.

Have you had her progesterone tested? She might not be quite ready. Physical signs are that the discharge is no longer red, the vulva softens, and she may be more likely to stand for a dog. However, not all girls follow those signs, so progesterone testing is much more reliable.
Also, is he tall enough to reach her adequately? Sometimes a male might need something to stand on. You can try every day - day 1/2, but I wouldn't let them tie more than 2-3 days apart. Some may disagree with me on that, so hopefully others will respond. They *can* impregnate without a proper tie, because the sperm is released first. However, it's not as common, because the other fluids released during the tie help get things moving on down where it should be.
(disclaimer: I'm going off memory from a very long time ago, so there might be newer/better information out there)

Thanks. No I did not test her and wish I had. Live n learn!

Jamie, shoot me a message on facebook. There is an amazing group I'm adding you to that would be appropriate for this question. I imagine you will find many answers.

Megan. I found it---thanks! And he did manage a tie about 30 min ago and stayed tied for 15 min. Yoohoo! That a boy! Do, I am sure it was me being anxious.

Going to let him try once more either Monday very late or Tues morning