A male Pomeranian’s first mating

Sexual behaviour does not prove readiness

Interest, excitement and an attempted mount show behaviour in a particular situation. They do not reveal semen quality. Equally, a hesitant first meeting does not establish that the sperm are unsuitable.

Before using the male, decide why he belongs in a breeding programme, which assessments are complete and whether the pair is appropriate. Do not arrange breeding merely because a young dog mounts objects. Maturity, health assessment and selection should stand independently of wanting to see whether mating works.

[5] Merck Veterinary Manual — Infertility in Dogs

Why an inexperienced male may decline

Possible explanations include anxiety in unfamiliar surroundings, immaturity, inexperience and an unreceptive female. A slippery surface can undermine secure footing. These are possible causes, not a diagnosis from an owner's description.

Watch the sequence: did the Pomeranian approach voluntarily, show interest, withdraw after a growl, slip or become distracted by people? Such details help identify a useful change. Altering everything at once makes it easy to credit an incidental action and subsequently repeat it as an essential breeding ritual.

[1] VCA Animal Hospitals — Infertility in Male Dogs

Arrange an unhurried introduction

Choose an area closed to other dogs, with secure flooring and room to move. Remove objects that could catch a dog. Limit attendance to supervisors; an audience makes observation harder.

Allow an introduction without pushing the dogs together. Agree who follows each animal and how to pause before mating. If the female retreats, freezes or defends herself, stop and reconsider. An experienced assistant is helpful only when handling remains calm, without pain, intimidation or forceful restraint. Experience does not justify ignoring either dog's response.

Pain-related reluctance needs investigation

Pain in the back, hindlimbs or penis can interfere with mounting. Sudden interruption, vocalization, lameness or painful responses to ordinary touch raise concern and warrant health assessment.

Do not test the theory by repeating an uncomfortable movement. Once the meeting stops, describe the triggering action and whether similar signs occurred at home or on walks. Significant pain, bleeding, injury or difficulty urinating needs timely veterinary attention, not another female. Completing a scheduled breeding is less important than understanding a possible physical problem.

[1] VCA Animal Hospitals — Infertility in Male Dogs

One retained testicle is not a reason to try breeding

A male with unilateral cryptorchidism can remain fertile, but breeding is discouraged because the condition has an inherited component. A retained testicle also carries increased risks of a tumour and torsion.

After this diagnosis, discuss the dog's health and treatment rather than ways to disguise the finding or obtain a first litter. An impressive coat, attractive appearance or confident mount does not change its meaning. If the owner is unsure whether both testes are in the scrotum, a veterinary examination should establish the answer.

[2] Cornell University — Cryptorchidism in dogs · [4] PDSA — Cryptorchidism in dogs

Do not give testosterone to build confidence

Testosterone fluctuates in healthy males because secretion is pulsatile. One measurement and one unsuccessful meeting do not establish hormone deficiency. Libido concerns belong within a clinical assessment.

A confidence-enhancing product cannot replace investigation of pain, timing or anxiety. Avoid human hormones, stimulants and another dog's treatment schedule. If an endocrine disorder is genuinely suspected, ask which findings support it and how treatment success will be assessed, rather than accepting a repeat mount as the only objective.

[3] WSAVA 2013 — Semen Collection and Breeding Soundness Examination

Decide what another attempt would change

After failure, review the breeding arrangement and the female's cycle timing before investigating the animals further as needed. Difficulty interacting and impaired fertilizing ability require different decisions. One episode does not support a final judgement.

Another meeting becomes useful when its reason is clear: timing has been assessed, footing improved or a medical question resolved. If the male again shows fear or pain, completing the attempt at any cost is not the goal. It is reasonable to abandon this cycle and understand the circumstances before planning another.

[5] Merck Veterinary Manual — Infertility in Dogs