Methods of timing the cycle of a dog, such as the color of discharge, swelling of the vulva, and flagging, were the traditional sign that was watched for when to breed. These are not very reliable. Vaginal cytology (smears) is used as a rough gauge for when to start progesterone testing to determine ovulation timing.
To know when the prime breeding time for you dog, we will do progesterone tests. The number of tests varies from dog to dog and breed to breed. When the specific progesterone level is detected, we will determine the best time to breed your dog.
Fresh, chilled, or frozen semen can be used to breed your dog. This will also play into when the best time to breed is. While we believe that surgical implants give you the best possible chance of puppies, we also do vaginal insemination.