How Long Does it Take for Dogs to Get Unstuck After Mating?

PDF download Download Article
Everything you need to know about copulatory ties in dog breeding
PDF download Download Article

Did your dog just get stuck to another dog after doing the deed? Don’t panic! This is actually a normal part of the mating process and there’s nothing to worry about. Take a deep breath and read on, because we’ve gathered all the info you need to know—and it might take a while for the dogs to naturally release each other (but rest assured, they will).

Things You Should Know

  • It’s totally normal for dogs to get stuck together after mating. It’s called a “copulatory tie”.
  • Don’t do anything to try to separate the dogs, especially pull them apart by force, which could hurt them!
  • Stay calm and wait for the dogs to unstick themselves. If they’re still stuck together after an hour (which is unlikely to happen), call your vet to get advice.
Section 1 of 3:

Why do dogs get stuck together after mating?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Called a “tie” for short, sticking together or getting stuck back-to-back is a perfectly natural occurrence that can last anywhere between 5 and 30 minutes after the male dog has finished ejaculating. There’s no need to intervene! [1]
    • The breed of the dogs may influence how long they remain stuck together. Dogs that haven’t bred before and dogs that are nervous after mating may also take longer to unlock.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

What To Do If Dogs are Stuck Together After Mating

PDF download Download Article
  1. Never try to physically separate the dogs! Removing them by force is likely to hurt them both.
    • If you’re trying to prevent pregnancy, unfortunately, it’s probably already too late. Pulling the dogs apart won't help, and it may hurt them.
  2. Be patient, and don’t panic. A copulatory tie is totally normal. [2] Make sure the pooches can’t run into a street or in harm’s way. Just sit with them and remain calm.
    • Pet the female dog to keep her calm while you wait it out.
    • If the dogs are becoming overactive, anxious, or playful, leash them to keep them under control until they’re unstuck.
  3. It can take between 5 and 60 minutes for the dogs to get unstuck after mating. If it’s been longer than that and you have concerns, speak to your veterinarian to see what they advise.
  4. Let the female rest in a quiet place away from other animals. [3] If the male’s penis doesn’t go back into its sheath shortly after mating, or if you have any other concerns, reach out to your vet. [4]
    • Look for signs of pregnancy in the female, including increased appetite and weight gain. Around 28 days after mating, your vet can do an exam to confirm if she is pregnant and give you tips on how to care for her . [5]
    5. Advertisement
Section 3 of 3:

FAQs

PDF download Download Article
  1. The male dog’s penis, or bulbis glandis, expands and the female dog’s vaginal muscles tighten, creating a copulatory tie. Usually, the dogs will stand butt-to-butt until the swelling subsides.
    • The copulatory tie can prevent another male from mating with the female before fertilization has occurred. It may also prevent sperm from leaking out, which increases the chances of pregnancy.
    • Dogs may wait back-to-back as a defense mechanism to protect themselves from other animals, as mating is a vulnerable act in the wild.
  2. Not necessarily, but it can improve the chances of fertilization. Pregnancy can also occur without a tie, called slip mating, but is less likely. [6]
  3. It can be uncomfortable or even a bit painful, especially if this is either dog’s first time breeding. Dogs without experience may not know the most comfortable position to wait out the tie. Still, don’t try to separate them, which would cause more pain and potential injury. Just wait it out and do your best to keep them calm. [7]
    • The female dog may bark, howl, or make other noises while she’s tied to the male. This could just be her way of communicating with him, and may not indicate that she’s in pain. [8]
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can my Jack Russell mate with a Labrador Retriever?
    Rainy
    Top Answerer
    It's not advisable to breed dogs with a large size difference, especially if the male is bigger. If the puppies are too big, the mother could die while she is whelping.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 12 Helpful 33
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      Fatty Tumors (Lipomas) in Dogs: Causes and Natural Remedies
      How to
      Get Dogs to Stop Eating Rabbit Poop
      How to
      Find a Dog by AKC Registration Number
      What to Give a Dog with Parvo (And How to Entice Them to Eat)
      How to
      Keep Diapers on a Dog
      How to
      Sell Puppies
      How to
      Tell if a Dog Is Microchipped
      How to
      Clean Dog Pee from a Mattress
      How to
      Measure Dog Height
      How to
      Determine Your Dog's Age By Its Teeth
      How to
      Build an Outdoor Dog Potty Area on Concrete in 12 Easy Steps
      How to
      Help a Dog Having Period Cramps (Plus, How to Spot Them)
      How to
      Register a Dog Without Papers
      How to
      Make a Dog Love You
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/dog-breeding/first-time-breeders/dog-mating/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/breeder-education/akcs-guide-responsible-dog-breeding/#mating
      3. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/breeding-for-pet-owners-pregnancy-in-dogs
      4. ↑ https://www.merckvetmanual.com/reproductive-system/reproductive-diseases-of-the-male-small-animal/paraphimosis-in-dogs-and-cats
      5. ↑ https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/breeder-education/akcs-guide-responsible-dog-breeding/#pregnancy
      6. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/breeding-for-pet-owners-estrus-and-mating-in-dogs
      7. ↑ https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/dog-breeding/first-time-breeders/dog-mating/
      8. ↑ https://thepets.net/why-do-dogs-get-stuck/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 316,341 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement