Why do mating dogs get stuck?

Mating dog stuck together.

Male dog stuck into bitch's vaginal.

Dog stuck back on back.

Mating dogs get stuck photo. 

If you're new to dog breeding, you might be nervous the first time you witness two dogs mating. They appear to have difficulty separating from one another once they have done the act. Why do mating dogs get stuck? Why do dogs become entangled when mating? It's called a copulatory tie, and it's quite natural. Continue reading to see why this occurs, what it signifies, and whether you should act.

copulatory tie anatomy

Why do mating dogs get stuck?

Dogs stick together during the penultimate stage of their mating ritual. It's something almost all canines, including wolves and foxes, do. During intercourse, the bulbis glandis of the male dog's penis expands and stops him from pulling out. Essentially, the duo is bound together till the swelling goes away.

bulbis glandis is the swollen part at proximal site of male dog penis

"In contrast to cats, which are fertile every 21 days, dogs only have heat twice a year. From an evolutionary standpoint, the copulatory connection allows dogs to take advantage of every chance to reproduce children, as Marty Greer, DVM, co-owner of Veterinary Village in Lomira, Wis., and author of Canine Reproduction and Neonatology, explains. "By forcing semen forward and serving as a stopper to maintain semen within the female, it increases the possibility that it will reach the eggs."

How Long Do Dogs Stay Together After Mating?

Greer claims that dogs remain glued together at the end of mating for five to 45 minutes. The male dog dismounts and rides back-to-back with the female. Dogs who are new to mating may be nervous about being locked together, but it is a normal procedure. Help your dog stay calm and motionless until the two can safely separate.This will happen on its own when the male dog's desire has subsided.

Is being stuck a sign that the female dog is pregnant?

The longer the canines are tied together in a copulatory knot, the more likely the semen will reach the eggs. However, pregnancy in dogs is never assured, according to Greer, since "not every mating is successful, just like in people."

A veterinarian can establish if your dog is pregnant with an exam or an ultrasound approximately 25 days after mating, according to the American Kennel Club. Around three weeks after mating, you may notice pregnancy symptoms such as:

1. Weight gain and increased hunger
2. Swollen stomach
3. Nipples that are larger and darker
4. Vomiting and a loss of appetite

If you suspect your dog has been pregnant by mistake, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to explore your options.

Can Neutered Dogs Become Stuck?

It's uncommon, but not unheard of, for a neutered dog to become trapped while teaming up with a female. "If your dog has recently been neutered, this is more probable." Greer explains that this is because he may still have higher testosterone levels than he will later on.Testosterone boosts a dog's sexual desire and influences bulbis gland swelling. Even with less hormone, your dog can become aroused, have intercourse, and finish in a copulatory tie. 

Moreover, pressure and stroking can stimulate the penis of a male dog. If a neutered dog's penis is played (licked) by the bitch, it may get an erection and instinctively proceed to hump the female.

Semen collection of a dog. Dog penis is sensitive to pressure and touch, it can swell by a few squeeze by human or licks by other dogs.

What To Do If Your Dogs Get Stuck Mating

When dogs are locked in a copulatory knot during mating, you may feel inclined to try to separate them. But wait: pulling dogs apart can cause physical harm and will not prevent a pregnancy.Instead, teach your dog to be calm. Although it may be painful to observe canines in this uncomfortable posture, it is only a component of canine mating.

To avoid unwanted pregnancies, keep male dogs away from fertile female dogs to prevent mating. "Four weeks following the commencement of her heat cycle, a female is possibly pregnant," Greer observes. "She's most fertile when the red discharge goes away."

But bear in mind that keeping a male dog away from a female dog in heat can be tough—even extremely difficult—at times. Dogs on the scent of a ready-to-mate female have been known to knock over people and burst through doors and crates. Spaying or neutering your dog is the only sure way to prevent pregnancy.

It's upsetting to see your dog get caught during mating, but it's not dangerous. In fact, if you want to breed your dog, a copulatory tie is a good sign—it might signal that some furry bundles of joy are on the way soon.

Can Dog Ejaculate Without Tied

Yes, sometimes dog does this when sleeping.

Dog have wet dreams and ejaculate.

What To Do If You Stuck With A Male Dog

Don't be alarmed if you accidentally end up with a male dog. It's embarrassing right now, but you can address the situation on your own.

First, don't try to drag a male dog away from you since this will arouse him and cause his penis to swell, resulting in a longer tie duration.

Then you might try washing the dog's penis with cold water. Cold water can constrict blood vessels, allowing him to withdraw his penis.

Food can sometimes be used to distract a male dog and solve an issue.