Timing is everything when breeding your bitch. One of the most common mistakes breeders make is relying only on “day numbers” — for example, assuming every bitch should be mated on day 10, day 12 or day 14 of her season.

The truth is, every bitch is different. Some ovulate early, some ovulate late, and some do not follow the pattern they had in a previous season. This is where progesterone testing becomes such a valuable tool.

At Calavey Pet Services, progesterone testing helps identify the key hormonal changes during your bitch’s season, supporting you in planning the best time for mating, artificial insemination or chilled semen use.

When should I start testing?

As a general guide, we recommend starting progesterone testing around day 5 to day 7 from the first day you notice bleeding or clear signs of her season.

However, this can vary depending on your bitch’s history. You may need to start earlier if:

• She has short seasons
• She has ovulated early before
• She suddenly becomes very receptive to a male
• You are using chilled or frozen semen
• The stud dog is travelling or only available for a limited time
• You have previously had missed matings or small litters

If your bitch usually has a longer season or has ovulated late before, testing may begin slightly later, but starting too late can mean missing the most useful part of the progesterone rise.

Why one test is not always enough

Progesterone testing is most useful when we can see the pattern of the rise, not just one isolated number.

A single result can tell us where your bitch is at that moment, but repeat testing allows us to follow the hormone changes and identify when ovulation is likely to have occurred. This helps narrow down the best mating window and gives you much more confidence in your breeding plan.

In many cases, testing every 48 hours is recommended until the level begins to rise. Once the rise is detected, testing may need to become more frequent so that the timing can be refined.

What are we looking for?

Progesterone begins to rise around the time of the LH surge, which happens before ovulation. Ovulation itself follows, and then the eggs need time to mature before they are ready to be fertilised.

This is why mating too early can be just as unhelpful as mating too late. The bitch may be standing and willing, but her eggs may not yet be ready. Equally, if mating is delayed too long, the fertile window may be missed.

Progesterone testing helps us understand where she is in that process.

Fresh, chilled and frozen semen need different timing

The type of semen being used is important when interpreting progesterone results.

Natural mating or fresh semen usually gives a little more flexibility because good-quality fresh semen can survive longer inside the bitch. Chilled semen needs more careful timing because it has a shorter useful lifespan. Frozen semen requires the most precise timing and should always be managed with veterinary guidance.

This is why it is so important to tell us your breeding plan before testing. The best advice depends on whether you are planning a natural mating, fresh semen, chilled semen or a veterinary-led insemination.

Do not rely only on behaviour

Behaviour can be helpful, but it is not reliable enough on its own.

Some bitches stand early, before they have ovulated. Others will not stand at all, even when they are fertile. Discharge colour, flagging, swelling and interest from males can all give clues, but they cannot confirm ovulation.

Progesterone testing gives a clearer picture and helps take the guesswork out of the process.

Getting the most from your progesterone test

To get the best value from progesterone testing, we recommend:

• Contacting us as soon as your bitch comes into season
• Recording the first day of bleeding or swelling
• Letting us know about previous seasons, missed matings or caesareans
• Telling us whether you are using fresh, chilled or frozen semen
• Planning ahead if travel, stud availability or semen shipping is involved
• Following the recommended repeat testing schedule

The more information we have, the better we can support your breeding plan.

Why choose Calavey Pet Services?

Calavey Pet Services offers progesterone testing in a calm, clean and professional environment. We understand how important timing is and how stressful breeding plans can become when travel, stud availability or semen shipping is involved.

As experienced, licensed breeders ourselves, we know how valuable clear guidance and reliable testing can be when planning a mating. Our aim is to support breeders with practical, professional fertility services in a relaxed and hygienic setting.



Final thoughts

Progesterone testing is not just about getting a number. It is about understanding your bitch’s season, identifying ovulation and making informed decisions about the best time to mate.

Starting at the right time, repeating tests when needed and interpreting the results alongside your breeding plan can make all the difference.

If your bitch is coming into season, contact Calavey Pet Services early so we can help you plan the right testing schedule and get the most out of progesterone testing.

Calavey Pet Services
Progesterone Testing | Semen Analysis | Mating Assistance | Pregnancy Ultrasound Scanning | Microchipping

Website: www.calaveypetservices.com