Dog Copulatory Behaviour - Anatomy & Physiology

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First Stage Coitus - The Tie

Erection of the Canine Glans Penis

Copyright Nottingham University 2008.
  • Bitch in Oestrus spots bloody fluid just before the receptive stage.
  • Male identifies the female.
    • Dogs are very aware of a bitch in oestrus and can detect them from 500-600 meters away.
  • Bitch adopts receptive posture ('stands') with the tail deviated to one side ('flagging').
  • Dog mounts and thrusts to achieve intromission.
    • Intromission with a partially erect penis aided by the Os Penis
  • Vulval erectile tissue of the bitch grips the bulbus glandis of the penis.
  • Penis achieves full erection (the 'Tie')
  • Lasts 1-2 minutes
  • First and second fractions of semen are ejaculated.




The Turn

  • Shortly after ejaculation, the dog dismounts and turns around while lifting one hind leg over the bitch.
  • The male and female remain 'tied' because the bulbus glandis of the penis remains engorged with blood.
  • Contractions of muscles near the base of the penis prevent venous outflow of blood from the bulbus glandis.
  • Sphincter muscles of the vulva constrict
    • Compresses dorsal veins of the penis.
    • Prevents venous outflow.

Second Stage Coitus

  • After the turn,they stand with their hind quarters in contact and their heads facing opposite directions.
  • Third fraction of semen is ejaculated.
  • Lasts 5-45 minutes
  • Encourages uterine rather than vaginal insemination.
  • Dog steadily ejaculates up to 30ml seminal fluid.
    • Delivered through the Cervix to the Uterus.
    • Forces the sperm-rich fraction into the Uterus.