[FlDebra]

This is just what my male would do. He was also small and quite a bit shorter than my girl. He seemed intent to try to get the job done himself without help. I could hold my girl, but he did not want any hands on him or he would just stop doing his thing and try to get away from me. He was obsessed with her any other time and always loved attention so I think he just wanted to get away so he could reapproach without interference.

I let him keep trying on his own, while I was right there with the girl. She was very receptive once it was time. The first time, I was convinced that he never tied even though he tried a LOT. He was penetrating but not staying in long. To my dismay, my girl got pregnant and had a litter of 4. The second time around, he seemed to be able to get the job done on his own a little better and tied 3 times with many more attempts. Once he tied and I could see they were really "attached" I could hold him a bit, or at least have hands on him, ready to make sure he did not try to pull away too quickly. She had a litter of 5 that time.

I know it is recommended to have a person hold each to ensure no one gets injured, but I had to give my male a little leeway at least til he was "tied." I was ready though to take control if it looked like trouble. This is my least favorite part of breeding, aside from the chance you take with the mother's life that is. I really felt invasive to get involved in their "act." But you do what you gotta do.

EDIT TO ADD -- just read the post above mine. If she is actually only 11 months old, I would really not want to breed her either. 11 months would be early to start a second heat, but it could happen. It is usually recommended to wait until at least the 2nd heat AND 18 months old. It's one of those things like puppies are usually ready to go to new homes when at least 12 weeks old AND 2 pounds. So, if she is in the 2nd heat but less than 18 months, I would wait til the 3rd heat. Just another opinion along the same lines.