I've only tried once, but I couldn't get my shepherd to keep his balls in the ice cube tray.
I've done chilled semen breedings on my (insert real word for female dogs here--and after a few of the jokes on this thread I cannot believe that word would be all that offensive!) twice. No luck either time. And it WAS expensive, and a real pain.
But, I'm excited about this research. I've submitted DNA to UC Davis for some genetic research they were doing (my spinoni, not me myself, I'm sure my DNA is of no interest). There are at least a few genetic diseases (CA in spinoni for instance) that could probably be eradicated with a test for a marker. I love science!
Oh, and I almost forgot to add. Those are lovely puppies! Are they weims?
susie
I've only tried once, but I couldn't get my shepherd to keep his balls in the ice cube tray.
Susie, I must say I've learned more about artificial collection and insemination than I ever thought I would. Chilled semen can be shipped relatively economically, and with relatively little bureaucratic interference throughout the U.S. and Canada. But sending frozen semen, in a liquid nitrogen capsule, to Europe will burn a hole in your wallet, and the regulations are horrific.
And yes, those pups are Weimaraners. Weimar, Germany, where the breed originated, isn't far from the Polish border. We might have a "sending coals to Newcastle" thing going on. More shots of the pups, and their father, who I own, on my home page.