I have a 9 month old golden retriever bitch and wonder when she will come into season for the first time and  some advice on what i can expect please ?
Id just like to be prepared and any information would be appreciated as she is my first bitch 

Hi, well, seasons, I am not sure of the ages for Goldies, but my breed can start a season between 7 mths, to I think 14 months.
Normally from my own experience, your bitch will show signs of possible season accuring by wanting to clean her back end more often then usual, and when out on walks she will 'pee' more frequently, her valva will swell and she will have a reddish discharge, which can be quite messy, so be prepared to follow her around with the mop! I use Nikki hygiene pants when mine are in season, it saves my carpet and furniture! They are pants that have a hole for the tail to fit through and you place a sanatary towel inside the pants to stop any mess, you have to remember though to take them off her when she goes in the garden to 'toilet' and to change the pad regularly.

The seasons normally last 3 weeks, with the discharge becoming dark in colour and then finally lighter as the season progresses, it is vital you avoid male dogs throughout her season, to avoid accident matings, and it is always best to drive somewhere away from your home to walk your girl when she is in season to avoid male dogs tracking her down.  and finally keep her on a lead when she goes for walks, and dont leave her in the garden unattended incase a male dog from around your neighbourhood jumps the fence and trys his luck! you would be surprised at what a male dog will do to get to a bitch in heat! xx

Your best bet really is to buy 'the Book of the Bitch' about a tenner in Pets at Home/Jollyes or on-line.

two replies are posted on your blog about this topic.

My girls have normally come into season for the first time around about a year, but being bitches it could really be anytime from now until possibly as late as 2 years!

I have always found a good indictor is the reaction of males when at dog training classes - they can scent something is coming several weeks prior to starting to show, so when this happens I just keep an eye on them.

Hopefully as she gets older, she will become regular so you have a good idea when she'll be due.

Hi, my girl came into season for the first time two days after her 1st birthday, her litter sister came into seaon at six months, so as Ells-Bells said anytime from now until 2 years!

Jan

Thank you for all your replies