Can anyone tell me how long phantom pregnancies usually last?

They can last for as long as a real pregnancy, so about 9 weeks following the fertile point, or roughly mid season. I have heard and found that increasing exercise and decreasing any carbs in the diet helps speed up the body getting back into balance.

It varies, one of my girls goes all the way, 9 weeks, plus about another 4 of moping/nesting (but we dont let her) then between ''puppy age'' of 4-7ish weeks she gets really playful. The other just has milk and thats it.

My youngsters just coming out the other side of hers and has decided to eat again. She was about 4 weeks in all but did not start till about 8 weeks post season. I did not need to reduce food she did it herself but I upped the excersise and removed any fluffy cuddly "babies" and distracted her if she got a bit nesty!! 10 mins training or a quick march round  the block seemed to do the trick.
Aileen :-)

Mine are also ones that do the whole lot. I get hormonal moods leading up to the season. then season, then 9 weeks of sitting around looking dreamy waiting for babies, then  four weeks of curling up in a bed and refusing to eat and grumping at anyone who dares to come near imaginary babies. Thankfully they don't get milk.
I think phantoms can run in families as my little girl is the 3rd generation who has done this. Although she has chosen to have her "babies" in side rather than excavate huge nests in the garden like mum and granny did.
She would cone out for training etc but as soon as that was over she was back curled up somewhere. Didn't have to reduce her food as she gave up eating and lost several pounds. not good when she is only a thin little thing any way. If I didn't desperately want a litter from her I think I would spay her. Makes me think I might keep a boy next time though.

yes my bitch was terrible last season at about 9 weeks after her season she started to nest and grumpy she was awful, so took all fluffy toys or anything she was nesting with off her, she got more walks, more training and the best thing we did was we had to go off to a show where camping was and as she was away from the house and different surroundings she started to pick herself up more but it was awful, as we do agility quite a few people asked if she was ok as she was practically walking around the rings instead of running full pelt as she thought she was pregnant she is due a season again and we expect the same thing to happen again.

My girl has just finished one now.  Very bizarre as she hasn't yet been in season unless she had a silent season!  Anyway her's only lasted a couple of weeks.  She started getting a bit hormonal and grumpy with my male dog then I noticed she had loads of milk.  I discouraged her from licking her tummy, stopped her hoarding any toys and didn't pander to her neediness.  She did however get plenty of attention through walks and training.  I didn't change her food...give her less than she wants and you never hear the end of it lol.  Oh I also put her on Pulsatilla.

Seems that I have to take it as it comes then! Thanks for the replies.