Hi Everyone, usually, when my bitch comes into season, she comes in with a bang, so to speak LOL, but this time there is hardly anything there. The only way I knew she was bleeding is because I was checking her regularly because I plan to mate her this time and even so, I had to literally lay her down and "take a closer look" with a piece of white tissue.
The first day was literally a pin head sized stain, day two was slightly more and today is slightly more again, but she's not cleaning herself more often and my dog isn't THAT interested, just has a quick sniff, rolls his eyes and walks away LOL.
My question is this, when do I start counting the days as her being in full season?  This is the first time she hasn't been obviously in heat and it's her 5th season.  She had a litter last December and has had a cycle since then which was "normal" for her, so I am a bit perplexed.  I'm doing a progesterone test on her this season anyway as I'm not using my own sire but I wondered what other peoples thoughts are on this?
Thanks
MV x

I think when you are continually checking them (I did it too as bitch was late coming in!) you spot it sooner than you normally would which is why it seems to take longer to get going into full flow.  My girls are always light the first week but make up for it after that :)

I would count it from first day there was red blood.  It shouldn't matter to much if you are testing her or have the dog on hand.  Don't be surprised if she ovulates a bit later than you expected as you probably caught her on the cusp of coming in. 

Even if the male you have there isn't the one you want to use, he should be a useful way to find out exactly what's going on (if he's not going to be totally upset if you let him near her and not let him do the biz!!).  I'd count from the first sign of spotting you saw, and keep checking with the male who will tell you when she's ready, even if she doesn't!!    Alternatively can you get the owner of the dog you want to use, to board her and keep trying with that male - that might be kinder to your in-house male!!!

I have to say this is where, having travelled to Philadelphia from Toronto for a dog I wanted, and him not being interested, it was useful to get an A1 done the following morning, so at least we had something there in the event the lad wasn't up to the job.   She was clearly right on but eventually gave a visual sigh and sat down with her back to him!!!    She was English-bred and I could see a balloon coming out of her head saying 'what is it with these Yanks'!  His owner was REALLY embarrased.

Thanks everyone...and Mamabas, you gave me a good laugh with that, thanks! :)  Well today, young lady has come in fully now and I think maybe you are both right about it seemed weird coz I was checking.  This is only my 2nd time of breeding and first time I used my own sire, so I didn't check her before things were obvious.  I checked her with tissue again and got a more obvious smear but this evening she marked the kitchen floor all by herself LOL...so I know its all systems go.
I'm getting bloods done tomorrow or Tuesday for progesterone testing as I have to travel a couple of hours to the sire this time and I don't want to miss her.

Thanks for the responses,

MV xx