Hi,

I have just become the lucky owner of a Rottie bitch.  She is so pretty.  She is just 9 months old.  The DAY after we got her home she started to clean herself alot and started to spot blood.  This has been a week now and the bleeding has got heavier but she was still perky and running after her toys and in the field near us(at 6am!! so as to avoid others!!).  In the past few hours she has become very docile and unresponsive.  She ignores any treats which would normally last a fraction of a second.  I have just given her 2 treats and she ignored both and seems to stare into space and does nothing.  This is my first dog and I am worried to death.  Is it normal for her to be like this when in season?  I am hoping so.  Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Paul.

Bitches react to seasons in totally different ways. As an example, my old Mandy was perfectly normal until her season started then she would go on a broody 60 days! Anna goes right off work well in advance of her season but will step straight back into working mode literally the day after her season finishes.

First seasons can be particularly harrowing for a young bitch. Her hormones are running and she's not at all sure what's happening. Bear with her and it will soon be over.

One word of warning, be very careful about her being off the lead at this time. Bitches do not always react in their usual way. It would not be unusual for a usually obedient bitch to take her self off to find a dog given half a chance. It is only natural instincts taking over.

Best wishes, John

Hi John,

Thanks for the reply.  I am really worried about her but if this is a normal behaviour then I am so relieved.  Only another couple of weeks to go now then!  I think the lead will become a normal part of our walks now.  We had her trained before we got her and she is so clever and responds to all her commands.  We thought with a breed this big it was really important to get her trained but with this new development the lead is best.  I think we will try and stay in the garden from now on.  Thanks so much for your help, I can sleep easy tonight!
Paul.

The one thing you will find is that there is no such thing as "Normal" behaviour when a bitch is in season. ;)

I put in season bitches in the car and drive them a little way down the road then lead walk them from there. That way there is not a scent trail back to the house for dogs to follow. I also have the advantage of three farms and two woods, all private land which I can walk mine over so I have a so much easier time than most people.

Best wishes, John