Our 3 year old golden retriever bitch is causing us some concern. She usually comes into season 6.5-7 months after her last one. However this time she is already 8 months and showing little sign of anything. No swelling or bleeding but over a week ago a yellow labrador sniffed her out and salivated over her before mounting her (didn't get a chance to 'do it' as she growled at him and ran back to us). Am I being completely ignorant of dogs mating seasons? Does anyone else have a golden retriever who is too lazy to go into season?? If she doesn't get a move on soon, we might have to cancel our holiday with her next month!!

We had a caravan so we could take our dogs away with us and I shudder to think how many times we have just "Gone away" only to find after a couple of days one of the horrors has come into season! Goes with the territory I'm afraid. I’ve known bitches come in early or late both by four weeks or more!

Regards John

I've no experience of it myself but I understand there is such a thing as a 'silent' season meaning no outward signs, could that be what is happening.

She could be having a silent season, there is usually a discharge but it is colourless and in a clean bitch easy to miss. Also there is little swelling. I have no experience of this, thank God, its hard enough when I know what is happening.