Hi
my wee terrier X Ruby has I think started her (first) season. what shall I do? how long does it last? any advice helpfull! she's about 9 months old and normally off the lead most of the time. we have a Casanova around here, so I realise I will have to keep a closer eye for a while, but how long?
had experience of an older terrier in season, but she was a great girls and actually attacking (no contact made tho) dog that were a bit too keen on her :-).
is Ruby unnatural clingyness in the past few days a sign and therefore will pass? as I said any info welcome!
Thanks

A bitch is in season for on average 21 days, with the period of days 10-15 generally the most fertile BUT all bitches are different! So keep Ruby away from all other dogs for about 28 days to be on the safe side. Don't even let her out in your garden unattended - very many litters are sired by the dog who can jump the highest.

Thank you Jeangenie...one question remains, how do i know for sure she's in season? what sign are there?
oh, around my place there are just big breeds...collies and labradors, is the story that big dogs cannot mate with little ones true? the idea of looking after Ruby for 28 days non stop is a bit of a shock, she's a bit of a farm dog (even tho i haven't got a farm) and she spends a wee amount of time alone outside in the garden....but she still get's plenty of walking and game from me!

I'm afraid big dogs are perfectly capable of mating small bitches, but unfortunately the bitch is often injured, and if she does get pregnant the pups are often too big for her and can result in the bitch's death at whelping. So I can't stress enough do not leave her unattended outdoors at any time.

The main sign of being in season is having a swollen vulva and a bloody discharge, which often eases off and turns paler in colour around the middle part of the season - this is when most bitches are most fertile and willing to mate (sometimes running off to do so). However the fertile time isn't set in stone - bitches have had successful pregnancies from matings as early as 5 days or (like mine) as late as day 20.

Didnt know there was a puicsence (sp?) for dogs or are we breedign for the agility type :D

sorry?I dont get it...

Don't worry! Bluebell's just having a joke about high-jumping dogs!