
I have never been able to rely on colour of discharge ever. I ahve had bitches bleed bright red to end of seasons and other seasons where I have had no blood after first day or two. Without testing ehr hormone levels you only have behaviour to go on, whcih at times can be way off.
I ahve jsut had a bitch here for mating that has been showing readiness in behviour since day 10, but wasn't physically capable of being mated (vulva had not softened and opened up) until day 16. Mted days 16, 17 and 18, and time will tell if she has a litter.
I have also had a bitch ready but unwilling to be mated at any price.