Hi,
Dixie my cocker is now nearly 10 months old , I have not yet seen signs of her 1st season which seems fine as my other 5 year old started at 11 months .However My male stud has today been hounding her and actually tried to mount her a few times , with full tackle exposed!.
This is unheard of from Max as he never does this ever unless he has a bitch in high season ready to mate , he is not one of those generally fruity dogs .I have seperated them as she squeeled a while ago when I was not looking and I presume he nearly caught her . Could she be in season without showing .

the males at a dog show gave me more of an insight as to when my girl was coming into season than she did!

it was about a week or so later when she actually started.

Saying that you can get "dry seasons" with no blood or swelling and  "colourless seasons" with no blood but she can still be mated from a unwanted dog .

I took this info from "book of the bitch" and recommend that you buy it as it is very informative.
I would keep them seperated.

someone with more experience on these matters will no doubt be along very soon.

Roni

Thanks for your reply . I have a similar book which indeed says the same .They are being kept apart and hopefully someone will give me an idea of how I can tell if this is a blind season and wether I would keep them apart for the usual period.

I've got a couple of books confirming it is indeed possible to have a season without showing signs - what a nuisance it must be. My bitch had clearly read the book as her season was nearly textbook, except she never completely stopped bleeding. I guess the only way to have any clue would be by behavioural changes and of course any reactions from stud dogs!

Hi SallyD, one possiblility is that she has an infection of some sort.  Even experienced stud dogs seem to find the scent of infection very exciting.  One of my bitches is prone to ear infections and one of my amorous males alerts me to it if I've missed it!  He also was very excited when another one of mine had a toenail infection.

You could have a blood test taken tosee if she has ovulated.  This will tell you that she had in fact been in season.  If your boy is correct then she will have already ovulated, and you will only need to keep them apart for about a week after ovulation.

Thank you for all replies about Dixie/Daisy .Tomorrow I will take her to the vet to be checked for all of the above .Not only do I want to prevent puppies , she is such a baby in size and temprement I think Max would hurt her if he got his way .
Just an update ,Monica had her sterilization before christmas ,she is well and very pleased to get that damn post op hat off !

I'll be interested to hear how you get on - I have never had a bitch with a silent season.

When at the vet's, make sure they check her anal glands. Infections in those can sometimes confuse even experienced studs.
Brainless suggestion to have a blood test done, to see if she has ovulated, is very good. Or maybe just a smear could be enough for the vet to tell if she's in heat or not?
Until you know for sure, I would treat her as if she was having her first season, to be on the safe side :-) .
Warm regards,
Karen

my girls first 4 seasons (until she was 2) where silent seasons i only knew they were silent because the male next door was calling so i had a blood test to see. It wasnt until she came into contact with my friends male dog that 2 weeks later she had a visible season (lucky i noticed quickly and seperated them) some girls need the presence of a male to have a visible season is what my vet told me

hello my names haley im 14 yrs old ,
                ive been reading about your puppys and i woundered weather you could give me some advice I have a pomeranian called elly, ilove her to bits . Shes jus coming up for five November 2006. I have been told that breeding a pom after 5 yrs old is dangerous. shes in her season at the moment and im really thinking about letting her have puppies. I thought because you have had some experience in puppies you may be able to give me some advice. as i said she means everything to me . I dont want to risk her. We have a stud dog lined up for this sunday (just to see him and to meet his owner ). Please could you write back as i really need some help quick. She is a nice size . alot bigger than other pomeranians. We have been told that she would have know trouble but im not so sure . Her mum had no trouble having her.????????
could you help?> what are the risks ??????? How many things are likely to go wrong????i dont want to lose her!
                   from haley

I'm sure someone more in the know of the breed will be along soon, but 5 years seems rather old to me for a tiny breed.  It is not wise to state your age on the internet for the reasons that I hope you have been told about at school, if it is not too late I would edit it out of your post otherwise email Admin who will do it for you.

You could phone the Pomeranian Club secretary for advise
POMERANIAN CLUB. Sec. Mrs A Cawthera. Tel No: 01952 204298

Sorry for the delay in replying .Dixies examination was negative for ovulation and repeated the same after 1 week .I have allowed the males to be in her company under supervision and had no more problems , thank goodness . I know her time will come and hope it is a visable season when it hapens
Thanks to all , Sally