i have a 6 1/2 month old bitch cocker spaniel. could anyone tell me when to expect her first season. We also have a boy cocker of the same age and he often tries to mount her lately. We obviously dont want her to get pregnant yet as she is far too young so if anyone could tell me at what age i should expect her first season i would be most grateful.

Your bitch could well be in season at the moment if your male is mounting her. First seasons can be anytime between about 6 -18 months depending upon breed and individual bitch.

Every couple of hours get a clean, white piece of tissue paper and gently place it against your bitch's vulva - especially if she has just stood up after laying down. Any colour showing will indicate that she is in season.

Separate your two dogs as he is quite capable of getting her pregnant at this age.

Christine

The first season is usually between 6 and 12 month but can occure outside this norm by a couple of months at the start and by up to 6 months or more at the other end. (Although if it gets that late I would suspect that the dog may have had a very mild season sometime earlier which has gone undetected!)

Regards, John

Liffy, have you got a copy of

The Book of the Bitch:
A Complete Guide to Understanding and Caring for Bitches
by J. M. Evans, Kay White

If you haven't you may find it of interest :-)

Hi Liffy

I have two cocker bitches, the first one came in season at 15 months, the second at 7 months....

Not much help I know., but just be aware it could be anytime soon :D

When my two are due in season, they often become quite cuddley and don't want to play, I find then maybe 3-4 days later that they start their season...

Natasha

Hi Liffy

As everyone else has said, your bitch could be in season at any time - solid Cockers in particular seem to have their first seasons at around the 6-7 month stage (particolour bitches are often much later). Please put into place now your arrangements for keeping your puppies separate when the time comes - you cannot afford for any accidents to happen - as you rightly say, your bitch is way too young to have puppies herself. I have to warn you that some (not all) males get frantic when there is a bitch in season in the same house - you can expect whining, howling, lack of appetite, particularly if the bitch is one the dog is normally very close to (he will get upset not just because his companion is in season but because he has to be separated from her) It might be better if you could arrange for either your dog or bitch to live elsewhere for the duration of her season - maybe you have a friend or family member who could help out? It's better to be prepared for this anyway then it will not take you by surprise :-)

Jane

hi Jane, thanks for your reply. As you have suggested my parents have allready agreed to have Harry everytime that Sally is in season so that she does not get pregnant. We would like to breed from them but obviously not until she is at least 2 years old.

Thanks again
Liffy

My black cocker came into season when she was 7mths and 11days old. It was a huge shock as we were supposed to be going to her first show when I reaised she had started.

Fiona
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