Hi everyone, I'm a new member and not quite sure how this works. Can someone please advise me. I have the most lovely 9 month Old english sheepdog x retriever. The vet will not spay her till she's had her 1st season apparently being 1/2 Old english it could result in bladder problems. She seems swollen at the moment and I don't really know what to expect. Is this an early sign?  She is very very lively and has 3 to 4 walks a day (free running)  Is it norm for every female dog to be kept away from others for 3 weeks.  I am really dreading it.  My other problem is her soul mate, my male labradoodle of 3 years who has been castratated but still shows the male urge.  I believe that they could still tie so what is the best way of dealing with them.  By the way I have 6 rescue cats and all of them use the whole house as it's open plan. Would very much appreicate your replies.

there is not set time for any bitch to start her season. you can usually guess approx age with reference to the breed and the dam, plus if you here from any littermates owners that their bitch has started its usually a good indicator that your girl is about to start.

> 1st season apparently being 1/2 Old english it could result in bladder problems.

your vets right, also growth problems.

> She is very very lively and has 3 to 4 walks a day (free running)  Is it norm for every female dog to be kept away from others for 3 weeks

yes it absolutely the norm and your responsibility, free running is a very bad idea and many or most would advocate no walks at all.

when was your lab cross spayed? he's still 'active' for quite a while afterwards you see.

Bara was rescued so no idea if she had littermates.I would'nt let her free run during those 3 weeks but perhaps road walks.  Labradoodle is 3 and was snipped at about 7 months.

> but perhaps road walks

from my experience i would not reccommend it- a dog coming across an in heat bitch is pretty damn determined and you've got to remember your bitch will be trying to get mated, she won;t be helping you protect her. a dog can smell a bitch in heat from 2 miles away so be prepared for everything in your area.

i must say that having had both dogs and bitches over the years i would never take a bitch out during heat, its simply not safe for her or you. i also, and i certainly don;t mean this offensively, find it pretty selfish when people walk bitches in heat, your putting other peoples dogs in danger by doing so. dogs will do anything to get a bitch, including running away from owners, across roads, whatever- putting themselves in danger to meet that most powerful of urges and the dog owner has no idea that your girls in season so doesn;t keep the dog on lead etc.

your lab cross should be fine with her i think but hopefully someone more experienced with breeding will come along

I don't walk my bitch out when she's in season ... it's not worth the hassle from other dogs you meet en-route, and it's not fair on the neighbouring boys.  I get a bit peeved when I meet people with their bitches in season out and about, for purely selfish reasons! Mainly 'cause it means my young lad has to go on lead in the park where he would normally run free.  As obedient as he is, I cannot trust that instinct wont take over and he'll take off in search of the hot girly.
It's a bit of a pain restricting your dog to the garden for 2 or 3 weeks, but worth it in the long while.  If you don't have a garden then I'd pop her in the car and take her somewhere quiet to walk.  Obviously I do have to go out sometimes with her, but she's straight out the front door into the car - don't want annoying visitors coming visiting either!
When my bitch approaches a season she has a swollen vulva, followed by discharge, character-wise she tends to get a bit fussy, and her coat is looovvveellllllyyyyyyy!  Other than that you'd not notice a difference!

I do and see nothing wrong with road walking bitches in season.  After all any dogs you meet should be on lead. 

I can understand it may be a problem in country areas where there may be working dogs loose on neighbouring land, or areas with a latchkey dog problem.

Of course any bitch owner walking a bitch where dogs are allowed off lead is being foolish and selfish.

Hi Yannie,

bitches can have their first season anytime from approx 6 months with the larger the dog the later (generally), however i own rotties and all my girls have come into season first time at around 7-8 months. last year i kept 3 bitches from my litter and 2 came into season at 8 months both a week apart, the other sister has just come into season a week ago and she is 14 months, thats the latest i have ever had personally.

when she finally does come in, i would keep her away from all males for 4 weeks to be completely safe, late matings can and do happen. :)

i to see nothing wrong with road walking a bitch in season,ive never had a problem in 3o years of owning dogs with another dog approching us when walking,maybe ive just been lucky. my younger bitch has just had her first season at 19months.

> After all any dogs you meet should be on lead. 
>

fair point.

however, for the sake of my bitch i wouldn;t, dogs should be on lead, doesn;t mean they are