My bitch has been in season now for 12 days, the bleeding has stopped completely for the last 2 days. I know that she is obviously still in season, but I was wondering how I know that it is safe for her to be off lead etc?

Thanks.

As a general rule around 21 days, but every bitch is an individual and many go on for longer. You've only got to read the breeding section of this forum to see that bitches have successfully been mated as early as day 2 or 3 and as late as 28+.

I'd give it another couple of weeks to be on the safe side.

She is now right in the middle of her fertile period, so take even more precautions than you have been up till now! She should be safe to mix with other dogs in another 10 days to a fortnight.

I have had a bitch mated on day 28 and produced pups.

I would always err on the side of caution, and say keep a bitch away from males for 4 weeks.

No way is she 'safe'. Indeed , if you have you dates correct (i.e.when she started her season) she is now at her most fertile time and you risk an unwanted pregnancy should a male get to her. I  am finding heat seasons lasting longer and longer and now count minimum 28 days before allowing my girls to mix with the boys again. I'm also noting that the 'receptive' period is occuring later. My girl in now on her 19th day and is only just  now showing eagerness to mate and the boys wanting to get to her.

It isn't easy having dogs and bitches -timely separation  during heat seasons works, but I'm always on edge in case a family member opens the wrong door ! I have never noticed my boys going off their food at these times ,nor being edgy with each other.