I've asked nearly everyone at ringcraft, but I never settle for a dozen opinions if I can get 20!!! Over the last couple of days I've noticed my puppy has a brownish discharge - the people at ringcraft reckon this shows the season is about to start, and I should start counting days from the time when it turns red, which they think will probably be by the weekend. They're sure it's not a sign of some disease that would need rushing to the vet. What do the forum experts think? :-)

the first day is the day you see anything, whatever colour, it will turn red soon. if it smells then see a vet asap

Nope, no smell. My 2 males are no more interested that usual - they have always liked to sniff around her. Sounds like I'd better split up the dream team!! :-)

It's reddish brown this morning, so looks like the fun has started - I now have 3 dogs that have to be kept in 3 separate rooms!! I could board her out, or one of the boys, but I want to see the season progress or I won't know when the right time to mate her is when she's old enough!

Her timing on her next season is likely to be different to this one, so you'll be no nearer gauging the right time. Each season can vary.

Lucy if you are seriously considering boarding one of them out then I would opt for one of the males rather than the bitch- at least if she is with you then you can keep an eye on things and make sure any *mistakes* dont happen

That's true Lel. So far the boys (and her!) are all more concerned with getting to me for cuddles than getting to each other, but I know this will change!

Also true JG, I know the seasons may well vary, but at least I'll know what it looks like when it does turn colourless, even if it's a different day each season. Problem with all these responsible people keeping their in season bitches at home is that us people with their first bitches don't know what we are looking for!! :-)

>at least I'll know what it looks like when it does turn colourless

Of course, it might not change colour at all! Two of mine didn't! ;) However it's certainly wise to have her safe at home throughout the season with you - for a start you're relying on yourself, not putting your trust in others, who might not be as conscientious as you, to keep her in purdah. If it were me I'd board out the males.
:)

Many girls are at their most attractive when it is colourless. 

Welcome to the mad house.  In about 7 or eight days your boys will probably start to howl and loose all sense of decorum.  I spent a whole week recovering my clothes from my boy as he targeted anything of mine to hump as he couldn't get to the girl then he worked on kitchen chairs, shopping bags and car seats.

He is going on his hols next time LOL

That's what I mean - I've read that the colourless bit means she is 'red hot' so I need to see what that looks like so that I can mate her if I decide she is good enough when she's old enough.

I've warned my boys that any signs of going off food or losing condition and they will be boarding out with a friend - one of them has 2 more Champ shows this year and I can't have him looking thin and poorly!!

It's really insane here - the Cavs are whimpering if they haven't got a lap to sit on, and moving to the kitchen for a drink is like a military operation. Can't wait to get the Yankee neutered and hopefully reduce the chaos next time round!