Would you class the first day of your bitches season as the first time you see any kind of colour ie pale straw, or as more of a darker red colour.

I just need to know as we will have to calculate the 11th and 13th day for us to travel up to the stud dog for mating.

Your answers would be most helpful.
Thanks,
Aimibobs x

I would count the first day that I saw red blood, but I wouldn't reply on 11-13 days as all bitches ovulate at different times and need to be mated on different days.  I've had one who needed mating on the 6th day and had gone off the boil the following day, and mated another on the 18th day.

Do you use the pre-mate test then?

No, I've never used a premate test but if you don't know how to read the bitch, then that would be your best bet.

pale straw wouldnt mean a bitch is in season, more like she had a wee!  brown/red would count as day one. check twice a day with a white tissue.

thank you

Have served my Tilda on day 1 (yes - one) of her season as far as symptoms were concerned - no discharge or anything, and I had been watching her like a hawk , tissues at the ready for weeks!     Just saw her behaviour with our neutered dog,took a cytology smear,  and took it from there.

Result - 8 bonny pups.

So there's no guarantee about 11 - 13 days!

Jo