My 10 month old pup is having her first season..

[handlemecarefully]

I really don't know much about this sort of thing.

Must I really keep her confined at home for the next 3 weeks? - it seems so hard on her.

I've read conflicting things on the net; some say it's okay to take her for walks on a lead as long as it's to a relatively quiet spot (I often encounter no dogs on our walks or perhaps one dog)

Would it be okay to walk her on a lead, keep my eyes peeled and take evasive action if I see another dog (like turning around and going in a different direction)?

Believe me I know and we had puppies to prove it!! 3 weeks is not long enough! Maisie got pg on her 5th week after her season started

Our vet said she couldn't be pregnant and she was Lead walking is ok as long as you are really careful and have something like a water pistol with you. If a male dog gets near her you will not have much luck keeping him away.

Jesse our other dog was never messy but maisie got blood everywhere when her tail wagged, I hated it and am so glad they are spayed now

Thanks - ok will get water pistol and be very acutely aware of proximity of other dogs.

Can't wait to get her spayed (after the end of this first season)

We've got a few blood droplets here and there - but mercifully all hard flooring downstairs.