Puppy first season....tips welcome

[bestbefore]

We have a lovely black mini schnauzer who is just over 6 months old and was due to be spayed on 3 jan...but started her first season 1 jan.

Bit of a shock obviously but have been reading various things which say having a first season is good for pups (our first ever dog so all new to me).

Anyway she is still bleeding a bit, keeping herself very clean but wondered if anyone could give me any guidance on how long we could expect her season to last?

We have puppy class starting in 10 days so am thinking about that and also am missing longer walks as am doing short on lead walks to keep her away from local dogs. I feel a bit sad about the walks as was very much enjoying them - taking her off lead and mixing with other dog owners....

Any stories very welcome. I do know it's only a short time but it feels like ages

Can't offer any advice but we are nearly through second season with our Black Lab - first and second have lasted 2 weeks.

Have been trying to work out whether a "Dog-pon" is possible, pretty sure Poppy would make short work of a nappy.

We have an open plan cream tiled kitchen (yes I know - SUCH a mistake) and feels like I have spent past 2 weeks either mopping floor or skating about with wipes on both feet.

Seasons last for 3 - 4 weeks with ovulation occurring about 10 -14 days after the start of bleeding. At this point the discharge becomes pink or colourless - this is the most 'dangerous' time when the bitch is most receptive and attractive to dogs. But some bitches remain fertile for the whole of the 3 - 4 weeks!

About the only physical sign to show the actual end of a season is that the vulva returns to its normal size.

I wouldn't take her out for a walk in a public place - but if you can be sure you'll not meet any other dogs, drive there so amorous dogs can't follow a scent trail to your door! A 6 ft fence is no match for an amorous dog.

I expect she will have to miss the training classes until her season ends; it would be dangerous and very unfair on any male dogs in the class if she was to attend.

If you do get into trouble when you take her out ( I would be very, very careful) the only way to protect your bitch at this very young age is to bend down and cup her vulva with your hand to prevent the dogs penis from penetrating her. Horrible to talk about and not pleasant to do, but a pregnancy at her age would be very, very unadvisable. Then holler loudly for help from the dogs owner!

yes daisy is spot on and remember dogs that have been castrated may still mount your bitch so do not take her where she will meet other dogs.

My girl was almost squashed by a very amorous chocolate lab whan I thought her season was over - had had been done but still had a good go !

thanks for tips.
Am being very careful and where we live I can walk her without seeing any other dogs if we time it right. The vet said it was fine to walk her on the lead keeping an eye out for other dogs. All been fine so far I just miss long off lead walks in the woods with my friends!!!

Bleeding has stopped now and the swelling definitely going down

Am going to see what she is like next week for the class...she can always miss one if necessary...they're going to love me! NOT.