GSD in heat - advice please

[NotWeavingButDarning]

I've had dogs all my life, but literally never had a bitch in heat as they've all been rescues and spayed at 6m.

My current rescue however is a GSD and so obviously we decided to wait until a year to spay. She's about 8m now and has just come into season.

Not sure what to expect really and obviously don't want any puppies, so tips and tricks would be appreciated! She has quite an upset stomach. We are rural and she's generally outside a lot. Assume that I ought to keep her in for now?

Thanks wise dog people.

You need to keep her either in the house or be with her outside in your garden for the duration because she may try to escape to get to a dog or dogs will be attracted to her and try to get to her. If you have somewhere really remote you can walk her that is fine but it is very unfair to her and to other dogs to take her out where there might be other dogs around.

Yes completely avoid anywhere that dogs off lead can get to her. Don't let her out without supervision.
My girl had a horrid phantom after her season so watch for that!

Mine wore pants for first week or so to protect our floor. We live in town so I walked her on-lead early. Tbh 20-30 walk was fine as she was a little on edge whilst out. She didn't go off her food but was very clingy and needed lots of cuddles. 9 days in we had an awful two days; she was manic, sick and peed EVERYWHERE day and night. She was like a sprinkler system. Hormone spike we think. After that she started to return to normal. Having said that it wasn't as bad as I'd imagined and soon over. Being spayed in ny. Good luck.

You might find spots of blood here and there. She will probably clean up after herself first though.

Don’t keep her in. Her season will last far too long for that
Just keep her on the lead whilst out

And make sure you know when she's finished, the bleeding stops and then they are fertile. When her bits are back to normal and dogs can walk past her without doing a complete double-take, you're OK again!