Do you think she's going into season?

[Puppytails]

Re-homed a six month old puppy this week. I have a vet appointment next week for a first check over and to ask about getting her spayed.

She's just started trying to hump another female dog? I was really hoping to get her done before I had to deal with a season but should I be on high alert on walks now, or do puppy just do this as they mature?

I wouldn’t expect so. Humping isn’t generally a sexual thing. Over excitement?
What sort of dog is she? Big dogs should mature before spaying really.
Watch out for swelling and any blood. That’s when you know a season has started.

I believe the tiny toy dogs can start their seasons earlier. Is she one?

Agree with PP that humping isn't sexual. Often breed-related, too

That's good, she'll be a medium sized dog when fully grown. Obviously if the vet suggests waiting we will but I really don't want to risk puppies.

Do you have an entire male dog? If not you can keep her on lead and away from off lead dogs to avoid pups.
Contact vet for best info re spaying though.

Humping can be associated with assertive or dominant behaviour, and is not always sexual. She’s quite young for a season, but you never know.

Signs of imminent season include peeing every two minutes when out, and the, um, lady parts swelling up like a baboon's.

This all kicks in before any bleeding.

I've got through half a dozen seasons with various bitches and never had an issue with unwanted suitors - I walk them in quiet places, and it's been fine.

@LlamaLucy dominance theory has been debunked. It’s not dominant behaviour.

No male dogs in the family and she's always walked on lead anyway as she's still learning recall, so it sounds like it's not going to be as bad as I thought even if it was to happen now. I was a bit concerned male dogs would be sniffing her out on walks from a mile away Thanks everyone!

@LlamaLucy

Humping can be associated with assertive or dominant behaviour, and is not always sexual. She’s quite young for a season, but you never know.

Nonsense.

@Puppytails humping is often a self-reassurance/anxiety behaviour.
If she's fairly recently rehomed the chances are that she's just unsettled
Neutering can make reactivity/anxiety worse so please don't rush to any decisions. Give her time to settle in first

We have unspayed females. I walk at odd times around the roads and keep a close eye if I let them in the (secure) garden just to be on the safe side. I also hire a secure field so they can have a good run around.