Intact bitch owners

jennie_c_d

do you socialize your girls while they're in season?

No I don't, My girls have themselves for company, so I don't take the risk involved in taking them here or there...not to mention the mess and that they're often snarky youknowwhats at that time, and want to pee on ever-y-thing.

 That's my concern with taking her out. She's hairless, so it's going to be ugly down there, LOL. She's already peeing everywhere *sigh*. I'm one of those ridiculous socializers. I'm concerned, because she's a breed that's known for not being super social.... Right now, she is. Three weeks of little socialization? Meh.

I know, dogs everywhere live through it, LOL, but it still worries me. I'm a worrier.  

IME its a bad time to socialize because they are hormonal. Bad experiences may result which will set you back big time. The only socialization they are interested in is being mounted and they will mount other dogs to show them how...that's when they aren't snarking at others.

jennie_c_d

 but.... do you socialize your girls while they're in season?

Having a male dog, who is neutered but still has the urge w/ a female in heat, I would honestly advise against socializing during this time. Males get a one track mind (get to that female!) and get very strong, and sometimes owners aren't prepared for their male to act this way- how would they know she's in heat? Just for the safety of your own dog I wouldn't.

Luna is in season at the moment and she only goes places where I know 110% who the other dogs and handlers will be. For example she went to agility and obedience classes last week. For agility she is usually off leash, but not while she is in heat. The one male intact dog belongs to, and is handled by, a breeder. He is beautifully behaved, because he's been taught how to behave around intact females -- he lives with several.

In obedience, Luna only goes when she is not going to be "messy", per our clubs rules. I don't have her in pants for hygene reasons, and we have two male dogs in our class -- one intact, and one retired champion who is now neutered. The intact Rottie had all of us questioning (briefly) if she was in heat, because he didn't blink an eye (he apparently can't perform if his owner is around either), but the retired, neutered, show dog was sniffing a bit by the end of class.

I think it depends. For both of these activities, I have talked to the handlers, instructors and club owner before she came in to see what they were comfortable with. I let them know she was in as soon as we arrived, so they would be aware.

All of our classes are with other show folks so there are a lot of intact dogs, all of who are managed and trained. There is always one dog or another in season with such a large group.

Other than classes, Luna is on lock down and we don't go anywhere else for reasons stated above. She also doesn't go to dog shows when she is in heat.

Oh, gosh. I wasn't thinking of taking her around other dogs, LOL. Just people. It concerns me that she'll be stuck around the house for the next 3 weeks, but I guess we'll live with it.

I've got several new toys, for her, that are interactive. I got her a Kong, and a treat ball, and one of those Busy Buddy bones with the chewie rings on it. Poor little brat's just going to be sad to be home all day. 

Ohh, yeah, sorry! I think that is one of the biggest downers of having an intact bitch. Lock down stinks. Luna goes everywhere with me, so she is always bummed when she has to stay home. New toys, lots of play time and attention will help.

ETA: She and Luna could be pen-pals... "it's day 7 of my lock-up. I am not sure what I did, but Mom keeps bringing me new toys and giving me extra special treats..." 

jennie_c_d

Oh, gosh. I wasn't thinking of taking her around other dogs, LOL. Just people.

Oh! Ok! Wasn't sure!

Best of luck!!

She and Emma will be humping fools, but that's fine. They know each other well, and are tolerant of each others' attitudes.

I'm sure she'll be on here, whining about how she hasn't been groomed in DAYS! LOL She's so used to being handled and kept out and about, poor kid. She's going to have a brand, spanking new crate full of soft bedding, and new toys, and she'll have treats, and water, and everything she needs. I'll still feel terrible about it. 

yeah. dont take her out. first off it's hard to rule out that there will be no dogs where you take her. second, they really do get bitchy during that time and are far less tolerant of.... well everything. they also tend to ignore commands and such. it sucks but it's just better to leave them at home in that time.. :)

man am i glad moca's spayed now. i forgot about lock down... lol

jennie_c_d

Panties are fine and dandy, but.... do you socialize your girls while they're in season?

     Noooooooo lol  If they're well socialized already, a few weeks of isolation isn't going to do any harm. I keep mine away from shows, trials, don't even hunt them or walk them on the leash out front when they're in heat! Too easy for an "oops" to happen.