Managing a bitch in season…

Owning a female dog…. Here’s what you need to know about her season – and why it’s best to skip public outings and training classes during this time.

If you have a female dog (a bitch) and she’s not been spayed, she will go through a reproductive cycle known as a “season” or “heat” – and it’s a whole thing. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or just need a refresher, we have put together a quick guide to help you understand what’s happening, what to expect, and why we encourage you to be a responsible dog owner during this time.

A ‘season’ is the fertile period in a female dog’s cycle when she can become pregnant. It usually happens twice a year, lasting around 3–4 weeks. The first season typically occurs between 6–18 months of age, depending on breed and size.

We see it often at training, the male dogs seem to lack concentration in the group or a once reliable recall goes out of the window.  There are days when all the dogs have forgotten all their training and they seem to fixate on a female.  Then, you talk to the owner and … “yes, she is due a season about now”.

Timeline of a typical season

Here’s a breakdown of what happens:

Days 1-10: Proestrus

  • Swollen vulva – this can become very noticeable in a short space of time
  • Bloody discharge – we call this spotting (you will see spots of blood on the floor, and is usually the first thing you notice. For breeders, you would count this as Day One in their cycle.
  • Increased urination – you may find they want to go out for a wee more often than normal
  • Attracting the attention of male dogs (but not receptive to mating)

Days 11-20: Estrus (this is the fertile window)

  • Discharge lightens (straw-coloured)
  • Tail flagging (lifting tail to the side)
  • Will stand for mating (they become a total flirt around male dogs!)

The most ‘fertile time, is usually between day 11-13, however some bitches can be up to day 18.  We usually find they only have about three days during this period when they are at their peak.

Days 21-28: Diestrus

  • Hormones settle
  • No longer receptive to males
  • Discharge tapers off

The third stage of their cycle can happen earlier, depending on the individual bitch – however this is a good rule of thumb to ensure she is well out of her season before returning to normal activities.  This is why at Fortiscorde Gundogs, we request that bitches are at least 2 weeks clear of their season before retuning to training so it ensures those who are later in their cycle are definitely out of season before returning.

Why You Should Avoid Public Places & Training Classes

We get it- you want to keep up with training and socialisation. But here’s why it’s best to hit pause:

  • Her scent is powerful. A bitch in season releases pheromones that can be detected by entire (un-neutered) males from miles away. Seriously. It’s like waving a steak in front of a starving dog.
  • Male dogs can become frantic. They may whine, pace, break out of gardens, or even fight other males to reach her. It’s not just awkward – it can be dangerous.
  • She may behave differently. Some bitches get clingy, others aloof. Some are flirty, some grumpy. Training during this time can be frustrating for both of you. Some bitches really struggle with their season and can become very withdrawn.
  • Risk of unwanted mating. Even a moment of distraction can lead to an accidental pregnancy. And trust us – that’s a whole other blog post!
Tips for managing her season:
  • Keep her on a lead at all times. Even in the garden if it is not secure.
  • Avoid dog parks, training classes and busy walking routes – her scent will linger and will affect the dogs who follow afterwards.
  • Use dog pants or nappies indoors (if that’s your preference) to manage discharge.
  • Engage in enrichment at home… puzzle feeders, scent games and gentle training.
  • Let your trainer know – We’re here to help you adjust her routine safely.

Final thoughts….

We’re not here to shame or scold — just to help you make informed choices. Owning a female dog comes with a few extra responsibilities, and managing her season is one of them. With a bit of planning and understanding, you’ll keep her safe, comfortable, and out of trouble.
If you ever need advice or support during your dog’s season, reach out to your trainer or vet. We’re all in this together — for the love of dogs.