Fudges first season

I think fudge has Started her first season today as I've noticed a few blood droplets on the floor and had noticed a swollen 'fifi' a few days earlier, with fudge being my first bitch I'm now thinking 'what's next'. I've read that the season usually lasts 3weeks and to keep her away from any males for 4 weeks, how will I know when the 3/4 weeks are up? Is it as soon as bleeding stops?

I took her out abit later this evening so field was empty with no dogs about at all so I let her off the lead and had my eyes pealed incase another dog came on when obviously I'd of put her back on lead, is this ok or wouldn't it be reccomended?

I'm planning on this being her only season being getting her 'done' and had been waiting for her to have her first season before doing this as had previously been told that any earlier would of effected growth, is this correct?

Make sure you can see are close to you bitch at all times.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/breedingheat.htm

Good link Staffy. Sorry, I must've missed this yesterday.

It's not a great idea to let Fudge offlead when in season cos if a male smells her and she's off, you'll be hard pressed to keep them apart.

Re the spaying, that is a hot topic here. There are some that believe a dog should be fully matured before being neutered/spayed, and there are others who believe that it does them absolutely no harm being done before their first season and while they are young. There are some members who had their dogs and bitches done young and said there was no ill effects and their dog still grew well. It's a very personal choice. Do some research online and then you can make up your own mind as to when is the best the to do it.

Please don't let her off the lead while she's in season! I know it's hard to exercise her, but it only takes her to see a dog in the distance & she could well be off - she won't stop until she got to him!

As to neutering, Shontelle's right, it's a hot topic & one I'm normally absolutely burning with! However, although I'd recommend 2 seasons before spaying, one would be ok if you feel you wouldn't be able to cope with 2 seasons! I know it isn't easy.........been there, done that.

The season lasts from the moment she starts to lose blood, for about 21 days, but could last for 28 days. She will be attractive to dogs from day one until the end, but she will not accept a dog until she is ready at about 8 - 15 days. Have a look at this ...

http://www.hallplaceveterinarycentre.co.uk/clinical-information/bitches-in-season.html

Just an idea but when Moo was in Season I bought some pants from P@h and they where seriously a god send x