HEAT
The average bitch comes into heat (into season) every 6 months, but there is great variation. If seasons occur at 9 monthly or yearly intervals, and the bitch is fit and well in all other respects, there is nothing to worry about.
The first season might be at any age between 6 months in the small breeds and 2 years in the giant breeds.
The season lasts about 3 weeks.
During the first 7-10 days there is bleeding which comes from the womb, the vulva is swollen, the bitch is attractive to dogs (and attracted to them) but she won’t usually mate.
Usually 10-13 days after the start of the season, the bleeding will cease, the bitch will accept the dog, and mating will take place. Many breeders will mate a dog and bitch 2 days after the bitch’s bleeding has stopped, and again 2 days later. The signs of heat then start to disappear, and the season finishes 3 weeks after it started. The bitch can then no longer become pregnant until the next season in about 6 months.
These timings are very approximate and each bitch is different. Fertile matings may take place as early as 9 days from the start of heat or as late as 19 days, and can occur when the bitch is still bleeding.

MATING
Think hard before you decide to breed from your bitch – it is hard work, time consuming and can be expensive. Pregnancy is of no therapeutic value to the bitch, neither does it make her a more mature or “rounded” animal. “One litter does her good” is an old wives tale. Only breed wanted puppies, preferably booked before conception. Take the time to learn about what breeding and birth involves in the bitch, so that you know what to expect.
When you decide to mate your bitch, it is important to choose the correct time. Do not base your timing on what is convenient for you eg travelling to the dog at the weekend when the next Tuesday is better from a fertility aspect. Poor timing is one of the main reasons for an unsuccessful mating. If the bitch does not accept the dog on the day you have chosen, you can try again 2 days later.
Mating takes many minutes and may last more than half an hour. The dog and bitch “tie” during this time, and you must NEVER attempt to separate them by force, as this will lead to injury of the dog and bitch. Not all dogs tie, and a pregnancy can still develop as normal in a mating that has not tied.
For more information on how and when to mate your bitch, or if you are having difficulty getting your bitch in pup, consult your vet.

MIS-MATING
When a bitch is in heat, she has a strong desire to mate and may try to escape from the house to find a male. If she does, and particularly in the second week of her heat, it is very likely that she could become pregnant. When this is unwanted, it is known as misalliance. If you find her tied to a dog, do not pull them apart (this will cause injury and will not prevent a pregnancy) and do not throw cold water on them (this is of no help). Instead you must wait for them to separate in their own time. There is an injection available from your vet which can be given to avoid pregnancy in these cases, but timing is critical. As soon as you know or suspect a misalliance, consult your vet. The injection may prolong the heat and can occasionally have other effects – your vet will explain these to you. After the injection course, you will have to be extra careful that she is not mismated again during the season. Just because she has mated once will not stop her wanting to mate again while she is in heat.

CONTROLLING SEASONS
Spaying is the ultimate control of the seasons, and prevents unwanted pups, heats, false pregnancies and pyometra (infection of the womb).
Hormone injections or tablets are available from your vet to prevent, shorten or postpone seasons if necessary – talk to your vet about these alternatives.

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