posted 02-26-2004 04:49 PM         

She will not allow dogs to mate but after the 9-11days she will allow any dog that gets to her mate with her so it is adviced to keep her kept away from other dogs when taking her for a walk you are better to carry her to the car and drive to where you would take her this reduces the risk of her leaving a scent to male dogs that will appear around your home.

A male and female dog will do anything and everything to get to each other when the female is in heat.

She can become pregnant even though she is 9months old.

The whole heat cycle last on average 3weeks but even then its safer to keep her away from other dogs for an extra week or 2 this will help make sure she is out of her cycle.

The best way to find out if she is either ready to stand or is out of heat is rub your hand gently down her back as you get to the base of her back rub in a circular motion and if she is ready she will dip her back and turn her tail to the side.

Some females are that meticulous at cleaning there vulva you will not see any blood either wiping the vulva or giving her a white sheet or cloth to lie on in her bed will show any signs of bleeding as females in heat will still bleed while sleeping.

Hope this helps if you would like anymore help or advice please feel free to ask or email me.

posted 02-26-2004 06:40 PM         

A talk with your vet will help you decide when the best time is to have her spayed they will usually do it a week after her cycle finished some vets will do the operation even though they having there cycle but this is a little more complicaying due to the high levels of hormone in the blood..