Well, at almost 14 months our little girl has become an adult. 1st season started yesterday. She hasn't shown any difference in behaviour yet - though early days I guess. I know there have been umpteen threads about this but what is really the wisest way to deal with this time? Molly will be spayed when this is all over, probably end of September and we have decided to opt for the laproscopic spay as less brutal surgery. So, really we just need to see this one and only season over with the least disruption. We (or perhaps I should say my OH) have decided to avoid walks altogether for the next 3 weeks or so. Is the general concensus that this is the best way to be sure and avoid potential trouble? I know for certain that there are at least 2 entire dogs that walk in this area and always off lead. We live in a fairly rural area, and its rare to see dogs on leads. We are lucky to have quite a large garden which Molly has the run of, with the exception of the vegetable area which is fenced off. I'm going to use the time for some more training and will get some new 'challenging' toys - any ideas for some good'uns? So, now the funs starts, I just hope Molly isn't too keen on finding a suitable boyfriend to indulge in some rumpypumpy shenanigans
When my Molly was in season (she had two before being spayed) I drove to places I knew we were unlikely to meet other dogs and also kept her on an extending lead. We live very close to the South Downs and, apart from the tourist hot spots, there are miles of empty countryside. However, keeping your girl at home during her season is fine (and some would say more sensible) -you might just have to think of lots of entertaining games for the garden.
I did the same as @Joy we are lucky to have some fairly isolated walks around us , so I took Millie early morning or very late afternoon . The time soon goes by , plus a large garden will be such an asset right now x
How about training her to know the names of some toys/ objects and putting them in a box? Then you can also ask her to get them out one at a time. It's quite fun to use some things that aren't toys -an empty drinks can, a wooden spoon, a plastic flowerpot etc.
That's a good idea. Its only half way through day 1 and I'm already knackered yet Molly is full of get up and go ... and go ... and go ... phew
I found it surprising how quickly the 3 weeks went, and luckily Cassie did not seem disturbed by it all. I'm lucky I know that dog free walks were not difficult for me but I thought she wouldn't like not going off lead but after a day or two when she looked at me as I'd forgotten to let her off she quickly accepted it. So I think they can get used to changes from their normal days is what I'm trying to say. As you say, it's useful time for extra training, loose lead walking in our case.
