Bitches In Season (again!)To long time readers I must apologise that this issue covers a topic I've spoken about before, but I think it's worth repeating. My eldest bitch is just coming out of season. And as usual I've had to endure three weeks of her behaving like a puppy, as well as flirting outrageously with anything remotely resembling a red-blooded dog. If you've not read it yet, here's a link to an article I've already written on the subject - The Effect on Training of a Bitch Being in Season I would add a P.S. to that earlier article to the effect that it's just as unrealistic to expect an entire dog (in other words one that has not been castrated) to concentrate on training matters if there's a bitch in season in the near vicinity. Last night as I walked my two across the fields we passed someone with a male springer spaniel on the leash. It knew full well what state my bitch was in, and it was straining into its collar for all it was worth, trying to get to her. It was totally and utterly deaf to its owners' calls, with only one thing on its mind. Trying to get a normal healthy adult dog to ignore a bitch in season is a bit like trying to stop the sun from rising - you just can't do it! So don't waste your time trying to get a high level of obedience from your dog when there's a bitch in season nearby. Just accept that you'll probably have to drag him away. I'm afraid his natural instincts will probably override everything he's ever been taught. But he's not deliberately being willful - he genuinely can't help himself! |
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And I would also add a P.P.S. to the original article saying how pleased I am to have had my younger bitch spayed. I've never regretted it for a moment. Not only has it completely eliminated all the physical inconvenience, but it also means she's now always on a level keel emotionally. That to me is an enormous advantage, far outweighing the financial cost of having the operation done in the first place. I now speak from experience when I say that if you don't intend to breed from your bitch I _highly_ recommend having it done. Recommended reading "Dog Training Blueprint To Success".
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